Fight Preview – Dillian Whyte v Joseph Parker and Mikey Garcia v Robert Easter Jnr

This weekend the boxing world hosts some intriguing battles both in the UK and the USA as fans are set for a couple of mouth watering clashes.
First up here in the UK is a battle between two heavyweights looking for title shots in what will arguably determine who is the number three heavyweight in the world after Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder – of course there is the small matter of Tyson Fury who will in time, no doubt claim a top 3 spot but for now, Saturday nights clash between England’s Dillian Whyte and New Zealand’s Joseph Parker is the marker for who wants that third spot(Luis Ortiz might also have something to say about that)
Parker of course will be making a return to UK shores after losing his title to Anthony Joshua, who has inflicted the sole losses on the records of both Whyte and Parker. A lacklustre performance from Parker left a sour taste in the mouth’s of many when he faced off against AJ. Joshua was able to control the fight using his jab and did not have to take any needless risks, partly because Parker seemed content to not make any gambles, probably because he was very wary of feeling Joshua’s much vaunted power should he have tried to mix it up.
Whyte has been calling the shots in the build up to the fight and is itching for a war, not surprising because if Parker fights the way he did against Joshua, not only will it serve up a quite boring fight, it is Parkers best chance of winning. Whether Parker will get the nod on the judges scorecards against the home town remains to be seen though, he will have to win quite convincingly to even scrape a decision on the cards in my opinion.
Neither of the men are what you would call big hitters in the division, but this is heavyweight boxing so there is always the chance that one punch can change the game but they both also possess solid chins so don’t expect a knock out, a stoppage is possible though.
For Whyte to win he is going to have to cut off the ring and force Parker into exchanges, this is what Whyte wants and what is his best chance of victory on the night, he won’t want to go chasing Parker all night and deal with a boxer who is constantly moving not allowing him to set his feet to get his punches off. Parker is the better boxer of the two but Whyte is the better fighter, if Parker can use his speed and lateral movement to frustrate Whyte, I see Parker getting the win on points but if Whyte can force Parker into exchanges and taking one too many risks, Whyte will come out on top. My head tells me Parker will want to put in a better performance than his last outing which was a loss to Joshua, both men want a rematch with AJ and I think Parker will sneak this one on points, don’t be surprised if there is a controversial ending though….

Parker will need his best boxing shoes to keep moving against Dillian Whyte and avoid getting into too many exchanges…

Across the pond we have the highlight of the night when two undefeated champions collide in the lightweight division. One of the worlds best in Mikey Garcia takes on a man who could potentially be one of the best, IBF champion Robert Easter Jnr.
Garcia is a smart, experienced and accomplished boxer, Easter Jnr though brings a huge advantage in height and reach will may trouble Garcia. Easter Jnr also brings with him an aggressive style utilising both speed and power, you might be forgiven thinking that someone so tall for the division would fight behind his jab and use his reach but Easter Jnr is never afraid to go hunting and looking for the knockout. He did have a very shaky performance in his last fight though, if he doesn’t tighten up his game for Garcia, he will be in for a long night. Garcia is too smart and too sharp not to capitalise on Easter Jnr’s mistakes and with Garcia’s game changing power, he will hurt Easter Jnr. Easter Jnr should not look to be so aggressive against Garcia, this is one time using his height and reach would be wise for him and to be more composed would be a better way to fight until he feels he has Garcia’s number as the fight goes on. If he gets sloppy though, Garcia will get inside, prevent him from freeing his arms and slowly break him down bit by bit before lowering the hammer with that power of his. I expect Easter Jnr to be game but ultimately the discipline, composure and power of Mikey Garcia will end the fight in Team Garcia’s favour.