Norwich’s Thaxton 33-8(18) goes for his second shot at the European lightweight title tonight. He’s on home soil against Spaniard Melero 36-1(19).
Thaxton, 34, lost to EBU champ Yuri Romanov in April in a 6th round stoppage (cuts) and hasn’t fought since. Romanov has now vacated the title in order to concentrate on a world title tilt.
Thaxton’s opponent Melero, two years younger than Jono and slightly taller, has a solitary loss on his record. That was again at the hands of Romanov. Melero suffered a 3rd round KO but, unlike Thaxton, was beating Romanov on the scorecards up to the time of the stoppage.
Melero’s record has a lot of padding, but his best win – an 11th round TKO over evergreen campaigner Stefano Zoff – indicates the Spaniard is a capable operator at European level.
Although Thaxton was unbeaten in 12 fights going into the fight with Romanov, his oppposition was domestic level. Coming into another European-level fight straight after the loss to Romanov (Melero has racked up five victories since his defeat) leaves question marks about his ability to cope with this fight at this time.
In saying that, the fight, on paper at any rate, is a close one. Boxrec rank Thaxton ahead of Melero (#22 v #35) although the IBO’s computerised rankings have Melero at #22 and Thaxton down at #54.
Although a Thaxton win would likely set up an intriguing all-British fight with Amir Khan who, like Thaxton, is now faced with rebuilding his career, partisanship aside Melero may well have enough tools to deal with Thaxton at this point in their respective careers.
Anything odds-against on Melero is worth taking, and a stoppage might well be worth a flutter too.
Recommendation:
Melero outright 6/5 with William Hill 2pts
Melero rounds 7-9 11/1 with Bet365 1/2pt
