With the absence of Tyson Fury and his withdrawal from his scheduled encounter with Wladimir Klitschko perhaps having overshadowed the heavyweight division over recent months, boxing fans will be grateful for some action in the ring this weekend, with a whole host of talent making their way into the ring in the hope of delivering that crucial knock-out. The likes of Joseph Parker, Dereck Chisora and Anthony Joshua are all in action, all of could be forgiven for already having one eye on their next opponents. There have already been some heated exchanges in the build-up to such contests, with tempers flaring as the fights draw ever closer.
Former Olympic gold medallist Joshua takes on American Eric Molina in Manchester on Saturday night, and despite bookmakers Betway having the Brit as the overwhelming favourite for victory, 34-year-old Molina will certainly pose a threat. With representatives thought to be close to agreeing upon a lucrative bout between Joshua and Klithshko next year, the Londoner will want to head into 2017 with his unbeaten record still intact. Molina was defeated by compatriot Deontay Wilder back in 2015, and Joshua is confident of delivering a similar performance against the 6ft 4” American.
Meanwhile, with everything from fists to tables being thrown in the pre-fight press conferences, the bout between Dereck Chisora and Dillian Whyte promises to be an explosive one, with both men making no secret of their dislike for one another. The duo meet on the undercard of Joshua and Molina in Manchester, with Whyte the favourite having impressed against Joshua last year, despite eventually suffering a seventh-round knockout defeat. Betway have Whyte with 1/3 on favourite in their boxing market.
Having missed out on a contest with Joshua, Joseph Parker will be looking to claim the vacant WBO heavyweight title as he takes on Andy Ruiz in Auckland. The 24-year-old Kiwi is undefeated in 21 professional fights, and will make his way into the ring as the 1/3 on favourite with Betway. Finally, the anticipation levels are already rising for the clash between compatriots David Haye and Tony Bellow, with the duo already almost coming to blows, despite almost five months remaining until the fight. Despite Bellow certainly offering a substantial test for the veteran Haye, Betway have him as the 6/1 outsider to cause an upset.