Champ McDonnell may have to bide his time against Solis

McDonnell v Solis
Sky Action, from 7pm Saturday
Wilder v Stiverne
Sky Action, from 1am Saturday night

Monte Carlo plays host to the first of two live-on-Sky cards and WBA bantamweight champ Jamie McDonnell can be backed to see off Liborio Solis when the pair clash for the second time at the Salle des Etoiles.

McDonnell won the first fight by a unanimous decision and while it probably wasn't as clear a victory as a judge who scored it 117-111 in McDonnell's favour thought, there seems little reason to think that quotes of 8-11 about a repeat shouldn’t be snapped up.

The Doncaster duellist dominated the fight using his reach advantage and there is no doubting that at 5ft 10in McDon­nell is a big bantamweight. That said, apart from the dying seconds of round nine Solis was never hurt by the Hatfield hitter and the Venezuelan, who has never been stopped, should feel confident of seeing out the 12 rounds.

David Coldwell, McDonnell's trainer, suggested that his fighter may have overlooked Solis in their first contest and that also the WBA champion would be likely to step up divisions to chase fights against the likes of Scott Quigg – also on the card – and Carl Frampton.

If that's the case, McDonnell ought to be well motivated for this clash given the riches the future may bring. There is every chance of an improved showing by the champion, but a points victory looks the best play against the tough Solis.

There is a buzzing heavyweight scene in Britain at the moment and Dereck Chisora can claim the European heavyweight crown against Agit Kabayel.

Dereck Chisora has his sights set on the European heavyweight crownCredit: Richard Heathcote

Chisora went 12 rounds with Vitali Klitschko, Kubrat Pulev and Tyson Fury. His detractors will point to his recent loss to Dillian Whyte but the Finchley fighter was unlucky not to knock out Whyte and get the decision. Chisora could chuck in a stinker but that tends to come when his motivation isn't at its peak and that is unlikely to be the case.

Kabayel is unbeaten in 16 fights but there really is little substance to any of those wins and while he has seemingly stepped up in grade in his last two contests, the last five fighters he has faced have lost 31 fights combined, all at a pretty low level. This is a major class hike for the German and 6-4 about a Del Boy knockout win looks a cushty bet.

Deontay Wilder is 1-20 to successfully defend his WBC heavyweight title against Bermane Stiverne and 3-10 to KO his opponent in Brooklyn.

Recommendations
J McDonnell by decision
1pt 8-11 Sky Bet
D Chisora by KO
1pt 6-4 Betfred, Coral, Ladbrokes

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