Giorgio Visioli vs Maxi Hughes

This is a good test for Visioli after only 11 fights as a pro. 23-year-old Visioli is the young prospect moving forward, while Maxi Hughes is the seasoned operator brought in to test the youngster. Anyone treating Hughes as a routine stepping stone hasn’t studied his resume.

Both are southpaws, but Visioli is quicker across the floor, changes pace well and punches sharply in combination. His weakness is lingering after landing, where Hughes can disrupt his rhythm and counter with the left. Hughes has the better grasp of distance and ring position, but sustained pressure now forces him backwards, and he lacks the power to make Visioli cautious.

Hughes should make the early rounds awkward, varying the tempo and making Visioli reach. But youth, faster feet and the stronger engine will gradually take control. Hughes is too clever to be dismantled cheaply, yet he will struggle to match the younger man’s output. I’m backing Visioli to win a clear unanimous decision.