THIS WEEK delivers world titles, British ambition, heavyweight fireworks, and a return to one of boxing’s most iconic venues.
From Quezon City to Montreal, Manchester to Florida, fans can look forward to: Melvin Jerusalem defending his world title, Mikaela Mayer going for her fourth championship, Joshua Buatsi looking to get back on track, and Cuba’s Lenier Pero aiming to make his mark in the heavyweight ranks.
From Ali to Jerusalem
Fifty years on from Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier’s brutal trilogy bout in Manila, Manny Pacquiao Promotions will stage “Thrilla in Manila 50” to mark the anniversary of that legendary night in Quezon City.
In the main event, Melvin Jerusalem (pictured) makes the third defence of his WBC strawweight title against maiden challenger Siyakholwa Kuse. The undercard features a host of Filipino talent, including former world super-bantamweight champion Marlon Tapales.
Muhammad Ali’s grandson, Nico Ali Walsh, will also make the pilgrimage to Manila for his 14th professional contest.
When: Wednesday, October 29
Where: Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City, Manila
Broadcaster: TBC
The undercard: Look out for Eumir Marcial, Carl Martin and Vadim Tukov
Mayer’s quest
Having already won world titles in two weight classes Mikaela Mayer (pictured) now looks to the super-welterweight division to win another.
The American travels to Montreal to face Canada’s WBA super-welterweight champion Mary Spencer. Mayer was last in action against bitter rival Sandy Ryan making it two wins from two against the spiky Brit.
Spencer goes in as a big underdog but she will have home support behind her.
When: Thursday, October 30
Where: Montreal Casino, Montreal
Broadcaster: Top Rank Classics
The undercard: Look out for Arthur Biyarslanov, Wilkens Mathieu and Mehmet Unal
Buatsi’s back
After suffering the first professional loss of his career Joshua Buatsi returns against Zach Parker in one of three all-British light-heavyweight bouts.
Buatsi-Parker tops a Queensberry Promotions card and sees Buatsi debut for Frank Warren having previously fought under the Matchroom and Boxxer banners.
Parker has seen big fight opportunities fall through in the past but his patience has finally paid off as he looks to make a mark on the world scene at 175lbs.
When: Saturday, November 1
Where: Co-op Live Arena, Manchester
Broadcaster: DAZN
The undercard: Look out for Bradley Rea v Lyndon Arthur and Liam Cameron v Troy Jones
Pero power
In Orlando, unbeaten heavyweight southpaw Lenier Pero (pictured) headlines a Matchroom USA card against former world cruiserweight title challenger Jordan Thompson.
Pero is the older brother of Dainier Pero – another heavyweight prospect – and is seen by some as Cuba’s best heavyweight hope since Luis Ortiz.
Standing at 6ft 6ins Thompson has the physical attributes to concern Pero but his two-year layoff makes this is a tall order for the Mancunian.
When: Saturday, November 1
Where: Caribe Royale, Orlando
Broadcaster: DAZN
The undercard: Look out for Omari Jones, Pat Brown and Nishant Dev
Stay tuned to Boxing News throughout the week for full coverage, results and post-fight analysis from around the boxing world.
