TOMORROW evening, in Wembley Stadium, London, the former unified heavyweight king, Anthony Joshua, must win to keep his dreams of a domestic blockbuster with Tyson Fury or a third crack at Oleksandr Usyk alive.
In the opposite corner, current IBF heavyweight king Daniel Dubois is tasked with derailing the AJ train and sending the Watford man one step closer to retirement.
Before they duke it out, 10 other hopefuls get a chance to shine in front of boxing’s latest powerbroker, Turki Alalshikh. There is an eclectic mix of young fighters looking to break out and old hands trying to hold on to something they may have already lost. Let’s see who Frank, Eddie (and Ben) have got on this show.
Tyler Denny vs. Hamzah Sheeraz
An intriguing clash for Denny’s middleweight title. Once thrown on the domestic scrap heap, Denny is a boxing everyman, determined to continue a blossoming fairytale. However, the formidable fists of Sheeraz await.
Denny is finally getting the kind of payday the former plumber deserves. If he beats Sheeraz he’ll have earned every penny. It’s a difficult ask as Sheeraz has looked very special at times in his career, as he learns and develops towards world level. Reaching such a level is admirable for the likeable southpaw champion, but this is probably one step too far.
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 19: Hamzah Sheeraz and Tyler Denny react of stage ahead of the European Middleweight title fight against during a press conference as part of the Riyadh Season – Wembley Edition card at Guildhall on September 19, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Anthony Cacace vs. Josh Warrington
While Cacace’s IBF crown is not on the line (due to boxing politics), the IBO title remains, so this is a 12-rounder. Leeds favourite Warrington is reaching veteran status, but if the gas tank and fierce fitness levels are still present, then he will have a good chance of springing a surprise.
Belfast’s Cacace is very talented and punches extremely hard (just ask Joe Cordina). If his stamina holds up down the stretch, the fight is Anto’s to lose. Two fervent fanbases will be ready to roar their man on to victory. Warrington’s long, hard career might just catch up on him.
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 19: Anthony Cacace and Josh Warrington react on stage ahead of their Super Featherweight fight during a press conference as part of the Riyadh Season – Wembley Edition card at Guildhall on September 19, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Joshua Buatsi vs. Willy Hutchinson
Another stylistic mashup that has divided opinion. Willy Hutchinson is certainly a character, and his win over Craig Richards answered a lot of questions. Buatsi has also beaten Richards and is a talent whose career has approached lift-off but never quite blasted off to the next level.
Willy has looked great destroying lesser-known opposition, but when Lennox Clarke put it on him, he didn’t appreciate the heat, although he insists there were extenuating circumstances behind that defeat. If Buatsi’s jab is on point and his motivation matches his skills, then he is the pick to come on strong and seal the deal either inside the distance or on points.
Josh Kelly vs. Ishmael Davis
When original entrant Liam Smith withdrew, things seemed up in the air for former Olympian Josh Kelly. In step Ishmael Davis, a hard worker with a hard luck backstory who has redeemed himself through noble art. Davis is fit, strong, awkward and was already preparing for a fight. He might have a few strategic tricks up his sleeve as well.
Kelly is talented, but how much does he need the fight game? He dominated Troy Williamson (Davis also has a win over Troy), but the Darlington man works in straight lines. Switch-hitting Davis is not as predictable. Kelly’s ability is there for all to see, but Davis’ desire could be the equaliser. There might be an upset brewing in this one.
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 19: Hamzah Sheeraz and Tyler Denny react on stage ahead of the European Middleweight title fight during a press conference as part of the Riyadh Season – Wembley Edition card at Guildhall on September 19, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Mark Chamberlain vs. Josh Padley
Two unbeaten fighters go at it as Turki Alalshikh’s favourite fighter, Mark Chamberlain, gets to rumble with Josh Padley. Chamberlain is adept at finding opponents’ weaknesses and using them to his advantage. Unbeaten Padley has technically moved up in weight for this big chance.
There’s a lot riding on it as Chamberlain has promotional stable rival Sam Noakes on his radar. The way Chamberlain smashed through Gavin Gwynne was impressive. Padley will need to weather the early storm and persevere if he is to have any chance of grabbing the win.
Mark Chamberlain’s career has went to another level in 2024. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)