Preview - Jenkins vs Nurse II

You may not have noticed, but this week has been an extremely busy one in the world of British Boxing.

The Frampton/Quigg press tour reached a crescendo in Belfast today, following previous stops in London and Manchester.

David Haye has announced, in his own overstated way, that he is making a comeback and has a new trainer in Shane McGuigan.

Anthony Crolla fights for a world title in Manchester on Saturday.

Martin Murray fights for a world title in Germany on Saturday.

Lee Haskins fights for a world title in Vegas on Saturday.

As I previously mentioned, this has been a crazy week for British Boxing.

However, beneath the glitz and the glamour, the press tours and the comebacks, there is a fight that has slipped under the radar somewhat. The fight in question is a rematch. But it’s not Crolla and Perez doing battle again that has caught the attention of this writer; it’s Jenkins v Nurse II.

Both of your British Boxing Blog correspondents were ringside for the first encounter, an enthralling 12 round fight for the vacant British Super Lightweight title back in July which ended in a draw. And luckily for us, and for the watching public in Manchester this Saturday night, both men will be facing off once more.

It was a fight we both enjoyed immensely, not in a blood and guts, knockdowns and knockouts way, but in a “sweet science” way. The clash of styles of Jenkins and Nurse was evident throughout, making for an enthralling, absorbing fight.

Chris Jenkins, the unbeaten Welshman and former Prizefighter champion started the fight at a fast pace, making use of his jab and natural power to unsettle Tyrone Nurse and knock him out of his natural rhythm.

Nurse, however, regained his composure during the middle rounds and impressed us both with his boxing skills and movement, despite not having the punching power that Jenkins possesses.

Tyrone’s momentum continued during the later rounds of the fights, and a lot of people ringside were speculating that he had done enough down the stretch to nick a points decision (Howard Foster certainly agreed with this analysis – scoring the contest 117-112 in favour of Nurse).

However the other two judges could not split both men and the fight was called a draw. This was maybe a tad harsh on Nurse, who on another night may have done enough to win the vacant belt.

The eagerly anticipated rematch will take place on Saturday 21st November on the Matchroom Boxing promoted Anthony Crolla v Darleys Perez II card at the Manchester Evening News Arena.

It really is a 50/50 fight, with many questions still to be answered. Will it be Jenkins’ come forward style and punching power, or Nurse’s slick movement and counter punching that comes out on top?

The bookies can’t call it – Tyrone Nurse is a narrow favourite at Evens, with Chris Jenkins available at 11/10.

And just like the bookmakers, I am struggling to call this one myself. All I know is that fight fans are in for a treat and should enjoy the rematch between these two warriors. British title fights remain occasions to savour and can bring the best out of fighters (see Blackwell and Arnfield’s contest last week), here’s hoping it can do the same to Jenkins and Nurse for a second time.

If the rematch is half as good as the first fight then those present in the Arena and the Sky Sports audience should bear witness to a great spectacle.