THERE is something particularly magnetic about a domestic dustup, almost creating a world where, even if just for a brief moment, nothing else seems to matter.
As two sets of fans collide, eagerly awaiting what promises to deliver an enthralling spectacle, it is not often, if ever, that they exit the venue feeling short-changed.
Here, Boxing News takes a look at eight all-British matchups which, at least before the end of 2026, should have a good chance of materialising.
Fabio Wardley vs Lawrence Okolie
Not long after producing a lukewarm performance against Kevin Lerena, Lawrence Okolie highlighted Fabio Wardley as a potential dance partner for his next outing.
Sure enough, a heavyweight clash between the pair would make for fascinating viewing, particularly when considering the destructive power of Wardley.
Just as he proved against Justis Huni, the 30-year-old could quite easily be getting outboxed by Okolie before, almost at the flick of a switch, he throws down his Uno reverse card and halts proceedings in dramatic fashion.
Dalton Smith vs Adam Azim
While every fan is likely sick and tired of hearing about this matchup, there is no denying that it remains a deeply compelling fight.
Dalton Smith, of course, is busy getting his world title shot against Subriel Matias over the line, while the career of Adam Azim has encountered a momentary spell of inactivity.
But now, with Ben Shalom securing a broadcast deal with the BBC, perhaps Azim will soon return to the ring and, before long, position himself for a showdown against Smith next year.
Joshua Buatsi vs Anthony Yarde
Again, this is a matchup that has long been spoken about – to a far greater degree than Smith-Azim, even – but has never quite emerged as a genuine possibility.
That is until now, however, as with Joshua Buatsi inking a deal with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, it would appear that hopes of seeing him collide with Anthony Yarde have been firmly restored.
And regardless of whether Yarde pulls off an almighty upset against David Benavidez in November, it must be said that their matchup still comes with no small amount of lustre.
Shabaz Masoud vs Peter McGrail
The two super-bantamweights were supposed to square off in June, until an injury to Shabaz Masoud ultimately saw Peter McGrail face late replacement Ionut Baluta.
Yet despite the short notice, McGrail nonetheless produced technically proficient, but no less assertive, performance before edging a bewilderingly tight points decision against his remarkably durable opponent.
His impressive display, therefore, has only whet the appetite for a rescheduled dustup with Masoud, whose masterclass against Liam Davies last year showcased several of his crafty tricks.
Jazza Dickens vs Ryan Garner
The time has come for fans to start singing the praises of Ryan Garner who, based largely on his dominant display against Reece Bellotti, is not a million miles away from world level.
Equally, Jazza Dickens has injected an extra layer of pizzazz into his career, most notably with back-to-back victories over Zelfa Barrett and Olympic gold medallist Albert Batyrgaziev.
The latter win, it is worth noting, saw him claim the WBA ‘interim’ super-featherweight title which, despite being otherwise meaningless, could see him earn full world championship status before long.
Caroline Dubois vs Terri Harper
A unification between two British world champions – of which, there is an alarmingly short supply – should represent a relatively straightforward option.
With WBO lightweight champ Terri Harper joining Jake Paul’s MVP Promotions, though, it would appear that a fight against her WBC counterpart, Caroline Dubois, who seemingly remains signed to Boxxer, has only become more complicated.
Yet still, it must be said that their matchup represents an appealing possibility, with the experience of Harper coming up against the raw talent and speed of Dubois.
Ekow Essuman vs Conah Walker
While Ekow Essuman, following his victory over Josh Taylor, has set his sights on world level opposition, he would certainly be forgiven for hovering around domestic level for a truly mouth-watering clash with Conah Walker.
Both welterweights have firmly established themselves as high-volume pressure fighters, always throwing an obscene amount of punches while, quite remarkably, rarely running low on gas.
The relentless energy and tenacity that they both bring to the ring, then, would only make for a classic British title fight.
Andrew Cain vs Jack Turner
While both are campaigning in separate weight classes, a potential all-Liverpool derby involving lower-division wrecking machines Andrew Cain and Jack Turner could swiftly develop into a perfect picture of violence and destruction.
The two Scousers belong to different gyms, too – with Cain at the Everton Red Triangle, and Turner training out of the Rotunda – but that can only add more spice to an already fascinating story.
Turner should be regarded as one of the most promising talents on these shores, while Cain, who is further along in his development, has arguably established himself as an equally menacing puncher.
