Boxing fans are in for one of the most loaded weeks of the year, with world title bouts across three continents and one of the biggest events in modern history headlining the schedule.
Olascuaga vs. Camacho – September 11, Las Vegas
Anthony Olascuaga makes the third defense of his WBO flyweight title on Thursday at the Fontainebleau, facing Puerto Rico’s Juan Carlos Camacho Jr. Olascuaga has fought mostly in Japan since winning the belt, but now returns to the U.S. Camacho, the WBO’s top challenger, is making his first world title attempt.
The undercard includes a battle of unbeatens between Jalil Hackett (9-1, 7 KOs) and Elijah Vines (8-0, 7 KOs) at super welterweight, as well as rising prospects Justin Viloria, Emiliano Alvarado, and Jamar Talley in showcase bouts.
Crocker vs. Donovan II – September 13, Belfast
An all-Irish grudge rematch goes down at Windsor Park, where Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan will settle unfinished business for the vacant IBF welterweight title. Their first meeting in March ended in controversy when Donovan was disqualified after striking Crocker after the bell. Now the stakes are even higher, with both men fighting for their first world championship.
The supporting card features Ishmael Davis against Caoimhin Agyarko at super welterweight, and Tyrone McKenna facing Dylan Moran in a domestic welterweight clash.
Canelo vs. Crawford – September 13, Las Vegas
The week’s centerpiece arrives at Allegiant Stadium, where Saul “Canelo” Alvarez defends his undisputed super middleweight titles against Terence “Bud” Crawford in a fight with generational implications.
Who's got more to lose?: Watch
Canelo, already a four-division champion, puts all four 168-pound belts on the line. Crawford, unbeaten and undisputed at both 140 and 147 pounds, now looks to cement his legacy by conquering a third division at the highest level.
The card also features Callum Walsh against Fernando Vargas Jr. at super welterweight, Christian Mbilli defending his interim WBC super middleweight title against Lester Martinez, plus Serhii Bohachuk vs. Brandon Adams in a middleweight clash.
Inoue vs. Akhmadaliev – September 14, Nagoya
The week closes in Japan, where pound-for-pound superstar Naoya Inoue defends his undisputed super bantamweight crown against Uzbekistan’s Murodjon Akhmadaliev.
Inoue has reigned across four weight classes and is coming off a May stoppage of Ramon Cardenas. Akhmadaliev, a former unified champion, is seen as one of the toughest challengers available.
The co-main sees Yoshiki Takei defend his WBO bantamweight title against Mexico’s Christian Medina Jimenez, while Ryusei Matsumoto and Yuni Takada clash for the WBA “Regular” minimumweight belt.
Image Credit: The Ring