This weekend, boxing fans are in for an intense showdown as three major fight cards go head-to-head. Highlighting the action is the straightforward heavyweight title rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois, alongside the highly anticipated comeback of 46-year-old boxing legend Manny Pacquiao on a star-studded PBC on Prime Pay-Per-View card. Following a week packed with blockbuster bouts in New York, this Saturday promises to be one of the most jam-packed and thrilling days in recent boxing history.
1. At 46, is Manny Pacquiao making a risky comeback?
Manny Pacquiao, a revered Philippine boxing icon and eight-division world champion inducted into the Hall of Fame this June, hasn’t fought professionally since 2021. His recent sparring with a top kickboxer last summer didn’t inspire confidence, yet he is determined to fight again with a title shot against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios. Barrios appeared vulnerable during his last bout, providing some hope for Pacquiao, though the older Pacquiao doesn’t look like the fighter he was at his peak, when he became the oldest to claim a 147-pound title in 2019. While some believe Pacquiao can pull off an upset, many caution that age and time away from the ring may prove too much for the legendary “Pac-Man.”
2. Evolutions for Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois in two years
Usyk and Dubois are set to clash again this Saturday at Wembley Stadium in London, aiming to unify the undisputed heavyweight championship in front of nearly 96,000 fans. Their 2023 bout sparked controversy around some body shots and referee decisions, but Usyk secured a ninth-round stoppage. Since then, Dubois has transformed his approach with notable knockouts, shaking off his past reputation as a fragile fighter. Now, 38-year-old Usyk faces a 27-year-old Dubois in his prime, who poses an even greater threat than before. This rematch promises to be a compelling test of skill, strength, and will.
3. Tim Tszyu’s road to a rematch with Sebastian Fundora
Australian star Tszyu, formerly a 154-pound champion, lost his title in March 2024 to Fundora, who bounced back from a knockout loss to become a leading force in the division. Tszyu has since taken time off, married, and made a strong return, stopping Joseph Spencer in April. Fifteen months after their initial bout, Tszyu and Fundora meet again as a co-main event in Las Vegas alongside Pacquiao’s return. While Fundora had to vacate the WBO title, Tszyu dominated their first fight until an accidental cut ended the contest, setting the stage for a thrilling second encounter.
4. Expect intense action in Isaac Cruz vs. Angel Fierro II
In February, Mexican fighter Isaac “Pit Bull” Cruz attempted to rebound after losing the 140-pound title in a match that paid tribute to Mexican boxing legends. Cruz narrowly won the first fight on the scorecards, but Fierro’s reach and height advantage made it a tough night. The second fight, part of the PBC PPV at MGM Grand, promises more fireworks as both fighters bring their relentless Mexican fighting spirit back to the ring for a must-watch battle.
5. Is Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez taking on too much?
At just 25, Rodriguez is gearing up for a 115-pound unification bout against a top fighter from Frisco, Texas, while also preparing for a title fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in November against undefeated Argentine Fernando Martinez. His busy schedule and public attention could challenge his focus as he tries to maintain his standing as a top “Bam” in the division. Rodriguez’s ability to stay sharp amid this heavy workload will be a focal point of interest for fans this weekend.
Fan Take: This weekend’s packed fight cards highlight not just the star power in boxing but also the high stakes and evolving storylines that keep fans on the edge of their seats. From potential legends clashing to dynamic young stars rising, these matchups could shape the future landscape of the sport and energize boxing’s global fanbase.
