AS quickly because the fights are over, ideas flip to the long run.
Boxing hardly ever will get an opportunity to catch its breath, and final evening’s occasions in Riyadh have us questioning what’s subsequent for each the winners and the losers.
5 fights, 10 fighters, every bout forsaking a speaking level no matter how thrilling the undercard is.
What then lies forward for these concerned final evening? Boxing Information picks out some choices, starting with the very good fundamental occasion.
Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol
Regardless of producing a combat that maybe exceeded expectations, the aftermath has been centred round decide Pawel Kardyni’s 116-112 scorecard in favour of Beterbiev. Nonetheless, Beterbiev goes house with all 4 world titles, however Bivol comes out with huge credibility and an enhanced fame.
What’s subsequent?
The logical resolution is to make a rematch. Turki Alalshikh is believed to have had Bivol successful and needs to make a second combat. Beterbiev could transfer to cruiserweight for additional glory, realizing that his profession could also be nearing its finish. Bivol’s workforce will shout loudly for a return bout, and fingers crossed, we get it after final evening’s thrilling encounter.
Wardley now desires to check himself at world degree. (Credit score: Richard Pelham/Getty Pictures)
Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke
Wardley proved himself to be a damaging pressure on the rise, whereas Clarke, who’s reported to have suffered a damaged jaw, wants to return to the drafting board.
What’s subsequent?
Wardley should transfer on to stiffer assessments. Zakhozhyi vs Wardley for the European heavyweight title would enchantment, however maybe we see Joe Joyce or Derek Chisora – who ought to each be retired, in all honesty – introduced out to spice up Wardley’s document. Final evening’s loss shall be hurting Clarke in additional methods than one. He can bounce again, however time isn’t on his facet. Clarke v Tony Yoka or Carlos Takam?
Jai Opetaia and Jack Massey
This IBF cruiserweight world title combat confirmed what a niche between European degree and world class appears like. Massey is as robust as they arrive however couldn’t match Opetaia, who’s heading in the right direction to turn out to be a pound-for-pound star.
What’s subsequent?
It have to be the winner of Gilberto Ramirez vs. Chris Billam-Smith for Opetaia. The winner will get inside one belt of turning into undisputed. Massey shall be again and a rematch towards Richard Riakporhe makes a number of sense.
Chris Eubank Jr and Kamil Szeremeta
We anticipated a one-sided win and that’s what we obtained for almost all of the combat. Eubank nonetheless obtained caught with pointless photographs that will see him badly uncovered on the highest degree. Nonetheless, Eubank’s end was spectacular.
What’s subsequent?
I believe everyone knows what’s subsequent: Eubank vs. Benn in a soccer stadium subsequent yr. Szeremeta could turn out to be an opponent for up-and-coming middleweight prospects.
Skye Nicolson and Raven Chapman
Nicolson proved herself as soon as once more to be a fighter of nice craft and ability. The expertise shall be invaluable for Chapman however she by no means got here near successful.
What’s subsequent?
Nicolson talked about Tiara Brown as a possible opponent however she wants a marquee combat and an attention-grabbing win. For that to occur, she might have to maneuver to super-featherweight or welcome a world champion from super-bantamweight.
An unlucky ending left Whittaker injured and Cameron offended. (Credit score: Richard Pelham/Getty Pictures)
Ben Whittaker and Liam Cameron
The ending which noticed each go over the ropes and land awkwardly will get as a lot speaking time as the principle occasion. It was unlucky as a result of it was shaping into a very good combat the place Cameron was approaching sturdy.
What’s subsequent?
Identical to the principle occasion, the logical subsequent transfer is a rematch as a result of the consequence did nothing for Whittaker or Cameron and leaves extra questions than anything. Whittaker’s fame wants the rematch.
