Jordan Gill vs Reece Bellotti – Who wins?
Jordan ‘The Thrill’ Gill (24-1, 7KOs) returns to ring for the first time in 11 months to face Reece ‘Bomber’ Bellotti (14-3, 12KOs) in a 12-round non-title featherweight contest on August 1 in the first of four 'Fight Camps' from the Matchroom Boxing HQ in Essex.
Former Commonwealth featherweight champion, Bellotti, 29-years-old from Watford, has had a disappointing couple of years with three defeats from his last five fights, with a shock defeat to ‘Ruthless’ Ryan Doyle (16-2-1) first of all, followed by a points loss to long-reigning British featherweight champion Ryan Walsh (22-2-2), and most recently dropping another close decision to Italian Francesco Grandelli (12-1-1) with the vacant WBC International Silver featherweight belt on the line. Sandwiched between that trio of reverses were two wins against lesser competition.
From 'The Fens', Dave Coldwell-trained Gill defeated Doyle in seven rounds to win the same Commonwealth title in October 2018 in what was Ryan’s first defence since taking it away from ‘Bomber’ Bellotti four months prior. Gill’s movement and boxing skill was too good for the champion to handle.
For many boxing purists, this is the fight of the night, so BBN asked their panel of experts for their views:
Anish Parekh
British Boxing News Writer
"This is some good matchmaking for Matchroom’s return to boxing.
Reece Bellotti began his career so well. His talent was immediately evident and culminated in his Commonwealth triumph. However, the wheels came off dramatically. He endured loss after loss, which has lead to his confidence and desire being called into question. This clash with Peterborough’s Jordan Gill represents an opportunity for Bellotti to turn a corner and get him back on the track which many thought would take him to world level.
Gill has impressed fans with his footwork, hand-speed and has demonstrated decent power. But he has also been doubted by some following his surprise loss to Tinoco last year. However, his claim to have not been 100% fit seems to be justified as he looked zapped of energy throughout that contest and never looked like his vibrant self.
Whilst Bellotti will give his all and remind everyone of his pedigree, I believe that Gill still has the potential to become a star. He can’t afford anymore slip ups and will be sharp and prepared to display his array of skills, which will ultimately be too much for Bellotti to handle.
Gill wins by stoppage between round 6 and 9."
Tino Bellot
Three-weight National amateur champion
"I’m a really big fan of Jordan Gill, and I think he’s a fighter that often goes under the radar.
Reece Bellotti has shown a lot of promise at times and that he’s got a lot of heart, but I’m leaning towards a majority decision win for Jordan Gill."
Steve Wood
Manager / Promoter, VIP Promotions
"Another great 50/50 fight and tempted to go with the better boxing skills of Gill, but decided to edge towards Bellotti due to his extra punching power.
Hopefully, the hard fights he has had will have give him experience and not took things out of him or I may be proved wrong."
Tim Rickson
Sports Agent
"I think Jordan Gill possesses the better boxing ability, discipline and skill out of the these two.
Gill has a lovely jab, which his opponents, such as Doyle, find it hard to get past. Although not particularly heavy handed, with just seven stoppages from 25 contests, Gill can hurt his opponents with his accuracy and speed, and he always looks to jump on his prey with unrelenting pressure when he senses the finish.
Bellotti is clearly a very decent figher and will not be overcome easily. If Gill can control the pace and flow of the fight from behind his crisp jab then I think he will be en route to a points win, but will also always have that chance of landed a speedy, accurate punch just right that could turn into a stoppage win at any time."
Ryan Clark
Co-Founder of buymyfight.com
"Great fight! Bellotti will bring a good fight to Gill if he lets his hands go. Up until 18 months ago, Jordan Gill would be the clear favourite. His movement and speed should be enough to see him through this fight but since he suffered a loss, I don’t think his head has been at the same confidence level it once was. He will get there, and that’s when we’ll see him climb the ranks, but it all depends on whether he’s shaken off that self-doubt yet?
I can see Bellotti causing some issues for Gill in the later rounds as he goes all-in, but as long as Gill keeps his cool and uses his footwork to stay out of trouble, I think he’ll stay ahead on points for the duration."
Gus Devlin
British Boxing News Writer
"The classic boxer vs puncher fight.
Jordan Gill has the boxing ability to outclass and outpoint Reece Bellotti, but the Bomber has the equaliser ready to pounce at any moment so this one could be dramatic and could potentially end at any moment.
Gill should win this, but with Belotti's power he could alter the course of proceedings if Gill begins to control the tempo of the fight with his speed and accuracy of his shots. Don't rule out a Bellotti stoppage win as his record suggests he can bang with 12 of his 14 wins coming by way of stoppage.
Prediction: Gill stoppage win mid to late rounds."
Chris Glover
Unbeaten professional boxer
"I think this is a great fight for both. I've spent time around Jordan in camp a couple of years back and I believe he is an excellent fighter. Reece is no pushover and will definitely come to fight, I just see Jordan having an advantage in skill and if he sticks to the game plan I see him emerging victoriously."
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