Michelob ULTRA Arena, Las Vegas, NV
Start Time: Main Card 7:00 PM PT, Ring Walks ~9:30 PM PT
Bout Type: 10‑Round Welterweight Contest
VENUE — MICHELOB ULTRA ARENA
- Location: Mandalay Bay Resort, Las Vegas, Nevada
- Capacity: ~12,000
- Ring Size: Standard 20×20
- Atmosphere: Known for fast‑paced fights and strong crowd acoustics
- Judging Commission: Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC)
INJURY REPORT
STEPHEN JACKSON
- No major injuries reported
- Camp notes indicate excellent conditioning
- Slight right‑hand swelling earlier in camp — fully cleared
JOHN TOM VAREY
- Minor left‑ankle soreness early in camp — resolved
- No cuts or sparring injuries reported
- Conditioning coach reports improved stamina compared to previous fights
FIGHTER PROFILES & RECENT FORM
STEPHEN JACKSON
- Record: 19–2 (13 KO)
- Age: 28
- Height: 5’10”
- Reach: 72”
- Stance: Orthodox
- Last 5 Fights: 4–1
- Recent Form:
- Coming off a dominant UD win
- Improved jab accuracy and defensive footwork
- Known for high‑volume combinations and late‑round pressure
Strengths
- Excellent conditioning
- High punch output
- Strong body‑attack strategy
- Durable chin
Weaknesses
- Can be hit early before settling in
- Sometimes overcommits on combinations
JOHN TOM VAREY
- Record: 17–4 (9 KO)
- Age: 30
- Height: 5’9”
- Reach: 70”
- Stance: Orthodox
- Last 5 Fights: 3–2
- Recent Form:
- Split‑decision win in last outing
- Known for counterpunching and timing
- Improved head movement and defensive shell
Strengths
- Sharp counter right hand
- Good ring IQ
- Effective at mid‑range
- Strong finishing instincts
Weaknesses
- Slower footwork
- Can be outworked by high‑volume fighters
- Vulnerable to body shots
STYLE MATCHUP BREAKDOWN
1. Pace & Volume
- Jackson throws 20–30% more punches per round
- Varey prefers a slower, tactical pace
- If Jackson controls the tempo, Varey may fall behind early
2. Power & Accuracy
- Jackson: Accumulation damage, body‑heavy attack
- Varey: Single‑shot power, especially counter right
3. Footwork & Ring Control
- Jackson: Better lateral movement
- Varey: More stationary, relies on timing
4. Defense
- Jackson: High guard, absorbs early shots
- Varey: Shoulder‑roll style, but can be frozen by feints
FIGHT HISTORY & RESUME NOTES
STEPHEN JACKSON
- Wins over two top‑20 contenders
- Only losses:
- One close MD
- One early‑career KO loss (avenged later)
- Never stopped in last 10 fights
JOHN TOM VAREY
- Wins over three fringe contenders
- Losses include two wide UDs to pressure fighters
- Has been dropped twice in his career but never KO’d
BETTING TRENDS
STEPHEN JACKSON
- 6 of last 8 wins by decision
- 4–1 as a betting favorite
- 7 straight fights have gone Over the listed rounds total
JOHN TOM VAREY
- 5 of last 6 fights have gone the distance
- 2–4 as an underdog
- 3–1 in fights where he lands >30% of power shots
MATCHUP TRENDS
- Both fighters have durable chins
- Neither is a one‑punch KO artist
- Styles suggest a technical, tactical fight rather than a brawl
FIGHT ODDS
Stephen Jackson – 230
John Tom Varey + 190
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 15, 2026
