Boxing manager, Sam Jones, joins Boxing Social to discuss and dissect what’s going on in the sport. In this column he predicts the undisputed clashes between Katie Taylor and Chantelle Cameron and Devin Haney and Vasiliy Lomachenko. He also delves into Daniel Dubois’ situation, and considers Tyson Fury’s demand for a summer opponent.
I’m predicting heartbreak in Dublin for Katie Taylor
It’s absolutely amazing what Katie Taylor has done for not just women’s boxing, but the sport in general. I’m a huge fan, but I’m backing my friend Chantelle Cameron. I think she will be too big and too strong, especially down the stretch. She might even force a stoppage, but a close points decision is probably more likely – and I mean close. To beat Katie Taylor in Ireland you’re going to have to put on some performance.
Devin Haney will keep his undisputed title over the distance
I would absolutely love to see Lomachenko put on one more masterclass and win the fight. He’s a joy to watch and the sport will miss him when he’s gone. Unfortunately, I don’t think it plays out that way. Haney’s going to be a bit too young, a bit too fresh, and he wins the fight on a unanimous points decision.
Daniel Dubois should avoid the Usyk fight – no matter who trains him for it
Dubois leaving Shane McGuigan is a strange one. As a coach, he does elevate his fighters. He’s fantastic at what he does. I know he’s had a lot of people leave him for one reason or another, and there’s a bit of a situation that’s gone on because I think Caroline is sticking with him. Personally, I’d have liked to see Daniel under him for longer, but if something’s happened behind the scenes then it wasn’t to be.
Good luck to Daniel and Don Charles – it’s a big ask if the Oleksandr Usyk fight is indeed next. Having said that, I don’t feel it’s going to happen. Dubois isn’t anywhere near ready for that level. I’d like to see him come back down if I’m honest, have some domestic ding-dongs with the Fabio Wardleys, Frazer Clarkes and David Adeleyes. I think the Adeleye fight is fantastic and the type of fight Dubois needs. Take a few steps back to move forward.
I don’t see how putting him in the ring with Usyk is going to help. Usyk will take Dubois to pieces, no matter who’s training him.
Tyson Fury’s summer showdown needs to be followed by the Usyk fight
Tyson Fury is back on social media demanding a summertime stadium fight. The problem is, the only man people want to see him in the ring with is Oleksandr Usyk. Fury’s the best in the world right now, let’s see him against the other champion to cement that. They had a chance to make it, but because of the egos getting in the way it didn’t happen.
If that’s due for December, people will still be interested in what he does next. Listen, he sold Tottenham Hotspur out with Derek Chisora – he can do it again. If he does have an interim fight, I’d like to see someone like Filip Hrgovic get a shot.
The last thing in this world I want to see is Francis Ngannou fight Tyson Fury – and they have been talking about it over social media this week. It’s a mismatch, as it would be a mismatch if they faced off in the cage. No interest.