Pauls vs Bentley & more: Magnificent Seven betting preview
There is still the small matter of the heavyweight title rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury to complete before the curtain comes down on a busy 2024. Before that, Queensberry bring their UK schedule to a spectacular close this weekend with the latest edition of their popular Magnificent Seven series. For all the latest fight odds, visit our sportsbook.
The show has something for everybody. The main event between Brad Pauls and Denzel Bentley looks like a surefire firecracker whilst confident veteran Ryan Walsh is intent on not only giving exciting knockout merchant Sam Noakes the toughest test of his career, but on beating him.
Let’s have a look through the stand out fights from a busy show.
BRAD PAULS V DENZEL BENTLEY
BRITISH AND EUROPEAN MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE
The stakes couldn’t be higher in the main event. The winner of the middleweight fight between Brad Pauls and Denzel Bentley will put themselves in line for major fights in 2025.
Pauls’ British title is up for grabs, as is the vacant European title. However, the real prize is the opportunity to cement themselves as the number one challenger for the WBO middleweight title.
Pauls is an exciting, front foot fighter who carries genuine power but that might just put him in severe danger against a legitimate, one punch finisher like Bentley who has demonstrated his ability to bring fights to a sudden, spectacular end time and time again. Pauls is priced at 11/4 to grind out a decision win whilst Bentley is 12/1 to score another quick finish, between rounds three and four.
With so much on the line, Pauls isn’t going to second guess himself and change his style whilst Bentley knows that he can’t afford another defeat at this level.
SAM NOAKES V RYAN WALSH
BRITISH AND COMMONWEALTH LIGHTWEIGHT TITLES
Sam Noakes has been one of the big success stories of 2024. The 27 year-old started the year as a prospect but has blossomed into a genuine contender.
Noakes is relentless. He has stopped 14 out his 15 opponents and he gave the impression of fighting with the handbrake on when he outpointed experienced Yvan Mendy to win the European title in April. Noakes is steadily climbing the world rankings and – so far – nobody has been able to stand up to his pressure and push him back. If you think Noakes will add to his long run of stoppages, it is priced at 2/5.
He looks certain to be given a real examination of his qualities by the experienced Ryan Walsh. Walsh reigned for years as the British featherweight champion and breathed new life into his career in September when he knocked out the tough Reece Mould inside a round. Walsh is rock solid operator who has never been stopped and is convinced that Noakes’ team have made a major mistake in selecting him this weekend. A Walsh decision is priced at 30/1.
LAWRENCE OKOLIE V HUSSEIN MUHAMED
HEAVYWEIGHT
Rumours about Lawrence Okolie moving to the heavyweight division have swirled around for years. The former cruiserweight and bridgerweight world champion is a huge man with the frame and ability to make a real impact in the sport’s blue riband division but has been plagued by inconsistency and inactivity.
Okolie has blown very hot and very cold throughout his career but now steps up to the heavyweight division where his unique style could cause real problems. If Okolie can score a couple of confidence boosting wins, he could develop into a genuine threat and earn himself a major opportunity next year.
Muhamed has a solid record on paper but this is about how Okolie looks in his new weight division. If you think he makes a bold statement, you can back him to win in under 4.5 rounds at 17/20.
SOLOMON DACRES V DAVID ADELEYE
ENGLISH HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE
Solomon Dacres and David Adeleye have been on each others radars for almost a year but on Saturday night, they will finally meet.
The two are polar opposites both in terms of their personalities and style of fighting. The cool, laid back Dacres isn’t easily rattled and likes to box at his own pace. Adeleye is a more volatile character who is capable of producing explosive finishes. A Dacres decision is priced at 17/5 whilst an Adeleye knockout is available at 7/5.
After being stopped by Fabio Wardley last October, Adeleye can’t afford another defeat whilst Dacres has yet to fulfil his potential on a consistent basis.
Dacres will be making the third defence of his English title but this fight is about who has the ability to step up from this level and get involved towards the top of a packed heavyweight division. The loser will find themselves at the back of a very long line.
To see all our latest boxing markets, check out 32Red Sport here. If you’re up for a flutter on table games or the slots, be sure to check out our award-winning casino too!
