Josh Padley vs Marko Cvetanovic Predictions: ‘Paddy’ goes full-time under the spotlight

Cinderella man Josh Padley returns this Saturday, April 19 as he takes on Marko Cvetanovic. The bout takes place at the Canon Medical Arena in Sheffield on the undercard of Dalton Smith vs Mathieu Germain. DAZN will screen the event live.

Here are my Padley vs Cvetanovic predictions ahead of the return of ‘Paddy’.

Josh Padley vs Marko Cvetanovic Odds

Unknown quantity Cvetanovic is 14/1. Padley, for the first time in three fights, is the favourite. ‘Paddy’ is 1/50. A draw is available at 20/1.

Josh Padley vs Marko Cvetanovic Fight Preview

Padley rocketed into international consciousness when he risked it all for the ultimate shot at greatness. The Doncaster lightweight was enjoying a fine career domestically, going 15-0 and coming off a career-best win over Mark Chamberlain. Little did Padley know that his Wembley victory on Riyadh Season’s Wembley debut would hand him the biggest chance of his life.

When Shakur Stevenson’s original opponent, Floyd Schofield, withdrew from their WBC lightweight title fight back in February, Padley stepped in on three-day’s notice. It was a heroic move from a fighter who had an unbeaten record to protect. Even more so because Padley was not even full-time at that stage, still retaining his day job as an electrician.

Padley lasted nine rounds with one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. It was a star-making display, even though Stevenson stopped him with a slew of body shots. The brave display, last-minute bravery and relatable back-story made Padley an overnight sensation. Stevenson feted his bravery and Matchroom supremo Eddie Hearn was only too happy to sign the Doncaster man.

The money and exposure from the Saudi fairytale has allowed Padley to go full-time. Having already shown immense promise before the Shakur fight, Padley is now in a position to maximise his potential. A lot of fighters would have shied away from taking the Stevenson fight on such short notice, particularly if they were unbeaten. But Padley’s bravery has brought him deserved rewards.

Padley squares off with unbeaten Serbian southpaw Cvetanovic here. You could argue Cvetanovic is taking a smaller-scale version of the Stevenson chance. While he has had notice for this fight and Padley is not yet a world-level competitor, the visitor is still risking an undefeated slate in another country against a fighter heavily-favoured to beat him.

Cvetanovic has fought exclusively in Serbia against a parade of journeyman opponents. Padley has been the underdog in his last two fights, with Chamberlain having also been heavily favoured to defeat him. Now it is the turn of ‘Paddy’ to be the heavy favourite.

The win over Chamberlain gets better by the day, with the southpaw looking excellent as he outscored Miguel Angel Scaringi earlier this month. Taking that into account, plus Padley’s spirited display against Stevenson, I think the Donny man is ready for his close-up. Padley has a chance to seize the day against Cvetanovic and build on the name he has made for himself.

Josh Padley vs Marko Cvetanovic Full Card

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Josh Padley vs Marko Cvetanovic

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Josh Padley vs Marko Cvetanovic Prediction

Padley is not a big puncher, having scored just four knockouts in his 15 wins. But he is too skilled and accomplished for Cvetanovic. I think ‘Paddy’ takes this one comfortably and makes good on that 1/50.

You can find all our latest boxing betting tips and analysis at our Betfred Insights Boxing page and our latest boxing odds here.