May has provided one of the most stacked boxing schedules in recent memory, and things look to close out with a bang this weekend. Dmitry Bivol returns, Adam Azim continues his rise, MVP stages its third all-women’s card, and O’Shaquie Foster defends against Ray Ford in what could be one of the best technical battles of the year.
Dmitry Bivol vs Michael Eifert
Unified light-heavyweight world champion Dmitry Bivol returns to action in Ekaterinburg, Russia, on Saturday when he defends two of his three belts against unbeaten German challenger Michael Eifert. Despite a long period of inactivity, Bivol remains one of the sport’s elite operators following his rivalry with Artur Beterbiev and enters as a heavy favourite, with victory for Eifert turning the 175lb division on its head.
Should the Russian retain as expected, fans will look to see him call for an undisputed clash with David Benavidez or a trilogy with Beterbiev. The card will feature a number of Russian prospects and contenders in support.
Promoter: RCC Boxing Promotions
Broadcaster: DAZN
O’Shaquie Foster vs Raymond Ford
One of the most competitive matchups of the weekend sees WBC super-featherweight champion O’Shaquie Foster defend against former featherweight world champion Raymond Ford in Houston. Foster has established himself as one of boxing’s slickest champions, while Ford hopes a successful move up in weight can lead to a second world title reign. The bad blood between the pair only adds to what is the standout main event by far.
The undercard – kicking off at 8pm ET / 5pm PT / 1am BST (Sunday) – includes appearances from recent Matchroom signing Charlie Sheehy and Olympic bronze medallist Omari Jones.
Promoter: Matchroom Boxing
Broadcaster: DAZN
Adam Azim vs Steve Claggett
Adam Azim headlines at Wembley Arena against durable Canadian Steve Claggett in what represents another important step towards world level. Azim remains one of Britain’s brightest young talents and is targeting a title shot in the near future, while Claggett arrives with top-level experience after sharing the ring with Teofimo Lopez.
The BOXXER card also features unbeaten featherweight prospect Fran Hennessy, who continues her rise through the professional ranks.
Promoter: Boxxer
Broadcaster: BBC Two and BBC iPlayer
Stephanie Han vs Holly Holm II
WBA lightweight champion Stephanie Han faces former UFC superstar Holly Holm in a rematch after their first meeting ended via technical decision following a cut caused from an accidental clash of heads. At 44 years old, Holm is attempting one of combat sports’ most remarkable comeback stories.
The card also features several notable women’s world title fights. Amanda Serrano defends her featherweight belts against Cheyenne Hanson, Yokasta Valle challenges Lourdes Juarez for the WBC light-flyweight title, and unified middleweight champion Desley Robinson takes on former titleholder Mary Spencer.
Promoter: Most Valuable Promotions
Broadcaster: ESPN, ESPN App and ESPN+
Charlie Edwards vs Sikho Nqothole
Former flyweight world champion Charlie Edwards gets the weekend underway on Friday night at York Hall as he continues his climb back towards title contention. South Africa’s Sikho Nqothole provides the opposition in what is viewed as an important fight – and tough – for Edwards as he attempts to force his way back into the world title picture.
The card also includes unbeaten featherweight prospect Tom Welland and popular super-welterweight Dan Toward.
Promoter: MF Pro
Broadcaster: DAZN
MJ Akhmadaliev vs Hegly Mosqueda
Former super-bantamweight world champion Murodjon Akhmadaliev returns in Tashkent as he continues his pursuit of another title opportunity at 122lbs. The Uzbek remains one of the division’s most dangerous fighters despite defeats to Marlon Tapales and Naoya Inoue, and will be expected to come through comfortably against Venezuela’s Hegly Mosqueda.
The undercard includes appearances from several highly-rated Uzbek fighters, including Olympic gold medallist Lazizbek Mullojonov.
Promoter: World of Boxing
Broadcaster: Local broadcast and streaming varies by region
