Chris ‘Prime Time’ Colbert will attempt to extend his unbeaten record and retain the WBA interim super featherweight title when he takes on Tugstsogt Nyambayar on Sunday.
Colbert was originally slated to take on Yuriorkis Gamboa but the 39-year-old Cuban was forced to withdraw due to an injured rib.
Tugstsogt, a former featherweight title contender and Olympic silver medallist, agreed to step in on just two weeks’ notice to ensure the bout could go ahead at the Dignity Health Sports Park in California.
It’s no surprise to see Colbert priced as short as 1/7 to extend his undefeated streak to 16 this weekend, while Tugstsogt can be backed at 4/1 to prevail.
Colbert to Benefit From Late Change
The original matchup between Colbert and Gamboa wasn’t expected to be hugely exciting with the veteran challenger known for his more pragmatic approach.
However, the introduction of Tugstsogt to the mix should lead to a more much intriguing contest in Carson.
King Tut, who boasts a 12-1 record, has the power advantage but that’s the only area where he holds the edge.
The Mongolian-born boxer is stepping up in weight and will be conceding an inch in the height stakes, while Colbert also has a four-inch reach advantage.
American Colbert is known for his speed and footwork and he should be superior when it comes to defence.
But Colbert has only won six of his 15 fights by knockout and he has had to rely on the judges to claim nine victories via decision.
Another decision triumph, which is available at 20/31, looks the most likely outcome as Colbert seeks to further enhance his reputation.
Spark Steps in to Face Sydney Favourite
It’s an all-Australian affair when Tim Tszyu and Steve Spark square off at the Entertainment Centre, Newcastle, Australia.
Once again it’s a late change in the contest after Michael Zerafa withdrew from the July 7 contest on just seven days notice due to concerns of Covid and travel restrictions.
"I really wanted to take this guy out…"@Tim_Tszyu previews his next challenge after the official withdrawal of Michael Zerafa.#ozboxing #boxing pic.twitter.com/2cdaDpgiw0
— Aus-Boxing.com (@ausboxing) July 1, 2021
Spark, a 17/2 underdog, was already in training camp for a fight later in July, however, he was eager to put his hand up and step in.
Sydney native Tszyu, who is the son of former world champion Kostya, is the heavy 1/33 favourite to come out on top.
Huge credit has to go to Spark for agreeing to take the fight on such short notice and it’s also worth noting that he is jumping up to the super welterweight division.
Tszyu has yet to taste defeat in 18 trips to the ring, winning 14 by knockout, and he can be backed at 4/25 to win by KO, TKO or DQ.
The 26-year-old is no stranger to an early stoppage, beating Ireland’s Dennis Hogan in round five last time out, while six of his victories have come inside two rounds.
He looks an attractive prospect to claim victory in rounds 1-2 at 16/5.
*All odds correct at time of writing