1 Lawrence Okolie vs Chris Billam-Smith
While this may not end up being the most exciting fight of the weekend, there is something compelling about the WBO cruiserweight clash between former gym mates Okolie and Billam-Smith. Throw in the fact it’s taking place in Bournemouth and it finds itself elevated due to its uniqueness.
2 Mauricio Lara vs Leigh Wood
We all saw how well Lara and Wood go together back in February and can expect more of the same in Nottingham on Saturday. Last time Wood surrendered his WBA featherweight crown in seven rounds, but was doing well in the fight and therefore earned his chance to correct things in Manchester, where another epic is expected.
3 Luis Alberto Lopez vs Michael Conlan
After falling just short of winning his previous featherweight title shot against Leigh Wood in 2022, Belfast’s Michael Conlan gets a second chance at home, this time against Mexico’s Luis Alberto Lopez, a champion last seen upsetting Josh Warrington in Leeds.
4 Jack Catterall vs Darragh Foley
Out for over a year following that contentious loss against Josh Taylor, it is imperative Jack Catterall now gets busy and impresses against Darragh Foley in Manchester this weekend. Foley, an Irishman based in New Zealand, stopped Robbie Davies Jnr last time out, albeit due to injury.
5 Nick Ball vs Ludomo Lamati
The exciting Nick Ball will look to make it 18 straight wins when he goes up against South African Ludumo Lamati, who is undefeated in 22 fights but yet to really be tested as a pro. Fighting mainly in his homeland, Lamati could be surprised by Ball’s ferocity in Belfast.
6 Terri Harper vs Ivana Habazin
Disappointed to have seen her fight last weekend get cancelled, Terri Harper gets a quick turnaround in Manchester, where she’ll put her WBA women’s super-welterweight belt on the line against Ivana Habazin, a Croatian who, nine years ago, lost to Harper’s original opponent, Cecilia Braekhus.
7 Sam Eggington vs Joe Pigford
Very much a trade fight, and one for the bloodthirsty, the Bournemouth meeting of Eggington and Pigford could be taking place at a career crossroads, with Pigford unbeaten at 20-0 and Eggington seemingly past his best. Either way, it will be exciting, no doubt.
8 Anthony Cacace vs Damian Wrzesinski
Cacace will aim to follow last year’s fine win against the unbeaten Michael Magnesi with a similar display against Wrzesinski, a 35-year-old Polish super-featherweight who has boxed outside his homeland just twice.
9 Danny Ball vs Jamie Robinson
The vacant English welterweight title will be up for grabs when Ball and Robinson clash in Bournemouth. Both will enter the fight with confidence, despite suffering defeats in previous title shots, and both will know this fight represents a step up from recent competition.
10 Lee Cutler vs Stanley Stannard
A good 10-rounder at super-welterweight sees Cutler, 12-1 (7), matched against Stannard, 10-0 (4). With both boxers full of ambition, and with plenty to lose, it’s a hard fight to call and a bonus treat for Bournemouth fans.
