SERGIY DZINZIRUK vs LUKAS KONECNY

A fight originally scheduled for last November will finally take place on Saturday’s big show in Dresden when undefeated Sergiy Dzinziruk defends his WBA 154-pound title against tough Lukas Konecny of the Czech Republic.

Dzinziruk had to withdraw from the original date after suffering a rib injury in sparring and when he steps into the ring on Saturday it will be his first fight in 11 months.

Still, the Ukrainian southpaw is a solid favourite. Konecny is a durable fighter who keeps his hands high and throws punches in bursts, and he has been effective with this style, but Dzinziruk is the superior technician and has the height and reach advantages.

I do not give Konecny much of a chance. He will no doubt try to put pressure on Dzinziruk but the Ukrainian should be able to keep control of the contest by using movement to have Konecny missing, then countering him with one-twos and combinations from his southpaw stance.

Konecny is likely to be competitive but I think that he is going to be outscored in most of the rounds — he will land some punches but take far more than he delivers. Dzinziruk looks too polished for him, his defence too sound. It would be a surprise if Dzinziruk stops Konecny but he should be able to outpoint him by fairly wide margins on the scorecards.

RESULT: Dzinziruk wins by decision but it's a struggle.