This weekend’s boxing calendar is packed with significant events, headlined by some major celebrity matchups. Manny Pacquiao is set to come out of retirement on Saturday, aiming to capture the WBC welterweight title from Mario Barrios. Additionally, the heavyweight division will see a high-stakes rematch between WBC, WBO, and WBA champion Oleksandr Usyk and IBF titleholder Daniel Dubois, a clash that will determine the undisputed heavyweight champion. Beyond these two marquee fights, the event also features a full undercard and another card highlighting a world championship unification.
With numerous bouts scheduled for Saturday, we’ve pinpointed four noteworthy fights to watch beyond Pacquiao vs. Barrios and Usyk vs. Dubois. Here’s a brief overview:
– Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez vs. Phumelela Cafu (Unified Junior Bantamweight Title): Rodriguez, ranked No. 6 by CBS Sports, is trying to unify the WBC junior bantamweight title with Cafu’s WBO belt. Despite being favored heavily over the undefeated but unpredictably performing Cafu, Rodriguez’s skill and vigilance make this a must-watch fight often overlooked due to the main event overshadowing it.
– Sebastian Fundora vs. Tim Tszyu (WBC Junior Middleweight Title): After a brutal split-decision fight in March 2024 where Fundora defended his title against Tszyu, this rematch promises intense action. Tszyu will be seeking redemption after Fundora’s powerful jab played a key role in his initial victory.
– Lawrence Okolie vs. Kevin Lerena (Heavyweight): On the Usyk vs. Dubois undercard, former cruiserweight champ Okolie returns to heavyweight competition looking for another win after his only pro loss in 2023. Lerena, who troubled Dubois before losing, aims to pull off an upset here.
– Lasha Guruli vs. James Francis (Junior Welterweight): Guruli, a 2024 Olympic bronze medalist with a sharp defensive style, continues his professional rise against the hard-hitting Francis, an early test in his promising career.
Fan Take: This weekend is a monumental showcase of boxing’s depth, featuring legends returning, unification bouts, and rising stars making their name. For fight fans, it’s a thrilling blend of history in the making and future promise that could reshape divisions and energize the sport worldwide.
