Crolla should edge epic battle against Burns

Crolla v Burns
Sky Sports Main Event, 10pm approx
Eubank v Yildirim
ITV Box Office, 10pm approx

Two bona fide warriors of the British game clash when former world champions Anthony Crolla and Ricky Burns meet in Manchester, and although it could be close Crolla seems to have the advantage.

Both men are looking for one last run at a world title and coming off losses. Crolla was beaten twice in back-to-back fights against Jorge Linares, while Burns's run of four wins was ended with a one-sided points defeat to Julius Indongo.

As a result Burns has decided to abandon his plans at 140lb and drop back down to lightweight where he has enjoyed most of his success, but the weight cut could be a problem as the reason he moved up in the first place was because he was struggling to make 135lb.

Crolla has no such weight issues and with home support cheering him on he should justify favouritism. Neither man has notable power and Burns has never been stopped despite taking some sickening beatings down the years, so take Crolla to win on points at evens.

In Germany, IBO super-middleweight champion Chris Eubank jnr defends his belt against Avni Yildirim in a fight which also doubles up as the more prestigious quarter-final of the World Boxing Super Series.

If Eubank wins he will face the winner of next week's fight between George Groves and Jamie Cox, and he should come through in style.

Eubank is a big favourite but while the market favours a win on the scorecards at around evens, it could pay to back him for the KO at bigger odds.

Yildirim has not been stopped but is fairly inexperienced with just 16 pro fights under his belt. Eubank is starting to show real power – he has stopped six of his last seven opponents, with only wily veteran Arthur Abraham hearing the final bell during that run – and he seems to be getting better with every fight.

Recommendations
A Crolla on points
1pt Evs Betfair
C Eubank jnr by KO/TKO
1pt 17-10 Hills, Paddy Power

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