Jamie Moore v Michele Piccirillo

Moore hopes achieving the European light-middleweight crown when he fights Piccirillo in March will earn him a long-awaited world title shot before the end of 2009.

The 30-year-old Salford southpaw challenges Italian veteran boxing star Michele Piccirillo in Wigan for the vacant title after being forced to wait three years for his opportunity due to injury trouble.

Moore whos record includes 30 wins, 21 Kos and 3 defeats is currently ranked ninth with the WBC and is fully aware thatvictory over Piccirillo, who lost to current world champion Vernon Forrest in 2007, will enhance his world title chances significantly. Moore should be confident ahead of the clash as should punters backing him, he’s currently the early 1/5 favourite with Boylesports.

Moore recently said “I think I should have fought for the European title three years ago. I'll take all my frustration out on Piccirillo now. Hopefully it will all be worthwhile. The European title would open massive doors for me.”

Moore continued “At this stage in my career I want to be in big, meaningful fights which are going to enhance my reputation, move me up the ratings and put a few quid in the bank.”
Moore believes the 154lb division is wide open for him to seize his opportunity and even unify the titles in the medium division. First he’ll have to get past Italian Piccirillo.

“Piccirillo is known over there in America so I can make a statement. Even though he's 38 he fought Vernon Forrest last year and proved he's a world-class fighter.

Despite an impressive record of 50 wins, 29 Kos and just 4 defeats, the ageing Piccirillo is priced at just 5/1 to upset Moore with William Hill. Piccirillo is a former IBF welterweight champion and two-time WBC light-middleweight title challenger.

Punters should back Moore to a 4/6 Decision victory with Boylesports, or for a bigger payoff the 3/1 on offer from Boylesports for a Moore KO victory.