Way back when during my days at MaxBoxing (remember that?), Doug Fischer and I did a weekly show called 'the Next Round', where on particularly busy weekends when there were multiple figh cards on, that I would state it was a ''bevy of boxing'', which always amused our editor/producer, Brian Harty.
Well, this weekend I'm dusting that off, as we have three significant shows on this Saturday on three different networks from various parts of the world.
So here's a preview of.... the bevy of boxing that awaits us.
THE RETURN
Here's an interesting stat, former WBC heavyweight champion, Deontay Wilder, has not won a fight since November of 2019 when he stopped Luis Ortiz in their rematch. Since that point, 'the Bronze Bomber' has been stopped twice by Tyson Fury (in 2020 and 2021). Now he makes his return to the ring against Robert Helenius at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn, New York on a card that is a pay-per-view card that is being distributed by Fox.
There's a reason why they chose Helenius, who is coming off a pair of of victories over Adam Kownacki, but you do wonder about what version of Wilder exists coming off his physically grueling 11th round knockout at the hands of Fury.
Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder III | FULL FIGHT HIGHLIGHT | PBC ON FOX
While Wilder floored Fury twice in that memorable slugfest in the fourth round, he himself hit the deck three times, and took a beating down the stretch. After this contest, there were questions if Wilder would ever return to the ring. Wilder is a natural puncher, but it remains to be seen if he's been hollowed out after that harrowing experience. Does he have any punch resistance left?
Stephanie Trapp, Showtime Sports
Things could get interesting if Helenius can get into the middle rounds and start to back up Wilder, who is the 8-to-1 favorite going into this clash.
Now, there's a lot of debate if this is really worthy of a pay-per-view tag (this show also includes Caleb Plant-Anthony Dirrell). Whether you want to cough up $75 for this event is your business. But it has to be said, when Wilder fights, something happens one way or the other. Someone is getting knocked out, and it's usually a memorable conclusion.
REMATCH
Meanwhile in Australia at the Rod Laver Arena the not-all-that-much-anticipated rematch between Devin Haney and George Kambosos takes place on ESPN. Back in June they met and over 12 rounds it was Haney who thoroughly out-boxed Kambosos to win the undisputed lightweight titles.
Haney was Haney, as he did what he usually did in being technically and strategically sound. On the other hand, Kambosos put forth one of the most baffling efforts in recent memory as he attempted to time and counter-punch a master box, who simply wasn't going to fall for his traps.
Every Jab Devin Haney Landed On George Kambosos Jr In The 1st Fight | Rematch Oct 15 ESPN
This wasn't a particularly entertaining bout, there were long stretches where not much was happening in terms of action. Unfortunately, there was a rematch clause put in for this bout, and well, here we are. The onus will be on Kambosos to be the spartan that he claims he is. Will he be willing to pay a certain price to do what he needs to, or will this bout fall into the same monotonous pattern as their initial match-up.
For this bout to be any different than the first one, it will be incumbent upon Kambosos to have a much different philosophy inside that ring.
LADIES NIGHT IN UK
In the afternoon on ESPN+, we have a card that was supposed to take place in September before the passing of Queen Elizabeth at the O2 Arena in London that is co-headlined by Savannah Marshall-Claressa Shields who battle for undisputed middleweight title. They met long ago as amateurs with Marshall winning a disputed decision.
But what really piques my interest more than any other fight on this weekend (yes, a woman's bout!!) is the grudge match between Mikaela Mayer and Alycia Baumgardner for all the belts at 130. Leading into this bout throughout the summer, both were putting on an entertaining Twitter battle. Now, the heat has only ramped up during fight week.
https://twitter.com/SkySportsBoxing/status/1580233651207524352
Baumgardner is the stronger puncher (seven stoppages in her dozen professional victories), as was evidenced by her KO of Terri Harper last year as she won her WBC belt. Mayer is more the pure boxer, but she showed last year against Maiva Hamadouche that she wont run from a fight.
Mikaela Mayer vs Maiva Hamadouche Highlights | 2021 Women's Fight of the Year
If this battle inside the ring is anywhere as good as the back-and-forthing on social media, this should be a donnybrook.
FINAL FLURRIES
The card on ESPN+ will begin at 2:30 a.m., PT/11:30 a.m., PT).....The Regis Prograis-Jose Zepeda bout on Novmeber 26 will take place at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California....IIt's being reported that heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury, will face Derek Chisora on Dec. 3....Can Tennessee finally end the drought versus Bama?....Can the Miami Hurricanes finally win a game?!?!....I can be reached at k9kim@yahoo.com....
