The two names may not jump off the screen at you, but this fight has the makings of a good scrap. European welterweight champion Leonard Bundu (29-0-2, 10 KO) will defend his crown against the tough and rugged Englishman, "Lights Out" Lee Purdy (20-4-1, 13 KO) on Saturday, Dec. 14 in London.
The 39-year-old Bundu is looking to extend his reign as champion with another win. It will be his fifth title defense since claiming the crown in Nov. 2011.
Purdy had some issues in his last bout. His corner threw in the towel after the seventh round against then-IBF champion, Devon Alexander. Purdy didn't make weight for the fight, so Alexander's title wasn't on the line. Even if it were, Purdy was no match for Alexander, who even injured his hand early in the fight.
Purdy will be looking to shine in front of a crowd that figures to be firmly behind him at the ExCel Arena. It is part of a large card that will also feature Paul Smith, Kevin Mitchell and Martin Murray. Here's how you can catch the action.
When: Saturday, Dec. 14, at 1 p.m EST
Where: ExCel Arena in London
TV: Sky Sports
The Book on Bundu and Purdy
Better Late than Never
Despite turning pro at the late age of 30, Bundu has made up for lost time. Aside from being undefeated, Bundu has steadily honed his impressive natural gifts and become even more fundamentally sound.
BoxRec.com only has Bundu listed at No. 15 among all welterweights in the world, but a win over Purdy could open a few eyes. If he wants it, Bundu could ultimately move into position to take on a more popular English welterweight like Kell Brook.
If his aspirations are even higher, he could entertain some of the more well-known 147-pounders who do their work stateside.
Chance for Redemption
Much went wrong for Purdy against Alexander. It is one thing to be outclassed in the ring, but another to be what some might call unprofessional and miss weight. Though he was a late add for the fight with Alexander, it is hard to understand him missing the weight when 147 pounds is his normal weight class.
Nevertheless, Purdy is a tough guy with some solid skills. Before he ran into Alexander he had stopped four straight opponents. Can he end Bundu's reign as European champion?
Prediction
Bundu's skill level is very high. He does stand a bit flat-footed, but his ability to seamlessly switch between southpaw and orthodox is impressive and confusing for most of his opponents.
His power has been picking up lately in his career as well. All four of his title defenses have come by stoppage. In his fight with Antonio Moscatiello in March 2012, Bundu broke his opponent down and ended the night in the fifth round. The hard left hook to the body folded Moscatiello like a collapsable picnic table.
The stockily built champion is going to be a load to handle.
Purdy is probably the best puncher Bundu has faced since Moscatiello. However, Bundu's slickness, speed and overall athleticism could make this fight look a little like the Alexander bout.
I expect Purdy to be in better shape and energized to perform well in front of his countrymen, but ultimately Bundu's talent and strength will give him the edge.
Bundu wins by unanimous decision or late stoppage.
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