Troy Isley vs Tyler Howard Predictions: Isley can decisively conquer ‘Hercules’

Undefeated middleweight Troy Isley fights ‘Hercules’ Trey Howard this Friday, November 8. The bout takes place at the Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia. It forms part of the undercard for Keyshawn Davis’ lightweight clash with Gustavo Lemos. Sky Sports + will televise the action live.

Here are my Isley vs Howard predictions ahead of this middleweight meeting.

Isley took on his toughest opponent last time out, being given a thorough 10-round workout against then-unbeaten Javier Martinez. Isley won deservedly on the cards, but the gritty Mexican pushed him hard. It was a thrilling fight with some big exchanges and exactly the sort of outing Isley needed. After impressing against lesser opposition, the American proved he could perform under pressure.

Howard could be viewed as a bit of a backwards step for the world-ranked Isley. 20-1 isn’t a bad record on paper, but his longest fights have been eight rounds in duration. Howard’s sole loss came over that distance, on points to Ian Green. This feels like a keep-busy fight for Isley, however unfair that sounds towards his opponent.

The middleweight division is wide open. Janibek Alimkhanuly is the best the 160lb class has. The destructive WBO and IBF champion remains unbeaten, but he has had issues making the weight in the past. Eternal campaigner Erislandy is the WBA champion, but he is 41 years of age and has had a hard career. Carlos Adames looks like a real talent. The 30-year-old is impressive but his 2019 loss to Patrick Teixeira shows he can be unseated.

Isley knows with a win here he is right in that mix as a potential challenger. The WBO and WBC both have him in their world ratings, while The Ring ranks him ninth in their divisional top-10. A big win against Howard will put him in the reckoning when 2025 rolls around.

Howard has never been stopped, while Isley has five knockouts from his 13 wins. It is a decent return but not the work of a true puncher. This can present a problem at times, because Isley does like to get involved. He went punch-for-punch with Martinez at times and that tendency to go to war can harm fighters without a lethal punch. 

Howard has 11 knockouts from 20 wins so he isn’t packing outrageous power either. But as the underdog, he might be tempted to throw everything at this. That is a risk that an up-and-coming fighter runs. Early on, before the world titles and global fame, they often face fighters with nothing to lose. Think Breidis Prescott spreading Amir Khan violently across a Manchester mat. 

Howard might be the underdog, but Isley must beware of the Hail Mary. I do think the fact I have brought this up as part of my analysis does reflect Howard’s slim chance, though. A boxer of Isley’s pedigree should have this task well in hand. If he does, then those world title opportunities surely await.

Troy Isley vs Tyler Howard Fight Odds

Howard is a 7/1 underdog here, a herculean task you might say. Isley is the justifiable favourite at 1/16. The draw is priced at 20/1. 

Troy Isley vs Tyler Howard Full Card

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Troy Isley vs. Tyler Howard

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Kelvin Davis vs. Yeis Solano

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Robert Meriwether III vs. Eric Howard

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Troy Isley vs Tyler Howard Prediction

As you might be able to infer from my copy, I’m going for Isley in this one. What’s more, I think he secures the win by knockout. ‘Hercules’ Howard has done okay at a level, but it is one far below that of Isley. My pick is Isley by stoppage at a very backable 7/4.

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