Boxing
Jack Rafferty vs. Ekow Essuman: Where Rafferty could have the edge in his first welterweight test
Wardley vs. Dubois: Only on DAZN PPV - Saturday
If Jack Rafferty is going to plump up his fight profile in his welterweight debut, he needs to make defeating a veteran a must.
The ‘Demolition Man’ will look for just that kind of victory Saturday night when he clashes with Ekow Essuman at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, England, and live on DAZN PPV .
The bout will serve as chief support to WBO heavyweight world champion Fabio Wardley putting his title up against former heavyweight champ Daniel Dubois in the headliner.
The undefeated Rafferty (26-0-1, 17 KOs) bustled in activity last year with three fights, following a pair of stoppage wins earlier on the calendar by fighting Mark Chamberlain to a majority draw in August.
To launch his presence at welterweight on a solid note, Rafferty will need to get past a rugged Essuman (22-2, 8 KOs), who had a bittersweet ending to his own 2025.
After upsetting former undisputed super lightweight ruler Josh Taylor by unanimous decision in May, Essuman suffered an 11 th round TKO defeat at the hands of Jack Catterall in November.
Will Rafferty demolish his way through Essuman to put the 147-pound division on notice? Or will Essuman use his ring savvy to hand Rafferty his first professional loss? I have been examining who has the edge entering this pivotal tilt.
Boxing Styles
Jack Rafferty methodically pressures off the front foot, lasering his right hand through opponents’ guards with sniper-like accuracy, while also pounding the body as part of his attack.
His style will be up against Ekow Essuman, a patient ring operator and skilled puncher with both hands, but one who will trade that composure for a scrappy fight when pressed.
Rafferty’s steady pressure, honing in on open lanes, gives him the nod here.
Edge: Rafferty
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Power
He’s the ‘Demolition Man’ for a reason and Rafferty’s power should carry over to welterweight even more.
Essuman has decent pop to his punch, but isn’t known for his power as much as his motor.
Rafferty takes this category too.
Edge: Rafferty
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Mental Warfare
Rafferty will be looking to navigate unchartered waters, stepping up to 147 pounds. That’s pressure to live up to on its own.
Then, add in the facts that Essuman has battled the likes of Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall, that this fight will be the co-main event, live on DAZN, and Rafferty has plenty to show and prove.
Meanwhile, Essuman is home at welterweight and comfortable as a veteran — even one who is coming off a devastating knockout loss.
‘The Engine’ can enter this fight with more peace of mind.
Edge: Essuman
Who has the edge in Rafferty vs. Essuman?
It’s an exciting time for Rafferty -undefeated and in a new division.
A convincing victory over a respected Essuman will put the ‘Demolition Man’ on a track to making headway at 147 pounds.
I give  the 30-year-old Rafferty the 2-1 edge to do just that ... and possibly by force.
Watch Wardley vs. Dubois only on DAZN
The WBO world heavyweight title is on the line for Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois this Saturday, May 9, only on DAZN PPV. Buy as a one-off PPV or included, along with the Usyk vs Verhoeven (May 23), Fury vs. Hall (June 13) and Zayas vs. Ennis (June 27) PPVs, with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.
