Monday 21 May 2018 15:25, UK
Jamie McDonnell defends his world title against 'Monster' Naoya Inoue in Japan this week before Kal Yafai has the chance to dazzle on his American debut.
McDonnell's reign as WBA 'regular' bantamweight titleholder continues this Friday and, after six successive defences, he faces his toughest test to date as he travels to Tokyo to take on pound-for-pound rated star Inoue.
The aptly named 'Monster', already a two-weight world champion, will be debuting at 118lbs and hoping to continue his destructive streak, while McDonnell - who has shocked another Japanese favourite in Tomoki Kameda twice before - will want to once again silence the critics.
Although the Doncaster favourite has reigned for four years now, he still fails to get the credit he undeniably deserves, despite a defiant willingness to take on anyone put in front of him.
With all the divisions' other beltholders - Ryan Burnett (WBA 'Super'), Zolani Tete (WBO) and Manny Rodriguez (IBF) - confirmed for the World Boxing Super Series' latest instalment, victory for McDonnell or Inoue would likely see them added to the star-studded cast.
Despite being just 5' 5", Inoue has become one of the most feared fighters in the sport, shuddering punch power that has stopped 13 of his opponent thus far. Whether his power will translate up the weight remains to be seen.
It is well documented that McDonnell, on the other hand, struggles to make the bantamweight limit and the 32-year-old will have a 5" height advantage come fight night. It would be a great disservice to say it's simply a boxer-puncher fight, but it's a clash of styles that should produce a fascinating and all-action tussle.
WBA super-flyweight world champion Kal Yafai returns to action as he makes his -long-awaited American debut against tough Mexican David Carmona.
It is the third defence of the unbeaten Birmingham star's world title and now, at 28-years-old, he believes he is ready for the division's very elite as he takes the trip to Fresno, California to truly announce himself on the global stage.
The super-flyweight division sits as one of the hottest in world boxing, headed up by the likes of Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, Juan Francisco Estrada and Jerwin Ancajas, while all-time great Roman Gonzalez still remains a major force.
Yafai says he is ready to unify and could be on a collision course with IBF champ Ancajas, who will feature on the same bill stateside. With mega-fights virtually within his grasp, the former Olympian will be eager to make a statement and avoid a disastrous slip-up.
Carmona, by way of Mexico, is rarely ever in a dull fight and he is one of just two fighters to have taken Inoue the distance, while he also resolutely pushed Carlos Cuadras over ten rounds lat year.
That typical Mexican fighting spirit should make for an explosive affair and he will look to drag Yafai, who has gone the distance in his last three outings, into a 12-round dogfight.
Watch Jamie McDonnell, in Tokyo, on Friday, May 25, from 1pm, live on Sky Sports Action before Kal Yafai takes on David Carmona in the early hours of Sunday morning, from 2.30am, on Sky Sports Action.
