Shabaz Masoud vs. Peter McGrail: Who has the edge heading into their fight?

Shabaz Masoud and Peter McGrail were originally set to clash in June before an injury to the former dashed those plans.

Now, right before the end of the year, the British fighters will meet for the European super bantamweight title at Matchroom Boxing’s Monaco fight card, and live on DAZN, on Saturday night.

The undefeated Masoud (14-0, 4 KOs) is coming off a split-decision victory over Liam Davies in November 2024, while McGrail (12-1, 6 KOs) produced a hard-fought win of his own in getting past Ionut Baluta via majority decision in June.

Will Masoud inch his way closer to a title shot by looking sharp against a gritty southpaw? Or will McGrail pave the way toward his own big 2026 with a stellar win?

With the stakes high, DAZN News analyzes who has the edge between these super bantamweights.

Boxing Styles

At his best, Shabaz Masoud is razor sharp with the jab, splitting opponents’ guards and frustrating them along the way with clean punches that land crisply. While doing this, the British fighter manages his ring real estate well, empowering his technically-sound sweet science skills to rack up points and rounds.

With Masoud owning six inches of reach advantage, Peter McGrail will need to get inside of the jab and the southpaw can do it with his deft footwork, pressure off the front foot and precise counter lefts.

This clash of styles is a tough one to call with both Masoud and McGrail being shrewd ring operators in their own right.

The slight edge here goes to Masoud who has enough skills to keep McGrail at bay with the jab and dictate the pace of this fight.

Edge: Masoud

Power

The eye test shows McGrail as the super bantamweight with the heavier hands, tending to land his shots with more impact.

He also touts two more knockout victories than Masoud.

The pressure McGrail is able to generate from the southpaw stance can foreseeably give McGrail issues.

Edge: McGrail

Mental Warfare

Both Masoud and McGrail boosted their mettle in coming off of hard-fought victories — Masoud with his split-decision win over Liam Davies last November and McGrail with the majority decision against Ionut Baluta.

Experience and confidence came from those bouts.

If there is a slight push here it might be adjustments. Both men have shown the ability to adjust to their opponents though Masoud generating answers to Davies’ pressure could be an indicator that he can conjure enough ring IQ against McGrail’s forward fighting as well.

Edge: Masoud

Who has the edge in Masoud vs. McGrail?

DAZN News has the edge teetering 2-1 in Masoud’s favor. His technical skills and the angles he is able to create could be enough to stave off the power of a southpaw McGrail on points.