World championship boxing returns to Wales this weekend as the Cardiff International Arena plays host to not one but TWO world title fights on an action-packed card. We will however be taking a look at a fight and a fighter to look out for this Saturday as some of the biggest prospects in British boxing look to make a big impression.

Fight To Watch: Jordan Thompson vs Luke Watkins

In a fight that is almost guaranteed to deliver, the unbeaten hard-hitting Mancunian cruiserweight Jordan Thompson defends his IBF European crown against the 16-2 Luke Watkins.

11 stoppage wins from his 14 victories in the paid ranks so far, Thompson is widely regarded as one of the biggest, quite literally, prospects in the cruiserweight division at the moment. He did however have to climb off the canvas in the last round against Vasil Ducar last time out, a fight in which he went on to win convincingly on the scorecards.

This will be Thompson’s first fight since teaming up with the highly respected Tony Sims earlier this year and with over 100 rounds in the bank with both heavyweights and cruiserweight in preparation for this fight, the early signs are that we will see the best Jordan ‘Troublesome’ Thompson to date.

Watkins meanwhile has been on a completely different journey of his own. Since suffering back-to-back losses to Lawrence Okolie and Isaac Chamberlain in 2018, the Swindon-born cruiser has been on a three-fight win streak with his most recent success coming against Iain Martell for the English title in July of last year. 

Unsurprisingly, Watkins has drafted in 6’6” light-heavyweight Shakan Pitters to help him prepare for the six-inch height difference he will have to contend with on Saturday night as he looks to throw himself back into the mix in the 200lbs division.

With 22 stoppage wins combined from the 32 professional contests fought in by the pair, fireworks are guaranteed or as Thompson likes to say, “artistic violence.” 

Fighter To Watch: Brandon Scott

In a sport that embraces fighters who entertain outside of the ring just as much as they do in it, Brandon Scott could well be the next superstar to come out of Wales.

A highly decorated amateur, the 19-year-old has made quite the impression in his four fights as a pro so far. After a win over Jake Pollard on debut, he stopped Luke Fash before picking up points victories over Simas Volosinas and Stephen Jackson without losing a round. 

A very pleasing style on the eye, he’s got lightning-fast hands and sharp footwork and with him still having a good few years of growing left, his punch power will undoubtedly develop. Also keep an eye out for his ring entrance as he tends to like to spring a surprise or two with those already.

Also on the undercard is the likes of Sammy Lee who’ll be looking to build on his impressive debut when he aims to become the first man to stop Juris Zundovskis. Skye Nicolson will also take another step up in opposition when she faces late replacement Linda Lecca who went the rounds with Raven Chapman just a couple of weeks ago.