PROMOTER PLAYS HIS CARD RIGHT

UNDERCARDS are often a talking point among boxing fans.

Hardcore supporters demand there are plenty of good fights on the card.

The so-called casual fans couldn’t care less what is on before the main event.

Some are just happy to see some rising talent even if they’re knocking over binmen.

All promoters have been guilty of serving up sideshows of little quality, especially when the main event has been an expensive one to put on.

Tonight in Manchester the top of the bill clash between George Groves and Chris Eubank Jnr is a fight that has all the ingredients to be a cracker, one that has left fans split over who will win.

But down the bill there are three other fights which could conceivably steal the show if the main event fails to live up to expectations.

The World Boxing Super Series’ financial backers initially didn’t even want undercards for the tournament.

But promoter Kalle Sauerland knew he had to put on something, otherwise he would be slammed by boxing fans if there was only one bout and it ended in seconds.

And tonight they have delivered one of the most evenly-matched cards of the year.

The British featherweight title clash between Ryan Walsh (inset) and Isaac Lowe (bottom) has the ingredients to be a tear-up between two pint-sized punchers.

Commonwealth champion Reece Belotti will be an interested observer as he wants to face the winner.

At middleweight the Lonsdale belt is also on the line as Tommy Langford defends the title against Blackpool’s Jack Arnfield. The English cruiserweight clash between Arfan Iqbal and Simon Vallily is another that could entertain the crowd at Manchester Arena provided, of course, they take their seats early enough.

Groves and Eubank didn’t need a decent support card.

But they have got one which will be well worth watching.