Dalton Smith vs Jose Zepeda: Betting Odds & Prediction

(Featured image: Alamy Images)

Written by: Adam Todd

Sheffield super-lightweight Dalton Smith returns to his home city on Saturday as he faces-off against former world title challenger Jose Zepeda. 

The twelve-round encounter headlines the card which also features a WBO welterweight clash between Sandy Ryan and Terri Harper. 

Tale of the Tape

Both men are fighting for the first time in 2024. Smith (15-0, 11KOs) comes off the back of a seventh-round stoppage victory over Sam Maxwell to land his first win inside the distance in over a year. His previous two victories had been via decision, where he outpointed both Billy Allington and Kaisee Benjamin. 

The former Team GB boxer boasts a 73% knockout ratio - only 3% less than Zepeda (37-4, 28KOs) - while Smith also boasts an advantage in height, standing at 5'9 compared to the American's 5'8. Zepeda does however with a greater reach (70.5 inches to Smith's 69.3). The latter also boasts a wealth of experience at world level, having previously fought for the WBC super-lightweight crown in November 2022 where he suffered an eleventh-round stoppage loss to Regis Prograis. 

Zepeda rebounded with a ten-round points win before suffering his fourth career defeat to Richardson Hitchins by unanimous-decision in September last year. 

Prediction

The fight is no doubt Smith's toughest fight to date. Zepeda has fought over 100 more rounds than his British counterpart, but Smith has youth on his side and is still approaching his peak. The Zepeda fight comes at a perfect time for the 27-year-old, who will move a major step closer to world titles with victory this weekend. 

Smith will also benefit from having gone the full twelve-round distance in two of his last three fights. Zepeda's ruggedness, coupled with knowing a loss will spell the end of his career at the top level, will likely take the fight into the latter stages with Smith relying on his technical ability and knowledge of how to pace the fight to get him over the line. Smith via decision is the sensible pick here.

OddsNow's Pick: Smith to win via decision/techincal decision (Evens @ Sky Bet)

Rest of the card:

Sandy Ryan vs Terri Harper - 10 x 2 @ Welterweight

 

 

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