British boxing favourite Jason “too smooth” Booth (36-7 15 Kos) is in last chance saloon when he fights for the vacant British title against Hatton promoted Scott Quigg (22-0 15 Kos) on Saturday night (9pm Live on Sky Sports1).
Booth, who famously battled alcohol and drug addiction, is a real credit to the sport having managed to battle back against his demons and eventually have an unsuccessful world title attempt against Canada’s Steve Molitor.
In his prime he was a joy to watch – hitting his opposition at will. He was a truly classy British operator but unfortunately for his fans the writing has been on the wall since his successful 2010 British and Commonwealth title defence against Matthew Marsh.
Against Marsh the flowing combinations and the smooth movement wasn’t there no more and he was being hit with shots he would usually slip and slide. It’s pretty much gone downhill since then culminating, with him being stopped in 10 by the strong and capable Kiko Martinez when I felt that he didn’t really “fancy” the job that night.
He is certainly up against it here against Bury’s Scott Quigg. Admittedly this is Quigg’s first real opponent on his record but he has looked a pretty decent prospect and has been kept busy which is what fighters that are on the up need to be.
I expect him to wear down one Booth and stop him around the 9th.
DAILY SPORT Recommended Bet
2pts Quigg to Ko Booth – 3/1 Sky Bet