Maxi Hughes vs. Archie Sharp: Preview & Betting Tips

Maxi Hughes is one of those types of fighters that doesn’t do anything spectacularly good, he’s just solid at pretty much everything. His only real weak area you would have to say is his physical attributes such as foot speed, hand speed, reflexes and power. But, he more than makes up for that with his boxing brain and technique. 

The Yorkshireman will look to dictate the pace of the bout with his busy jab and superior punching volume. Sharp has never been the most active fighter, and Hughes’ consistent output could be the difference in this one. Hughes also has big fight experience and world-class skills, having fought the likes of Kid Galahad, Kambosos Jr and William Zepeda.

Archie Sharp once threatened to be a world level operator, but his career has not panned out that way. Nevertheless, he has a chance to put his name in the conversation for top 15 ranked fighters in the lightweight division. 

Sharp will need to use his faster hands in this one, and if he forces Hughes into exchanges where he can land the quicker shots, he can then use his footwork to exit out of range. The issue with the 30-year-old is that he rarely plants his feet; his punches lack any real mustard and even conviction in his shots.

Hughes vs Sharp: Prediction & Betting Tips

This matchup is seemingly the well-schooled and seasoned technician vs a slightly fresher and more athletic boxer. Hughes is the more proven at 135lbs, with higher-level experience and better ring generalship. Sharp’s physical attributes are clearly better, but he hasn’t yet shown he can apply them against top competition.

I thoroughly expect Sharp to show glimpses of quality, but Hughes’ ring IQ and engine should prove decisive over the back half of the fight. And one thing I do not like about Sharp is how he often drops his lead hand. If he does this against Hughes, the veteran can time him and maybe double up the power of his straight shots.

Maxi Hughes to win outright is 1.29 (Bet 365). That price really does nothing for me. Neither does Hughes to win via decision at 1.53 (Bet 365). And to be honest, I know that Hughes doesn’t have great power, but Sharp has been dropped by lesser opposition than the Doncaster man. So I’m not 100% convinced it goes the distance, but I’m not overly confident in seeing a stoppage either.

On that note, I’m taking Hughes outright in a double with Terri Harper to win via decision at 1.80 (Bet 365) against Natalie Zimmermann in the main event. 

Harper, the hometown girl, is way more skilled than Zimmermann, who enters the ring undefeated at 42-years-old. The German is quite a tricky southpaw though, so getting to her may be tricky for a few rounds, hence why I like “Belter” to outclass her going the distance.