BOX moves fast and it's hard to keep up with everything that's happening. Here's a rundown of some of the fight announcements, signings and other bits that may have passed you by.
Billi and Derevyanchenko are ready for battle
Christian Mbilli already has a fight signed and sealed, against world-class Sergiy Derevyanchenko, before his latest exit.
All Mbilli needed to do was pass Mark Heffron, which he did in 40 seconds. Now, Derevyanchenko's fight is officially confirmed on August 17 in Quebec City. It promises to be a phone affair.
“It's an honor to fight Sergiy Derevyanchenko,” said Mbilli (27-0, 23 KOs). “I've been hearing about him since I was 16, at the academy, where he beat several Frenchmen. In the pros, I've only fought big names, so this will be my biggest fight to date. I can't wait. It will be a war.”
Gennady Golovkin exchanges punches with Sergiy Derevyanchenko during their IBF middleweight title fight at Madison Square Garden on October 05, 2019 (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
While Mbilli, a French Cameroonian now based in Montreal, may not be famous, Derevyanchenko (above, right) has built a reputation for high work ethic and extreme toughness.
If Mbilli can put any teeth on the Ukrainian, who has filled most of his 20 fights, that will be a statement to his potential opponents.
“I decided to go up to 168 to win the world title. Throughout my career, I have been fighting the best in the world, and on August 17, it will be no different,” answered Derevyanchenko (15-5, 10 KOs).
“I am fighting a tough opponent in Christian Mbilli, who is ranked number one in the WBC. If I win this fight, I expect to fight for the next world title, which has always been my biggest goal. I expect August 17 to be a fight and a Fight of the Year-type, and I will be the winner. “
The 'Big Bang' to hit Belfast
Pierce O'Leary is getting geographically closer to a real (Dublin) arrival by headlining at Belfast's SSE Arena on June 28 against Darragh Foley.
Mark Dunlop's unbeaten flyweight Conor Quinn puts Conor Kelsall in the vacant Commonwealth crown.
Colm 'Posh Boy' Murphy takes on Glasgow's Jack Turner and James McGivern's talented lightweight boxer Cardiff's Rashid 'Brickfists' Omar. Still reeling from his 5 v 5 whitewash, Frank Warren is encouraging.
Goodman risks ahead of Inoue's date and fate
On July 10, Sam Goodman is putting himself at risk ahead of his year-end showdown with Naoya Inoue by keeping busy. Thai opponent Thachtana Luangphon has an excellent record of 25-0-1 (15 KOs) but has never faced Goodman's class before.
“I am a gambling man. I have to roll the dice. I'll go in again,” Goodman confidently told the Australian media.
No Limit Boxing will promote the Wollongong event, which will see Liam Wilson return home from another failed world title attempt in America to face Youssef Dib over 10 rounds.
Illness forces Tyson out of Jake Paul
Mike Tyson's return to the ring has been postponed following a flare-up. The heavyweight champion was scheduled to fight Jake Paul in Texas on July 20 in an officially licensed bout. The hit was put into doubt when Tyson had a health problem on the plane.
Soon after, it was announced that the competition was temporarily canned. It is not clear if the rematch of Amanda Serrano vs. Katie Taylor will move on (probably in a smaller place) or go on another date with Paul. Talk of moving to Germany is increasing at the time of writing.
Tyson and Paul stare down (Most Important Promotions)
Lucky Lemos is affiliated with Top Rank
Argentine boxer Gustavo Daniel Lemos has signed with Top Rank. Lemos defeated Lee Selby and pushed Richardson Hitchins to the fence in April, losing a controversial decision to clinch the IBF super-lightweight title.
“Waiting and working hard has paid off, and I will take full advantage of this opportunity,” said Lemos. “Finally I have entered the big stage, I am fulfilling the dream of my whole life, and I am getting closer to the possibility of becoming a world champion.”
Promoter Bob Arum aptly described his new signing as “a handful for any 135- or 140-pound fighter.”
The last part of the comments suggests that Lemos will return to the super-lightweight division if the right opportunity presents itself.
Junto leads the way in Japan
Another strong card for Japan has been announced, this time for July 20 in Tokyo, as Junto Nakatani defends his WBC title. bantamweight title against a Filipino contender Vincent Astrolabio.
WBO super-flyweight champion Kosei Tanaka you are on the card against Jonathan Rodriguez
Riku Kano boxes Anthony Olascuaga for the vacant WBO flyweight title. Los Angeles fighter Olascuaga is only 6-1 and previously gave Kenshiro Teraji something to think about when he challenged for Teraji's unification titles in 2023.
Japan's Junto Nakatani (L) fights Mexico's Alexandro Santiago during the WBC Bantam Weight championship boxing match at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo on February 24, 2024. (Photo by Philip FONG / AFP) (Photo (by PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images)
Janibek faces a mysterious man Mikhailovich
Janibek Alimkhanuly steps into the unknown on July 13 against Andrei Mikhailovich. A pure boxer from New Zealand (born in Russia), Mikhailovich has already earned the opportunity to win the IBF and WBO titles, but defeating Alimkhanuly will be a difficult task.
“I'm looking forward to defending my world titles, and I have to give a lot of credit to Andrei Mikhailovich. “Other middleweight world champions rejected this challenge, and he rose to the top,” Alimkhanuly said.
Strongly believing in his abilities, Mikhailovich put in the work to win regional belts, beating undefeated fighters like Edison Saltarin (16-0) and Alex Walters (13-0) to separate himself from the pack.
“At the end of the day, Janibek is just another boy, another test on my way to greatness. Some will say this is a big deal, but for me, this is the end. I was born for this. From the first day, I planned to rule, take charge, and control my future,” said Mikhailovich who believes that his hero's mindset will be different.
Raymond Muratalla faces Tevin Farmer on the undercard and Gustavo Lemos (see above) is penciled in to make his Top Rank debut at the Las Vegas show.
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