Constantin Ursu vs Ben Vaughan

This is a difficult night’s work for Ben Vaughan, but it is not a mismatch. Vaughan is tough, physically strong and capable of making a fight of it. His narrow defeats against Ekow Essuman and Bobby Dalton showed he belongs around good domestic company. The trouble is, Constantin Ursu operates with greater control and wastes very little.

Ursu’s main advantage is his southpaw rhythm. He shifts his feet before punching, changes the angle of his lead hand and rarely remains in range after finishing a combination. Vaughan must pressure him without following in straight lines. His strength is his punch variety once he gets close, but he can become predictable when chasing, and his work rate has dipped during the later stages of competitive fights.

I expect Vaughan to make Ursu uncomfortable early and test his body whenever he closes the distance. He is durable enough to keep trying, but Ursu’s timing, accuracy and cleaner footwork should gradually take charge. Vaughan will have moments, though not enough of them. Ursu wins a clear unanimous decision after twelve hard rounds.