After a weekend featuring numerous Italian boxers in various cities across the country, we’re diving back into the international boxing scene for the upcoming week. While there won’t be many prestigious title fights, a few women’s bouts and an intriguing male rematch are worth watching. Here are the three bouts recommended by Boxe Punch, all taking place on Saturday:
Saturday, November 2
Chantelle Cameron vs. Patricia Berghult – Interim WBC Super Lightweight Title – Resorts World Arena, Birmingham (UK)
Although she doesn’t currently hold a world title, Chantelle Cameron remains one of the most talented and respected fighters on the global scene. Her rise came through an aggressive, high-action style defined by remarkable power, aggression, and bodywork. Cameron shocked the world on May 20, 2023, by handing Irish superstar Katie Taylor her first professional loss in a narrow but memorable decision. However, the rematch didn’t go as planned, with Cameron relinquishing her belts, setting her on a path to secure a third bout that could settle the rankings once and for all.
Cameron’s preparation includes taking on tough, seasoned opponents, making Patricia Berghult, a former super welterweight world champion, a noteworthy challenge, even if oddsmakers heavily favor Cameron.
Gabriela Fundora vs. Gabriela Celeste Alaniz – WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF Flyweight Titles – Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Las Vegas (USA)
Boxing fans who only follow the men’s side associate “Fundora” with towering Sebastian, the WBC and WBO super welterweight world champion. But those who track women’s boxing know his sister, Gabriela Fundora, also holds an IBF flyweight belt. Intriguingly, both siblings share a lanky build uncommon in their weight classes, and each tends to engage in close-range battles that thrill fans.
Gabriela faces the biggest fight of her career as she takes on Gabriela Celeste Alaniz, the WBC, WBA, and WBO titleholder, with the winner set to become the undisputed flyweight champion. Alaniz, known for her pace and hand speed rather than power, recently went through two heated and controversial fights against Texan Marlen Esparza. After losing the first by points, she won the immediate rematch by a Split Decision.
Robson Conceicao vs. O’Shaquie Foster – WBC Super Featherweight World Title – Turning Stone Resort & Casino, Verona (USA)
We’ll cover this match in depth in our “Fight of the Week” column, but for now, here’s the background that’s made it particularly interesting. Conceicao and Foster first fought on July 6, with an outcome that sparked major protests among fans and experts alike. Despite seeming to control most rounds, Foster was declared the loser by two of the three judges, forcing him to hand over his world title to his opponent.
The WBC has mandated an immediate rematch to resolve the controversy, bringing the two fighters back to the ring. Fans will be watching closely to see if Foster, often criticized for his conservative approach, comes out more aggressively to “correct” the perceived injustice. Conversely, it’ll be interesting to see if Conceicao adjusts his strategy or tries to replicate his approach from four months ago, which, despite opinions to the contrary, earned him the world title.