THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN

Photo Credits: Tgsphoto

This weekend sees a bunch of boys return to the city! The Copper Box arena in Stratford is a night of high profile names such as DeGale and Selby with the support of Yarde and Dubois. Prospect Archie Sharp also looks to make a statement and stop his opponent which would move his record to 11-0, on to better things in 2018.

Daniel ‘Dynamite’ Dubois has been a joy to watch in 2017, from making his professional debut in April, he has won every contest without going the distance or even past the second round. Slowly stepping up the quality of opponents, the 20-year-old has already secured youth and Southern Area titles. Producing another knockout on Dorian Darch would set up an exciting fight with Nathan Gorman in early 2018 for the English title.

Photo Credits: Action Images

The British public has been calling for a tougher test for the knockout sensation that is Anthony Yarde. Anthony Yarde being the powerhouse that he is has stopped 12 of his 13 opponents and will make a statement if he knocks out Nikola Sjekloca, who has never been stopped in his 37 fight career. Sjekloca has fought world class opposition; Callum Smith, Arthur Abraham and Tyron Zeuge couldn’t stop him. Yarde is gradually progressing and knocking out Sjekloca will set up some exciting fights for him in 2018, domestic clashes with Frank Buglioni and Hosea Burton are there to be made.

Photo Credits: Action Images/Reuters

Selby’s 2017 got off to a rough start when he had a last-minute replacement for an opponent in March, then in July, he fought Jonathan Victor Barros just days after his mother passed away. A fight with Eduardo Ramirez seemed to allow him ending his 2017 with a 100% mind and body performance before he takes on his mandatory challenger Josh Warrington in 2018. Unfortunately for Selby, Ramirez; having issues with the featherweight championship weight limit and has headed in the direction that the title is not on the line. Selby has a bright 2018 ahead of him despite the problems he’s faced this year, a good performance would popularise his future fight with Josh Warrington and the possibility of the featherweight World Boxing Super Series.

James DeGale was in a fight of the year contender in January as he attempted to unify the WBC and IBF titles against Badou Jack, who since the fight has moved up in weight and therefore ruled out the rematch. After a long 11 months out of the ring due to injury and surgery, DeGale has opponent Caleb Truax for his return to England, where a lot of domestic fights await him. DeGale is setting himself up for another unification bout with David Benavidez and ultimately to face the winner of the WBSS, to do that effectively, he needs a good performance.

The card will be full of action and the support of Yarde and Dubois who draw attention with their performances are delivering a delight on Saturday night. Which fight are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comments.