Jack Rafferty vs Henry Turner Predictions: The underdog will have his day

Commonwealth super lightweight champion Jack Rafferty defends his title this Saturday, October 5, against Henry Turner. The vacant British belt will also be on the line at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool. This title affair takes place on the undercard of WBA featherweight champion Nick Ball’s defence against Ronny Rios. TNT Sports will televise the event. 

Here are my Rafferty vs Turner predictions ahead of a tasty title tussle.

Rafferty has been riding the crest of a wave, winning all 23 of his fights and stopping five out of his last six opponents. That run has included stoppages in his last three outings. The pick of the bunch was the first-round knockout of Lee Appleyard that secured the Commonwealth title. 

Turner is unbeaten too, having gone the WBC international route. That belt can help with world rankings but at this early stage of his career, it makes more sense for Turner to come into the domestic championship fold. This shot at the Commonwealth and vacant British straps can see Turner really make some noise.

It is always heartening to see two undefeated fighters risk their mythical ‘0’ like this. There remains some antiquated thinking in modern boxing that an unblemished record is its own currency. But as UFC and the recent Saudi cards have shown, fans gravitate to competitive fights. The untouched prospect pounding on journeymen until their record entices a sanctioning body into awarding a world title opportunity is growing passé.

This is a well-matched fight, too. Both have competed at a similar standard, with Turner hitting 10-round level in 2022 and Rafferty following in 2023. Each has left behind the novice stage of their pro journeys and are moving up cards across the country. 

This is a first big-arena fight for the champion, while his challenger has competed at Wembley Arena in some early six-rounders. Turner cut his teeth at the famed York Hall in Bethnal Green while Rafferty was once a fixture on cards at the Bolton Whites Hotel. These men have paid their dues and are now reaping the rewards on a world title bill.

Turner is a considered southpaw, methodical and measured in his game. His raids are timed and tested, catching opponents with acumen more than aggression. A rangy 5’10, he likes to keep foes at range. Turner keeps his antagonists honest with a pumping right jab and whipped lefts over the top.

Rafferty is a proponent of smart pressure. He’ll walk you down and push you back, but behind a high guard and a jab. A boxer’s puncher, he looks to win the outside fight before winning the inside one. It is a style that will be an interesting match for a fighter who likes to pin opponents down on the end of his jab.

Just an inch shorter than Turner at 5’9, Rafferty fights smaller. Tight and hunched, he looks to explode on the inside. He’ll have to get low to get under that Turner lead if he is to have another belt to add to his mantle. 

Turner will have a tough crowd to contend with. The London resident walks into a crowd likely to have more than a few supporters of Rafferty. The journey from Shaw in Oldham to Liverpool is a short one and he is bound to have vociferous backing.

Jack Rafferty vs Henry Turner Fight Odds

It’s close here. Turner is a 4/5 favourite while Rafferty is close behind him at 11/10. The draw is 16/1, far from the 20-25/1 we are often used to seeing. Make no mistake, this is a close fight.

Jack Rafferty vs Henry Turner Full Card

Nick Ball vs. Ronny Rios; For Ball's WBA featherweight title 

Jack Rafferty vs. Henry Turner; vacant British super lightweight title 

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Jack Turner vs. Gonzalo Corinaldesi

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Rafferty vs Turner Prediction

This fight is right where Turner likes it, I feel. His educated southpaw style, long limbs and accurate jab seem made to keep Rafferty at bay. This fight could turn if Rafferty makes his way inside, but I just don’t see him doing so often enough to win.

I don’t see Rafferty being stopped. He seems to have too much grit and edge for that. But I do see him being outboxed. My pick is Turner to win on points at 6/4.

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