There’s still a whole bunch of big boxing nights yet to be delivered before the year is through, so why not join us for a quick lowdown? We’ve mainly stuck to fights that are inked in, but have included some potential matchups that have been hitting the headlines recently. Enjoy!
Manny Pacquiao vs. Jessie Vargas
November 5, Las Vegas, Nevada (HBO PPV)
Legendary Manny Pacquiao nearing the tail-end of his illustrious career, but most of us would agree that he’s still one of the sport’s top operators. Even at 37 and with a number of hard battles behind him. Which is quite something. But Jessie Vargas is a fine-looking up-and-comer on the scene, one who’s beginning to find some eye-popping power after sensationally knocking out Sadam Ali in March.
The questions are obvious in this fight which, perhaps, could be Pacquiao’s swan song before bowing out of boxing for good. Does Pacquiao have enough left in the tank to trump a hungry champion? And, of course, is Vargas skilled enough to deal with the experience and speed of Pacquiao? This crossroads meeting will see Vargas look to defend his WBO Welterweight title for the first time.
Pacquiao vs. Vargas Undercard:
- Nonito Donaire vs. Jessie Magdaleno | Junior Featherweight | Donaire’s WBO title defense
- Oscar Valdez vs. Hiroshige Osawa | Featherweight | Valdez’s WBO title defense
- Shiming Zou vs. Prasitsak Papoem | Flyweight
Luis Ortiz vs. Malik Scott
November 5, Monte Carlo (Sky Sports 2)
Alright, as a main event this isn’t going to send Heavyweight fans into a frenzy. But Luis Ortiz, arguably one of the division’s finest boxer-punchers, is in action nonetheless, and this could be the start of some very big nights for the Cuban. Assuming an upset is off the cards, Ortiz will earn a fast return for new promoter Matchroom Boxing, but could potentially be involved in some salivating dustups thereafter.
Matchroom is known for delivering fan-friendly events, and could well produce some high-brow contests with more Top 10 players thanks to their international pull. There’s also a chance that a Luis Ortiz vs. Anthony Joshua clash could turn up sometime in 2017 given AJ resides under Matchroom’s banner presently (now what a barnburner that would be!). If you loathe the Ortiz headliner, then the undercard below might raise your enthusiasm. If it doesn’t, then man you’re difficult.
Ortiz vs. Scott Undercard:
- Jason Sosa vs. Stephen Smith | Junior Lightweight | Sosa’s WBA title defense
- Arthur Abraham vs. Martin Murray | Super Middleweight
- Jamie McDonnell vs. Liborio Solis | Bantamweight | McDonnell’s WBA title defense
Sergey Kovalev vs. Andre Ward
November 19, Las Vegas, Nevada (HBO PPV)
This ‘should’ be a real good fight. Here we have a pure, first-ballot Hall of Famer taking on a highly dangerous puncher in Sergey Kovalev. So, really, whatever happens (even if it’s actually a dull cat-and-mouse win for Andre Ward), it has to be said that going in it looked like a super fight of sorts. Not in the way Mayweather vs. Pacquiao was (chills down spine), but a top-drawer Light Heavy fight that needs to happen all the same.
Ward and Kovalev will be protecting undefeated records as they hope to return home with a bunch of world accolades, so this thing is plenty meaningful. The IBF, WBA and WBO titles, currently at Kovalev’s waist, will be in the pot. The sensible money probably goes on Ward given his profound ring smarts, but let’s remember that Kovalev carries a devastating whack and has underrated smarts himself. Let’s hope it blows the roof off.
Kovalev vs. Ward Undercard:
- Isaac Chilemba vs. Oleksandr Gvozdyk | Light Heavyweight
- Curtis Stevens vs. James de la Rosa | Middleweight
- Maurice Hooker vs. Darleys Perez | Junior Middleweight
Vasyl Lomachenko vs. Nicholas Walters
November 26, Las Vegas, Nevada (HBO, Boxnation)
Ukrainian fighting machine Vasyl Lomachenko looks almost unbeatable right now. But since his record is yet to hit double digits, and there’s plenty of elite talent left to face, there’s still enough big questions to be answered. It’s true that Nicholas Walters is a fine talent, blessed with eye-catching ability and power, but it’s also true that he’s been clocking up a fair bit of ring absence in recent times.
Still, Lomachenko vs. Walters looks seriously intriguing on paper, and, after witnessing Lomachenko’s violent thrashing of Roman Martinez in June, should contain fireworks. If anything, even you’ve lost total interest in Walters, this is a good opportunity to catch two refined talents in action. Lomachenko’s WBO Junior Lightweight strap will be on the line.
Demetrius Andrade vs. Jack Culcay
November 5, Brandenburg, Germany
Demetrius Andrade is back in action, with the unbeaten boxer-banger looking to become a two-time Junior Middleweight champion. Andrade will be giving away home advantage as he heads to Europe to find German Jack Culcay, who, let’s be honest, at 5’ 8” doesn’t look too dangerous. Culcay is a decent fighter (No.10 in BB’s Top 10 Junior Middleweights), but will likely have to turn in a monster performance to hang with the 6’ 1” Andrade. ‘Levels’ comes to mind.
This may not be a particularly mouth-watering contest, but there’s been a lot worse boxing matchups in recent memory. The fact the WBA title is on the line kind of sums up today’s diluted climate, but hey, at least a belt-holding Andrade will be able to lure bigger names into the ring in future fights. Andrade versus one of the Charlo brothers in 2017, particularly Jermall, would be a dream fight for most of us.
Boxing in November: Best of the Rest
Demetrius Andrade vs. Jack Culcay
November 5, Brandenburg, Germany; WBA Junior Middleweight Championship
Mehdi Amar vs. Robert Stieglitz (Boxnation)
November 12, Magdeburg, Germany; European Light Heavyweight Championship
George Groves vs. Eduard Gutknecht (Channel 5)
November 18, London, England; Super Middleweight
Marco Huck vs. Dmytro Kucher (Boxnation)
November 15, Germany; Cruiserweight
Liam Williams vs. Ahmet Peterson (Boxnation)
November 15, Wales; British Junior Middleweight Championship
Undercard:
Billy Joe Saunders vs. Artur Akavov; WBO Middleweight Championship
Thomas Stalker vs. Craig Evans; European Lightweight Championship
Terry Flanagan vs. TBA; WBO Lightweight Championship
Which boxing clash are you most looking forward to in November? Cast your thoughts in the comments below!
