FORMER world lightweight champion Richard Commey will face Nahir Albright on October 18, with their 140lbs encounter featuring on the undercard of Danny Garcia vs Daniel Gonzalez.
It was originally supposed to be Ashton Sylve in the opposite corner, but for an unspecified reason – most likely injury-related – the Californian has now been replaced by Albright, 17-2 (7 KOs).
The late change of opponent, however, has arguably contributed to a more intriguing matchup, especially when considering Albright’s majority decision victory over the previously unbeaten Kelvin Davis.
On that particular night in June, the 29-year-old also had a backstage altercation with his opponent’s brother, former world lightweight champion Keyshawn Davis, who he introduced to a career-toughest test in October 2023.
And despite Davis edging a majority decision, his victory was later overturned to a no decision after the controversial American tested positive for marijuana.
Nevertheless, Albright has proven to be a tricky night’s work on more than one occasion and, more than likely, will be considered a sizable favourite ahead of his 10-round contest with Commey, 31-5-1 (28 KOs), next week.
While coming off a second-round finish over William Jackson – who is, at best, a club-level fighter – Commey had lost three of his last five outings prior to dusting off the cobwebs in August.
And while he hardly disgraced himself on those occasions, losing only to Teofimo Lopez, Vasyl Lomachenko and Jose Ramirez, it must be said that the 38-year-old is nonetheless a far cry from his prime.
Inactivity, more specifically, has represented a common theme for Commey in more recent years, which adds yet another reason to why this next assignment might be a particularly tall order.
Albright, meanwhile, will likely view their co-main event at the Barclays Center, New York, as an enticing opportunity to elevate his credentials at 140lbs.
