Whyte vs Guinn Inked for Joshua vs Cornish Card
Dillian Whyte will square off against Dominick Guinn on September 12th. If you’re a fan of alphabet titles, it’s the WBC International Silver Heavyweight variety on the line. Who is Guinn (35-10-1, 24 KO), you might ask? The Texan’s record might seem unimpressive at first glance, but if you overlook the defeats, his 24 knockouts inside 35 wins isn’t something to scoff at.
The guy’s unlikely to upset Whyte (15-0, 12 KO), granted. But at least he can punch. Not to mention his eye-catching experience; Guinn has seen the final bell in fights with Tomasz Adamek, Kubrat Pulev, James Toney and Tony Thompson. It’s also worth knowing Guinn has never been knocked out. Provided Whyte passes this test – and Anthony Joshua isn’t upset by Gary Cornish – he will square off with rival Joshua (13-0, 13 KO) in December.
Berterbiev vs Barrera Agreed for IBF Eliminator
Yes! This is a darn tasty match-up between two dangerous fighters which promises to be fan-friendly. Artur Beterbiev (9-0, 9 KO) and Sullivan Barrera (16-0, 11 KO) have agreed to put their unbeaten records on the line in an IBF Light Heavyweight Eliminator.
A ballsy move from both men, considering they’re both prospects. Top prospects, yes, but this is still a very risk fight competitively and financially. Anyway, all we have to wait on is a confirmed location and date. Boom!
WBC Embarressed by Mosely vs Mayorga II Scuffle
Can fingers also be embarrassed to type? Yes, apparently they can – so we’ll make this quick! Aging fighters Shane Mosley (47-9-1, 39 KO) and Ricardo Mayorga (31-8-1, 25 KO) put on a cringe-worthy ‘fight’ at the pair’s latest press conference. The whole thing was clearly staged, which has therefore perhaps more hindered than helped their upcoming weekend bout.
The fact the drama was premeditated brings about conflicting feelings for fight fans. Do we condemn these veterans of the ring? Or feel pity for them? Part of the WBC’s website statement read: ‘[The WBC] expresses complete rejection concerning the embarrassing fight simulation … These actions are totally unacceptable to our sport.’
Kendall Holt to Make Comeback
Kendall Holt (28-6, 16 KO), a former Junior Welterweight champ, has announced he will be making a comeback. Holt was knocked out by Lamont Peterson in his last fight in 2013, but will be returning to the ring to chase down another title – this time at 147 pounds. The 34-year-old has signed with promoter Greg Cohen, who also has veteran Zab Judah under his wing.
Andre Ward Could Co-Support Cotto vs Canelo
Andre Ward (28-0, 15 KO) is being considered to partake in a co-feature for November’s Cotto vs Canelo card at the Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas. Given Ward’s inactivity over the past couple of years, a slot on a highly anticipated PPV event such as this can only be a good thing. At 31-years-old, the former pound for pounder needs to start rebuilding buzz if he is to land his own PPV shows in the future.
Martin Murray and Tony Bellew to Fight on September 5th
No, not against each other. Martin Murray (31-2-1, 14 KO) will be headlining the Leeds, UK card, against beatable yet hard-hitting Jose Miguel Torres (31-6, 27 KO). The bout will be Murray’s first decent test at Super Middleweight. With Cruiserweight prospect Callum Johnson pulling out from the undercard, Cruiserweight Tony Bellew (24-2-1, 15 KO) will fill in, taking on a yet to be named opponent.
Stevenson vs Chilemba/Alvarez?
If you’re finding it hard to muster enthusiasm for Adonis Stevenson’s upcoming 172 pound defense against Tommy Karpency, get ready for further disappointment. According to World Boxing News, Isaac Chilemba (24-2-2, 10 KO) and Eleider Alvarez (18-0, 10 KO) will be doing battle, which could make for an interesting contest. The date and venue are yet to be confirmed.
Now the bad news: the winner could be set to face Stevenson. Let’s make this quick; these guys aren’t bad fighters (unbeaten Alvarez isn’t quite ready for ‘Superman’), the public just deserves to see Stevenson finally defend his titles against a legitimate threat.
Spill your thoughts on any of the above boxing news, fight fans…
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