Boxing fans, get ready for a weekend of fights that might just surprise us! While the summer of 2026 has been a bit forgettable so far, the upcoming schedule hints at a potential turnaround.
The Quiet Before the Storm
This week, we're looking at a relatively calm boxing scene, with only a few fights to keep us entertained. But fear not, because the last weekend of July promises to be a big one, with the highly anticipated returns of Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and Errol Spence Jr. on the horizon.
Friday Night Fights
Kicking things off on Friday, July 17, we have a light heavyweight bout between Eros Seghetti and Enid Numanovic. Hailing from Marche, Italy, these fighters will showcase their skills on Rai Sport 1. It's an intriguing match-up, but one that might not make waves internationally.
Saturday's Main Event: Pacheco vs. Aleem
The main event on Saturday, July 18, is a DAZN exclusive featuring Diego Pacheco and Immanuwel Aleem. This fight has generated some buzz, but not necessarily for the right reasons. BoxRec rates it as a two-star fight, which is an accurate assessment in my opinion.
Aleem, at 32, is coming off a decisive loss to Lester Martinez and has yet to truly break through in the sport. While he's had some questionable results in the past, notably on PBC cards, those setbacks are a few years old now. Pacheco, with an impressive record of 25-0, should have faced an opponent like Aleem if he had lost his previous fight to Kevin Sadjo.
The issue here is Pacheco's lack of progression. It feels like he's been stuck in the same gear for a while, and the buzz around him has faded. Matchroom's promotion of this fight has been overly aggressive, almost as if they're trying too hard to make it seem significant. The awkward trash talk session between the fighters a few weeks ago only added to the sense of forced excitement.
However, as they say, you never know until you step into the ring. There are times when a fighter's stagnation can lead to an unexpected loss, and Aleem has the grit and ability to pull off an upset if Pacheco isn't at his best. While I don't have high expectations for this fight, there's a tiny shred of intrigue that keeps me interested.
Undercard Action
The undercard for this event is also worth mentioning. We'll see Andy Cruz take on Abraham Montoya in a lightweight bout, which was originally supposed to be an IBF eliminator against Albert Bell. However, Montoya is not a true contender, so the fight has lost some of its luster. The most intriguing aspect is Cruz's reported plan to drop down to the super featherweight division.
Additionally, we have an unbeaten featherweight hopeful, Albert Gonzalez, facing veteran Aaron Alameda in a 10-round bout. Another 10-rounder will feature Saul Sanchez against Bruno Rios Jr. And finally, a heavyweight prospect, Leo Atang, will make his U.S. debut. While Eddie Hearn might hope for a memorable impression, it's a stretch to think that American fans will remember Atang solely from this undercard.
A Summer of Upsets?
As we head into the final stretch of July, one can't help but wonder if this quiet period is a precursor to an exciting finish. Summers in boxing can be unpredictable, and while we might not get the action we crave right now, the upcoming fights could deliver some memorable moments. So, let's sit back, enjoy the rides, and see if this quiet period gives way to a storm of upsets and surprises.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the potential for an underdog story to emerge. In boxing, sometimes the unexpected happens, and that's what keeps us coming back for more.
