By Gav Duthie: One boxing name has popped up a couple of times in articles this week that I had not thought of in a while, Jeff Lacy. ‘Left Hook’ Lacy last fought in 2015 finishing with a modest boxing record of 27-6 (18). In 2006 however he was ‘The next big thing’. He was 21-0 (17) and heading over to the UK to smash the overconfident, over-hyped and overrated Joe Calzaghe, or so we were told. Lacy was a big favorite much like Gervonta Davis (v Liam Walsh) and Errol Spence Jne (v Kell Brook). Calzaghe dominated Lacy over 12 rounds and the great hope was never the same since. Frank Warren has compared the Davis situation to this
as he recalls promoting Calzaghe 11 years ago. Spence Jnr has also been debunking the myth that he could follow the same fate. The fact that two big American names are coming to the UK shows the strength of boxing there at present but is there any chance they will suffer the same fate as Lacy, lets have a look.
Gervonta Davis v Liam Walsh
Its interesting that Spence comes over with the bigger reputation of the two as Davis is in fact the world champion. He snatched the title with a dismantling display of Jose Pedraza and his promoter Floyd Mayweather says Davis can take over boxing. Walsh isn’t seen as a huge fight for him, its just a mandatory but I disagree. I’ve wrote before that despite Walsh not being one of the 13 world champions the UK have had over the last couple of years I see him as one of the countries top 5 fighters. Walsh could fight this contest as an orthodox, southpaw, aggressive or defensive. He has all the tools but Davis is a genuinely class talent. Im really not sure how this will go but it will be the toughest fight of both men’s careers.
Walsh UD 12
Kell Brook v Errol Spence Jnr
Spence is the bookies favorite and many including current pros are giving Spence the nod. Even the ones like Danny Garcia and Keith Thurman who like Kell Brooks skills are tipping the American because of the weight loss. Coming down from 160-147 after the Golovkin loss is a huge problem and history is not in his favor. With Spence’s body punching this could destroy Brook. Kell however has tasted the power of Golovkin so nothing should phase him. It should be a great fight toe to toe with the highest work-rate being the key.
Spence TKO 9-11
