Following a weekend where high-profile boxers like Devin Haney, Ryan Garcia, and Canelo Alvarez didn`t quite meet expectations, boxing enthusiasts can anticipate a new wave of potentially thrilling bouts. Several exciting matchups are scheduled this weekend across multiple global locations including California, Florida, England, Africa, and Japan.
Here is a breakdown and ranking of the weekend`s most significant boxing events.
1. Anthony Cacace vs. Leigh Wood – Junior Lightweight Bout
Leigh Wood had previously expressed a desire to end his career with a world title fight at the City Ground, the home of Nottingham Forest football club.
While neither of those specific goals will be met this Saturday, the junior lightweight contest remains significant. The 36-year-old Wood will fight in front of his hometown supporters in Nottingham, at the indoor arena famously used by Carl Froch during his super middleweight career.
Anthony Cacace (23-1, 8 KOs), from Belfast, Northern Ireland, vacated his IBF world title (won against Joe Cordina in May 2024) to make this fight possible. Although no major recognized titles are contested, this matchup features two leading competitors in the junior lightweight division.
Wood was previously ranked No. 1 at featherweight, relinquishing his WBA belt after stopping Josh Warrington in October 2023. However, Wood`s career has seen delays since then. In contrast, Cacace has remained active, including fighting in Saudi Arabia, and his surprising stoppage victory over Cordina significantly elevated his standing.
Cacace, also 36, has had more recent fights (including a unanimous decision win over Warrington last September) and possesses notable height and reach advantages. As a top-ranked junior lightweight, he has valid reasons for confidence. Yet, the question remains if Wood, despite a long layoff in his 130-pound debut, can draw inspiration from the home crowd to extend his career with another unexpected dramatic win, characteristic of his past performances.
The victor of this bout would be a logical next opponent for the winner of Saturday`s WBO title fight between Emanuel Navarrete and Charly Suarez.
2. Emanuel Navarrete vs. Charly Suarez – WBO Junior Lightweight Title
Emanuel Navarrete, a champion in three weight classes, displayed exceptional form in his last fight, decisively defeating Oscar Valdez with a body shot in their December rematch. When performing at that level, the Mexican boxer is compelling to watch.
Navarrete (39-2-1, 32 KOs) will defend his WBO junior lightweight championship against Charly Suarez (18-0, 10 KOs) of the Philippines in San Diego this Saturday. A strong showing could solidify his position as a top fighter at 130 pounds. Navarrete was relentless against Valdez, scoring three knockdowns before the stoppage. Another impressive victory might encourage him to attempt a return to the lightweight division. He previously suffered a split decision loss to Denys Berinchyk for the WBO lightweight belt in May 2024, but could be drawn to more lucrative lightweight opportunities if he defeats Suarez. Alternatively, a potential unification fight against WBC champion O`Shaquie Foster remains an option if he remains at 130.
3. Erickson Lubin vs. Ardreal Holmes Jr. – IBF Junior Middleweight Title Eliminator
This upcoming fight is a confrontation between two southpaw boxers, both in urgent need of a victory in this IBF junior middleweight title eliminator.
Erickson Lubin (26-2, 18 KOs), hailing from Orlando, Florida, possesses greater experience but is coming off a significant break, not having fought since September 2023. His return was delayed by a hand injury after he secured a unanimous decision win over Jesus Ramos. Ardreal Holmes (17-0, 6 KOs), from Flint, Michigan, is less experienced but carries momentum, having won three fights in 2024.
Lubin has demonstrated capability for exciting performances, notably in a thrilling match against Sebastian Fundora three years ago. The winner of Saturday`s bout in Kissimmee, Florida, will advance to challenge champion Bakhram Murtazaliev.
4. Fernando Martinez vs. Kazuto Ioka – Junior Bantamweight Title Rematch
Following their intense, non-stop battle last July, Fernando Martinez and Kazuto Ioka are set to meet again this Sunday in Tokyo, promising another action-packed encounter. Martinez (17-0, 9 KOs) secured a unanimous decision victory in their unification fight in Japan, having outlanded Ioka.
The impact of that grueling fight on the 36-year-old Ioka will likely determine his ability to avenge the loss and claim a world title in a third distinct weight category.
Ioka (31-3-1, 16 KOs), a Japanese fighter whose career began 16 years ago, will need to summon past form to keep pace with the 33-year-old WBA champion Martinez from Argentina.
This rematch was originally postponed from December due to Martinez falling ill, but it is anticipated to be a worthwhile event despite the delay.
5. Souleymane Cissokho vs. Egidijus Kavaliauskas – WBC Welterweight Title Eliminator
The fight`s location this Saturday in Equatorial Guinea is 2,000 miles from Cissokho`s birthplace in Senegal, yet it will feel like a homecoming. Souleymane Cissokho (17-0, 9 KOs) will realize his aspiration of boxing in Africa when he faces Egidijus Kavaliauskas (24-2-1, 19 KOs) in a WBC welterweight title eliminator held in the capital city of Malabo.
Cissokho, who is positioned for a title shot, is based in Paris but trains in California under Virgil Hunter. A victory in this bout would secure his title opportunity and significant exposure.
The fight was delayed by injury, meaning Cissokho faces a dangerous puncher in the California-based Lithuanian Kavaliauskas after an 18-month ring absence, which is a potential concern.
However, Kavaliauskas has been stopped twice when stepping up in competition (by Vergil Ortiz in 2021 and Terence Crawford in 2019). This matchup appears to be a favorable chance for a skillful boxer like Cissokho to clinch a significant fight later in the year.
Ellis Thorne 
Percy Harlow