I think this is a great fight, I think Beefy is one of the most underrated British fighters of the past decade and I think Fowler is overlooked because he got beat by a very talented Fitzgerald (a fight he nearly won). A loss doesn’t define a fighter, especially in Beefys case when he was robbed in Russia. Fowler the same, there’s no shame in losing to a fully committed Fitz. I think Fowler starts fast but Smith takes over from the mid rounds, his grit and experience gets him through and wins a fairly closeish but clear points decision. I also think Fowler will come out of this fight with his stock raised, win or lose.
I can’t stand him at all, but I think Fowler wins this. Smith has been there and done it, and I’d question what fire is left. He was robbed in Russia but then played for his Sunday league team two days later, I just feel like he’s getting what he can from the game before leaving. Feel sorry for him, like a few guys the switch to Eddie from Warren hasn’t really worked out for him. They edged towards the Kell Brook fight early but it never came off. Fowler is younger, fresher (only had one hard fight, where he basically threw it away by believing his own hype and getting dropped late) and is technically very good. If Smith can drag him into the dog rounds and hurt him then he could pull it off but I think Fowler comes through some rocky moments to win a close decision. Which is sad because he’ll cry his eyes out afterwards like he’s just won an Oscar and be completely unbearable dining off this win for a while.
If you have a look at the odds for the fights on the Liverpool bill and the 3 heavyweight fights in the US, I can’t remember so many competitive fights on one night, actually in any number of nights. Hearn and DAZN and Top Rank and the PBC really have produced the goods. I’m really looking forward to it all, particularly Fury Wilder which I think might have a sting in its tail.
Beefys had one good win (Williams 2) since he beat Jason Welborn in 2014. Fancy Fowler with Shane Mac in the corner to do a job on him.
Does feel like Smith is trying to get himself up for it with the handshake thing etc. Saw it with Conor McGregor recently trying to rile himself up and almost create animosity to get the hunger for himself.
I completely agree with you. Fowler to be up after the first 4 or 5, then I think Beefy starts taking more control of the fight and does the more cute work which methodically breaks Fowler down. I see it being a late stoppage for Beefy or a 116-112 / 117-111 type fight. The domestic scene at 154 in the UK is buzzing right now.... the likes of Cheeseman, Fowler, Fitzgerald, Eggington, Metcalfe, Conway & Williamson but Beefy has always been that level or two above and I think he again shows why on Saturday. I've said this before regarding this fight but I keep thinking back to how Smith so easily dealt with Eggington. Again, I know you can't go down the lines of 'triangle theories' in boxing but I can't help but compare how Smith dismantled Eggington without getting out of first gear against Fitz outpointing and dropping Fowler then in turn arguably losing to Cheeseman who was given all he could handle by Eggington.
As you all know, I am Fitz's #1 Fan on this forum, think I was the 1st in 2018 to actually start a thread about him (v potentially facing Fowler). Given what happened since v Fowler, you'd then expect Smith to be made favourite and that is a view that I subscribed towards. However, it is fight week and for the 1st time, Fowler is creeping into my mindset as somehow - against the odds - eeking out the W. This fight is now officially confusing me!
Will be having a look at the odds for this.i would assume fowler is the underdog? if the fight is close I can see fowler getting the nod and if he's a decent price might be worth a punt.
I think Fowler is very overrated and done nothing so far, whereas Smith has fought at much higher levels. Unless Smith is shot to pieces, he'll run out a comfortable win imo.
Smith ko. I know he’s not a big puncher but he makes most fights very gritty and tough for his opponents and Fowler has a suspect gas tank and only half decent opponent he faced he lost to.
So if fowler wins will he get any credit or will it be a case of Beefy was past his best despite a very good performance last time out. And if smith wins well fowler is a hype job. Its a no win for anyone really. Hopefully it's a cracking fight. One I think beefy will be too cute and pace it better
It's a decent win either way but i think a Folwer win is more impressive. Also depends on the manner. Just enjoy the fight.
Beefy all day long for me. Liam is too much for Fowler imo. It’s a great domestic fight and I can’t wait for it. I think Liam will handle the occasion better than Fowler. The event will test the strongest of nerves. I just can’t see how Fowler beats an on form Smith. Fair play for making this match and well done to both lads for taking the fight and giving us all a great night of entertainment.