Boxing fans, rejoice! The summer is heating up with a sizzling line-up of fights, featuring a mix of established legends and rising contenders.
From grudge matches to championship clashes, there’s something for everyone in the coming months. Let’s dive into the upcoming bouts that have fight fans buzzing.
This Weekend’s Thrillers (July 20th):
Jake Paul vs. Mike Perry (Tampa Bay):
This unexpected clash has garnered significant attention. YouTube star-turned-boxer Jake Paul faces a seasoned veteran in Mike Perry, a former UFC fighter with a reputation for knockouts. While Paul boasts an undefeated record, this is a significant step up in competition. Can his internet fame translate to ring success against a battle-tested brawler?
Junto Nakatani vs. Vincent Astrolabio (Tokyo, Japan):
This WBO bantamweight title fight promises fireworks. Champion Nakatani, known for his aggressive style, defends his belt against the hard-hitting Filipino challenger Astrolabio. Both fighters possess impressive knockout power, making this a potential fight of the night contender.
Heavyweight Showdowns:
The heavyweight division is always a crowd-pleaser, and the upcoming months offer some intriguing matchups.
Joe Joyce vs. Derek Chisora (London, July 27th):
This heavyweight grudge match between two British titans is bound to be a war. Both fighters are known for their iron chins and come-forward styles, guaranteeing a slugfest. This fight could have major implications for the heavyweight title picture, with the winner potentially earning a shot at the belt.
Daniel Dubois vs. Anthony Joshua (London, September 21st):
This highly anticipated all-British clash is a must-watch for boxing purists. Former champion Joshua looks to reclaim his dominance against the hard-hitting Dubois, who possesses thunderous knockout power. This fight will determine if Joshua can still compete at the elite level or if a new era is dawning in the heavyweight division.
Undisputed Dream
The dream of an undisputed cruiserweight champion remains alive. We have two major fights lined up that could lead to a historic unification bout.
Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov (Los Angeles, August 3rd):
Undisputed welterweight champion Crawford moves up in weight to face a dangerous challenge in Madrimov. This fight will showcase Crawford’s phenomenal skills against a rising star with immense potential. A win for Crawford could pave the way for a unification fight against the winner of the other major cruiserweight clash.
Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol (Riyadh, October 12th):
Two of the most feared light heavyweights in the world collide in a battle for supremacy. Beterbiev is a relentless puncher with a perfect knockout record, while Bivol is a technically sound boxer with a recent upset victory over Canelo Alvarez. This fight will be a chess match of power versus precision.
Other Bouts Not to Miss:
Claressa Shields vs. Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse (Detroit, July 27th):
The undisputed women’s middleweight champion Shields defends her title against the experienced Lepage-Joanisse. Shields, a multi-weight world champion and Olympic gold medalist, looks to continue her dominance in the female boxing scene.
Naoya Inoue vs. TJ Doheny (Tokyo, September 3rd):
The “Monster” Inoue, widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters, puts his unified junior featherweight titles on the line against Doheny. This fight is a classic matchup between an offensive juggernaut and a crafty counterpuncher.
Beyond the Ring:
While these fights are the main course, there are other storylines simmering in the boxing world.
Tyson Fury’s Return: After his loss to Usyk, will the “Gypsy King” return to challenge for the heavyweight title again? Rumors suggest a rematch with Usyk is set for December, but all eyes are on Fury’s next move.
- The Rise of Social Media Stars: The trend of social media stars entering the boxing ring continues. Following Jake Paul’s success, will we see more influencers take up the gloves?
- The Future of Women’s Boxing: With Claressa Shields leading the charge, women’s boxing is experiencing a surge in popularity. Will we see more high-profile women’s fights and increased investment in the sport in the coming years?
A Summer Sizzle and a Fall Brawl:
The upcoming boxing calendar offers a thrilling mix of established stars, rising contenders, and grudge matches. From heavyweight showdowns to undisputed title fights,there’s something to keep every fight fan glued to their seats.
Whether you’re a fan of technical precision or knock-out power, there’s a bout waiting to leave you breathless.
So, mark your calendars, choose your allegiance, and prepare to witness some of the best boxers in the world battle it out for bragging rights and championship glory.
So, boxing fans, get ready for a summer sizzle and a fall brawl! The upcoming months promise to be a memorable chapter in the history of sweet science. Don’t miss out on the action!
FAQs
What are some of the biggest upcoming boxing fights?
- July 20th:
- Jake Paul vs. Mike Perry (Tampa Bay) – A clash between YouTube star and seasoned veteran.
- Junto Nakatani vs. Vincent Astrolabio (Tokyo) – WBO bantamweight title fight between a champion and a hard-hitting challenger.
- July 27th:
- Joe Joyce vs. Derek Chisora (London) – A heavyweight grudge match between two British titans.
- Claressa Shields vs. Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse (Detroit) – Undisputed women’s middleweight champion defends her title.
- August 3rd: Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov (Los Angeles) – Undisputed welterweight champion moves up in weight for a dangerous challenge.
- September 3rd: Naoya Inoue vs. TJ Doheny (Tokyo) – “Monster” Inoue defends his unified junior featherweight titles.
- September 21st: Daniel Dubois vs. Anthony Joshua (London) – A highly anticipated all-British heavyweight clash.
- October 12th: Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol (Riyadh) – Two of the most feared light heavyweights collide for supremacy.
Can Jake Paul stay undefeated?
It’s a tough call. Paul has faced a string of opponents with limited experience, and Perry is a significant step up in competition. Perry possesses knockout power and a relentless fighting style. However, Paul has shown surprising athleticism and improvements in his boxing skills. This fight could hinge on Paul’s ability to weather Perry’s early storm and utilize his superior footwork and boxing technique in the later rounds.
Can Shields maintain dominance?
Shields is a generational talent with exceptional skills and power. Lepage-Joanisse is a crafty veteran with experience facing top competition. While Shields is the clear favorite on paper, underestimating Lepage-Joanisse’s experience could be a mistake. However, Shields’ overall skillset should ultimately see her retain her title.
To read more, click here.