MATCHROOM BOXING and OPI Since 82 begin their joint venture onto the Spanish scene with a show at Badalona’s Palau Olimpic this Thursday (December 12). This double European title bill is televised on DAZN.
Local favourite Sandor Martin, 35-2 (13), makes the first defence of his super-lightweight strap against Malmesbury’s Joe Hughes, 17-4-1 (7), who himself is a former holder of the belt. The Barcelona southpaw is widely favoured to come out on top by the bookmakers, but Hughes is certainly in with a shout – so long as the judging is above board and the officials do not show favouritism towards the home boxer. Nevertheless, Martin has to be the pick to prevail on points.
Fresh off two superb stoppage wins over the touted Kerman Lejarraga – both on hostile territory in Spain – Russian welterweight David Avanesyan, 25-3-1 (13), defends his crown for the second time. The Newark, Nottinghamshire-based fighter takes on Palma portsider Jose Del Rio, 29-8-1 (7) – a previous victim of Lejarraga. Avanesyan can become only the second man to beat Del Rio inside the distance.
