Two Thrilling Title Fights A Glimpse into the Exciting World of Boxing
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Two Thrilling Title Fights A Glimpse into the Exciting World of Boxing

Last weekend witnessed a gripping junior lightweight title showdown between O’Shaquie Foster and Eduardo Hernandez that might not have received the same spotlight as Tyson Fury's encounter with Francis Ngannou, but it left fans spellbound. The eleventh round of the bout showcased one of the most spectacular frames of action in 2023. Coupled with the exhilarating Emanuel Navarette-Oscar Valdez clash earlier in the summer, these fights are injecting life and excitement into the 130-pound division. Now, the stage is set for Joe Cordina, a 31-year-old Welshman, to defend his IBF crown in the junior lightweight division against 28-year-old Texan Edward Vazquez (15-1, 3 KO) this Saturday, with the action exclusively available on DAZN at 3 PM EST. This fight marks Cordina's second appearance in the ring this year, following his triumphant return from an injury-induced hiatus. Cordina's victory over Shazkatdzhon Rakhimov earlier in the year adds to the growing list of compelling title fights in the division. If Cordina-Vazquez delivers an enthralling battle, following the Foster-Hernandez showdown, it could solidify the division's identity and pave the way for an exciting 2024. With the potential inclusion of a fascinating match between Hector Garcia and Lamont Roach later in the month, the junior lightweight division is becoming a hub for thrilling boxing action, both with established stars and rising talents. On the flip side, the undercard fight below Cordina-Vazquez presents a different story at junior flyweight. Kenshiro Teraji, the reigning lineal and unified champion at 108 pounds, holds two of the division's belts and has his sights set on a third. Earlier in the year, hopes were high for a unification clash with WBO titlist Jonathan Gonzalez, but due to illness, Gonzalez had to withdraw from a planned title defense against Gerardo Zapata. Nontshinga, the 24-year-old IBF titlist, appears to be in excellent health, and his fight against Adrian Curiel (23-4-1, 4 KO) on Saturday could hold significant implications for the division's unification goals, alongside the potential Gonzalez bout. Assuming Nontshinga secures a victory, it introduces an intriguing element to Teraji's pursuit. Teraji is 31, and Gonzalez is 32, making Nontshinga, standing out for his youth, a promising future challenger. As time passes, Nontshinga could only improve while his competitors age, making him a formidable contender. As we approach the weekend, we have two distinct tales of title fights – one that can continue the division's resurgence and another that could bring us closer to unification. Both fights, taking place in divisions teeming with excitement, offer fans an intriguing spectacle and provide a glimpse into the bigger picture of the boxing world. In other boxing news, the long-anticipated clash between Juan Francisco Estrada and Kazuto Ioka remains elusive, leaving fans wondering why this dream match has not yet materialized. Additionally, a bout between Francis Ngannou and Deontay Wilder would undoubtedly capture the imagination of boxing enthusiasts, and the closing date for Showtime Boxing on December 16th is fast approaching, marking the end of an era that is sure to be celebrated with a nostalgic tribute to the sport's history. Cliff Rold, the Managing Editor of BoxingScene, offers valuable insights into the boxing world, providing readers with a unique perspective on the sport's ongoing stories and potential future showdowns.

 

 

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