5 Burning Questions for Boxing’s Summer Season
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As summer heats up, so does the boxing calendar. From long-awaited title unifications and blockbuster rematches to rising stars looking to seize the spotlight, the next few months promise fireworks inside the ring. In this edition of 5 Burning Questions, we break down the most exciting storylines on the horizon.
What fight has fans buzzing? Who could steal the summer? And which matchups are overhyped or flying under the radar? Let’s dive into the bouts, the buzz, and the boxers set to define the season:
#1. What fight or event this summer are you most looking forward to?
Lee: Most fans are focused on Terence Crawford vs. Canelo Alvarez. However, my pick isn’t a single fight… It’s a date: July 19th. That day features three major title bouts across the globe. In London, Oleksandr Usyk takes on Daniel Dubois in a heavyweight unification bout that could finally crown an undisputed champion. Later in Las Vegas, Manny Pacquiao returns to challenge Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title. The co-main event? A can’t-miss rematch between Sebastian Fundora and former champ Tim Tszyu for the WBO and WBC junior welterweight belts. Their first fight was a war—expect more of the same. July 19th has all the makings of the best day of boxing this summer.
Evan: It’s hard to disagree with Lee. The fight I’m choosing though is the Usyk-Dubois rematch. Between the improvements Dubois has made, the confidence he’s gained during his current three-fight winning streak, and some of the controversy surrounding their first matchup, there’s just so much intrigue here. Add in that it’s taking place at Wembley Stadium in London, in front of what should be an incredible atmosphere is a major plus as well.
I also want to give some love to the Katie Taylor-Amanda Serrano trilogy on July 11th. This fight should be an absolute barnburner like the first two. It’s great to see this duo get out from underneath the shadow of awful Jake Paul fights. Instead, headlining an event of their own that will not only be on Netflix, but at MSG in New York. Additionally, the undercard itself is fantastic and showcases women’s boxing to its fullest. We’ve got four undisputed or unification title bouts featuring notable names like Alycia Baumgardner, Dina Thorslund, Ellie Scotney, Jennifer Miranda, Savannah Marshall, Shadasia Green, Shurretta Metcalf, and Yamileth Mercado. Expect the Irish and Puerto Rican fans to fully show out for what should be a great night of fights.
#2. What fighter are you most excited to watch this summer?
Lee: I can’t wait to see Shakur Stevenson square off with William Zepeda for Stevenson’s WBC lightweight title. Zepeda, a knockout artist with an undefeated 31-0 record, originally planned to face Stevenson. But, he had to withdraw due to an injury. Since then, Stevenson has looked underwhelming in recent performances. But Zepeda’s relentless pressure and power will demand action, forcing Stevenson to let his hands go and truly engage. The clash of styles—Stevenson’s technical brilliance vs. Zepeda’s aggression—makes this matchup especially intriguing. It’s the perfect opportunity to settle unfinished business.
Evan: I also am excited to see the Stevenson-Zepeda matchup, and how Shakur specifically handles Zepeda’s relentless attack. However, I’m going to zag and go with Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez as my pick. I’ve been banging the drum for him for a couple years now, and truly believe he’s on the cusp of stardom. There isn’t another fighter in the sport currently who I enjoy watching more than him.
Rodriguez is the total package who marries exceptional technical proficiency with an all-action style. His footwork, angles, shot selection, IQ, speed, and power are simply sublime. While his title unification bout with undefeated WBO champion Phumelele Cafu on July 19th may be overshadowed by other major events that day, “Bam” Rodriguez has become must-see TV—no matter who he’s fighting. Considering he’s only 25, the accomplishments on his résumé are truly exceptional. The future looks as bright as ever for one of San Antonio’s favorite sons.
#3. Which fight or event this summer do you feel is being slept on or overlooked?
Lee: The fight card that may fly under the radar is the one featuring Caleb Plant and Jermall Charlo. Not because of who they’re fighting, but because they’re not fighting each other. After fans saw Plant slap Charlo on video in 2023, most assumed a fight was inevitable. But, as with most big fights, patience is key. Charlo, a former two-division champion, will return from an 18-month layoff to face Thomas LaManna. In an added twist, Charlo’s bout will serve as the co-main event of Plant vs. Jose Armando Resendiz. Plant has been vocal about wanting the Charlo fight, and if both men win on May 31, that showdown could be next.
Evan: I don’t think this fight will be slept on as we get closer towards it… But, the Gervonta Davis-Lamont Roach Jr. rematch on August 16th feels like it isn’t getting the hype or buzz I expected. It has the potential to be arguably the biggest fight and event of the summer. I’m just really curious to see how Tank responds and what adjustments he makes. I’m equally intrigued to see if Lamont can replicate his performance in the rematch, and if his confidence grows. The Brian Norman Jr.-Jin Sasaki WBO welterweight title fight on June 19th in Tokyo is also a sneaky good scrap that deserves more attention. Don’t be surprised if that ends up being one of the better matchups of the summer.
#4. On the flip side of that, which fight or event do you feel is being overhyped this summer?
Lee: People always overhype Jake Paul’s fight cards, especially when he faces washed-up boxers or ex-MMA fighters. This time, he’s up against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., a mediocre boxer relying on his father’s legacy. Chavez Jr. even lost to former UFC champ Anderson Silva—a rare boxing upset. Paul talks about wanting respect in boxing, but his opponent choices say otherwise. He’ll hype this fight hard, and it’ll sell PPVs, but the buzz will far outshine the action.
Evan: I’m honestly not sure I could’ve said it better myself. I’m 1000% on the same page as Lee, it’s without a doubt the Jake Paul-Julio César Chávez Jr. matchup on June 28th. I’ve accepted that Paul will always have an audience, regardless of how terribly boring his fights are. I also really do appreciate what he’s done as a promoter, primarily for women’s boxing. With that being said, I’m not going to pretend like this fight proves anything meaningful. It’s basically a retread from what we’ve seen Jake already do. If you’re still falling for this charade at this point, especially after the embarrassing debacle that was the Mike Tyson fight, then you’re only playing yourself.
#5. What fighter do you think can have a breakthrough and be the star of the summer?
Lee: Abdullah Mason faces Jeremia Nakathila on the undercard of Keyshawn Davis vs. Edwin De Los Santos. While Nakathila is a step down in competition, Mason has a chance to steal the show and push for a bigger name—or even a main event—next. The 20-year-old southpaw had a scare last year, getting dropped twice in the first round by Yohan Vasquez. However, he has since bounced back with explosive performances that showcased his speed and sneaky power. Top Rank continues to carefully build him up, and with each fight, Mason is proving he’s a future champion.
Evan: I’m rolling with the duo of Keyshawn Davis and Junto Nakatani. Edwin De Los Santos isn’t the flashiest opponent. But, he provides Davis with another tough test coming off his dismantling of former WBO lightweight champion, Denys Berinchyk, this past February.
In front of his hometown crowd in Norfolk, Virginia on June 7th, it’s a perfect opportunity for Davis to showcase why he should be the current face of an American boxing scene that’s starving for star power. Especially given how much of his contemporaries failed to deliver earlier this month on the Saudi sponsored Times Square card. Nakatani meanwhile will face off against Ryosuke Nishida on June 8th in Tokyo. It’s a title unification bout between two of the best bantamweights on the planet currently. Junto is one of the most lethal young KO artists in the sport irrespective of weight class. He has the Death Star in his left hand. An emphatic win over a quality opponent in Nishida would continue his ascension into superstardom. It’ll inch him that much closer to a future box office showdown with Naoya Inoue.
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