JELENA MRDJENOVIC vs ANN SACCURATO

Local favourite Jelena Mrdjenovich attempts to avenge a previous loss when she meets Ann Saccurato from New York State in a WBA female lightweight title fight in Edmonton on Friday — a bout between last-time losers.

Mrdjenovich has been looking a bit drained at 130 pounds and she was surprisingly outpointed by unheralded Olivia Gerula in her last fight. Now Mrdjenovich has moved up to 135, a weight at which she has boxed in the past.

Saccurato was soundly beaten by the bigger, stronger Myriam Lamare in France in her last fight, but before this she won and lost in exciting fights in Japan against the tough and aggressive Fujin Raika.

Friday’s fight is coming a bit quickly for Saccurato after the punishing one in France, in which she apparently gave a good account of herself despite the wide scores. She did beat Mrdjenovich in the first meeting, though, albeit on a split decision three years ago.

Mrdjenovich seems to me to be the more stylish boxer, with Saccurato more aggressive.

The rematch is one that Mrdjenovich has long wanted — but if she is to win she will have to improve considerably on the form she showed in her last fight.

I’m leaning a little towards Saccurato, but I’m assuming the fight with Lamare didn’t take too much out of her — another split decision wouldn’t surprise me, but I’m guessing that Saccurato is a little better than the Alberta boxer.