Watson can bounce back from setbacks to win next Prizefighter

Promoter Eddie Ahern has labelled the upcoming Prizefighter as “probably the strongest line-up yet” and it is John Watson who may be the best bet in the boxing odds at 5/1 to kick-start his slightly fading career.

Watson has endured setbacks in his two most recent fights, but it is worth noting that these were both at a higher level for the British title and both at lightweight.

Back at a more natural light-welterweight for Prizefighter, fatigue is less likely to impact his performance and he seems arguably the most well-rounded of the eight boxers in the line-up.

The fact that Watson has known for some time that he was in the line-up must also be considered a plus so that he has had ample time to ensure he steps into the ring in perfect shape.

Many punters will believe that Adil Anwar and Tyrone Nurse are the two fighters to beat and this pair head the boxing betting for Prizefighter at 9/4 and 4/1 respecively.

Anwar has given up his English welterweight title to have a crack at the £32,000 winners’ prize and has a far higher KO ratio than the majority of other fighters taking part, stopping each of his last four opponents.

But the fact he carries his hands low is a disadvantage and in such an open-looking tournament, his price does not offer much value.

Meanwhile, Nurse has done little wrong in remaining unbeaten through his first 20 professional fights, although he appears to be taking a significant step up in class.

Also, there has to be doubts as to whether the Prizefighter three-round format will play to his strengths, given he has only triumphed in three fights by KO and can be a slow starter.