BoxRec

Skelton UD. D

Is this being shown?

I may be in a minority here, but I wouldn't mind seeing this.

Two old warriors, Paolo Vidoz and Matt Skelton, square up for the European heavyweight title in Italy on December 19.
The 38-year-old Vidoz was outscored by Sinan Samil Sam Sam for the same title in his last fight in July but it was desperately close (originally delared a draw) and the Italian deserves another go, especially as the fight took place in Sam's backyard in Turkey and Sam clearly didn't fancy a rematch and vacated the belt.
Vidoz, on home soil, thus represents a big obstacle for Bedford's 41-year-old Skelton, who was outpointed by Ruslan Chagaev in a crack at the WBA heavyweight title in Germany last time out in January and will know how difficult it is to get any kind of a result in the other man's country, even though Chagaev deserved the nod. Italy is notorious, in fact. Just ask Colin Lynes and a hatful of other British fighters down the years, even the gifted Kirkland Laing. Vidoz will hit and hold, complain, win over the referee and try and 'kid' his way to the verdict, when not thumping away for real. He has a good jab for a heavy.
Still, the burly Skelton is nothing if not rough and tough and will get stuck into the home man and look to wear him down. Big Matt sets a hot pace for his age (and for a heavy) and can do 12 rounds in his sleep. He has never been stopped. Trouble is, Vidoz is a big fellow himself and will prove hard to outmuscle. He also does the 12 rounds well. Basically, the Bedford bear needs a knockout to win this one and Skelton is one of those clubbing punchers as opposed to a one-punch knockout artist.
Vidoz might just nick it.

Hopefully this is shown, I know sky have got show on 18th in Dublin they could do the 19th. Skelton to win on points or late stoppage.

Vidoz's home advantage will secure a decision for him

Coco wrote:Vidoz's home advantage will secure a decision for him

I agree, a close possibly controversial decision for Vodoz

Howcome Frank didn't try to outbid the Italians!

Skelton could outwork this guy pretty easy though, Vidoz gasses and getting outboxed by Virchis makes me confident enough to pick Skelton.

Hope Skelton wins, we used to always have a euro champ at HW till Lewis, the rest of them became weak as the whole division weakened.

One of those fights that just won't ever be exciting.

It'll be close but Vidoz will take it, etc.

Punchy Joe wrote:

Coco wrote:Vidoz's home advantage will secure a decision for him

I agree, a close possibly controversial decision for Vodoz

Double agreed - even if Skelton does enough to win, in Italy the decision will go to Vidoz. I've seen some pretty horrific officiating in Itay. Also, although I don't like to stereo-type fighters, but a lot of italian fighters play up to the referee in attempts to get points deducted or even win by DQ. Fighters that spring to mind are Cantatore(crusierweight) and Gianluco Branco(light-welterweight), and Sandro Casamonica (lightweight).