Unlike most other sports, boxing has no fixture list. Fights are made in a complicated series of negotiations, commercial considerations and arguments over contract clauses. This can mean even the most obvious, hotly-anticipated potential fights can fall by the wayside. There are several exciting bouts currently being talked about by boxing’s ruling forces. Here is everything you need to know about some big fights that you could be watching in the coming months.
Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez vs Dmitry Bivol II
A rematch of 2022’s biggest upset seems like a natural fight to make. The former pound-for-pound number one ‘Canelo’ trying to climb back to the throne is a narrative that would sell. But promoter Eddie Hearn, speaking to DAZN, refused to confirm plans for the bout this week.
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“The fact is, to fight Canelo Alvarez, Bivol might have to fight [Joshua] Buatsi and [Gilberto] Zurdo [Ramirez]”. The WBA have just ordered a bout between light heavyweight champion Bivol and mandatory challenger Ramirez. Buatsi has also been mooted as a possible title foe in the near future, due to his number two ranking with the same body.
Hearn continued, “Hopefully, Canelo and ‘GGG’ have a tremendous fight in September, and if Canelo wins, he’ll go and look for that rematch, but Bivol is going to be fighting too. Also, don’t forget, Bivol also wants the [Artur] Beterbiev fight.” It sounds like the Matchroom boss is far from sold on the idea of his charge rematching Bivol any time soon.
Conor Benn vs Chris Eubank Jr
The generational extension of the 1990s rivalry their illustrious fathers shared, Conor Benn facing Chris Eubank Jr is something the British boxing public are crying out for. Despite Benn being a welterweight and Eubank Jr typically fighting at least 13 pounds north of that limit at middleweight, fight-goers are still clamouring for the meeting.
Journalist Gareth A. Davies offered hope this week during an appearance on talkSPORT, claiming a catchweight bout at 155lbs was “sealed”. Davies went on to say ““I’m happy to say this fight is going ahead”.
This was music to the ears of many fans, but Benn himself was quick to turn the stereo off. The 21-0 star was asked by IFL TV about the Eubank fight, and was unequivocal in shutting it down. “No, not that I’m aware of. I swear I saw something that said they were adamant I was fighting Mikey Garcia, where did they pull that one from? It’s nice though because they keep my name in their mouths.”
However, it looks like ‘The Destroyer’ might have been aiming for some misdirection as now it looks like the fight is on. Multiple verified sources are claiming the catchweight clash is set for the O2 Arena on 8th October. Nothing is confirmed as of yet, but it looks like we may finally get to see Eubank vs Benn: The Next Generation.
Jermell Charlo vs Tim Tsyzu
Undisputed light middleweight champion Jermell Charlo has posted on Instagram hinting towards a fight with unbeaten Australian puncher Tim Tsyzu. The original post gave a January 2023 date, though Charlo later deleted it and replaced it with an undated version.
Tsyzu had previously been interviewed about the potential fight, his first world title bout in a 21-0 pro career. The son of light welterweight icon Kostya Tsyzu said he was expecting to travel to America to fight in October or November. The bout has been delayed but seems likely to be worth the wait. Tsyzu is taking a much-needed step-up in class. For Charlo it is an excellent start to his reign as undisputed champion, after unifying the belts with a tenth-round stoppage of Brian Castano in May.
Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua/Oleksandr Usyk II Winner
The WBC, The Ring and lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has once again hinted at cutting his retirement short to fight the winner of the August super-fight between ‘AJ’ and Usyk. Weeks after demanding half a billion pounds to fight again, the ever-consistent Fury is now claiming he’d fight Joshua for free.
As part of a speaking engagement, Fury said “I swear to God I hope he wins the fight against Usyk so that I can come out of retirement and fight him for free. However, the terms are these; I want it at Wembley Stadium, I want it free to enter and I want it on free-to-air in television in this country. I'll fight him in England, not abroad in a foreign country for more money; here for free for the people."
The idea got wild cheers but seems unlikely to actually take place. Fury is almost nailed-on to return to the ring. ‘The Gypsy King’ retired in April after stopping Dillian Whyte, but can barely go a week without hinting at a comeback. The 33-year-old has also said he will not relinquish his WBC championship. What does a retired man need with a boxing world title? Exactly. Fury will be back, just don’t expect free tickets or even a free-to-air broadcast.
*18+ | BeGambleAware | Odds Subject To Change
