May was an unforgettable month as Canelo Alvarez and Vasiliy Lomachenko proved that they still have a lot to offer. Naoya Inoue showcased his destructive power once again, while Lauren Price impressed in her inaugural world title triumph. Lawrence Okolie regained his confidence, Jack Catterall redeemed himself, and Oleksandr Usyk made history in the heavyweight division.
In June, a seasoned promoter commences with the intention of imparting a valuable lesson to his youthful adversary, while concluding with a weathered champion seeking to tarnish the reputation of a promising new boxing sensation.
Boxing News takes a look at what’s in store for June and picks out the best on offer from the next 30 days. And remember to download the Boxing News app and receive ringwalk reminders for when all the big fights are about to begin.
Date: Saturday, June 1
Venue: Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Event: Queensberry vs. Matchroom 5 v 5
In June, Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn kick off the month with a compelling five-fight card. While the promoters battle for bragging rights, it is the fans who truly emerge as the winners. Each fight brings its own captivating storyline and significant implications for the fighters’ careers. From the showdown between Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang to the clash of Filip Hrgovic and Daniel Dubois, every match promises excitement. The lineup also includes Hamzah Sheeraz vs. Austin Williams, Raymond Ford vs. Nick Ball, and Craig Richards vs. Willy Hutchinson. These are the kind of fights that were once only imagined for entertainment, but now they have become a thrilling reality.
Is it worth watching? Absolutely. Every fight is worth switching off your phone for.
Date: Saturday, June 15
Venue: Selhurst Park, London
Event: Chris Billam-Smith vs. Richard Riakporhe 2
The enduring relationship between British boxing and football stadiums persists on a bustling evening for the sport. Kicking off the action is a highly anticipated rematch between the top two cruiserweights in the UK, who previously squared off in a non-title bout lasting 10 rounds half a decade ago. On that occasion, Riakporhe emerged victorious. However, this time around, Billam-Smith ventures into hostile territory as the reigning WBO champion, determined to reaffirm his status as the undisputed leader in the 200 lbs division in the UK.
Is it worth watching? A British rivalry, a football stadium, a world title… and the cruiserweights rarely fail to deliver. What’s not to love? Look out for another cruiser scrap on the undercard between Isaac Chamberlain and Jack Massey for the vacant European title.
On June 15, fight fans will be in for a busy night as three world title fights are scheduled to take place in three different countries. On the left, we have Davis and Martin, while on the right, Billam-Smith and Riakporhe will battle it out.
Date: Saturday, June 15
Venue: Coliseo Juan Aubin Cruz Abreu, Puerto Rico
Event: Subriel Matias vs. Liam Paro
Subriel Matias, the reigning IBF super-lightweight champion, is set to have a victorious homecoming in Puerto Rico as he defends his title for the second time against Paro from Australia. Matias has been establishing himself as one of the most formidable figures in the sport, while Paro, with an unbeaten record of 24 fights, recently achieved his career’s greatest triumph by defeating Montana Love in December.
Is it worth watching? If you love big punchers, then yes. All 20 of Matias’s opponents have retired, stopped or been knocked out. Paro is a worthy challenger, though, and capable of winning.
Date: Saturday, June 15
Venue: MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas
Event: Gervonta Davis vs. Frank Martin
Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis, a highly sought-after figure in the sport, is set to make a comeback after a 14-month hiatus following his victory over Ryan Garcia. This triumph played a pivotal role in propelling Davis’ career forward, but various external challenges hindered his progress. In his upcoming match, Davis will defend his WBA 135lb title against Martin, a Detroit-native who was once predicted to achieve remarkable success.
Is it worth watching? Davis is box office, and his absence prompts questions that need answering. The co-main event between David Benavidez and Oleksandr Gvozdyk is also worth your time.
Date: Saturday, June 22
Venue: Resorts World Arena, Birmingham
Event: Tyler Denny vs. Felix Cash
The main attraction of a Matchroom card in Britain features two highly skilled middleweight fighters. Ben Shalom is counting on his fighter Denny to outperform Eddie Hearn and his fighter Cash. If Denny manages to accomplish this, it will not only mark a successful first defence of his European title but also contribute to an inspiring narrative. In 2018 and 2019, Denny faced defeats against Reece Cartwright and Linus Udofia, respectively, which may have made the prospect of headlining a major UK event seem unlikely.
Is it worth watching? Yes. The main event features contrasting characters, and for Cash, this is a must-win. Once tipped for big things, his career has been hit by injury, inactivity, and personal issues. Look out for a potential thriller between Lewis Crocker and Conah Walker on the undercard.
Can Denny (far left) hold onto his European title? Can Rodriguez (far right) defeat Estrada?
Date: Saturday, June 29
Venue: Footprint Centre, Phoenix
Event: Juan Francisco Estrada vs. Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez
Rodriguez is forging a path towards a remarkable career that may one day be immortalized in the history books. Hailing from Texas, he has already triumphed over formidable opponents such as Carlos Cuadras, Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, and Sunny Edwards. Now, his ultimate goal is to recapture the WBC super flyweight title that he willingly gave up, against the often overlooked Estrada. Alongside the esteemed Chocolatito Gonzalez, Cuadras, and Rungvisai, who have all attained boxing royalty status in the lower weight divisions, Rodriguez possesses the potential to surpass them all and leave an indelible mark on the sport.
Is it worth watching? It is a must-watch. Rodriguez looks like a generational talent who could become an all-time great. Underestimate Estrada at your peril, though. Look out for the return of Sunny Edwards on the undercard against Adrian Curiel.
Also in June…
Xander Zayas vs. Patrick Teixeira (June 8), Abass Barou vs. Macaulay McGowan (June 14), Lyndon Arthur vs. Liam Cameron (June 21), Quaise Khademi vs. Ryan Farrag (June 21), Rafael Espinoza vs. Sergio Chirino Sanchez (June 21), Pierce O’Leary vs. Darragh Foley (June 28), Lamont Roach vs Feargal McCrory (June 28), Teofimo Lopez vs. Steve Claggett (June 29).
