Forever Fighting

Tag: boxing

  • All Roads Lead to Canelo

    All Roads Lead to Canelo

    The highly anticipated rematch between Beterbiev and Bivol, scheduled for February 22nd, is certain to provide boxing fans with a high-level chess match. The first fight, which was highly competitive and technical, ended with Beterbiev getting his hand raised. I expect another razor-close fight in the rematch, which would lead you to believe a trilogy is imminent. However, I do not believe an immediate third fight is at all what will happen.

    David Benavidez must face the winner to keep the division moving and provide casual fans with a new face in championship fights. Ultimately, the promotional minds behind boxing must be planning for an eventual blockbuster fight with Canelo reentering the shark tank at 175. In the near future, Canelo will be busy with a chance to become undisputed again at super middleweight against William Scull on May 3rd. Not long after that, Canelo is scheduled to fight Terence Crawford in September, which will complete two fights under his four-fight deal with Riyadh Season.

    Who will his final two fights be under the Riyadh Season contract, you may ask? I am willing to bet Turki Al Alshikh is envisioning a 175 lb undisputed fight involving Canelo in 2026—an opportunity to become the first to unify at 168 and 175 in the four-belt era, further cementing his legacy.

  • One more war for “Del Boy”

    Derek Chisora put on a classic performance against Otto Wallin, extending his win streak to three in a row. The 41 year olds efforts have earned him the right of being the mandatory for the IBF title.

    Time for Chisora to kick his feet up and watch closely as Dubois and Joseph Parker fight for the IBF title on February 22nd. As the IBF title eliminator winner, Chisora should, in theory, challenge the winner for the championship. However, the current heavyweight king, Oleksandr Usyk, will also be standing by, watching as he analyzes the next challenger to his throne. Unfortunately for Derek, I cannot see a world in which the winner of Dubois vs. Parker fights anyone other than Usyk for the undisputed title.

    This leads me to believe that logical match up for Chisora is Anthony Joshua. Two British boxing stars collide in this fight, giving Joshua a chance to rebound after his defeat to Dubois while also providing Chisora with one last blockbuster payday—and with a win, just maybe one more war for Del Boy, for all the marbles.

  • Return of the Samurai

    Return of the Samurai

    Soon to arrive on American soil is Japan’s Naoya Inoue. The 5-foot-5 pugilist with pop star looks is proof that great things can come in small packages.

    What’s special about Inoue, other than his undefeated record and masterful boxing ability, is the country that he represents. Japan, a country renowned for its legendary samurai warriors, has produced many talented fighters and has shown, despite its polite and respectful nature, an immense passion for combat sports as a whole. However, arguably none of Japan’s former stars have Inoue’s ability to transcend language.

    To become a global star, speaking English is a necessity—but when it comes to Inoue, things could be different. Being a warrior from Japan who delivers the violent finishes fans desire while remaining emotionless provides an authentic character, an embodiment of Japan’s legendary samurai of old.

    When the foreign warrior makes his USA debut, targeted for June 14th, and puts some of the sport’s biggest names on notice, Japan’s top warrior will have global conquest in his sights.