As the upcoming boxing schedule hits a bit of a lull (and more on that in an upcoming column) some key updates were made to the summer ledger of fights. Notable cards have found homes, significant rematches have landed a date, and the real big one still has some questions surrounding it.
Here's a look at what will be in store in the summer months...
- There was a lot of talk of the upcoming Ring Magazine/Turki card that features Edgar Berlanga-Hamzah Sheeraz and Shakur Stevenson-William Zepeda taking place at Central Park in New York. Well, after the rather disappointing, if not disastrous, way the card on Times Square turned out, they switched course and went with a more conventional venue -- but one that is still new to boxing.
This card will be hosted at the Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York. Constructed in 2018, this venue hosts the US Open tennis tournament.
Ring Magazine
I was told for a few years that this would make for an ideal place to host boxing. Generally, most big boxing events in this area are at the Madison Square Garden or the Barclay Center, but Turki Alalshikh has made it his intention to not just put on the biggest fight cards, but to put them in new, exotic locations. This may not be all that exotic, but it is something new.
Best of all, fans who want to buy tickets and actually watch the fights -- and not a tarp covering a fence that surrounds VIP's -- will be able to attend.
From first hand experience covering fights at the Dignity Health Sports Park (aka 'the War Grounds of Carson'), I can tell you that tennis stadiums have great sight lines and there is a certain coziness to them, while still having a sizable throng. So expect some real serves and volleys on this summer evening.
- There had been reports of the rematch between Gervonta 'Tank' Davis and Lamont Roach engaging in their rematch in late July, but for whatever reason it was pushed back. It is being reported that Davis-Roach II will take place on August 16 in Las Vegas.
@lunatoonboxing
Back on March 1 they fought to a controversial draw at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn, New York. The fight was marred by the non-knockdown call of Davis who took a knee in the eighth round after taking a relatively light punch from Roach. For some reason, referee Steve Willis started the mandatory eight count, and then stopped it. If that round was scored with a knockdown credited to Roach, he wins the WBA lightweight title. An appeal to reverse the decision was rejected by the New York State Athletic Commission.
It was obvious that 'Tank' is the house fighter and the A-side in this promotion, the question is can Roach get a fairer shake in 'Sin City'?
- Then you have the much-talked about showdown between undisputed super middleweight champion, Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez and four-division champion, Terence Crawford. A couple of weeks ago it was announced that this would take place on Friday September 12 at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Then late last week there were reports that it would instead take place on that Saturday. There was even speculation that it would be moved back into late September. Well, on Sunday Mr. Alalshikh made this announcement over X/Twitter:
What's interesting is that it looks like Dana White will not be the promoter of this event. The UFC has a major event on this same date, which created a bit of a conflict for White. So for now, we know that there is a fight and a date. What is not known is the venue (I've actually heard the likes of the Rose Bowl and Coliseum in Los Angeles being brandied about) and which network will distribute this card.
Regardless, good luck going against that huge game between Miami and South Florida at Hard Rock Stadium.
