Pierce O’Leary vs. Maxi Hughes Keys to Victory: Breaking down tactics of each fighter

O’Leary (18-0, 10 KOs) enters the ring undefeated, having last stopped Braian Esequiel Ronner via eighth-round knockout in December. Meanwhile, Hughes (29-8-2, 6 KOs) stomached a majority decision loss at the hands of Bakhodur Usmonov in December as well, marking a short turnaround for both fighters.

Will O’Leary stay unbeaten with a statement win? Or will Hughes show the ring experience and IQ needed to defeat a fighter 10 years his junior? DAZN News analyzes the Keys to Victory for both men entering tonight’s fight.

Pierce O’Leary’s Keys to Victory

Step into jab

Pierce O’Leary does a nice job of stepping into his jab and landing the prodding shot.

Against a skillful veteran in Maxi Hughes, O’Leary asserting the stick could be the introduction to him fighting forward against the battle-tested Brit.

Launch a chopping right hand around Hughes’ guard

Hughes boxes around the ring effectively, so O’Leary launching a chopping right hand around the guard could be a tool in sapping some of that movement or hurting ‘Maximus’ altogether.

It is a shot O’Leary must attempt early and often.

Keep foot on the gas

Measured in the way he stalks forward, O’Leary must keep his foot firmly pressed on the gas pedal.

Fighting forward against Hughes is the Irishman’s best bet toward staying undefeated and perhaps in convincing fashion.

Maxi Hughes’ Keys to Victory

Stand up to O’Leary’s measured pressure

When a 26-year-old Pierce O’Leary gains momentum and presses Maxi Hughes, the British fighter must stand his ground.

Doing this with a flurry of boxing will send O’Leary the message that he will not be bullied onto the back foot.

It could also be a way to catch judges’ eyes toward favorable scorecards.

Launch the uppercut

Hughes has a sneaky left uppercut that he could detonate to the body or onto the chin.

It is a shot that carries power and could earn Hughes respect against a young and hungry O’Leary in Dublin.

Hughes has to launch it and take his chances.

Show ring generalship

Hughes has more than double the pro fight experience than O’Leary and he ought to show it with his ring generalship.

This could mean boxing counterclockwise and turning the undefeated O’Leary, forcing the Irish fighter to constantly reset his offense. It could also spell using O’Leary’s aggression against him by baiting him in only to land something of impact.

Whatever methods Hughes deploys, the ring savvy and pace he uses could be vital to his chances of handing O’Leary his first pro loss.

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