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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mark Chamberlain’s career has went to another level in 2024. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)