Following the disappointing performances from top fighters like Devin Haney, Ryan Garcia, and Canelo Alvarez last weekend, boxing enthusiasts can look forward to an array of thrilling matchups this weekend across various locations including California, Florida, England, Africa, and Japan.
1. Anthony Cacace vs. Leigh Wood – Junior Lightweight Bout (DAZN, Saturday at 2 p.m. ET)
Leigh Wood had expressed his desire to conclude his career with a world title fight at the City Ground, but that goal won’t be realized this Saturday. However, the bout against fellow junior lightweight Anthony Cacace remains significant, especially for the 36-year-old Wood who fights in his home city of Nottingham.
Cacace (23-1, 8 KOs), who hails from Belfast, Northern Ireland, vacated his IBF title to make this fight happen. Although there are no titles on the line, both fighters rank among the best in their division. Wood’s past accolades include being ranked No. 1 at featherweight before relinquishing his WBA belt in 2023. Meanwhile, Cacace gained confidence from his recent victories, including a notable win over Joe Cordina.
2. Emanuel Navarrete vs. Charly Suarez – Junior Lightweight Title Fight (ESPN/ESPN+, Saturday at 10 p.m. ET)
Emanuel Navarrete, a three-division champion, showcased impressive form in his previous fight by defeating Oscar Valdez. He will defend his WBO junior lightweight title against Charly Suarez from the Philippines in San Diego. A strong performance could boost Navarrete’s status in the division, opening doors for future lucrative fights, including a possible rematch in the lightweight class.
3. Erickson Lubin vs. Ardreal Holmes Jr. – Junior Middleweight Title Eliminator (PROBOX TV, Saturday at 6 p.m. ET)
This matchup features two southpaws battling for a chance at the IBF junior middleweight title. Lubin (26-2, 18 KOs) has been inactive since September 2023 due to injury, while Holmes (17-0, 6 KOs) is on an upward trajectory with multiple victories last year. The winner will face champion Bakhram Murtazaliev, making this a crucial bout in Kissimmee, Florida.
4. Fernando Martinez vs. Kazuto Ioka – Junior Bantamweight Title Fight on Sunday
In a highly anticipated rematch, Martinez and Ioka will meet again in Tokyo after a thrilling fight last July, where Martinez emerged victorious. This bout will determine how much Ioka can bounce back after their intense encounter, aiming for a world title in a third weight class. The fight was postponed from December due to Martinez’s illness, adding to the anticipation.
5. Souleymane Cissokho vs. Egidijus Kavaliauskas – WBC Welterweight Title Eliminator on Saturday
Fighting in his homeland, Cissokho (17-0, 9 KOs) is set to take on Kavaliauskas (24-2-1, 19 KOs) in a WBC welterweight title eliminator, marking a dream come true for the Equatorial Guinea-born fighter. This bout is crucial for Cissokho, who is coming off an extended layoff and faces a challenging opponent. A victory could lead him to a title shot later this year.
