Contender clash at Mico - Mullings vs Davis in first semi-final

Sakima Mullings and Tsetsi Davis, the first and third-seeded Jamaicans in the 2017 Wray and Nephew Contender boxing series, both predicted victory yesterday, as they ended preparations for their semi-final contest, which will take place tonight on the grounds of Mico University College, Marescaux Road.

Mullings is a previous winner of the series, having taken the welterweight title in 2014, when Davis retired in the seventh round of their 10-round contest. Tonight's action will start at 8.30p.m. with two amateur bouts, followed by a five-round contest between two previous participants in the competition, Devon 'Concrete' Moncriffe from Jamaica and Canada's Winston Matthews. The seven-round semi-final battle, in the junior middleweight class, will follow.

Brimming with confidence

Leading up to the fight, Mullings has been very confident, and has stated in interviews that he is not worried about the challenge from Davis.

"I beat him once before, and the result will be the same," he has stated.

He also goes into the fight with a huge advantage, as he has not fought since May 31, when he defeated Canadian Larone Whyte by split decision, and has therefore had 34 days to rest and prepare. Davis on the other hand, last fought on June 21, when he had a split decision victory over Ryan Young, in what was regarded as one of the best contests in the competition so far. His recuperation and preparation time is, therefore, much less than that of his opponent.

What effect this will have will be seen tonight. Mullings is well prepared and has been working on different strategies to cope with what Davis has to offer. His camp has offered that he is prepared for any type of fight that Davis will bring to the table.

"If it is outside, we are ready and if it is close, we are ready to rumble," the Mullings camp said.

Based on what has been presented by both boxers in the competition to date, indications are that both men will go after each other from close range.

Davis told The Gleaner yesterday that he is in great shape and is ready for the challenge. He is confident that he can pick up from where he left off against Young, and is ready to deliver. oth boxers have good jabs, but do their best work at close range, and a concerted body attack seems to be on the cards from both corners. Mullings attacks effectively with both hands, and his combinations usually bear the stamp of authority.

In his bout against Whyte, Mullings seemed to get winded in the fourth round, but stamina his camp says, will not be a factor tonight, as he is well prepared.

Davis showed resilience in his bout against Young, but the question as to whether he is back in ring too early, will only be answered when the action starts. It promises to be an action-packed encounter.

The Moncriffe versus Matthews preliminary bout has all the ingredients for a thrilling encounter. Both men stood toe to toe with their opponents in their losses, and were disappointed at the end.

They are both seeking redemption tonight, and this is good news for spectators, as they will be going after each other from the first bell.