So now that Labor Day has passed, we are essentially into the fall. Looking ahead for the next few months, the boxing scheduled is highlighted by Saul Alvarez-Edgar Berlanga (hey, it's still a 'Canelo fight!), Anthony Joshua-Daniel Dubois, Dmitry Bivol-Artur Beterbiev and the rematch between Oleksandr Usyk-Tyson Fury.
It's a pretty solid lineup of fights. Now the rest of the schedule is being filled out. And has Larry Merchant once told me, ''fights, make fights." In other words, everything leads to something.
Here's a look at some of the recent additions to the boxing calendar...
- October 19 - Bakhram Murtazaliev vs. Tim Tszyu
Tszyu coming off his loss to Sebastian Fundora, gets back on the saddle and will face Murtazaliev for his IBF junior middleweight title. Hey, belts matter, and to align yourself for big fights at 154, it helps to have one around your waist. There was some talk of Tszyu facing Vergil Ortiz in early August before it was decided that he needed more time for his cut that he suffered in that late March bout to heal further.
PBC
“At this level, you have to take everyone out and Bakhram is the next guy standing in my way,” said Tszyu. “The world knows me and they know what I’m about. I’m thankful to my team for putting me in this position to prove why I’m still the man at 154 pounds. Bakhram has what I want and I plan on taking it from him in spectacular fashion. It’s time to become a two-time world champion.”
This card will take place at the Caribe Royal Resort in Orlando, Florida, and will be the first 'free' card on Prime Video presented by PBC.
- November 8 - Keyshawn Davis vs. Gustavo Lemos
This is one of the few fall dates that Top Rank has to end 2024, and it's headlined by Davis (13-0, 7 KOs) who will face the toughest foe of his professional career. Yes, Lemos (29-1, 19 KOs) is coming off a loss, but more than a few people believe that he did more than enough to defeat the undefeated Richardson Hitchins back in April in what was an IBF junior welterweight title eliminator.
But what's also the big story here is that for Davis, a native of Norfolk, Virginia, this is a homecoming card that will be staged at the Scope. This venue is no stranger to hosting boxing events, as the late, great Pernell Whitaker boxed here often. This distinction is not lost on Davis.
“As a young kid growing up in Norfolk, I dreamed of accomplishing enough to headline a card at Scope Arena one day. My boxing idol is the legendary Pernell ‘Sweet Pea’ Whitaker, and I want to pack that arena like he used to. He’s the greatest from my city, and I’m honored to continue that legacy,” Davis said. “I can’t wait to put on a spectacular show against a tough opponent in Gustavo Lemos. Everyone from the 757 will be in my corner.”
Top Rank
Last summer, Top Rank had great success in staging a homecoming for heavyweight, Jared Anderson, in Toledo, Ohio.
“Norfolk has been waiting for Keyshawn Davis to come home for years. This is going to be a great night of fights headlined by a real competitive main event,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “Lemos is full of confidence, and Keyshawn will have to be in top form on November 8 at Scope Arena.”
The co-main for this card that will be streamed on ESPN+ is WBO welterweight belt-holder, Brian 'IRS' Norman Jr, who faces Derrieck Cuevas. Also on this card will be Keyshawn's two brothers, Kelvin and Keon, alongside the highly regarded, Abdullah Mason and Troy Isley.
NOT OFFICIAL (YET)
OK, so those are cards that have been formally announced. There are some others that are being bandied about.
Early November could see the return of WBA lightweight champion, Gervonta 'Tank' Davis, in Las Vegas. It's not clear who he might face, but the name of WBA junior lightweight titlist, Lamont Roach, has been mentioned.
There has been a lot of talk of a Riyadh Season card later that month that will feature the Golden Boy Promotions stable in Saudi Arabia. The main event would feature a cruiserweight unification battle between Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez and Chris Billiam-Smith. William Zepeda -- who is rated number one across the board at lightweight -- could be taking on George Kambosos. Also a junior welterweight clash between Kenneth Sims Jr. and Oscar Duarte is on the table.
Riyadh Season
To end the year, there is still the business of the rematch between Jesse 'Bam' Rodriguez and Juan Francisco Estrada. Back in late June, Rodriguez impressively stopped Estrada in seven rounds. But keep in mind, Estrada holds a rematch clause for this fight.
Finally, it looks like the rematch between Emanuel Navarrete and Oscar Valdez will take place in December on a Top Rank/ESPN card.
FINAL FLURRIES
The WBO has ordered negotiations for a rematch between Rafael Espinoza and Robeisy Ramirez for their featherweight belt. Last year, in a thrilling contest, Espinoza scored a late round knockdown, that helped seal his upset over Ramirez.... Lots of interesting results of recent purse bids, huh?....'the 3 Knockdown Rule' with Mario Lopez and I will be back starting next week....Admit it, you are really looking forward to Colorado-Nebraska this Saturday...I can be reached at k9kim@yahoo.com....
