Avila Perspective, Chap 329: Pacquiao is Back, Fabio in England and More

Manny Pacquiao is everywhere. Again.

Pacman was semi-retired for a number of years. He returned this week to Los Angeles to announce his return to the boxing ring in July. He will also be formally enshrined the International Boxing Hall of Fame this Sunday in Canastota, New York.

Is that legal? Just kidding.

In an age where rules are met to be broken or circumvented, Pacquiao will be joined by Holly Holm who is also being inducted in the Boxing Hall of Fame but will also be fighting this month in a separate card in Anaheim.

There’s a lot of rule-breaking going on.

It used to be that a fighter had to be retired for a minimum of five years to be eligible for the Hall of Fame. Boxers tend to return to the boxing ring after publicly announcing their retirements so a rule was instituted to insure a fighter was not still active.  Then the wait was reduced to three years.

In the case of Pacquiao and Holm, both were inactive as pro boxers, but never truly announced their retirement from boxing. Their decision to return to fight is coincidence.

I think.

Pac is Back

Pacquiao was in Los Angeles on Tuesday to announce his upcoming title challenge against WBC welterweight titlist Mario Barrios next month at MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Saturday, July 19.

It’s a monster card staged by TGB Promotions and will be available to view on pay-per-view.

“This is a blessing, because I’ve been through so many big fights in my career and I’m still here. I’m back,” said Pacquiao whose last bout took place in Las Vegas against Yordanis Ugas in August 2021.

A number of crowd-pleasing fighters are scheduled to join Pacquiao and Barrios when they clash next month in the casino city. It’s one of the best cards of the year.

First, you have the rematch between WBC super welterweight titlist Sebastian Fundora and Australia’s Tim Tszyu. Along with super lightweight Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz in a rematch with Angel Fierro; plus featherweights Brandon Figueroa versus Joet Gonzalez.

It’s a spectacular summer card that Las Vegas has been lacking. There is nothing that rivals a good fight card weekend in the casino city.

Hall of Fame Card in NY on Friday

Franchon Crews-Dezurn (9-2) defends the WBC and WBA super middleweight titles against Citlalli Ortiz (4-1) Friday June 6, at Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, New York. It’s part of the International Boxing Hall of Fame induction ceremonies taking place this weekend.

DAZN will stream the card live.

Crews recently signed with Salita Promotions and faces Ortiz who fights out of Coachella, California.

Heavyweight Clash in England

For the past two decades the best heavyweights have emanated from England.

Fabio Wardley (18-0-1, 17 Kos) meets Australia’s Justis Huni (12-0, 7 Kos) in a 12-round match for the interim WBA heavyweight world title at on Saturday, June 7. DAZN will stream the Queensberry Promotions card from Wardley’s hometown in Ipswich.

Wardley hits hard but sometimes that’s not enough as a few heavyweights have learned over time. Power hitters always attract fans but it can lead to a fighter swinging too hard and coming up empty.

But there is nothing more entertaining than watching a knockout puncher go to work and end a fight quickly.

Mike Tyson built his career on sensational quick knockouts and the boxing world is always in search of the next Tyson. Can Wardley be the one?

Wardley was slated to face Jarrell Miller but now meets Huni. A shoulder injury of Miller forced the cancellation.

“His amateur record and experience speak for themselves,” Wardley told ESPN. “He probably is more skilled and well put together than Miller. We’re both coming into this with something to prove and somewhere to go.”

Keyshawn Davis Night

WBO lightweight titlist Keyshawn Davis (13-0, 9 KOs) defends against Edwin De Los Santos (16-2, 14 KOs) on Saturday, June 7, at Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia. ESPN+ will stream the Top Rank card. It’s a homecoming for the Olympian.

Davis will be fighting in his hometown and against De Los Santos whose last fight was a lethargic affair against Shakur Stevenson that had fans walking out of the arena.

Don’t expect the same type of fight. Davis is an attack dog with super skills and always looking to excite his fans. It might be over quick. It might go the distance. But it will not be boring.

Also on the fight card is fast rising southpaw prospect Abdullah Mason (18-0, 16 KOs) who faces Jeremia Nakathila (26-4, 21 Kos) in a lightweight match-up.

Florida Fights

A female lightweight world title match pits Brazil’s Beatriz Ferreira (6-0) versus Argentina’s Maria Ines Ferreyra (11-0-1) on Saturday, June 7, in Orlando for the IBF world title. DAZN will stream the Boxinglab Promotions card.

Also, on the same card undefeated bantamweights Bree Howling (8-0) of Canada faces Mexico’s Naomy Cardenas (8-0) in a scheduled six rounds fight.

Cruiserweight Title Fight

Australia’s Jai Opetaia (27-0, 21 Kos) defends the IBF world title against Italy’s Claudio Squeo (17-0, 9 Kos) on Sunday June 8, at Broadbeach, Australia. DAZN will stream the Matchroom Boxing card early Sunday morning.

Hints about an upcoming showdown between Opetaia and Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez for the undisputed cruiserweight championship have been circulating. But, there is also a rumor that Jake Paul could face Zurdo too.

Fights to Watch (all times Pacific Time)

Fri. DAZN 5 p.m. Franchon Crews-Dezurn (9-2) vs Citlalli Ortiz (4-1).

Sat. DAZN 10:30 a.m. Fabio Wardley (18-0-1) vs Justis Huni (12-0).

Sat. DAZN 3:30 p.m. Beatriz Ferreira (6-0) vs Maria Ines Ferreyra (11-0-1).

Sat. ESPN 7 p.m. Keyshawn Davis (13-0) vs Edwin De Los Santos (16-2).

Sun. ESPN+ 1:00 a.m. Junto Nakatani (30-0) vs. Ryosuke Nishida (10-0)

Sun. DAZN 2 a.m. Jai Opetaia (27-0) vs Claudio Squeo (17-0).

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