Dillian Whyte takes on Joseph Parker at the O2 Arena on Saturday night, with both fighters firmly in contention for a future Heavyweight Championship shot. Parker was a former WBO Heavyweight champion until he lost his belt in his last fight against Anthony Joshua in Cardiff. The winner of this will be in line for a future fight against either Deontary Wilder or a rematch with AJ.
Parker didn’t disgrace himself that night though as he became the first man to take AJ all the way in the fight, losing by unanimous decision. He arrived in the UK as an unproven fighter, despite being unbeaten, and left as a heavyweight to be feared in the division. Parker was shut-out against Joshua, who kept him at length and was also underpowered him. That won’t be the same against Whyte as he’s a bit smaller and doesn’t have the range that Joshua possesses.
Like Parker, Whyte has also lost to Joshua in his career, but he’s a much better fighter now than he was back in December 2015 when he was knocked out in the seventh round. Whyte knocked out Lucas Browne with a huge left hook in his last fight in the sixth round, having bloodied him up in the early rounds. He’s an underrated fighter and a win over Parker would solidify him as a championship contender.
Dillian Whyte vs. Joseph Parker Predictions
Parker comes into this one as the slight favourite and I reckon he’ll get the job done. If Whyte fails to strike before the midway point, then Parker will become a clear favourite. He’s gone 12 rounds a few times before and he’s shown that he’s got a very strong jaw. It’s a close fight, but I’m going to say Parker to win, probably via points or decision.
Dillian Whyte vs. Joseph Parker Betting Tips
- Joseph Parker to win by Decision or Technical Decision: 6/4
- Joseph Parker to win in rounds 10-12: 18/1
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And the undercard…
Anthony Fowler vs. Craig O’Brien
8 Rounds – Super Welterweight
Anthony Fowler (6-0, 5 KOs) will be looking to follow up on his second-round win over Ryan Toms from two months ago with a similar performance at the O2 on Saturday night. The Liverpudlian is moving swiftly towards a title shot, but he faces a tough opponent in Craig O’Brien (8-0).
The Irishman is also unbeaten, with eight wins in his professional career, with seven victories on points and one by unanimous decision. He’s certainly no mug in the ring, but his lack of knockouts could hinder his chances in this one. He’s never been knocked down though, so Fowler will have his work cut out.
Fowler vs. O’Brien Prediction: Fowler to win in Round 3 – 8/1
Conor Benn vs. Cedrick Peynaud
10 Rounds – Welterweight
This welterweight bout is much-anticipated after the first fight between the two back in December. It was an absolute classic with Benn (12-0) going down twice in the first round before fighting back to knock Peynaud (6-5-3) down in the fifth and sixth. Eventually Benn got the win on points, but Peynaud felt that he should have deserved the win. This could be one of the fights of the night and The Destroyer comes into it as overwhelming favourite. This one is highly unlikely to go the distance.
Benn vs. Peynaud Prediction: Benn to win by KO, TKO or Disqualification – 1/2
Katie Taylor vs. Kimberly Connor
10 Rounds – WBA & IBF World Lightweight Titles
Katie Taylor has taken the women’s boxing world by storm after turning professional in 2016 and currently has an unbeaten record of 9-0, while also unifying the lightweight division. Her next challenge will be becoming undisputed champion. 3 of her wins have come via knockout, with three by unanimous decision, one on points and one retired.
In her way on Saturday night is American Kimberly Connor (13-3-2), who’s hoping it’ll be three times lucky for her to become world champion. She lost in both of her previous world title fights, the last coming in March last year and she’s fought just once since, winning by unanimous decision over a year ago.
Taylor vs. Connor Prediction: Taylor to win by Decision or Technical Decision – 7/4
Dereck Chisora vs. Carlos Takam
12 Rounds – Vacant WBA International Heavyweight Title
With both fighters now well into their 30s, it’s the last chance for both fighters to make a name for themselves at a world level and both of them know it. Del Boy’s (28-8) record of late has been mixed and he’s won three and lost three of his last six fights, dating all the way back to May 2016. Two of those defeats came against Dillian Whyte and Kubrat Pulev.
Takam (35-4-1), meanwhile, has recent defeats to both Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker, although it took AJ until the 10th round to finally knock him out. He has a very good record of knockouts in his career and that should stand him in good stead for Saturday’s fight.
Chisora vs. Takam Prediction: Chisora to win by KO, TKO or Disqualification – 11/2
Nick Webb vs. David Allen
10 Rounds – British heavyweight title eliminator
This heavyweight clash sees the unbeaten Webb (12-0, 10 KOs) take on crowd favourite David Allen (13-4-2), who’s looking to bounce back from a knockout defeat from Tony Yoka last time out. The big-hitting Webb won’t have it all his own way though and Allen is notoriously tough to beat, with all of his defeats coming in the latter stages of fights.
Allen’s defeats though should stand him in good stead and he’s taken Whyte the distance in the past, which shows that he’s not easily beaten at all. Webb will be very much up against it here.
Webb vs. Allen Prediction: Allen to win – 33/10