THOSE appearing on the latest Riyadh Season card are all fighting for something.
But is there more to it?
Winning titles, winning convincingly and making a statement will all be on the agenda of those involved but do any of them have something extra they must show us.
Boxing News asks if any of the 10 fighters involved on Saturday night’s card in Riyadh have in fact a point to prove.
Artur Beterbiev – No. The three-belt world champion is regarded as the best light-heavyweight in the world and in his last fight against Callum Smith he delivered one of his best ever performances. All that’s missing is that fourth world title to become undisputed.
Dmitry Bivol – Yes. We all want to know how Bivol’s chin holds up against Beterbiev’s crushing power.
Fabio Wardley – Yes. He never finished the job against Clarke despite dropping him and hurting him. Wardley needs to prove he is above a fighter as good as Clarke.
Frazer Clarke – Yes. His professional career started properly against Wardley. He learned little in his previous eight fights such is his pedigree. Clarke, like Wardley, needs to show he’s above British level. Defeat for either is a huge dent in their ambitions.
Chris Eubank Jr – No. He’s in a mismatch and fans of his deserve better. It would be a huge shock if he lost but if he wins very few will bat an eyelid.
Kamil Szeremeta – No. He’s there to cause the biggest upset of the night and therefore has nothing to lose.
Skye Nicolson – Yes. The Australian wants to be undisputed and go down as one of the greatest female fighters ever. We need to see Nicolson dominate against Chapman and arguably deliver more excitement.
Raven Chapman – Yes. ‘The Omen’ hasn’t put a foot wrong so far but she needs to show that world level isn’t too big of a jump for her. She can’t afford to be outclassed by Nicolson.
Ben Whittaker – Yes. He needs to impress against Cameron and stop fooling around. He is a character, he is a showman but it gets boring after a while. Do something that gets you attention for the right reasons.
Liam Cameron – No. The fact Cameron is fighting at all – given what he has had to go through in his personal life – is a win in itself. This is a great opportunity and will keep on fighting win or lose.
