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| Jeff Lacy stopped Syd Vanderpool to become the IBF super middleweight champion. One might think that for such a young man and at such a tender stage of his career, turning from being the hunter to the hunted might be a daunting proposition for the young Floridian. However, Lacy shows no signs of being intimidated by |  © Tom Casino |
the pressure a championship brings, and to prove it, he takes on perennial hard-man Omar Sheika in his first defense. Sheika has eternally come up second best in world title attempts but always manages to give a great account of himself and offer nothing but excitement for the fans. An all action fight with plenty of heavy leather being swapped between both men is completely expected but when it is all said and done, will the Olympic class and youthful vigor of the champion Lacy prevail, or will he be derailed in his first defense by the veteran Sheika’s relentless barrages? The saddoboxing.com team have combined their opinions here so read on for their analysis of this great fight.
Greig Johnston: Jeff Lacy and Omar Sheika could be the fight of the night because Sheika brings it every time and he’s one of those guys who I love to watch fight, technical shortcomings aside. But in this instance, Omar is just too damn hittable, and against someone like ‘Left Hook’ this is not a desirable attribute. Lacy lowers the boom inside of five in a crowd pleaser.
Jim Amato: “Joltin’ Jeff Lacy defends his 168-pound crown against useful Omar Sheika. Omar is a dangerous hitter but his best days may be behind him. Lacy can whack pretty good too. I look for an entertaining battle while it lasts. Sheika will be in it for a while but I see Lacy taking over and scoring a KO around the eighth round.
Joe de Beauchamp: Sheika wins by KO by the tenth. He gives every ounce of muscle and heart on every fight. With fights on his belt against Glen Johnson, Joe Calzaghe, Eric Lucas, Scott Pemberton, and Thomas Tate; Omar plans a brutal attack against Lacy. Sheika continues his reputation as the most beloved fighter in the last ten years, offering great fights.
Lee Bellfield: Potentially the fight of the night in terms of action. Sheika will come to fight. Lacy has that touch of class and is the only real threat to Joe Calzaghe at 168. Class will tell in my opinion. Lacy stops him the middle rounds.
Jim Cawkwell: I am impressed with Lacy for taking this fight, he struck me as a hungry fighter and it looks as if that hunger has continued on despite his achieving a championship. Sheika brings toughness and an exciting style but I think he’s entirely out of his depth against Lacy who will hit him harder and faster than he has ever been hit. Sheika has met the better opposition but he has always come up short and Lacy sounds like a fighter he feels he has a lot to do and will be looking to make a statement in this fight. I am going for Lacy to score a big knockout by the seventh round.
If you would like to write for saddoboxing.com, contact Jim Cawkwell at jimcawkwell@yahoo.co.uk
