Denis Inkin v Fulgencio Zuniga

On a big card in Germany tonight, the unbeaten Inkin 33-0(24) takes on Columbian Zuniga for the WBO supermiddleweight strap vacated by Joe Calzaghe.

Russian-born Inkin has been waiting for a title shot for sometime, although pulled out of a WBC showdown with the UK’s Carl Froch, citing injury. Inkin was dropped by little-known Argentine Martin Bruer in November.

Zuniga meanwhile was stopped by middleweight champ Kelly Pavlik back in 2005 (at 160lb) and two years before that had lost a WBO light-middle title fight against Daniel Santos. But since moving up to 168lb, Zuniga has put together three victories, with gatekeeper Antwun Echols and previously unbeaten Victor Oganov.   

You feel though that Zuniga will be far from out-classed tonight given recent form, but he will get no favours from the judges.

An close decision for Inkin is probably, in which case 6/4 is a very fair price. Meanwhile 28/1 and above is offered on a late round betting for Zuniga.

Recommendation:

Inkin by decision: 6/4 with StanJames 2pts

Zuniga in rounds 9,10,11,12 7/1* with StanJames 1/2pt

* 7/1 is based on dutching the four rounds, each at a price of 28/1, with the exception of round 12, which is priced at 33/1 with SJ

Alex Arthur v Nicky Cook

Edinburgh man Arthur 26-1(19) makes the first defence of the WBO superfeatherweight title on Saturday night (6th September) in Manchester. He takes on Dagenham’s Nicky Cook 28-1(16).

Hibs fan Arthur had a tough night when he took on Stephen Foster last December, and you wonder how strong he will be coming in at 130lb once again. He has been known to have a tough time making the weight, and is expected to move up to lightweight sooner rather than later.

Cook meanwhile looked better at superfeatherweight after his campaign at feather ended last Summer when he lost a WBO world title bid to American Steven Lueveno in the 11th round.   

Both Arthur and Cook are past European champions (Arthur at 130lb, Cook at 126) and should produce a good hard battle. Arthur looks too short at 2/7, so Cook looks a worthwhile punt at 10/3, and Ladbrokes have put up some huge prices on him winning inside the distance.

Recommendation:

Cook outright: 10/3 with WilliamHill 2pts

Cook in rounds 10-12 40/1 with Ladbrokes 1pt