Big fight today! DAZN, 2:00 pm ET, Alexander Povetkin vs Dillian Whyte 2. Been delayed a bunch, and now it’s coming. Povetkin, of course, shocked Whyte with a monster knockout last August at Matchroom Fight Camp, in a fight that Whyte had been winning pretty handily. Whyte is jumping right back to it — first set for November, then January, then March 6, now on Saturday in Gibraltar. It’s not “make or break” because most things in boxing aren’t, but it’s hugely important for both. If Povetkin wants one more shot at a world title, he has to win here. If Whyte wants one any time soon, he has to win here. Ted Cheeseman faces JJ Metcalf for the vacant British title at 154 on the undercard, which is a really good matchup, and Chris Kongo takes on Michael McKinson at 147 among other fights, including the pro debut of Ricky Hatton’s son Campbell. Alexander Povetkin (36-2-1, 25 KO) vs Dillian Whyte (27-2, 18 KO), rematch, heavyweights, 12 rounds Fabio Wardley (10-0, 9 KO) vs Eric Molina (27-6, 19 KO), heavyweights, 10 rounds Ted Cheeseman (16-2-1, 9 KO) vs James Metcalf (21-0, 13 KO), junior middleweights, 12 rounds, for vacant British title Campbell Hatton (debut) vs Jesus Ruiz (0-10, 0 KO), lightweights, 4 rounds Chris Kongo (12-0, 7 KO) vs Michael McKinson (19-0, 2 KO), welterweights, 10 rounds Erik Pfeifer (7-0, 5 KO) vs Nick Webb (16-2, 12 KO), heavyweights, 10 rounds
I would guess so. Its in Gibraltar and 5 hour time difference. Usually the English fighters main event starts about 5ish
Got a local boy fighting on a televised bare knuckle boxing fight tonight, then Whyte v Povetkin. In for a good night I hope.
Dan Rafael saying one of the postponements was because Povetkin was in hospital with Covid. That might explain it.
Manny Pacquiao, Terence Crawford in talks for June 5 fight in Abu Dhabi: Sources By Mike Coppinger Manny Pacquiao, one of the greatest boxers of all time, is in discussions to fight welterweight champion Terence Crawford on June 5 in Abu Dhabi, sources tell The Athletic's Mike Coppinger. Top Rank has informed its network partner, ESPN, and pay-per-view distributor In Demand to hold June 5 for the potential fight it's exploring between Pacquiao and Crawford, sources said. Crawford would easily represent Pacquiao's biggest challenge since he met Floyd Mayweather in a 2015 super fight that shattered revenue records. The structure of the deal is contingent on the fight taking place in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, sources said. There’s no agreement for the fight at this time. Crawford is No. 3 in The Athletic’s pound-for-pound rankings, and while there’s no doubting his immense talent, he’s still yet to face a bona fide, A-level fighter. A meeting with Pacquiao would finally solve that issue.
ESPN+, 2:30 pm ET, Jamel Herring vs Carl Frampton. Knock on wood, but FINALLY this is happening. Herring defends his WBO 130 lb title against Frampton in a much-delayed fight that has been well over a year in the making now. It’s a good matchup; Herring has obvious physical advantages and Frampton is probably pushing it fighting small at 130, but Carl’s a terrific fighter at his best. The question is if he’s at his best anymore. The card will also feature the return of Donnie Nietes, who hasn’t fought since the end of 2018 and is looking to get back into the mix at 115 lbs, as he faces Pablo Carrillo. We’ll also see Tursynbay Kulakhmet take on Heber Rondon. Those fights are all set for 10 rounds.