ON Saturday evening, in the Copper Box Arena, Adam Azim takes on former Interim world title challenger Ohara Davies live on Sky Sports. Ohara is an experienced puncher who knows how to sell a fight but has arguably seen better days.
It will be interesting to see how Azim deals with ‘Two Tanks’ compared to some of Davies’ previous conquerors. With the shadows of rivals such as Dalton Smith hovering about in the background, these two battle over 12 rounds. While this pair of 140-pounders go at it in the main event, let’s see what else is worth a watch on the Boxxer undercard.
Anthony Yarde vs. Ralfs Vilcans
Returning to the ring under a new promotional banner, Anthony Yarde gets 10 light-heavyweight rounds or less against Latvia’s Ralfs Vilcans. The visitor caused an upset stoppage over Shefat Isufi, but Yarde’s power should be the difference.
Michael McKinson vs. Tulani Mbenge
Somewhat of a forgotten man of British boxing, Michael McKinson has had four comparatively low-key outings since a losing effort to Vergil Ortiz Jr out in Texas. The IBO welterweight title has been pulled out of the cupboard and dusted off for the first time in almost three years.
South African opponent Tulani Mbenge has only left his homeland twice and been beaten both times by competent fighters over the distance, so he should be durable and good value for the 12 rounds.
Dan Azeez vs. Lewis Edmondson
Crunch time has come around quickly for Dan Azeez, who was riding high as the European champion as recently as 2023. Now, he’s seeking to win back his old British belt (currently vacant) against unbeaten Lewis Edmondson.
While a points defeat to the excellent Joshua Buatsi was excusable, a follow-up draw with Hrvoje Sep sent out loud warning signals. Azeez may have been undermotivated but was easy to hit, motoring forward in straight lines. Southampton’s Edmondson will fancy his chance for the British light-heavyweight title but has never mixed in this company before.
Jeamie “TKV” Tshikeva vs. Franklin Ignatius
A solid 10-round scrap between ambitious heavyweights. ‘TKV’ is still rebuilding from a shock cut loss to Igor Macedo. Ignatius has a couple of good wins behind him, including a straightener over Hosea Stewart, following their initial draw.
Shannon Courtenay vs. Catherine Tacone Ramos
Following almost two years out of ring, Courtenay returns in a four-rounder at bantamweight…
Francesca Hennessy vs. Ana Karla Vaz De Moraes
…Fran Hennessy, branded in some quarters as the “Female Lomachenko”, is also a bantamweight, so that might indicate what this is leading to.
Sam Hickey vs. John Henry Mosquera
Dundee middleweight Sam Hickey makes his pro debut over four rounds. Colombia’s ‘Happy’ Mosquera introduced Joe Cooper to the pro ranks earlier in the year.
