The Next Chapter
Maxi Hughes’ train pulls in to the ‘Sooner State’ of Oklahoma this weekend as he looks to preserve one of British boxing’s most captivating stories.
It has been a remarkable three years for the ‘Cinderella man’, whose once dawdling career has now arrived at boxing’s premier station.
It has taken some time too, after false promises left Hughes with options not worthy of his purple patch.
But it is time to strip back the playful nicknames and the witty remarks - this is big boy territory; one he has never stepped into before.
There is no need for fear. Hughes is an upset-minded fighter. A man who thrives on the odds siding with his enemy. In many senses he is an overachiever.
He can run into the wind without the burden of expectation.
Of course, I won’t do him an injustice. Without the countless hours behind the gym doors and a never-say-die mentality, he doesn’t find himself here.
Which is exactly why his is a story worth supporting. The carrot dangles of a world title shot in what seems an impenetrable 135lb division. This is the stuff of dreams.
And he will not be an easy train to derail.
George Kambosos knows that too. This is a fight littered with jeopardy. It is also a fight that he must win if he is to get back to where he believes he should be.
That is right at the top.
His 2021 win over Teofimo Lopez, however, seems far away in space and time. If anything, Kambosos is slipping towards the ‘one-hit wonder’ category.
He needs to look ruthless on Saturday because there is a food chain waiting to eat him up.
His co-promotional deal with Top Rank now has him in the same stable as some of the hottest lightweights in world boxing.
It is a cruel sport, and the opportunity to place a former undisputed champion on the resume may well be granted to the likes of Keyshawn Davis.
Kambosos can only focus on himself and Saturday night. If he is to dispatch Hughes in a merciless manner, then he will throw himself back into that mix.
But he must be warned, because the real Cinderella story had a happy ending.
Away from the on-screen stuff, we announced some HUGE iFL Live news this week. As well as our very own Kugan Cassius, we have a new special host.
Expect plenty of contentious opinions, and plenty of flavoured air, as the one and only Gareth A. Davies prepares to chew the fat with our special guests Eddie Hearn, Darren Barker, Johnny Fisher and more.
With a host of huge names, including Anthony Joshua, Dillian Whyte, Billy Joe Saunders and David Haye set to attend… it really is a Royal Rumble of boxing’s biggest stars.
Sunday August 13.
Indigo at the O2.
It’s one NOT TO MISS!
Oscar Bevis
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