Stevenson may run out of steam

THREE cracking world title fights in three countries either side of the Atlantic. I’m going nowhere tonight. First up Lee Selby defends his IBF featherweight crown against Josh Warrington in Leeds (above). Over in Maryland, WBC featherweight champ Gary Russell Jnr defends against fellow Olympian Joseph Diaz. Arguably the pick of the lot, light-heavyweight king Adonis Stevenson makes a ninth defence of his WBC title against Badou Jack in Toronto. He is all about knockout power. The only defeat on his record was a shock, second-round KO at super middle against Darnell Boone, who was down twice in the opening round. Stevenson got cocky and walked onto a big right. He’s learned his lesson since. A slick southpaw, he throws the jab from the hip, but it is the backhand that does the damage, racking up 24 early finishes, one of them Tony Bellew. He came to the pro game late at 28. Having turned 40 it is difficult to judge how long he has left. Jack is a solid fighter and six years younger. There is every chance we could see Stevenson age in the ring. Russell Jnr, fighting for only the fourth time in as many years, is fast, flashy and terrific to watch. Diaz, unbeaten in 26 fights, is a good all-rounder with excellent timing. I give him a chance but only a slim one. Same for Warrington in the battle of the Brits. He is on home turf at Elland Road, but does not have the power to trouble Selby, who is too quick and too clever. He will make his class count.

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