Abraham-Murray/Crolla-Perez Plus Undercard. Saturday. 8pm. SKY. Fact.

[Fenster]

The big problem for Murray is getting a decision against AA - not because of "dodgy German judges" because Abraham is an expert round stealer. He does eff all for two minutes then unleashes a couple of 20 second bursts that get the crowd cheering and his opponent back peddling. Only Froch and Ward have wiped the floor with him in his hundred year career.

Murray is not a big puncher but a respectful one, fundamentally sound, defensive minded and hard-as-nails. Looks certain this fight will go the distance (although AA obviously has a serious clump on him). Murray has looked better than ever since moving up in weight - albeit against limited opposition. He arguably beat Martinez and Sturm, and went 11 rounds with GGG (bloody victory in itself). He's proved himself to be a world-class fighter.

General prices

AA is 4/5 to win, 6/4 PTS.

MM is 6/5 to win, 13/8 PTS.

Draw - 20/1

Mug patriotic punt on Murray pulling it off. Plus Draw saver.


Crolla-Perez rematch.

Just about everyone thought Crolla was "robbed" last time although in reality it was a close fight. Two judges had it a draw even though Perez was docked two points for briefly turning into Andrew Golota. Who will improve from the first fight?

Crolla is a much better mover but Perez was able to land eye catching combinations, and looked the heavier handed even though he was the one turned half-drunk early.

The general feeling seems to be it's a cert that Crolla will be superior this time but i'm not sure. In these type of rematches I always think of the great In-Jin Chi immediately coming back to England/Manchester to give Michael Brodie a savage hiding. Perez team said he was ill last time (which is probably bollocks) but were more than happy to comeback for the rematch even before the alphabet gang ordered it.

General prices

Crolla - 8/11
Perez - 13/10

Unpatriotic punt on Perez being better this time around.