Josh Padley vs Reece Bellotti: Preview & Betting Tips

The super-featherweight clash between Josh Padley and Reece Bellotti promises to deliver fireworks when the two meet on Saturday night in Sheffield.

Padley (16-1, 5 KO’s). A tidy, technical boxer with good ring IQ, he has built his career quietly but impressively. His most recent performance was a TKO victory over Marko Cvetanovic in April 2025, and this has continued his upwards career trajectory.

Bellotti (20-6, 15 KO’s), the 34-year-old Londoner carries a reputation as one of the division’s hardest hitters. Known for his all-action style and willingness to engage, Bellotti has shared the ring with some of Britain’s best domestic talents in recent years.

Tale of the Tape

Josh Padley – Odds 1.33

Record: 16-1, 5 KO’s

Age: 29

Height: 5ft7

Reach: N/A

Weight: Super-featherweight

Stance: Orthodox 

Reece Bellotti – Odds 3.30

Record: 20-6, 15 KO’s

Age: 34

Height: 5ft7

Reach: 70”

Weight: Super-featherweight

Stance: Orthodox Josh Padley vs Reece Bellotti: Analysis

While not a one-punch knockout artist, Padley uses sharp combinations in the pocket, excellent timing, and high work rate to outpoint his opponents. His footwork and defensive awareness are also improving, which will be crucial against a puncher like Bellotti.

But, the best days of Bellotti may be behind him. His form has been inconsistent in recent years. He was stopped by Ryan Garner back in July in the twelfth round of an entertaining but punishing contest. That defeat highlighted Bellotti’s vulnerability to sustained pressure and his tendency to fade late, and that’s something Padley’s team will surely target.

Padley vs Bellotti: Prediction & Betting Tips

Padley’s cleaner technical style contrasts sharply with Bellotti’s raw aggression and plodding style. Bellotti has nearly twice as many professional rounds (179 to Padley’s 104), but that mileage could be a double-edged sword, at least that’s how it looks coming into this one.

The Doncaster man will aim to make Bellotti miss early, drain his gas tank, and control the tempo behind the jab. Of course, an added factor in this one could be that Padley is essentially fighting on home turf in Sheffield, given it’s only a short drive away from his hometown of Doncaster. So he will have the crowd on his side to spur him on even more.

I expect Padley to start cautiously, using his jab and lateral movement to keep Bellotti at bay. Bellotti will look to press forward and make it a brawl, but his defensive lapses and declining stamina could tell as the rounds wear on. 

If Padley can weather the early storm and maintain his rhythm, he should box his way to a clear decision. On that note, my pick is Josh Padley to win by decision or technical decision at odds of 1.80. I’m also tempted to put a very small amount on a Paddy Power price boost: Josh Padley to win in rounds 6-10 at odds of 8.00.