Jack Massey vs Cheavon Clarke

Jack Massey is the steady old pro who has been in deeper water, while Cheavon Clarke is the dangerous puncher trying to prove those recent defeats haven’t taken the snap out of him.

Massey is the taller, longer man, and he knows how to keep a fight boring when boring wins. He’s boxed Jai Opetaia and Joseph Parker, so he won’t be wetting himself because Clarke comes out all shoulders, spite and ambition. Clarke, to be fair, can seriously whack. When he gets his feet set and lets that southpaw power go, he can hurt anyone. But the question is whether he can do it for ten rounds without drifting, loading up, and giving away the geography of the ring.

The nuts and bolts are simple. Massey’s jab, feet and straight right are the key. He needs to keep Clarke turning, make him reset, and not stand square in front of him waiting for a counter. Clarke’s advantage is explosiveness. If he can jump Massey early, punch through the guard and make it messy inside, he can change the whole fight.

But I don’t like Clarke late. Against men who move, think and make him work for every yard, he starts looking like he’s carrying bricks in his boots. Massey is not flashy, but he’s organised, tough and professional.

Prediction: Massey wins on points. Clarke has his moments, maybe even buzzes him, but Massey banks the rounds, keeps it sensible, and walks away with a clear decision.