April is finally here, and I am excited, but not for the reasons you’d expect. The weather is warming up. Daylight savings time has given us more time outside. We can finally put the big coats in the closet, and break out the shorts. All these things are amazing, but it’s going down in April for another reason. It’s going down in April because of the sick schedule the sport of boxing is providing this month.
During April, we get to see some star power. We have the return of GGG and Ryan Garcia on the same night. We have Errol Spence and Tyson Fury too. To top it off, we get the young phenom Shakur Stevenson at the end of the month. This lineup of heavy hitters has me geeked. In this article, I will spotlight some of the big showdowns and who should be worried. It’s going down in April!
GGG and Ryan Garica Have Something to Prove
April 9th has some interesting fights going down, and two fighters that want Canelo’s attention. Gennady Golovkin is back on the scene. Once one of the most feared fighters in the sport, GGG is trying to reclaim his notoriety. This won’t be an easy task. GGG is looking to unify the Middleweight division but will have to see a dangerous Ryōta Murata. Murata is a 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist. I actually have GGG on upset alert. Golovikin is a soldier by going to Japan to fight Murata in his home country. In GGG’s pursuit to have the trilogy with Canelo, he may have bitten off more than he can chew. We shall see.
Ryan Garcia on the other hand wants Canelo’s attention, but for another reason. Garcia is one of the sport’s fastest-rising stars. He is becoming famous, but not because of his in-ring prowess. He is a social media darling, to the chagrin of his former camp. He was in Canelo’s camp but left to be his own man. While that was respectable, the words and what he said did not sit well with his former team. Garica wants to be the main attraction. He will get his chance against Emmanuel Tagoe in a pro-Garcia crowd in San Antonio.
“The #1 pound-for-pound fighter is Canelo. Then it’s Crawford. Third is Chocolatito. Then it’s me.” ?@RyanGarcia is out to show everyone why ‘King Ry’ rates himself as the best lightweight in the world this weekend ?#GarciaTagoe @DAZNBoxing #ad https://t.co/RlWzW67AbO
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) April 8, 2022
The Return of the Gypsy King
We’ve waited over six months, but the King is back. Tyson Fury makes his long-awaited return on April 23rd against Dillian Whyte. This will be a slugfest involving two big heavyweights. These two giants will get it on, in front of what may be the largest crowd in UK boxing history. Fury is coming off his spectacular win against Wilder, in what might be the best fight ever. Whyte is an up-and-coming problem in the Heavyweight division. He will be king one day, but not now. Fury will be too much for him, and will probably put “The Body Snatcher” to sleep. I can’t wait to see this fight. I just have to remember to make sure I am free in the afternoon, and not at night since it’s in the UK.
Watch Tyson Fury train for Dillian Whyte as coach gives rare glimpse into camp https://t.co/Gp8L2F4Gnt
— Sun Sport (@SunSport) April 8, 2022
Is Stevenson Next
Shakur Stevenson is money. He is a star, headed for superstardom. He has it all. He can fight, talk, and entertain. He is an attraction every time out. I knew he was a star when my cousins Tierra and Kathy knew him by name and made plans to go to this fight. They aren’t into boxing like that so only a star can bring casual fans out. Shakur will be the future of PPV Boxing in the near future. I truly believe this will be his last fight on cable. He has a tough task against Óscar Valdez. Valdez is a problem, but the youngster may be too much for him. I can’t wait to see this fight.
Shakur Stevenson has something to prove on April 30 ? pic.twitter.com/jjKS9hrsHU
— ESPN Ringside (@ESPNRingside) March 31, 2022
Errol Spence is Back in Big D
We finally get the long-awaited return of one of the best pound-for-pound fighters out today. Spence has been through a lot over the last few years. He’s reached the top of the division, but also has had several setbacks. Spence had an almost career-ending car wreck and eye injury. He also has that pesky Bud Crawford calling him out at every turn. Now he looks to get back on track. While a segment of boxing fans have questioned his desire to have tough fights, namely because of the perceived ducking of Crawford, he is showing testicular fortitude by fighting Yordenis Ugás.
While fighting Crawford would cement his legacy, this fight will go a long way in adding to his mystic. Ugás is a dangerous man, just ask Manny Pacquiao. Ugás is a dangerous, defensive fighter that can cause Spence issues. Errol has more to lose in this showdown. The fight is in his hometown and will be held in the cathedral known as Jerry’s World. Not only does he have the hometown pressure, but he is also defending his title and legacy. Because of all these factors, I have Spence on upset alert. I know it’s not popular, but Spence could fall on Easter weekend.
Conclusion
I am excited about April. All the fights I named are top-notched fights. There will be other fights that will have my attention too. These are the kind of months that make me happy to be a fan of the sport. It’s going down in April, and I will be home every Saturday this month.
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