Betting Tip - Jamie Moore vs. Michele Piccirillo
Published March 5, 2009 by Martin Bean
Salford’s popular Jamie Moore (30-3, 21 KO’s) gets his long awaiting European Light Middleweight Title shot (currently vacant) on Friday 6th March 2009 at the Robin Park Centre, Wigan. In the opposite corner is a tough, experienced 39 year old opponent; Michele Piccirillo from Italy.
Piccirillo, 50-4 (29 KO’s), has actually held this title previously, winning the vacant title in March 2006 against Lukas Konecny and making two successful defences (including one against Englishman Michael Jones) prior to vacating the crown in pursuit of world honours. During his long career ,which started in 1992, Piccirillo has held a World Title at Welterweight (IBF) and mixed with some huge names in world boxing, such as Vernon Forrest (L TKO 11), Cory Spinks (twice – W PTS 12 & L PTS 12) and Ricardo Mayorga (L PTS 12).
Moore on the other hand has not boxed anywhere near that level, with the biggest names on his ledger coming strictly in domestic match ups against Matthew Macklin (W RSF 10), David Walker (W RSF 4) and Michael Jones (Moore won 2 fights of their trilogy). Despite that, the bookmakers make Moore the odds on favourite to take the title on home turf. Indeed the location of this fight is pivotal – Piccirillo is not an easy man to beat with his rangy style but beating him in Italy would have been a real challenge, so Moore’s promoter Frank Maloney deserves immense credit for securing home town advantage for Moore.
I see this being a tricky night for Moore as Piccirillo is the type to mess Moore around if things aren’t going his way. The early rounds could be close and scrappy as Moore tries to find his rhythm and range, something that will prove difficult with Piccirillo looking to hold every time Moore gets close.
However, Moore has waited a very long time for this opportunity and his desire will not wane at any point during these awkward moments. By the middle rounds, Moore will be having increased success, landing clean shots with some regularity and his body work will be starting to find the target.
From this point on Moore will not look back and I expect him to dominate the Italian through to the finish. So, will this be a 12 rounder or can Moore force the stoppage? I see a Moore stoppage. Mainly because for Piccirillo, this is a step down and I question his motivation at the age of 39. Losing to Vernon Forrest in December 2007 was almost certainly Piccirillo’s last shot at the big time whereas a determined, hungry Moore has waited years for this chance and yearns for bigger opportunities.
I expect a stoppage to come around the 10th so definitely back a Moore KO win. I hope I am right because Moore is an all round nice guy and sportsman. Having waited patiently for several years to get such an opportunity, I hope he’s able to take it and move on to bigger opportunities.
Click the link here to see an excellent video of Jamie Moore’s preparations with coach Oliver Harrison for Friday’s match up, produced by talented boxing photographer Andy Ball.
BOXING CAPITAL TIP – Jamie Moore to Win by KO @ 6/5 (Skybet - 5th March)
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