Louie Lynn will defend his WBC International Silver featherweight title against Amin Jahanzeb over ten rounds at the Copper Box Arena on Friday, live on BT Sport, on the opening night of Frank Warren’s new prospect series.
Much in the mould of the Matchroom JD NXTGEN series, Frank Warren showcases his young prospects in the first of a new run of shows aiming at putting the stars of tomorrow at the head of affairs, with unbeaten pair Lynn and Jahanzeb headlining.
‘Loco’ Lynn (9-0, 7 KOs) is a fighter that always seems to go for the early finish, and the 25-year-old has only been taken the distance twice in nine fights, once over four rounds against the tough Brett Fidoe, and, in his last outing, he went all ten rounds to win his minor WBC belt against Spain’s Sebastian Perez, winning clearly on the scorecards to take the vacant crown.
Bradford’s Jahanzeb (8-0, 2 KOs) is also unbeaten, but is much more of a stylist and a punch picker, rather than a knockout artist.
The 25-year-old is though, yet to go past six rounds as a pro, with his last three outings going the full quota of rounds. Jahanzeb was last out in September 2020, winning every round against Jamie Quinn at York Hall.
Prediction: Lynn has looked a big talent so far, and has also negotiated a ten round distance, which will surely be to his benefit.
Jahanzeb will need to try and keep Lynn off him, and use his movement and skills, but I think Lynn will catch up with him eventually, and score a win around the halfway mark.
Arnold meets Glover
An intriguing six rounder comes at super featherweight, where Hackney’s Frank Arnold meets ‘The Tipton Slasher’ Lee Glover.
Arnold (7-0-1, 1 KO) has one blot on his record, a 2018 draw with Brett Fidoe, and has won five on the bounce since.
Glover (11-5, 3 KOs) came off a two-year hiatus last year, and gave Muhammad Ali a decent argument before losing on the cards over six.
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He has also been in with now WBA ‘regular’ featherweight champion, Leigh Wood and Andy Townend, but both ended in stoppage defeats.
Prediction: Glover has lost three of his last five starts. Arnold should be able to get the job done clearly over the distance.
Itauma faces Sharp
Light heavyweight, Karol Itauma (3-0, 2 KOs) is a man to keep tabs on, but the 20-year-old is likely to need all four rounds to see off Lancashire’s Daryl Sharp (5-74-1), a man who has only been halted once in 80 bouts, and that was to Liam Williams in April 2018.
Kumuteo clashes with McCauley
It’s also a safe bet that Congo-born super welterweight, Jonathan Kumuteo (1-0), will also need the four round duration to take victory against 41-year-old Kevin McCauley (15-210-12), with the double centurion not stopped since Troy Williamson achieved the feat in March 2019.
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Frankham returns
Super welterweight prospect, Joshua Frankham (3-0) fights for the fourth time as a professional and should record his first stoppage win against Matija Petrinic (1-6).
Thompson meets Jones
Callum ‘The Tank’ Thompson attempts to make it two wins from two, and the Joe Gallagher-trained lightweight meets Dean Jones (1-30) another man halted only once. All four rounds to be completed and Thompson (1-0) to get his hand raised are the picks.
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Bostan makes first bow
Also at super welterweight, Junaid Bostan makes his professional debut, and the Rotherham man takes on Dwain Grant (3-10-1) over a scheduled four. Bostan could well win inside the distance here.
Featherweight, Adan Mohamed (2-0) and super featherweight, Masood Abdullah (1-0, 1 KO) will also be in action on the card, with opponents to be confirmed.
