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Remind me next time

Manchester hosts a farewell for heavyweight boxer Tony Bellew in his final fight as a professional boxer as he steps down a division to face Ukrainian cruiserweight, Oleksandr Usyk.

The reigning undisputed cruiserweight champion Usyk is putting all four of his belts on the line in what many are calling a "mismatch" with the British boxer going into to this one as a serve underdog.

Are we looking at a complete whitewash or has Bellew got more than enough left in the tank to make this a swan song to remember?

Boxing expert Jonathon Hague takes a look at where the boxing betting value lies on Saturday night at Manchester Arena.

Oleksandr Usyk v Tony Bellew: 100/1 Bellew to Win - CLAIM OFFER

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Oleksandr Usyk v Tony Bellew

(Sat, 22:00)

Usyk will make a name for himself

Usyk to win the fight @ 2/11 - BET NOW

While the Oleksandr Usyk isn’t a household name on these shores, the Ukrainian has made a name for himself in the sport. Since his debut in 2013, Usyk has barely put a foot wrong and that isn’t just in terms of performance, his footwork is his standout feature. The nimble Ukrainian is undefeated in 15 fights and despite only turning professional five years ago he has found himself at the summit of the cruiserweight division.

While he might be fighting to an away crowd, the stage won’t faze Usyk who has a habit of conquering home soil – his last fight against Gassiev saw the Ukrainian win on Russian soil. ‘The Cat’ also has success on British soil winning his 2008 European Championship as an amateur in Liverpool.

Has Bellew bitten off more than he can chew?

Bellew to win the fight at 5/1 – BET NOW

Tony Bellew might have double the amount of fights under his belt, but fight fans are worried that the Scouser is going into deep here. It might be his farewell to boxing fans, but the ‘Bomber’ is dropping down a division in his legacy bout.

Admirable that Bellew is willing to test himself one further time, but the bookies are predicting a whitewash here. Bellew is a best-price of 5/1 to beat Usyk with the bookmakers with the Ukrainian 1/5 for the win.

With two loses already in his 33 fights, the Scousers will not want add another to his record.  No doubt a victory against Usyk would be a prime scalp and cement his legacy, but the odds are stacked.

Usyk is an allrounder and a dominating force at cruiserweight level. His speed, precision and power are not to be sniffed at, nor is his 73% KO average.

The ‘Bomber’ might be playing down the fight telling the world how relaxed his is about meeting Usyk in the ring, but deep down he will know that this isn’t going be a walk in the park.

Betting Tips

Round Group Betting

Usyk Rounds 7-12 @ 7/4 – BET NOW

Usyk isn’t known for his quick wins and is more than happy to drag a fight on to the latter stages if necessary. His last few fights have seen him reach the 12th ,10th and 9th Rounds of the fights and I can see this happening yet again against Bellew.

The Ukrainian has the stamina and footwork to dodge any big punches from the ‘Bomber’ – he isn’t called ‘The Cat’ for nothing – but he is also an allrounder that packs a genuinely strong punch when deployed.

While it might be tempting to let this once ride to the 10-12 rounds priced at 33/1, Bellew might be on the floor sooner than some of the other cruiserweights Usyk has fought over the years.

Method of Victory

Usyk by KO, TKO or Disqualification @ 1/1 – BET NOW

A 73% KO average is nothing to sniff at and the Bellew camp will be well aware of the firepower the Ukrainian will bring to the ring on Saturday. The sport might be full of romantic stories of underdog upsets but Usyk is a not a complacent fighter, and more importantly he is a humble one. Despite being the unified cruiserweight champion, the Ukranian doesn't see himself as one of the best as his keen to take down a heavy weight in Bellew.

Usyk will be drilling for Bellew’s fight style and will be well equipped to KO or TKO the ‘Bomber’ in the ring on Saturday.

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