Maisey Rose Courtney vs. Jasmina Zapotoczna Preview
Jasmina Zapotoczna entered the bright lights of a Matchroom show in February for the very first time. Live on DAZN, Zapotoczna was supposed to square off against Maisey Rose Courtney. But when the unbeaten flyweight hopeful withdrew through injury, Zapotoczna was kept on the card to fight Shannon Ryan, who was also on the search for a new opponent when her originally intended opposition Emma Dolan also dropped out.
Zapotoczna, despite being at a physical disadvantage, gave the then unbeaten Ryan an incredibly tough evening and could be considered a shade unlucky not come away with at least a share of the spoils. But losing her unbeaten record to Ryan was anything but the end of the Jasmina Zapotoczna story. The manner of that defeat and the performance that she served up only enhanced her reputation.
Zapotoczna returns to those DAZN bright lights again this weekend and finally gets the chance to face off against the talented and highly-touted Courtney at the Copper Box Arena.
It is another supreme opportunity for Zapotoczna to rip up the script and change her own career trajectory. The Polish-born fighter will be inspired by the fact that when Dolan and Ryan did eventually meet a few weeks ago, it was the 'away' fighter who had her hand raised after ten close and competitive rounds. Zapotoczna, again, the fighter in the away corner, will hope that is a good pointer for her against Courtney.
Courtney and Zapotoczna will be everything the heavyweight main event won't be. Johnny Fisher and Alen Babic will bring a different type of entertainment at the top of the card. It will be power over refinement. But the two flyweights a little earlier on in the evening will offer more than a touch of finesse to their craft. It might not quite be the blood and thunder that Fisher and Babic will undoubtedly give us, but Courtney and Zapotoczna will be everything that should be applauded and celebrated from their side of the sport.
Unbeaten in six professional fights since turning pro in 2022, Courtney is now starting to show why there is all that considerable hype around her. The ever-improving prospect is now developing into a serious contender for global honours. Like her good friend, Skye Nicolson, perhaps her greatest asset is her distance control. You can quite easily see Courtney winning world titles in the coming years.
But there are fights at domestic level, that Courtney could have before a serious charge at world honours begins. A fight with the European Champion Chloe Watson looks likely before the year ends. Nicola Hopewell, the Commonwealth Champion, could also be on her horizon. But make no mistake, Zapotoczna should not be overlooked.
Zapotoczna gave Ryan a very uncomfortable night in February, and she is incredibly confident of doing even better against Courtney.
"Maisey is obviously a tough fighter, but I believe in myself," Zapotoczna recently told FightPost. "I am very confident in my skills, and I can win this fight. I know what mistakes she makes, and I think it will be a big win for me." Zapotoczna knows a lot of doors will open for her if she can get the win on Saturday night. Confident and motivated, she is in a very good place.
Courtney is the betting favourite at 1/4, but the odds of 3-1 on Zapotoczna upsetting those odds could be very tempting to some. A good start is paramount. Without it, there is likely to be only one winner.
The headlines will undoubtedly focus on the two heavyweights at the top of the card, but hopefully, some of the light will also be shone on Maisey Rose Courtney and Jasmina Zapotoczna. Two good fighters that deserve a little more attention. As does, their side of the sport.
Photo Credit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
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