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In another big Sports Network card, three title fights take place tonight at London’s O2 Arena.
Topping the bill will be Dagenham’s undefeated featherweight star Nicky Cook, who finally gets his shot at the WBO Featherweight title.
Undefeated in 27 fights, Cook has won all available titles at British, European and Commonwealth level. A pro since 1998, Cook has passed all tests given to him so far with impressive victories over the likes of Gary Thornhill and former world title challenger Jackie Gunguluza.
Cook was originally due to get his shot last December against Scotland’s Scott Harrison, who withdrew due to personal difficulties. Now he faces a different opponent for the vacated title.
American Steve Luevano will be in the opposite corner tonight, and like Cook, the Californian has an excellent professional record of 32 wins in 33 bouts. Although of Hispanic descent, Luevano is a slickster rather than a brawler. Of his 32 wins, only 14 have come inside the distance. He also has an extensive amateur background.
With this in mind I’m expecting a tough outing for Cook and he could find himself frustrated in the early going. However, that being said, I’m tipping Cook to come on strong later in the bout to finally get that World Title belt around his waist on a closely fought points verdict.
Bolton’s Amir Khan gets his first chance at a major title when fights Scot Willie Limond for the Commonwealth Lightweight crown. Khan seems to be getting better with every fight and in his 12 wins, has racked up nine knockouts.
Limond has spent the majority of his career at super featherweight, losing only once to the excellent Alex Arthur back in 2003.
Limond is a competent boxer but like Cook’s opponent in the main event, carries little firepower. With that in mind, I’m tipping Khan’s very big firepower to overwhelm the pumped up super featherweight around the mid round’s mark.
Back in February of this year, Audley Harrison’s career was back on track and he was fully expected to continue the run against Michael Sprott.
One crushing left hand later and Harrison was back out in the cold. Sprott had spoiled the script and his reward is a Commonwealth Heavyweight title bout with Bedford’s Matt Skelton.
These two men are no stranger to each other and Skelton holds the win in their previous meeting five years ago. In a bruising bout, Skelton stopped Sprott in 12, winning the British title.
I’m fully expecting another hard fought battle. Skelton has been beaten only once and he has since avenged that defeat against Danny Williams. The reward for the winner of this is a potential world title opportunity. Although Sprott’s on a high, I think Skelton’s sheer will to win will be the deciding factor once again.
