Next weekend will be a real godsend for boxing fans. Starting on Saturday evening and continuing through the night, several fascinating fights will unfold—from the heavyweight unification bout scheduled at Wembley to the sensational return of 46-year-old Manny Pacquiao, to Italy’s hopeful Etinosa Oliha and more… Let’s take a look at the five must-see events!
Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois 2 – WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO World Heavyweight Titles – Wembley Stadium, London (UK)
A highly anticipated rematch the whole world is waiting for. The first bout deeply divided public opinion: some are convinced Dubois was denied a legal blow that could have changed the outcome, while others argue the shot was low and highlight Usyk’s dominance in the remainder of the fight. We’ll break down this clash in detail in our “Fight of the Week” column.
Sebastian Fundora vs Tim Tszyu 2 – WBC World Super Welterweight Title – MGM Grand, Las Vegas (USA)
Another rematch, and once again the first bout was shaped by a peculiar incident. After comfortably winning the first two rounds, Tszyu clashed heads with Fundora’s elbow and spent the next ten rounds battling a deep cut and a constant blood flow impairing his vision. Will the Australian get his revenge and break through the defenses of his towering opponent? Or will we witness another victory by the “Towering Inferno”?
Mario Barrios vs Manny Pacquiao – WBC World Welterweight Title – MGM Grand, Las Vegas (USA)
Unbelievable but true: Manny Pacquiao is returning to the ring to challenge for a world title. The Filipino legend hasn’t fought officially since August 2021, when he delivered a lackluster performance and lost on points to Cuban Yordenis Ugas. Since then, only exhibitions—until now. Barrios is arguably the least gifted of the current titleholders in the division, but he’s in his prime and favored by the oddsmakers due to the age factor.
Jesse Rodriguez vs Phumelela Cafu – WBC and WBO World Super Flyweight Titles – The Ford Center at The Star, Frisco (USA)
Jesse Rodriguez is so confident in winning this unification bout that he’s already scheduled the next one: on November 22, he plans to face WBA champion Fernando Martinez to solidify his dominance in the super flyweight division. Still, Cafu shouldn’t be underestimated: he’s a powerful fighter with an unorthodox style and already upset the odds once by dethroning Japan’s Kosei Tanaka on the road. Rodriguez, however, is a clear favorite thanks to his immense talent and considerable high-level experience.
Austin Williams vs Etinosa Oliha – IBF Middleweight World Title Eliminator – The Ford Center at The Star, Frisco (USA)
The Italian flag will also fly in Frisco. Our top middleweight, Etinosa Oliha, will attempt the feat of climbing to the top of the IBF rankings and becoming the mandatory challenger for the world title. To achieve that, he’ll need to overcome American Austin Williams—a tall order. Bookmakers don’t give Oliha much of a chance, offering four-to-one odds on his victory. Williams, while more seasoned on the big stage, has already been knocked out and is not without flaws. Pulling off the upset will require a sensational performance, and Italian fans fervently hope Oliha can deliver it on the most important night of his career.