Wise Guy to take Summers out

Buglioni defends British title at 02 Arena

Manny Pacquiao’s ring return may dominate the boxing headlines this weekend, but followers of the domestic game have an intriguing night on their hands from the 02 Arena as Frank Buglioni meets Ricky Summers for the British title at light heavyweight.

Popular Londoner Buglioni will enjoy the lion’s share of support on the night in what promises to be a captivating contest for the Lonsdale strap, and he’ll also have Coral traders camped in his corner. There’s plenty of boxing action on Saturday, place your bets here.

Champion’s power must be respected

Wise Guy Frank Buglioni takes a professional record of 19 wins, two defeats and a draw into this one, but he’s also the current holder of the title and is expected to defend his honour with another important win. The 28-year-old was in danger of seeing his career go stagnant recently, until upsetting the odds to beat well-respected opponent Hosea Burton last time in a result that shocked many in the sport.

The 6ft 1inch orthodox boxer chinned Burton in the 12^th and final round of their December meeting last year, inflicting The Hammer’s first career defeat in the process. With the bout heading to a points decision, Buglioni dropped his man in the 11^th, and then put the fight to bed in the 12^th, showing, once again, that he can never be written off.

That verdict stretched the champion’s knockout average to 68 per cent, and that simply must be respected at this level of the game. He KO’d each of his first two opponents as a professional in the first round, and carries natural strength throughout the fight. Coral traders are keen to keep on the right side of him, and go 1/16 about another positive result.