Boxing Heats Up This Summer: Upcoming Fights Set to Capture Attention

As the summer progresses, the boxing world is buzzing with activity, showcasing a lineup of high-profile matchups and intriguing storylines. Following a quieter June, July promises to deliver a series of exciting bouts that could redefine the careers of several fighters.

Recent Victories and Momentum

Notable victories last weekend saw Katie Taylor successfully defend her undisputed junior welterweight title against Amanda Serrano at Madison Square Garden. This marked a significant continuation of Taylor’s legacy in women’s boxing. Additionally, Shakur Stevenson retained his title after defeating William Zepeda, while Hamzah Sheeraz elevated his status as a top super middleweight contender by securing a TKO win over Edgar Berlanga.

July 19 Doubleheader: Anticipation Builds

On July 19, boxing fans can look forward to an electrifying doubleheader. The first match features unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk facing off against Daniel Dubois in a rematch. Usyk won their first bout earlier in 2023 amid controversy regarding a low blow that left Dubois and his camp expressing discontent over the officiating. As the fighters prepare to enter the ring again, Usyk aims to eliminate any doubt regarding the outcome.

The Return of Manny Pacquiao

Adding to the excitement, the evening will also witness Manny Pacquiao, the eight-division world champion, making his comeback against Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title. At age 46, Pacquiao has not fought since his defeat to Yordenis Ugas for the WBA title in 2021. His return is met with both enthusiasm and skepticism, as fans eagerly await to see if he can still compete at a high level.

Concluding the Summer With Canelo vs. Crawford

The summer boxing schedule will culminate on September 13, when Canelo Alvarez challenges Terence Crawford at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas for the undisputed super middleweight title. This matchup is expected to generate substantial interest, further solidifying the prominence of both fighters in the landscape of professional boxing.

Full Schedule of Upcoming Fights

Here’s a look at the notable upcoming events within the boxing calendar:

• July 19:

  • Oleksandr Usyk vs. Daniel Dubois (Undisputed Heavyweight Title, London, DAZN PPV)
  • Mario Barrios vs. Manny Pacquiao (WBC Welterweight Title, Las Vegas, TBA)
  • Jesse Rodriguez vs. Phumelele Cafu (WBC and WBO Junior Bantamweight Titles, Frisco, Texas, DAZN)

• July 26:

  • Claressa Shields vs. Lani Daniels (Undisputed Heavyweight Title, Detroit, DAZN)
  • Xander Zayas vs. Jorge Garcia (Vacant WBO Junior Middleweight Title, New York, ESPN)

• August 2:

  • Oscar Duarte vs. Kenneth Sims Jr. (Junior Welterweights, Chicago, DAZN)

• August 16:

  • Moses Itauma vs. Dillian Whyte (Heavyweights, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, DAZN)
• September 13:
  • Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford (Undisputed Super Middleweight Title, Las Vegas, Netflix)

Significance Within the Boxing Landscape

The recent escalation in boxing activity not only emphasizes the sport’s recovery from pandemic-related delays but also provides fighters a platform to demonstrate their capabilities. Given the blend of seasoned veterans like Pacquiao and rising stars like Sheeraz, the summer boxing season promises to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact on the fighters’ legacies. The outcomes of these matches could alter rankings and set the stage for future championship bouts. Fans and pundits alike will be closely watching the ring in the coming weeks, eager for what could be pivotal moments in boxing history.