Liam Smith vs Hassan Mwakinyo predictions and free boxing betting tips

Free boxing tips, best bets and analysis for Liam Smith's homecoming fight against Hassan Mwakinyo at Liverpool's M&S Bank Arena.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Arena, from 10pm Saturday

Best bets

Liam Smith to win by stoppage
2pts 1-2 Betfair, Paddy Power

Liam Smith to win in rounds seven to 12
1pt 11-8 BoyleSports, Hills

Big-fight preview

Liverpudlian Liam Smith returns home on Saturday night as he takes on Hassan Mwakinyo at the M&S Bank Arena.

Smith, who is making his first appearance since switching to the BOXXER stable, goes into this bout following an impressive stoppage win over Jesse Vargas in New York.

The 34-year-old is an overwhelming favourite to beat Mwakinyo, but the Tanzanian has perhaps been underestimated as his power makes him a dangerous opponent.

The Tornado has won on British soil previously - blowing away Sam Eggington inside two rounds in Birmingham - and is unbeaten since that 2018 success.

Smith is working towards another world title shot at super-welterweight after losing to Magomed Kurbanov last year, which proved to be a big setback.

He has only been beaten by high-class performers during his career, though - Smith's other defeats have come against Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and Jaime Munguia - so he should have the skills and ringcraft to cope with Mwakinyo.

Mwakinyo doesn’t have a great deal of experience and this is just his third fight outside of Africa, but he does have an impressive knockout record and has won his last three contests via stoppage.

However, Smith tends to put on a show in Liverpool and he has never lost in his home town, or indeed England, and Beefy should have the guile and ability to get the job done.

If he can avoid getting drawn into a battle early, Smith should be able to control the bout and pick his shots.

Four of Smith’s last five wins have come inside the distance he can claim another victory without needing the judges, potentially in the second half of the fight as Mwakinyo tires.

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