November Boxing Highlights
The boxing world witnessed significant action in November, characterized by fierce rivalries rekindled, titles defended, and fresh talent emerging. However, as with any sport, triumphs were balanced by setbacks. Let us take a closer look at the standout fighters of the month, both in victory and defeat.
Victorious Fighters
Devin Haney proved once again why he is a force in the ring. Throughout his 33-fight journey, Haney has faced criticism for his defensive style, reminiscent of an amateur, but he demonstrated a glimpse of his potential at welterweight. In a fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, he secured a unanimous decision victory over Brian Norman Jr. After knocking down the previous WBO champion in the second round, Haney showcased a more assertive approach before retreating to his defensive tactics. This victory elevated him to three-weight world champion status, positioning him among the elite pound-for-pound contenders.
Conor Benn also had a significant moment of redemption, finally besting his rival Chris Eubank Jr. in a dramatic display at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. This marked the first victory for Benn over Eubank following four fierce encounters across two generations. While Eubank struggled to find his footing in the bout, Benn’s performance was commendable, leaving fans eager to see how he will fare against elite opponents in the future.
Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez shone brightly as well, claiming another title with a phenomenal knockout of Fernando “Puma” Martinez. Dominating from the outset, Rodriguez overwhelmed Martinez with flawless timing and creativity, leaving no doubt about his capabilities. His decisive victory not only secured his standing in the sport but also affirmed his place among pound-for-pound greats.
Another notable victor was Anthony Joshua, who is set to face Jake Paul on December 19 for a staggering $50 million. The former two-time unified heavyweight champion accepted this unique challenge after Paul was initially offered the fight. Joshua’s willingness to engage in this highly unconventional matchup positions him as a substantial winner in November and potentially December as well.
Vergil Ortiz Jr. also delivered an emphatic performance, defeating Erickson Lubin with a second-round TKO in Texas. Ortiz’s ability to maintain his interim WBC super welterweight title and dispatch Lubin efficiently cements his place as a rising star in the boxing world.
Defeated Fighters
Brian Norman Jr. experienced a tough loss against Haney, abandoning his WBO welterweight title in a disappointing matchup. Norman’s explosive reputation struggled to make an impact against Haney’s tactical prowess, leaving doubts about his readiness for the upper echelon of the division.
Chris Eubank Jr. faced a significant setback, suffering his first loss to Benn in a bout filled with personal stakes. Eubank, who had previously defeated Benn, was unable to regain control in this rematch, making it a defining moment as he grapples with his boxing future.
Tenshin Nasukawa, a celebrated figure from the kickboxing world, also faced disappointment while competing in boxing. After a celebrated initial career, he suffered his first defeat against Takuma Inoue for the WBC bantamweight title, prompting critical reflection on his path ahead.
Subriel Matias, another fighter in jeopardy, is facing scrutiny after a banned substance showed up in a drug test, which threatens his upcoming title defense. He publicly asserted his innocence, stating he never needed to cheat to succeed in boxing, but the situation complicates his career trajectory.
Finally, Frazer Clarke encountered a setback in his bid for the British heavyweight title, losing narrowly to Jeamie TKV. This defeat raises questions about Clarke’s future in a sport where the stakes are eternally high.
As the boxing calendar pushes into December, the winners from November solidify their roles in the sport, while the losers face tough questions in their careers. The landscape of boxing continues to evolve, and fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming fights that could further alter the narrative.
