This Week in Boxing: Injuries, Comeback Fights and Fight Camp
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The curse on boxing during the summer of 2021 is still prevalent as this week we were forced to cancel another blockbuster fight. This is what happened this week in boxing (August 9 – August 14 2021)…
Spence Suffers Retinal Tear
Just a few weeks away from his super-fight against Manny Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 KOs), Errol Spence Jr. (27-0, 21 KOs) pulled out after suffering a retinal tear to his left eye.
Becoming the most shocking and upsetting news of the week, WBA (super) welterweight champion Yordenis Ugรกs (26-4, 12 KOs) will take his place in fighting one of the greatest fighters of all time.
Pacquiao now the undeniable favorite, the excitement still remains with the fight with Spence. Boxing fans will hope we get to see these two share the ring before it’s too late.
WBA Turmoil
Following on from questionable behavior witnessed from the World Boxing Association (WBA), America’s Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC) threatened to enforce the following punishments upon the sanctioning body:
- Not to honour the WBA belt as sanctioned within the U.S.
- Not to accept WBA official recommendations
- Not to allow a WBA supervisor in the controlled area around the ring
The news is a result of years of fishy business in and out of the ring by the WBA.
Gabriel Maestre (4-0, 3 KOs) took on Mykal Fox (22-3, 5 KOs) for the interim WBA welterweight title last weekend. The bout went the distance and what followed has already been viewed as one of the biggest robberies in boxing history. Maestre took the unanimous decision victory, even though most reporters had Fox winning the fight handily.
The legitimacy of the WBA is also questioned when taking into consideration of how many variations of title they seem to fling out. How many times can corruption keep on coming to the surface in boxing before enough is enough?
Buatsi Flattens Bolotniks
Matchroom’s three week run of Fight Camp came to a satisfying end this weekend when Joshua Buatsi (15-0, 13 KOs) knocked out Ricards Bolotniks (18-6, 8 KOs) in the 11th round with a clean right hand.
Proving to be the biggest test of his career, Buatsi dropped Bolotniks in the sixth and went on to slowly break his opponent down.
The fight, which was an eliminator for the WBA title, is a step closer for Buatsi to achieve his crowning moment.
Before the main event shown live on DAZN, Matthew McKinson (20-0, 2 KOs) defeated Przemyslaw Runowski (19-2, 5 KOs) via unanimous decision to win the WBO global welterweight title.
Raymond Ford (9-0-1, 5 KOs), Kash Farooq (16-1, 6 KOs), Joe Cordina (13-0, 8 KOs) and Zelfa Barrett (26-1, 16 KOs) were also victorious at Fight Camp.
David Haye to Return
Three years after his retirement, the former cruiserweight and heavyweight champion of the world David Haye is set to make his return against Joe Fournier in September.
Fournier, a friend of Haye’s, is an entrepreneur turned pro boxer and made his debut in 2015. At 40 years-old, Haye will fight for the first time since his multiple defeats to Tony Bellew that ultimately forced him into retirement.
The eight round bout at heavyweight will take place on the undercard of Oscar de la Hoya vs. Vitor Belfort in Los Angeles.
Considered by most as a ‘cash grab’, Haye took to his website to explain the decision behind making the fight –
“This whole fight between us, came into existence when at dinner with a group in Mykonos we were asked who would win in a fight between us.”
“I laughed, but out of respect for Joe’s ego suggested it would be close, maybe a draw – whilst winking to Joe.”ย
“Joe’s straight-faced response was very different, he was deadly serious stating he would win in a fight today.”
Ortiz Jr’s KO Streak Continues
Elsewhere in Texas, Vergil Ortiz Jr. (18-0, 18 KOs) knocked out Egidijus Kavaliauskas (25-2, 18 KOs) in the eighth round in what was his 18th straight knockout victory.
The Lithuanian dropped to the canvas five times before the referee intervened.
Ortiz, now the WBO international welterweight title holder, developed his chances in the division to eye a title shot in the near future.
Canelo and Plant Talks Relight
Another twist of the tale for the current king of boxing, talks between Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez (56-1-2, 38 KOs) and Caleb Plant (21-0, 12 KOs) have reportedly gotten under away again.
The super-fight would be for the undisputed super-middleweight titles. Plant being the holder of the IBF strap is the final piece to the puzzle for the WBA (super), WBC, WBO and The Ring champion Canelo.
Plant is staying busy in the gym currently as he awaits the phone call to find out if the fight will be made.
It is rumoured to be scheduled for November this year in arguably one of the most anticipated fights in recent memory.
Eddie Hearn made his comments on the fight on DAZN Boxing Show –
“The fight’s not made yet, but I think it’ll get there. I think that’s the one Canelo Alvarez wants, I believe Caleb Plant wants that fight. Hopefully now, with a November date, we can get it over the line.”
Will a victory over the IBF champion cement Canelo’s name as the greatest Mexican to ever step in the ring? Questions will be answered if the contract gets signed.
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