Mark Clauzel has the utmost respect for Ellis Corrie but believes Basi Razaq will prove his superiority when the pair collide in a tasty North-East derby.
Darlington prospect Corrie has home advantage and is the busier boxer going into this fascinating eight-rounder for the British Promoters Association Challenge Belt at the Dolphin Centre.
Even though Razaq is the more experienced fighter, having had nine bouts, seven of which have been Ws, a number of observers feel Ellis will prevail.
But Basi’s boss begs to differ.
“I think Basi will shock a few people,” said Clauzel. “I think he’ll win the title and do it in style.
“Whether it’s a KO or going the distance, I’m confident he’ll do it.
“I’m not saying it’s going to be a stoppage but don’t be surprised if it is.
“Basi is ready for a good, hard eight-rounder but he does carry power and he’s dropped people in sparring.”
Razaq does have three wins inside the distance on his fight log, but they were in his first three contests, so that suggests the bout could go all the way.
And Clauzel feels Razaq’s pedigree might prove key to the outcome against a boxer who once excelled in the Thai side of the fight game.
“Ellis is a good fighter,” said the 35-year-old former light-middleweight.
“It’s going to be a great fight. I come from a kick-boxing background and I know what a tough sport Ellis has come from, you are getting punched, kicked and elbowed.
“Ellis is a good kid but someone of Basi’s pedigree should be beating him.
“He has fought at a higher level as an amateur and as a pro and Ellis is a four-fight novice.
“Basi is the more seasoned boxer and should, on paper, win it.
“But this is boxing, it’s as much about who turns up on the night. I’m really looking forward to it, it’s going to be a fantastic fight.
“Basi has had some great sparring, including with [former British champion] Tyrone Nurse. He’s prepared really well.
“People might think ‘Basi’s been out a while’ but he’s back and he’s focused.”
Razaq was back and overweight when he got on the scales at the Dolphin Centre today, coming in three pounds over the mark. As boxing rules allow, he was given an hour to shift the excess and while he came back a pound over the bout will go ahead.
There is a second derby on the bill and this is likely to fall into the demolition derby category.
Ferryhill’s Richard O’Neill, unbeaten in four bouts, comes against Greg O’Neil over six rounds in a battle of the former Gus Robinson Developments team-mates.
Troy Williamson boxes in his home tow for the second time, as does comeback man Chris Burton.
Martin Ward is also on the comeback trail, boxing for the first time since being stopped by Abigail Medina for the European super-bantamweight title.
There are no comebacks in the other two bouts where Luke Cope and Mark Downing box for the first time as professionals.
There are a limited number of tickets remaining for the Steve Wraith-promoted show which will be available on the door at the Dolphin Centre.
