Boxing’s Big Night: Dec. 7 Packed with World Title Fights Across the Globe
Mark your calendars, fight fans! December 7 is shaping up to be one of the most action-packed nights in boxing this year. From Arizona to Puerto Rico, England to Eastern Europe, the boxing world will be buzzing with high-stakes matchups, including world title rematches, rising stars defending their belts, and veterans battling to stay relevant. Here’s everything you need to know about the night’s biggest bouts and why you should tune in.
1. Rafael Espinoza (+105) vs. Robeisy Ramirez (-135): WBO Featherweight Title Rematch
Let’s start with the fireworks in Phoenix, where Rafael Espinoza and Robeisy Ramirez are set to run it back in a highly anticipated rematch. Their first encounter was nothing short of a thriller, with both fighters hitting the canvas before Espinoza emerged victorious via majority decision. This time, the stakes are even higher as Espinoza defends his WBO featherweight title.
Espinoza (25-0, 21 KOs), the towering 6-foot-1 champion from Guadalajara, Mexico, has been on a tear since that victory, including a dominant fourth-round KO of Sergio Chirino in June. Meanwhile, Ramirez (14-2, 9 KOs), a two-time Olympic gold medalist from Cuba, bounced back with a seventh-round TKO win over Brandon Leon earlier this year. Ramirez, standing at 5-foot-6, will need to find a way to neutralize Espinoza’s significant height and reach advantage.
“I know it will be a war,” Espinoza said during a recent training session. “I’ll be ready whether he wants to fight at close range or from a distance. I’m not leaving without the title.”
Ramirez, who faced personal challenges during their first fight, believes he’s better prepared this time. “My father was very ill, and it affected me greatly,” he shared. “Despite that, I delivered a great show. This time, I’m ready to give an even better performance.”
With both fighters determined to prove a point, this rematch has all the ingredients for another Fight of the Year contender.
2. Emanuel Navarrete (-275) vs. Oscar Valdez (+210): WBO Junior Lightweight Title Rematch
Another can’t-miss rematch on the Phoenix card features Emanuel Navarrete defending his WBO junior lightweight title against fellow Mexican warrior Oscar Valdez. Their first clash in August 2023 was an instant classic, with Navarrete (38-2-1, 31 KOs) outworking Valdez (32-2, 24 KOs) to earn a unanimous decision.
Navarrete’s relentless volume—he threw a staggering 1,038 punches compared to Valdez’s 483—proved too much for Valdez, who struggled to deal with Navarrete’s size and awkward style. But Valdez, a former two-division champion, is determined to make adjustments in the rematch.
“I was disappointed with my performance,” Valdez admitted. “I made a few mistakes, but you learn from them. This time, I’m focused on fighting smarter.”
Navarrete, on the other hand, is confident the rematch will deliver even more action. “There’s a lot of pride at stake in a Mexico vs. Mexico battle,” he said. “The second half of the fight will come down to who’s better prepared physically.”
With both fighters motivated by national pride and legacy, expect another barnburner in this all-Mexican rivalry.
3. Brad Pauls (+115) vs. Denzel Bentley (-140): British Middleweight Title
Across the pond in London, Brad Pauls will defend his British middleweight title against Denzel Bentley in a fight with major implications. Pauls (19-1-1, 11 KOs), who has climbed the ranks without the backing of a major promoter, is coming off an impressive 12th-round TKO win over Nathan Heaney. A victory here could put him in line for a world title shot in 2025.
Bentley (20-3-1, 17 KOs), however, has struggled in big moments, including a unanimous-decision loss to Janibek Alimkhanuly in a WBO world title fight two years ago. With both fighters ranked as top contenders for Alimkhanuly’s belt, this is a must-win for both men.
4. Liam Paro (-120) vs. Richardson Hitchins (-110): IBF Junior Welterweight Title
In San Juan, Puerto Rico, Liam Paro will make his first defense of the IBF junior welterweight title against Richardson Hitchins. Paro (25-0, 15 KOs) shocked the boxing world with a unanimous decision win over Subriel Matias in June, while Hitchins (18-0, 7 KOs) is coming off a hard-fought victory over Gustavo Lemos.
Paro’s ability to box off the back foot will be key against Hitchins, who has been criticized for his low knockout ratio. With potential future matchups against stars like Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez, the winner of this fight could be on the fast track to superstardom.
5. Mahmoud Charr (+190) vs. Kubrat Pulev (-250): WBA “Regular” Heavyweight Title
Finally, in Sofia, Bulgaria, veterans Mahmoud Charr and Kubrat Pulev will square off for the WBA “regular” heavyweight title. While both fighters are in their 40s and have been largely inactive, the winner could position themselves for a world title shot in 2025.
Pulev (31-3, 14 KOs), who has faced elite competition like Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko, will have the home crowd behind him. Charr (34-4, 20 KOs), meanwhile, has fought just three times in the past seven years. Despite their age and inactivity, this fight could deliver some late-career drama as both men look to extend their time in the spotlight.
What to Watch For
- Can Valdez make the necessary adjustments to dethrone Navarrete?
- Will Espinoza and Ramirez deliver another Fight of the Year candidate?
- Can underdog Brad Pauls continue his Cinderella story?
- Will Liam Paro solidify his status as a rising star at 140 pounds?
- Can Pulev or Charr make one last run at heavyweight glory?
With so much on the line, December 7 promises to be a night to remember for boxing fans. Don’t miss it!
Originally Written by: Nick Parkinson
