British Boxing Stars in Saudi Arabia: A Night of World Title Fights
On 12 October, Saudi Arabia will play host to a remarkable evening of boxing, with three British fighters – Joe Cordina, Raven Chapman, and Jack Massey – vying for world titles on an illustrious card. This event promises to deliver thrilling match-ups and high-stakes bouts, highlighting the global nature of the sport.
Joe Cordina’s Ambitious Lightweight Challenge
Welshman Joe Cordina, stepping up to lightweight, will face WBC champion Shakur Stevenson, a fighter widely regarded as one of the most talented and undefeated in the sport. Cordina, who lost his unbeaten record and the super-featherweight world title to Anthony Cacace earlier this year, is making a significant leap in weight and competition.
Stevenson, a New Jersey native, has claimed world titles in three different weight classes across just 22 bouts, showcasing a versatility and skill set that has established him as a dominant force. For Cordina, this fight represents a substantial challenge but also an opportunity to reaffirm his elite status in boxing.
Raven Chapman’s World Title Opportunity
Raven Chapman, at 30, will make her world title debut against Skye Nicolson, the undefeated defending WBC featherweight champion from Australia. Chapman faces a formidable opponent in Nicolson, who has established a strong track record with a series of impressive performances. Nicolson, having defended her WBC belt successfully on two previous occasions, will be a tough test for Chapman.
This bout is a significant milestone in Chapman’s career and marks the most high-profile women’s boxing match to be held in Saudi Arabia since the historic event featuring Ramla Ali and Crystal Garcia Nova in 2022. Chapman’s challenge highlights the growing prominence of women’s boxing on a global stage, with Saudi Arabia continuing to attract major international bouts despite ongoing scrutiny over its human rights record.
Jack Massey and His Cruiserweight Battle
Jack Massey, 31, will step into the ring against Jai Opetaia, the Australian IBF cruiserweight champion. Massey, who has faced setbacks in his career, including two losses, made a notable comeback by defeating Isaac Chamberlain earlier this year. This bout will be a test of his resilience and skill against Opetaia, who remains undefeated with a record of 25-0 and boasts 22 knockouts.
Opetaia has demonstrated his knockout power with recent victories over English contenders Jordan Thompson and Ellis Zorro. Massey’s fight against Opetaia is anticipated to be a significant test, reflecting his readiness to compete at the highest level in the cruiserweight division.
Undercard Highlights
The undercard of this event will also feature several exciting bouts. The heavyweight rematch between Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke is particularly anticipated. Wardley, defending his title, will face Clarke in a rematch of their thrilling split-decision draw from March. Wardley, from Ipswich, has had an impressive career thus far, while Clarke, an Olympian from Burton-upon-Trent, will seek to build on his solid professional record.
Additionally, Chris Eubank Jr will face Kamil Szeremeta in a middleweight bout, while light-heavyweight prospect Ben Whittaker will compete against Liam Cameron.
This event, scheduled amidst ongoing debates about Saudi Arabia’s role in boxing, will nonetheless be a showcase of top-tier boxing talent and international competition. As the fighters prepare for their high-stakes bouts, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these British boxers fare against their world-class opponents.