Jack Catterall, Joe Joyce and Anthony Joshua lead the British boxing scene as they all fight to get back into title contention
British boxing fans have been treated to a standout summer, with numerous timeless showdowns already having taken place throughout the first half of 2024.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia still has it’s welcome grasp firmly clutched around the boxing world, delivering spectacle after groundbreaking spectacle.
So far this year fans have witnessed the first-ever crowning of a four-belt undisputed heavyweight champion, as well as two of the world’s largest promotions go head-to-head as Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn pitted their top fighters against each other in an innovative 5 vs 5 showdown.
However, the year is far from over, and those who love British boxing will be pleased to know that there’s plenty more mega fights ready to take place through the tail end of the summer months.
Joe Joyce vs Derek Chisora
Just over a week away, a stacked Queensberry card looks like it could be the perfect mid-summer treat for fight fans.
Headlining the British boxing event, Joe Joyce will take on Derek Chisora, in another comeback fight for the ‘Juggernaut’ following his defeat to Zhang in 2023.
Joyce last fought in March, dispatching Kash Ali in the final round of their 10-round clash.
Joyce looked far from his best on the night, still appearing to lack confidence following a difficult 2023, with two knockout losses at the hands of ‘Big Bang Zhang’.
Chisora, also far from his prime, could prove the perfect confidence builder for Joyce who will surely want to put his name firmly back in title contention.
Elsewhere on the card, Dennis McCann will be looking for revenge as he takes on Ionut Baluta to avenge their draw last August.
Since the shock result, McCann has fought once, winning a classy unanimous decision over fellow super bantam prospect Brad Strand.
Also making an appearance on the night, Moses Itauma looks to continue his rise to the top of the heavyweight division. The 19-year-old burst onto the heavyweight scene in 2023 and has since racked up nine wins with seven by stoppage and an unprecedented six first-round finishes.
Itaumas’s opponent on the 27th will be heavyweight veteran Mariusz Walch. The 44-year-old may have struggled in the ring the past few years, but the former Wladimir Klitschko challenger still carries the experience and IQ to perhaps give Itauma his toughest challenge to date.
Jack Catterall vs Regis Prograis
Jack Catterall will be hoping to keep the ball rolling after his monumental rematch win over the former undisputed Josh Taylor.
Many thought Taylor would be back to his best in their recent rematch. However the Chorley fighter kept his cool throughout the Grudge match, dropping the Scottish star in what was a closer fight than the scorecards revealed, though undoubtedly the right fighter was crowned victorious.
Taking place Aug 24 at the Co-Op arena Manchester, Catterall will be looking to further put his skills to the test against former WBC super Lightweight champion, Regis Prograis.
Prograis made two defences of the strap before being thoroughly outclassed by the highly rated-Devin Haney.
The fight with Haney was billed to be a 50/50 fight and a real test for ‘The Dream’ who had only just moved to the 140-pound division. Unfortunately for the ageing champion, the fight was anything but even. Prograis looked flat on his feet and was unable to box in his far faster counterpart who moved effortlessly away from danger and landed on ‘Rougarou’ with ease.
It remains to be seen if Prograis still has what it takes to continue mixing at the top. Now 35, the American is truly entering the twilight of his career, and his once devastating knockout power may be slowly on the decline. The fight could prove as the perfect proving ground for Catterall, as a win would place him amongst the top contenders for a title shot at 140.
Daniel Dubious vs Anthony Joshua
Once the star boy of British boxing, AJ dropped out of favour with the British public after his antics following his second Usyk fight and questions surrounding the heavyweight’s chin began to arise. However, his stock once again appears to be on the up after a phenomenal 2023 campaign.
His last outing saw him do what Fury was unable to, dispatching MMA legend Francis Ngannou in just the second round of their Saudi mega fight.
Late last year Joshua looked all too slick for Otto Wallin, a man who previously gave Tyson Fury problems in a fight where the Swede could easily have claimed a stoppage win.
The Watford fighter’s confidence is seemingly through the roof, with his aggression and shot selection eerily similar to the young ‘AJ’ who was rightfully feared throughout the division.
‘AJ’ will have the opportunity to reclaim one of his former titles after Dubious has been crowned IBF king following Usyk announcing he had vacated the belt.
It has been revealed that the winner of the fight will be pitted against Tyson Fury for what would be another generational British super-fight.
While Dubious will surely go into the fight a heavy underdog due to Joshua’s stellar resume, Dubois showed tenacity and technique to dispatch the ever-skilful Hrgovic last month as part of the Matchroom vs Queensberry 5 vs 5 event.
The win set Dubois apart from the pack as the rightful heir to the IBF throne considering Usyk was almost guaranteed to vacate his IBF title while still tied in a rematch clause with ‘The Gypsy King.’