Huge boxing weekend coming up, highlighted by the long overdue grudge match between Amir Khan and Kell Brook. Four back-to-back shows on Saturday will keep you busy watching all day and night.
FRIDAY
Showtime, ShoBox Tripleheader (9PM ET/PT)
Caribe Royale Resort, Orlando, Florida
The main event will see undefeated lightweight prospect Jamaine Ortiz (14-0-1, 8 KOs) against Nahir Albright (14-1, 7 KOs) in a ten round bout. The co-feature matches unbeaten super middleweights Joe George (11-0, 7 KOs) and Sean Hemphill (14-0, 8 KOs) in an eight-rounder. The telecast opens with undefeated welterweight Paul Kroll (9-0, 6 KOs) squaring off against Marquis Taylor (12-1-1, 1 KO) in another eight-round battle.
SATURDAY
ESPN+ (9:30AM ET, 6:30AM PT)
RCC Boxing Academy, Ekaterinburg, Russia
WBC lightweight eliminator between Zaur Abdullaev (14-1, 8 KOs) and Jorge Linares (47-6, 29 KOs). Abdullaev’s only loss is to Devin Haney. Three-division world champion Linares aiming for another title try.
ESPN+ (1PM ET, 10AM PT)
AO Arena in Manchester, England
The long-simmering rivalry between British stars Amir Khan (34-5, 21 KOs) and Kell Brook (39-3, 27 KOs) will finally come to a head in a 149-pound catchweight battle. Tickets sold out in 10 minutes when they went on sale in December.
PPV (6:30PM ET, 3:30PM PT)
Cabaret du Casino in Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Unbeaten heavyweight Arslanbek Makhmudov (13-0, 13 KOs) will defend his NABF title against former world title challenger Mariusz Wach (36-7, 19 KOs) in a PPV stream. Price: $59.99 Canadian
DAZN (9PM ET, 6PM PT)
Bullring by the Sea, Tijuana, BCN, Mexico
Undefeated middleweight and former junior middleweight world champion Jaime Munguía (38-0, 30 KOs) fights in his hometown against fellow unbeaten D’Mitrius Ballard (21-0-1, 13 KOs).
Khan and Brook should have taken place years ago when their youth and perseverance would have made a barn burner of a fight. Today, both men have seen better days with higher mileage on their motors. My prediction will be Brook on a decision.
I don´t care at all if Khan and Brook is past their prime.
I´m very interested.
It´s a real grudge match and i just love REAL GRUDGE.
Both are from England and both has really passionate supporters.
England fans create craziest atmosphere.
When the emotion are high intelligence is low.
I will pay PPV.
Like joshua vs whyte!
@Kim: Agree. The grudge factor always creates a bigger fight interest. As well as a fight that can go either way like this fight.
Khan vs Brook might be more fan friendly thanks to their diminished skill set.
Great to see fighting again to Arslanbek Makhmudov. He should fight more often if he wants a title shot. He is dangerous for anybody in my opinion.
@PSG: Going to be interesting to see where Arslanbek end up in the mix of the up and coming heavyweights. Dangerous puncher, still wondering how he looks against a proper skilled heavyweight.
Great weekend for us boxing fans.
I’m rooting for Khan but can’t see him winning this fight.. Brook by decision or late stoppage..