October has passed, so it’s time to pack away the Halloween costumes, discard the leftover pumpkins, and shift our focus to another exciting month of boxing events.
As the evenings grow darker and temperatures drop, the thrill inside the boxing ring promises to keep fans warm and entertained.
November offers an enticing mix of fights: WBC title bouts for the 168-pound and heavyweight divisions, an intense IBF women’s lightweight title clash, and a special triple-header in Tokyo. Here’s a look at the top five matches to watch this month.
5. Agit Kabayel vs. Nelson Hysa – 12 rounds for the WBC heavyweight title, Nov. 28
Agit Kabayel aims to make a strong statement by the end of 2026. Despite being the WBC heavyweight champion, Kabayel has often been overshadowed by Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois. However, with an undefeated record of 27-0 (19 KOs), Kabayel has rarely faltered in his ascent to the top heavyweight spot. A decisive win against the undefeated Nelson Hysa (25-0, 23 KOs) in front of his home crowd in Düsseldorf could open doors to bigger opportunities in 2027. Hysa, although undefeated, has mostly fought on undercards and hasn’t yet faced a heavyweight as well-rounded as Kabayel. Even if Kabayel wins comfortably, this bout offers a glimpse into the future of heavyweight boxing in Germany as the country seeks to rekindle the dominant era of the Klitschkos.
4. Alycia Baumgardner vs. Elif Nur Turhan – 10 rounds for the IBF women’s lightweight title, Nov. 8
Alycia Baumgardner steps up to lightweight with hopes of becoming a two-division world champion but faces a tough challenge in the form of Elif Nur Turhan, one of women’s boxing’s hardest hitters. The former undisputed super featherweight champion Baumgardner (18-1, 7 KOs) will defend her skills against Turhan’s relentless power (14-0, 8 KOs) in Arlington, Texas. Turhan arrives with momentum after defeating Olympic gold medalist Beatriz Ferreira, while Baumgardner offers superior boxing technique and experience at the top level. This fight is more than just a title defense; a win could position Baumgardner for a blockbuster showdown with Britain’s Caroline Dubois and the chance to reclaim undisputed status. But first, she must overcome the “Golden Turkish Warrior,” a daunting task in itself.
3. Riku Masuda vs. Seiya Tsutsumi 2 – 12 rounds for the WBA “Regular” bantamweight title, Nov. 29
Three years after Seiya Tsutsumi handed Riku Masuda his only professional loss, the two Japanese fighters are set for a rematch with a world title at stake. Masuda (11-1, 9 KOs) has grown since that defeat, capturing the WBA “Regular” bantamweight title and stopping former champion Nonito Donaire. Tsutsumi (13-0-3, 8 KOs), who has also defeated top contenders including the current WBC champ Takuma Inoue, is eager to reclaim his status. This clash promises fireworks as Masuda’s southpaw power and reach contrasts with Tsutsumi’s pressure style and switch-hitting. Beyond the belt, both fighters are fighting for pride and validation. Tokyo will host this intense showdown filled with unfinished business.
2. David Jimenez vs. Seigo Yuri Akui – 12 rounds for the WBA junior bantamweight title, Nov. 29
David Jimenez of Costa Rica is ready to defend his newly attained WBA super flyweight championship in Tokyo, where he faces the seasoned former world champion Seigo Yuri Akui. Jimenez (18-1, 12 KOs) was promoted to full champion after Jesse Rodriguez vacated the title, and he has been inactive for over a year following a globetrotting 2024-2025 campaign. Akui (23-3, 13 KOs), who lost his WBA flyweight crown to Kenshiro Teraji but rebounded with wins, is aiming to become a two-division champion. This fight pairs Jimenez’s aggressive, high-volume style against Akui’s strategic jab and strong counters. Though Tokyo fights can be overlooked, this bout is expected to deliver compelling action.
1. Joshua Buatsi vs. Willy Hutchinson 2 – 12 rounds for the vacant WBC light heavyweight title, Nov. 7
Their first encounter was so intense, a rematch was inevitable. Joshua Buatsi (20-1, 13 KOs) and Willy Hutchinson (20-2, 14 KOs) face off again, this time with the vacant WBC light heavyweight title on the line and the chance to become Britain’s fifth male world champion. In 2024, Buatsi narrowly won a heated split decision, a result that left both fighters unsatisfied. Since then, Hutchinson has secured back-to-back wins, while Buatsi has had a tougher path, suffering a bruising loss before a narrow victory. With everything at stake, this evenly matched contest promises plenty of motivation and an electrifying showdown.
Fan Take:
November’s lineup showcases the depth and excitement across multiple boxing divisions and regions, offering fans fresh rivalries and pivotal title bouts. These fights not only determine champions but could also define the next era in the sport, highlighting emerging stars and shifting power dynamics worldwide.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
