Ishmael Davis vs Junaid Bostan

This is a fight both men need, and neither can afford to box in patches. Fawaz exposed that problem in both of them. I’m interested in who keeps working when the tidy opening exchanges turn uncomfortable.

Davis has the defensive edge for me. He can switch stance, make a man miss and score behind an accurate jab. But against Fawaz he abandoned that jab and faded badly. He needs to control the pace through his punching, because waiting gives Bostan opportunities to build combinations.

Bostan’s southpaw stance and subtle body shots give him something to work with. I’d want him attacking downstairs early, then changing the angle before Davis answers. My concern is how he handles sustained pressure: Fawaz repeatedly unsettled him, and he cannot let Davis dictate those close exchanges.

I’m picking Davis by a close unanimous decision. I expect his jab and cleaner counters to bank enough rounds, but he needs a much better finish than last time. Bostan has the tools to punish another lapse.