Peter McGrail vs. Ionut Baluta: Preview & Betting Tips

After the injury withdrawal of Shabaz Masoud, Peter McGrail now faces off against Romania’s Ionut Baluta in a high-risk low reward clash in Birmingham on Saturday night. 

Peter McGrail (11-1, 6 KO’s) has made a smooth transition into the pro ranks after having a standout amateur career. However, he suffered a shock defeat on points to Ja’Rico O’Quinn in December 2023. That stumble raised questions about his ability to deal with rugged, aggressive fighters, which makes this match-up against Baluta all the more intriguing.

Ionut Baluta (17-5-1, 3 KO’s) is a proven spoiler with wins over McGrail’s gym mates Andrew Cain and Brad Strand, and he’ll be determined to make that a hat-trick on Saturday night.

Tale of the Tape

Peter McGrail – Odds 1.13 (Sky Bet)

Record: 11-1, 6 KO’s

Age: 29

Height: 5ft7

Reach: 65”

Weight: Super-bantamweight

Stance: Southpaw

Ionut Baluta – Odds 6.00 (Sky Bet)

Record: 17-5-1, 3 KO’s

Age: 31

Height: 5ft7

Reach: 68”

Weight: Super-bantamweight

Stance: Orthodox

Peter McGrail vs Ionut Baluta: Analysis

Peter McGrail’s strengths lie in his fluid southpaw stance with razor-sharp counters and punch placement, along with good movement. The Liverpool man must stay focused at all costs, and if he can stay disciplined and control the range, he should be able to build a lead on the cards. 

All five of Baluta’s defeats have come via decision, and all of his losses have been quite competitive. Liam Davies and Dennis McCann both had to work for wide points wins, and even then, they weren’t without any bumps and bruises. Baluta is a nightmare assignment, and especially so on short notice, due to him being a pressure fighter with nothing to lose in this one.

McGrail vs Baluta: Prediction & Betting Tips

McGrail is rightly favoured, but that price offers little value given the risk. Baluta at 5/1 and over is tempting if you fancy the upset, especially given McGrail’s surprise loss in December 2023 and Baluta’s history of ending the hype of several prospects.

The Scouser should have more than enough technical skill to navigate Baluta’s pressure and come through with a decision win, but expect some rough moments along the way as this is no tune up fight. Baluta’s durability and McGrail’s smooth southpaw style suggest this one goes the distance with a unanimous decision the likeliest outcome.

My pick for this one is Peter McGrail to win by decision or technical decision at odds of 1.44.