British Boxing News & Upcoming Fights
A Report On the Latest News and Developments in the British Boxing World, Including Any Upcoming Fights or Changes in the Rankings.
While we are still barely in 2023, there have been several big developments in the British boxing world already. There have been a couple of upsets and several huge fights confirmed for the coming year.
If you love British boxing or simply want to enjoy a high-profile scrap by some of the best fighters in the game, here are a few highlights in British boxing for 2023.
Liam Smith Defeats Chris Eubank Jr.
One of the biggest shocks of the year so far is Liam Smith knocking at and defeating Chris Eubank Jr. Going into the fight, Smith was the underdog, according to the boxing odds, with Eubank coming off of a six-fight winning streak that saw him pick up the IBO super-middleweight title, as well as WBA interim middleweight title.
While many knew that Smith could hold his own, Eubank was going to be one of his toughest opponents yet, while Eubank viewed Smith as a stepping stone to the next big thing in his career; however, things didn’t go to plan.
With many believing the fight would likely go the distance, in the fourth round, Smith secured the victory with a flurry of punches and a stoppage by the ref. While no titles were won, this has put Smith in a prime position for his next fight.
Kell Brook or Gennady Golovkin Next for Smith
With his win over Eubank, Smith has opened up his options with either being able to fight Eubank in a rematch or face-off against fellow Brit Kell Brook or the Kazakh powerhouse Gennady Golovkin.
Golovkin has just come off a loss to Canelo Alvarez and will be looking for a way to get back into the spotlight, while Smith is hoping to capitalise on his current form. Considering Brook is now retired, he is the least likely of the three to face Smith.
Liam Smith has also stated that he will uphold his rematch clause with Eubank, but many believe the latter won’t take it up due to the crushing defeat that has forever tainted his legacy.
Anthony Joshua Return
The one question that so many boxing fans have lately is when will we see the return of Anthony Joshua? Considering he was once one of the biggest fighters on the planet, consecutive defeats to Oleksander Usky have dimmed his light.
However, it has been revealed that he will take on Jermaine Franklin at the O2 Arena on April 1st. Many believe this fight will be the one that determines what will happen for the rest of Joshua’s career.
A victory can see him make waves in the heavyweight division again and put him on the path to a title shot; however, a fight he loses to Franklin could be the last time he steps into a ring.
Tyson Fury vs Oleksander Usyk
Tyson Fury is set to step foot back into the ring with the Ukrainian behemoth Oleksander Usyk. While the fight will almost definitely take place this year, barring any injuries, a set date and venue have yet to be agreed upon.Promoters say it will take place later than the initial date of March 4th and will happen somewhere in the Middle East. Either way, this is one of the biggest fights in the heavyweight division, with both boxers looking to cement their legacies.
Tommy Fury vs Jake Paul
Finally, a fight that some may care about is finally happening, while others won’t care if it happens at all, is Tommy Fury against Jake Paul. The two have been calling each other out for months now, with previous fights cancelled at the last minute.
However, it has been confirmed that a bout between the two is set to happen on the 25th of February. Many believe that Tommy has the most to lose here, and Paul being able to either beat an established pro boxer or lose to one, either way, he won’t look too bad.
However, if Fury were to lose this, it could seriously hinder his fledgling career in the ring, and he will forever be known as the tough guy who lost to a YouTube prankster.