If you’re tired of the endless drama involving contract disputes, vacated titles, and boxing politics, here’s a refreshing update: this weekend’s lineup actually features real, exciting fights!
We’ve scoured the globe to bring you the best boxing action, from London to Tokyo and beyond, ensuring you won’t miss a moment worth watching.
Here’s a rundown of the top five must-watch boxing events happening this weekend.
1. Inoue and Nasukawa Rematch in Tokyo
The peace between WBC bantamweight champion Takuma Inoue (22-2, 5 KOs) and Japanese phenom Tenshin Nasukawa (8-1, 3 KOs) lasted just ten months. This weekend, they’ll clash again at the same venue in Tokyo, battling once more for the 118-pound title. Since their last encounter, both fighters have stayed busy—Inoue defeated the veteran Kazuto Ioka in May, while Nasukawa pulled off an impressive win against Juan Francisco Estrada back in April, which moved up the rematch date. The Toyota Arena will host what could be an early “Round 13” debate on Sunday. Don’t underestimate Nasukawa: with 53 fights across various disciplines and an undefeated streak until Inoue ended it, he’s become more than just a boxer—he’s a major force in combat sports. Inoue, too, brings a strong pedigree and a solid record at just 30 years old, suggesting his prime may still be ahead. This showdown promises compelling adjustments and high stakes, making it unmissable.
2. Zuffa Boxing Heads to London’s Copper “Bosh” for Fisher
Johnny Fisher (14-1, 12 KOs) wasn’t exactly expected to headline a Zuffa Boxing event in 2026, but here he is leading Zuffa Boxing 11 at the Copper Box in London—dubbed the Copper “Bosh” in his honor, referencing a phrase he and his father popularized online. His opponent, Belgian Michael Pirotton (12-2, 6 KOs), has fought in various countries but holds losses against lesser-known competitors. Whether this major payday for Fisher is a tactic by Dana White to needle promoter Eddie Hearn remains to be seen, but heavyweight bouts naturally bring excitement. Fisher will be searching for a win that could catapult him into the fringe title scene.
3. Richards and Kalajdzic Face Off in a Key Light Heavyweight Battle
If Fisher vs. Pirotton doesn’t appeal, the co-main event in London between Craig “Spider” Richards (20-4-1, 13 KOs) and Radivoje Kalajdzic (30-3, 22 KOs) should. Richards has had a mixed recent record (5-3-1 since 2019) but is on a hot streak with two consecutive wins, putting him on the verge of a big break at light heavyweight. His impressive victory over Dan Azeez in December caught Zuffa’s attention and earned him a match against Kalajdzic, known for a stunning knockout over Oleksandr Gvozdyk earlier this year. Both fighters are 35 and facing critical moments in their careers, promising a close, style-driven contest.
4. Goodman vs. Nishida for the Interim IBF Super Bantamweight Title
Sam Goodman (22-1, 8 KOs) travels into Japanese territory to challenge Ryosuke Nishida (11-1, 2 KOs) for the IBF interim super bantamweight belt. Goodman, bouncing back after a first defeat to Nick Ball in 2025, has since secured wins against Tyler Blizzard and Rodrigo Fabian Ruiz. Though multiple canceled bouts with superstar Naoya Inoue have made Goodman somewhat known in Japan, many still question his in-ring performance. Nishida, who was stopped by Junto Nakatani last year, remains a tough test, showcasing solid fundamentals despite that loss. This bout is another close call on a weekend full of tough fights.
5. Thailand’s Only World Champion Defends His 108-Pound Title
Thanongsak Simsri (40-1, 35 KOs) proudly holds Thailand’s sole active world championship, the IBF light flyweight title he won last June. At just 26, he’s defending his crown against Filipino challenger Mark Vicelles (21-2-1, 11 KOs) in Japan for the third consecutive time. Simsri boasts a stellar record with just one loss in eight years, a defeat to Masamichi Yabuki in 2022, followed by an impressive 15-fight winning streak. Vicelles stands between Simsri and opportunities to unify titles with other champions at 108 pounds, making this defense crucial for Simsri’s legacy and the division’s future.
Fan Take:
This weekend’s packed schedule is a breath of fresh air for fight fans, bringing significant matchups without the usual behind-the-scenes drama. These bouts have the potential to reshape divisions, highlight rising stars, and deliver thrilling moments that keep boxing vibrant and relevant.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
