- Eight light heavyweights compete in the 175lb Golden Contract tournament.
- We preview the betting odds for MTK Golden Contract with predictions.
- Five fight, two year contract on offer with “one of the world’s leading promoters.
Saturday night sees MTK Global hosting their third set of Golden Contract quarter finals. The light-heavyweights get their crack at the jackpot with four juicy encounters in Brentwood. We Preview the each fight and list the betting odds courtesy of these betting sites.
Steven Ward Favoured Over Ricards Bolotniks
Ricards Bolotniks and Steven Ward will duel it out for a spot in the semi-finals; Boltoniks a relatively unknown Lativan puncher. The 29 year old arrives in the country with a 15-5-1 record for his second bout in the country. Since his first, a TKO loss to Andreas Evangelou, the Latvian has transformed his record. Two strong wins against Patrick Mendy and Sergei Ekimov are not to be sniffed at.
Ward has had a 2019 to remember with three solid wins under his belt. Stay busy wins against Josip Perkovic and Abdullah Arabie set up a ferocious war with, fellow competitor, Liam Conroy. Over eight relentless rounds Ward went hammer and tong, bore the bruises to prove it, and emerged the victor. The WBO European champion has proven himself to be tough as nails with genuine venom in his punches. Ward to win is 4/7 whilst Bolotniks can be found at 6/4.
Andre Sterling Needs a Win
Andre Sterling was the seventh boxer to be confirmed for the draw; the former Southern Area champ is bouncing straight into a rock and sock ‘em fight. His previous bout was a British title eliminator against Craig Richards, a tight and squeaky affair. Over the last 12 months he has consistently looked for a test with fights against Richards, Ricky Summers and Kirk Garvey.
He’ll face Liam Conroy in a pleasantly evenly-matched contest. His 27 year old opponent has been involved in his fair share of scraps, too. In March 2018 he bounced Miles Shinkwin out in three rounds and his name has remained relevant ever since. He’s really enjoyed a thriving domestic scene at 175lbs that has rewarded his grit with opportunities aplenty; fights against Joshua Buatsi and Steven Ward have followed. The odds seem a little wide with Andre Sterling at 2/5 whilst Conroy is 11/5; going the distance is likely.
Bob Ajisafe Set To Revive His Career
Former Commonwealth champion Bob Ajisafe looks to revive his career some four years after winning that title. He was brought back into the fold by Steve Wood, with VIP Promotions, but at 34 years of age is needing another big win. The southpaw boxer is an experienced operator and a strong ring tactician – it’ll take a lot to outfox him.
In the opposite corner to him will be Hosea Burton whose career seems to have been equally unrewarded. Since challenging for the British title in December 2016, the Carrington resident has had six, stay-busy, contests. Patiently he has awaited his next big break and the Golden Contract is just that. He and Bob Ajisafe may be more alike than many suspect and it should be a good contest. A resurgent Ajisafe can be found at 15/8 with Hosea Burton the 8/15 favourite.
Can Tommy Philbin Remain Undefeated?
Long time super middleweight Tommy Philbin steps up to the plate, and to 175lbs, as he bids to secure the lucrative prize on offer. The Kirkliston resident was involved in a nip and tuck encounter with Rhys Pagan, for the Celtic title, in 2017 and has boxed maturely throughout his career. He has an easy on the eye style that glides across the ring and pieces together his punches with composure. Philbin could be an embodiment of the calm and serenity needed in this format.
The Bavarian Sniper Returns
Russian-born, German-based Serge Michel is the final competitor in the bracket. The Bavarian Sniper, as he’s known. Is a relative novice with ten fights to his name, but carries strong amateur pedigree. The 2016 Olympian turned professional soon after the Games and debuted in March 2017; he suffered his first loss to Ryan Ford in April this year. He’s an odds on favourite at 1/2 but Philbin at 15/8 is a decent nod.