Lightweight Sam Noakes prepares for his biggest professional test this Saturday as he challenges Yvan Mendy for the European title at York Hall.
The 26-year-old recently defended his Commonwealth title against Lewis Sylvester. Over four lopsided rounds, Noakes proved he had outgrown the British level. Yvan Mendy represents a major step up for the Maidstone native, however. The former European champion has fought 392 professional rounds to Noakes’ 45. Moreover, the Frenchman has gone the distance against talents like Luke Campbell and Denys Berinchyk.
Outside of the Queensberry Promotions headliner, super bantamweight prospect Andrew Cain returns. The hard-hitting scouser dubiously lost on the scorecards against Ionut Baluta last year. After thirteen months on the sidelines, the 27-year-old will be eager to mark his return with a bang.
As always at Pintsized Interests, we dug deep into the stats and tape to deliver expert boxing predictions for every fight this weekend. Join us as we analyse the matchups and give us hell in the comments below if you disagree with us!
Sam Noakes vs Yvan Mendy | Main Event | European Lightweight Title
Sam Noakes aims to live up to his “Maidstone Golovkin” moniker this Saturday. The 26-year-old is tasked with his first major step up in competition. That isn’t to criticise his match-making. Since 2023, Noakes has faced experienced international operators and undefeated British competition. Unfortunately for the Kent boxer, he has dispatched every opponent with ease.
Most recently, Noakes defended his Commonwealth title over four rounds against Lewis Sylvester. Sylvester is a classy counter-puncher but he lacks meaningful power. As such, Noakes could close the distance without fear and unleash lengthy combinations.
Adopting a similar strategy against Yvan Mendy would not be advisable.
On paper, it would be fair to question the Frenchman’s intent to cross the English Channel for this fight. Nearing 39 years of age, the 55-fight veteran has not entered the ring for a year. Yet, the veteran boxer proved his worth last time out. The wily old fox handily beat Bastien Ballesta in Montpellier last May. Despite Ballesta’s 25-0-1 record, Mendy outclassed his opponent over 12 rounds.
A large part of Mendy’s success is his adoption of an efficient, jab-heavy game plan. The Frenchman balances defensive sensibilities with just enough output to snatch rounds. Unfortunately for the Parisian, he is unlikely to dictate proceedings against Noakes. The deciding rounds will come late as Noakes’ impressive gas tank shines.
Noakes vs Mendy Prediction: Noakes Decision
Henry Turner vs Maykol Mendoza | Co-Main Event | WBC International Silver Super Lightweight Title
Henry Turner returns to the ring in 2024 to defend his WBC International Silver title. The Buckinghamshire boxer enjoyed a stellar 2023, picking up three wins over an array of experienced opposition. Better yet for the southpaw, he has found his finishing touch of late – securing three knockouts in his last four fights.
There is still room to grow before ‘The Showman’ challenges British rivals, however. The 23-year-old has so far occupied the centre of the ring unopposed. With his long, bladed stance, Turner has enjoyed an abundance of time and space to methodically counter-punch. Maykol Mendoza‘s aggressive front-foot pace will test Turner’s more intuitive counterstriking ability.
No doubt a gulf in technical ability will emerge on Saturday night. Regardless, the early rounds will provide an intriguing insight into Turner’s defensive layers.
Turner vs Mendoza Prediction: Turner TKO Round 4
Andrew Cain vs Darwing Martinez | Main Card | Super Bantamweight
Proceed to ignore the loss attached to Andrew Cain‘s record. Over a back-and-forth war with Ionut Baluta, the Liverpudlian showcased impressive combination punching. Although the scorecards favoured Baluta, Cain exhibited his ability to compete at the European level.
Nicaraguan journeyman, Darwing Martinez, provides a suitable opponent for Cain’s comeback. Although a gun-shy, back-foot operator, Martinez has caught opponents with his check hook. A low-volume opponent will allow Cain to return to the ring without any significant pressure. Expect Martinez to receive his tenth consecutive loss.
Cain vs Martinez Prediction: Cain TKO Round 5
Noakes vs Mendy Undercard
Aloys Youmbi vs Pablo Oscar Natalio Farias Prediction: Youmbi TKO Round 2
Jack Oliphant vs Remi Scholer Prediction: Oliphant Decision
Billy Adams vs Mark Butler Prediction: Adams Decision
Eoghan Lavin vs Vasif Mamedov Prediction: Lavin Decision
Sam King vs Artjom Spatar Prediction: King TKO Round 2
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