Willy Gilheaney vs Alberto Ignacio Palmetta

This is a proper learning fight for Gilheaney. Palmetta has enough experience to punish sloppy work, but I fancy Willy’s movement to give the older man problems.

What I like about Gilheaney is that he can change the distance with his feet and upper-body movement. He made Ethan George struggle to find his range. Against Palmetta, I’d want him drawing the lead, answering with two or three punches and moving again. The danger is admiring his work within reach of the southpaw’s left hand.

Palmetta will try to take the initiative and make those exchanges count. He’s still competitive, but Mina showed he can be beaten to the punch as a fight develops. I’d have Willy vary the pace, making him reset rather than settling into predictable exchanges.

I reckon Palmetta makes him think, but Gilheaney lands the cleaner combinations and finishes with more energy. Gilheaney by unanimous decision.