The boxing schedule for the next seven days is rather slim on major events and essentially boils down to two world title fights, both of which seem to have predictable outcomes. For those who follow our national boxing scene, there is an all-Italian derby in Ancona that might prove to be balanced and exciting. Below are the matches of the week we’ve selected for you.
Friday, October 4
Mattia Occhinero vs Iuliano Gallo – WBC Mediterranean Super Bantamweight Title – Ancona (Italy)
A national derby between two fighters looking for redemption. The Marche native Occhinero aims to revive his career after two setbacks at the hands of Mattia De Bianchi and Simone Rao and will try to capitalize on the support of his home crowd. Gallo, for his part, has lost the momentum that characterized the early phase of his professional career and now seeks to regain form after a few lackluster years. Both are former Italian champions and will certainly give it their all to secure the win.
Zhanibek Alimkhanuly vs Andrei Mikhailovich – IBF Middleweight World Title – The Star, Sydney (Australia)
The current number one middleweight in the world, Kazakh Zhanibek Alimkhanuly, will travel to defend his title. This is the second time the match has been scheduled, as the champion fainted during the first attempt to make weight, resulting in a postponement. On paper, there doesn’t seem to be much competition, as Alimkhanuly has already demonstrated his superb talent, while Mikhailovich’s resume lacks notable opponents, and despite being undefeated, he doesn’t appear to have the tools to pull off an upset. But as we know, in boxing, never say never.
Saturday, October 5
Nick Ball vs Ronny Rios – WBA Featherweight World Title – Echo Arena, Liverpool (United Kingdom)
The relentless, hard-hitting Nick Ball, fresh off a sensational battle four months ago in which he captured the world title from Raymond Ford, seems to have a relatively easy defense ahead, at least on paper. Rios has suffered several setbacks, and his remarkable climb to the upper echelons of boxing was abruptly halted two years ago by a crushing defeat at the hands of Murodjon Akhmadaliev. The challenger doesn’t seem to possess the toughness needed to withstand the champion’s furious and incessant attacks; we’ll see if he can surprise us.