Exciting Matchups This Weekend
This weekend, the boxing world will witness some exciting matchups across various locations, including a title defense by Badou Jack against Norair Mikaeljan in Los Angeles on Saturday. While all eyes are gearing up for the spectacle of Jake Paul versus Anthony Joshua next week in Miami, the current weekend is packed with noteworthy bouts, featuring seasoned fighters who are over 40 years old. This trend follows the recent return of 42-year-old Erislandy Lara to the ring, as both Jack (42) and fellow veteran Kubrat Pulev (44) headline fights in their respective cities. Meanwhile, 24-year-old Diego Pacheco steps into the spotlight, aiming to make his mark in the super middleweight division.
Key Fights to Watch
Let’s delve into five key fights to watch this weekend:
- Diego Pacheco is set to dominate the 168-pound landscape
At just 24, Los Angeles’ Diego Pacheco boasts an impressive record of 24 wins (18 by knockout) and is poised to become a leading figure in the super middleweight division. Following Saul “Canelo” Alvarez’s loss to Terence Crawford, Pacheco’s upcoming match against France’s Kevin Lele Sadjo (26-0, 23 KOs) on Saturday night in Stockton could signal a significant shift in the hierarchy of 168 pounds. Sadjo is an undefeated opponent with a reputation for his knockout power, but Pacheco’s potential victory could solidify his position as a rising star in the division. - The chaos surrounding the WBA heavyweight title in Dubai
In Dubai, the lingering confusion surrounding the WBA (Regular) heavyweight title continues, as Kubrat Pulev steps into the ring for an opportunity at the dubious belt. At 44 years old and with a record of 32 wins (14 KOs) against 3 losses, Pulev faces Murat Gassiev (32-2, 25 KOs), who once terrorized the cruiserweight class and is now experiencing difficulties at heavyweight. Despite the questionable significance of the title, this matchup could unexpectedly captivate audiences this weekend. - Badou Jack aims to reclaim attention in the cruiserweight division
Badou Jack (29-3-3, 17 KOs) defends his WBC cruiserweight championship against Norair Mikaelian (27-3, 12 KOs) after a tightly contested first fight where Jack won by a majority decision. Jack, often overshadowed by the buzz surrounding Jai Opetaia and Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez, sees this rematch as a pivotal moment to regain the limelight. This fight, taking place on Amazon Prime pay-per-view, could also set the stage for Jack to challenge Ramirez, who has his sights set on a matchup with David Benavidez next May. - Joe Cordina’s lightweight comeback faces a tough test
Welsh boxer Joe Cordina (18-1, 9 KOs) makes his U.S. debut on the undercard of Pacheco versus Sadjo, competing against local favorite Gabriel Flores Jr. (27-2, 8 KOs) in what promises to be a challenging lightweight contest. After a lengthy layoff, Cordina shrugged off ring rust in July with a hard-fought decision win. His ambition of becoming a two-weight world champion hinges on a successful performance this weekend, but he must first navigate a tricky matchup against the youthful and determined Flores Jr. - Tim Tszyu’s career on the line against Anthony Velazquez
On Wednesday, Australian fighter Tim Tszyu (25-3, 18 KOs) returns to the ring in Sydney after a rough patch that saw him lose three out of his last four bouts. Set to face unbeaten Anthony Velazquez (18-0-1, 15 KOs) in a 10-round main event, Tszyu’s reputation hangs in the balance. Known for his fighting spirit, he aims to reclaim his status with a solid performance against the rising Velazquez, who hopes to capitalize on Tszyu’s struggles.
As the weekend approaches, fans can expect a thrilling atmosphere filled with hope, pressure, and potential, particularly for these seasoned fighters who defy age expectations in the sport.
