Undefeated Londoner Ted Cheeseman takes on a massive test. He’ll be sharing a ring with unbeaten Spaniard Sergio Garcia at the 02 Arena, Greenwich on Saturday 2 February, live in front of the Sky Sports cameras. Let’s check out the best Ted Cheeseman v Sergio Garcia betting tips.
It’s a chance for the local lad to catapult himself up through the super welterweight rankings with the EBU European title on the line; however, he’ll get nothing for free against an opponent who has been over course and distance more than a few times before. Bookmakers have Cheeseman nailed down as favourite for the result. Having said that, he must prepare to be tested in every round and given a difficult night’s work in front of a packed house.
Value in the Bet
Traders may have set up in support of the Londoner; however, they have afforded Garcia the respect he deserves, meaning there’s plenty of value to be found. If planning to watch the bout you may fancy adding a bit more excitement to the occasion with a bet and there are certainly no lack of options. Have your say on fight winner; method of victory; total rounds; the clash to go the scheduled 12-round distance or not, and plenty more besides.
Struggling to pick a punt that suits you best? Our team of former professional boxers and sports betting experts have put their heads together and come up with a play they think is worth having at an attractive price. This will be the first big night of British boxing this year and we’re determined to mark the occasion with a pay-out.
Super Ted
Ted Cheeseman has been super since making the decision to trade a successful amateur career for the paid ranks. He made his professional debut in the summer of 2015 with second-round TKO win over Hungarian Gabor Ambrus at this very venue on the undercard of Anthony Joshua v Gary Cornish. This talented 23-year-old has now pushed himself into title contention on the back of a run of impressive wins.
The 5ft 10inch orthodox won six of his first seven by stoppage and earned what was his first title – the English crown – in only his ninth start. He downed Matthew Ryan (14-1-0) before the end of the third, knocking his opponent to the canvas twice before referee Bob Williams stepped in.
Moving on Up
It was glaring obvious from the way he handled himself on the big occasion Cheeseman would continue his progress; he did just that when banking the WBA International strap less than a year ago. This was achieved thanks to a wide points win over well-travelled American Carson Jones, a man who has now fought 60 times and pushed Kell Brook close when dropping a 2012 majority decision at the Sheffield Arena for the IBF world welterweight title.
The form fighter settled a grudge match with Paul Upton in Bethnal Green next time out in thrilling fashion, winning inside four. He then beat the highly-rated Asinia Byfield on points at the Copperbox last time to earn himself the Lonsdale.
More to Come from Cheeseman
It’s easy to be impressed by what Ted Cheeseman is doing and it seems like he still has a few gears to go through yet. He boasts a good amateur pedigree, is grounded and seems delighted to go the traditional route, beating the best the domestic scene has to offer before setting his sights on European level opposition.
Traders are desperately keen to side with Cheeseman. Bet365 show that to be true by offering him at no more than 2/5. That’s plenty tight but, given his recent results, it’s also understandable. Some bookies have the same bet at 4/11.
Those after more can pick through the method of victory market where they’ll find another points win for Cheeseman as favourite with Bet365 offering a market best price of 6/4. The KO/TKO – what would be the 10th of his career in 16 starts – can’t be easily overlooked, especially with a chunky 11/5 there to be shot at, 2/1 the general feeling at the time of writing. The latter looks a more attractive bet and it’s one we’re happy to have our stake money on, expecting Ted to pass another major test with flying colours.
Garcia No Stranger
26-year-old Sergio Garcia may have been written off by the bookmakers; however, he’s an experienced sort and goes into this contest with a perfect 28-fight record, 13 of his wins coming by way of knockout. The fighting pride of Torrelavega, Spain has been boxing since early 2012 and, like the man in the opposite corner, has worked his way through the ranks. His winning run has earned him the WBC Hispano; Spanish; WBC International; WBC Silver and the European bauble that’s on the line here. That journey means he has vital experience of boxing over the 12-round championship distance, going the dozen in his most recent start.
El Nino’s hard work collected him the European with a points win over Frenchman Maxime Beaussire in front of his own fans back in the summer. He breezed to a thoroughly convincing 119-109, 120-108, 118-110 decision. It also took his recent tally to three points wins on the bounce with his last KO/TKO coming back in September 2017 when beating Felice Moncelli in seven when defending his WBC Silver. Having said that,level of opponent was much lower than he’ll face on Saturday night in London. Garcia has been winning but Cheeseman will represent a step up in class and it’ll be interesting to see how he deals with that under the pressure of the bright lights.
Value to be Nibbled At
Bookies expect him to shrink before a loyal London audience and Coral are so confident the away fighter will travel back to Spain empty handed, they are offering up a cracking 15/8 to anyone who dares disagree. Will that catch the attention of value hunters? We think so and there’s enough in his bare stats to say backers will get a serious run for their money with that bet. Those bold enough to push their luck a bit further will find bigger and better in the method of victory market.
Garcia to spoil the party with a 14th career knockout win is as big as 8/1, the points verdict deemed more likely by those who hold the purse strings, Ladbrokes going top price 7/2. We’d rather have the bigger price on that one, if backing Garcia, as it’s notoriously difficult for the away corner to impress the judges in the UK, especially when fighting a native.
Expect a Fascinating Fight
Those who get themselves along to the 02 Arena on fight night, or fans tuning in to the action live on Sky Sports are guaranteed a fascinating fight as two unbeaten, ambitious warriors put it all on the line. Who will come out on top? A strong case could be made for both camps, but Cheeseman has tested himself against a higher calibre of opponent and that experience should make the difference in the latter rounds.
Garcia is certainly talented but with the weight of the crowd against him and an energetic opponent in front of him, it should all get too much very early in the contest. We’re taking the Englishman to win the fight and the title at 2/5 with Coral, a bet that’ll work best in your weekend accumulators. Those chasing bigger should play Ted on points at the generous 6/4 offered by Bet365. That looks to have been overpriced.
Our Tip: Cheeseman to win – 2/5 with Coral
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