AS soon as the fights are over, thoughts turn to the future.
Boxing rarely gets a chance to catch its breath, and last night’s events in Riyadh have us wondering what is next for both the winners and the losers.
Five fights, 10 fighters, each bout leaving behind a talking point regardless of how exciting the undercard is.
What then lies ahead for those involved last night? Boxing News picks out some options, beginning with the superb main event.
Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol
Despite producing a fight that perhaps exceeded expectations, the aftermath has been centred around judge Pawel Kardyni’s 116-112 scorecard in favour of Beterbiev. Nevertheless, Beterbiev goes home with all four world titles, but Bivol comes out with enormous credibility and an enhanced reputation.
What’s next?
The logical decision is to make a rematch. Turki Alalshikh is believed to have had Bivol winning and wants to make a second fight. Beterbiev may move to cruiserweight for further glory, knowing that his career may be nearing its end. Bivol’s team will shout loudly for a return bout, and fingers crossed, we get it after last night’s thrilling encounter.
Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke
Wardley proved himself to be a destructive force on the rise, while Clarke, who is reported to have suffered a broken jaw, needs to go back to the drawing board.
What’s next?
Wardley must move on to stiffer tests. Zakhozhyi vs Wardley for the European heavyweight title would appeal, but perhaps we see Joe Joyce or Derek Chisora – who should both be retired, in all honesty – brought out to boost Wardley’s record. Last night’s loss will be hurting Clarke in more ways than one. He can bounce back, but time isn’t on his side. Clarke v Tony Yoka or Carlos Takam?
Opetaia (R) was too good for Massey (L).
Jai Opetaia and Jack Massey
This IBF cruiserweight world title fight showed what a gap between European level and world class looks like. Massey is as tough as they come but couldn’t match Opetaia, who is on course to become a pound-for-pound star.
What’s next?
It must be the winner of Gilberto Ramirez vs. Chris Billam-Smith for Opetaia. The winner gets within one belt of becoming undisputed. Massey will be back and a rematch against Richard Riakporhe makes a lot of sense.
Chris Eubank Jr and Kamil Szeremeta
We expected a one-sided win and that’s what we got for the majority of the fight. Eubank still got caught with unnecessary shots that would see him badly exposed at the highest level. Nonetheless, Eubank’s finish was impressive.
What’s next?
I think we all know what’s next: Eubank vs. Benn in a football stadium next year. Szeremeta may become an opponent for up-and-coming middleweight prospects.
Skye Nicolson and Raven Chapman
Nicolson proved herself once again to be a fighter of great craft and skill. The experience will be invaluable for Chapman but she never came close to winning.
What’s next?
Nicolson mentioned Tiara Brown as a potential opponent but she needs a marquee fight and an eye-catching win. For that to happen, she may need to move to super-featherweight or welcome a world champion from super-bantamweight.
An unfortunate ending left Whittaker injured and Cameron angry. (Credit: Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Ben Whittaker and Liam Cameron
The ending which saw both go over the ropes and land awkwardly will get as much talking time as the main event. It was unfortunate because it was shaping into a good fight where Cameron was coming on strong.
What’s next?
Just like the main event, the logical next move is a rematch because the result did nothing for Whittaker or Cameron and leaves more questions than anything else. Whittaker’s reputation needs the rematch.
