Exciting Boxing Weekend Ahead
As January draws to a close, boxing gears up for an electrifying weekend filled with thrilling matchups across varying locations. From the bustling streets of New York City to the quaint surroundings of Kolding, Denmark, there’s an array of events lined up that cater to all boxing enthusiasts. Not to be overlooked, this weekend also marks the first world title bout in the Northeast of England in a decade, alongside an anticipated super welterweight unification clash set in Puerto Rico. Let’s delve deeper into the top five bouts to monitor in this action-packed weekend.
Top Five Bouts to Watch
- Teofimo Lopez’s Super Lightweight Challenge Against Shakur Stevenson
The matchup at Madison Square Garden is not just another fight; it reflects the unpredictable nature of Teofimo Lopez. While he has previously triumphed over elite opponents like Vasiliy Lomachenko and Josh Taylor, Lopez has also struggled with inconsistency in the ring. He faces the highly regarded three-division champion Shakur Stevenson, who is entering the super lightweight scene for the first time after an impressive undefeated record since turning professional. Both fighters are under pressure, especially Lopez, who will seek to re-establish himself as a formidable competitor amidst questions surrounding his performance history. With Lopez viewed as the underdog, the outcome of this fight could have significant implications for both their careers. - Josh Kelly’s High-Stakes Showdown with Bakhram Murtazaliev
In a clash set in Newcastle, Josh Kelly, a fan-favorite Sunderland supporter, prepares to challenge Bakhram Murtazaliev for the IBF super welterweight belt. Murtazaliev, with an impressive record that includes 17 knockouts, poses a formidable threat; his last fight saw him dominate Tim Tszyu. Kelly, on the rebound from a tough loss in 2021, has worked diligently to position himself as a contender in his division. Although he is regarded as the underdog once again, the passionate crowds in Newcastle could provide him much-needed motivation in his pursuit of a world title. - Xander Zayas and Abass Baraou’s Title Unification Bout
While the spotlight shines brightly on New York, it would be wise not to overlook the super welterweight title unification match between Xander Zayas and Abass Baraou in Puerto Rico. Zayas, who at 23 is already a two-time male world champion, faces Baraou in what could be a pivotal fight for both fighters. While their match might get overshadowed by the New York events, Zayas is poised to leverage his experience and talent as he strategizes to unify titles in a division featuring some of the sport’s rising stars such as Jaron “Boots” Ennis and Vergil Ortiz Jr. - Francesca Hennessy on Prime-Time BBC
Boxing also returns to the mainstream spotlight in the UK this weekend with Francesca Hennessy headlining a world title eliminator at London’s Copperbox Arena. Her fight against Ellie Bouttell represents her opportunity to ascend within the ranks of female boxing. This event will be only the third major boxing match aired on-linear BBC in two decades, following a recent agreement with BOXXER, highlighting the growing interest in the sport in Britain. Fans tuning in can expect a competitive showdown, while those outside the UK have the option to stream the fight live on DAZN, broadening its accessibility. - William Scull’s Comeback in Denmark
After a challenging bout against Canelo Alvarez last May, Cuba’s William Scull resurfaces to face unbeaten Jacob Bank in Kolding. The bout will take place for the WBO Global title in a small arena, promising an intimate atmosphere for boxing. Scull’s previous encounter in Saudi Arabia was less than thrilling, but this fight offers him a platform to reassert himself in the super middleweight category. With stakes high, fans will be watching to see if Scull can regain his footing, potentially leading to bigger opportunities ahead.
Conclusion
Each of these bouts holds significant weight, not just for the fighters involved, but for the broader landscape of boxing. As this packed weekend approaches, the outcomes could shift narratives and hierarchies within the sport significantly.
