Two more days, and August will be over. That leaves only four months before the world ushers in yet another new year, full of hopes, promises, and big plans. But the end of summer also brings a season of winding down across industries. Sports is no exception. After eight months of drama inside the ring, boxing now has about 120 days to deliver on its promise of high-stakes fight nights. This year has already seen Oleksandr Usyk cement his finesse and class. Fans also witnessed sanctioning bodies lending credibility to Jake Paul, a crossover figure still dividing opinions. The final stretch of the year looks just as busy.
One of the most exciting cards of the year is set for November 22 in Saudi Arabia, headlined by David Benavidez vs. Anthony Yarde. But before that blockbuster night arrives, September offers a packed schedule that will keep fans glued. Two bouts, in particular, stand above the rest. On September 13, undisputed super middleweight champion Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez faces Terence Crawford in a fight many are calling the clash of the decade. Just one day later, in Japan, Naoya Inoue will defend his four belts against Murodjon Akhmadaliev in an attempt to nullify all opposition to his claim as the best super bantamweight ever. Here’s a breakdown of September’s biggest fights.
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Osleys Iglesias vs. Vladimir Shishkin
The month opens with a super middleweight clash between Osleys Iglesias (13-0-0) and Vladimir Shishkin (16-1-0). The Cuban and Russian contenders hold the No. 2 and No. 3 spots in the IBF rankings. They will battle for the vacant IBO title.
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The fight, promoted by Eye of the Tiger Management and Salita Promotions, takes place on September 4 in Montreal, Canada. Alongside the 12-round main event, the Casino Montreal card will showcase ten-round bouts featuring prospects like Jhon Orobio (junior welterweight), Avery Martin Duval vs. Luis Campos Cortez (lightweight), and Moreno Fendero vs. Boris Crighton (super middleweight).
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Michael Conlan vs. Jack Bateson
On September 5, action shifts to Dublin, Ireland. At 3Arena, former interim featherweight champion Michael Conlan (19-3-0) returns to the spotlight. He faces Englishman Jack Bateson (20-1-1) in a ten-round battle for the WBC International featherweight title. Conlan, remembered for his epic 2022 ‘Fight of the Year‘ against Leigh Wood, made a comeback earlier this year. After 14 months away, the Belfast-born fighter beat Asad Asif Khan on points in March. Bateson now stands in his way.
The card also features a strong co-main. Ranked bantamweight contender Charlie Edwards (20-2-0) meets Mexican challenger Salvador Juarez (20-9-2). They will fight ten rounds for the WBC International super flyweight belt.
Eduardo Nunez vs. Christopher Diaz-Velez
Two days later, on September 6, Mexico takes the spotlight. Nogales, Sonora, hosts the return of hometown hero Oscar Valdez (32-3-0). The former world champion faces American Ricky Medina (16-3-0) in a ten-round, 135-pound bout.
But the main attraction is Eduardo Nunez (28-1-0) vs. Christopher Diaz (30-5-0) for the IBF 130-pound title. Nunez stunned the boxing world earlier this year by beating Masanori Rikiishi in Japan to claim the belt. Now he makes hi
