Khan-Alexander, Andrade-Charlo on December 13th

By Peter Wells:

The final third of the year on the boxing scene is beginning to take shape as several fights have been announced in recent days and weeks.

December 13th will be a particularly busy night as HBO air Timothy Bradley vs Diego Chaves, with Mauricio Herrera facing Top Rank prospect Jose Benavidez in the co-feature.

That same night will see Keith Thurman face a yet to be confirmed opponent - Leonard Bundu has been rumoured to be in the fray. The tripleheader will also feature two excellent match-ups as WBO Light Middleweight ruler Demetrius Andrade defends against fellow unbeaten Jermell Charlo. The headliner will be a Welterweight contest between Amir Khan and Devon Alexander. 

The card is set to take place at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, live on Showtime.

With the two shows on rival stations in America, UK fans will be hoping Sky Sports & BoxNation pick up a show each. 

The main event between Khan and Alexander has long been muted, and the winner will be making a resounding case to face Floyd Mayweather next May or September. 

Both have built their successes around speed and keeping things at long range. Alexander has been prone to mistakes in the past, but has proven his knowledge in the ring, keeping it long against Marcos Maidana, Lucas Matthysse and Jesus Soto Karass last time out. While Amir has struggled at times to stick to the game plan.

Alexander has also proven to possess a solid chin, although his occassionally wild attacks have left him open to be caught off balance.

Just as intruiging is the co-feature between Andrade and Charlo. 

Jermell, considersd to be the better boxer of the Charlo twins, is up against it in his toughest contest to date. Andrade, an equally slick boxer with a good dig, has a style that Charlo has yet to come across. 

With a long, long reach Andrade will prove extremely hard to outbox. Charlo will likely have to make his way inside, forcing Andrade to lead before countering at mid-range.

Paul Butler's world title bid pushed back

By Peter Wells: 

With his 2nd world title fight looming in a 2nd weight class, Paul Butler has had to put his plans of becoming a 2-weight world champion in the same year on hold as IBF Super Flyweight titleholder Zolani Tete has withdrawn with an injury.

Tete was set to travel from South Africa to Liverpool for their October 25th clash, but a broken hand sustained in training leaves him out of action. 

Tete has broken the 2nd metacarpel in his left hand and a new date will be announced shortly.

However Butler will still be present on the 25th as Frank Warren looks for an opponent to step in at relatively short notice. 

That shouldnt take away from what is a great card at the Echo Arena. Liam Smith is in action while Derry Matthews and Adam Dingsdale square off. Tom Stalker takes on fellow unbeaten Jack Catterall and Kevin Satchell takes aim at the European Flyweight title. Also Ovill McKenzie should provide more thrills against Matty Askin. Chris Eubank Jr stars against Jez Wilson.

Hassan N'Dam lands 2nd world title shot, dominates Curtis Stevens

By Peter Wells:

The winner of next week's IBF Middleweight title fight between Sam Soliman and Jermain Taylor, will have no easy task keeping hold of their crown when they face mandatory challenger Hassan N'Dam N'Jikam.

The awkward, gangly Cameroonian living in France, dominated Curtis Stevens in a near shut-out victory last night in California on ESPN - BT Sport in the UK.

N'Dam boxed on the move throughout the 12 rounds, picking up a unanimous decision victory - 116-111 (twice) and 119-108 which reflected the fight far better. 

Stevens had no answer for the movement of N'Dam, growing in frustration as he was unable to let his hands go, and cause any damage with his potent left hook. The only knockdown of the fight came in the 8th when a counter right from N'Dam left the American on the seat of his pants. 

The 8th and 12th rounds provided some anxious moments for N'Dam - who was otherwise comfortable behind a snapping jab at long range. Stevens landed a hard left near the finish of the 8th while he chased hard in the final round, seeking a late stoppage. 

With Sylvester Stallone in attendance, Stevens couldn't find a Hollywood ending.

N'Dam has certainly shown once again he belongs at world level, and would be fancied to take the IBF title off the winner of next Wednesday's clash.

Taylor, far from his prime, has many wondering what he has done to earn the title tilt, while Soliman's - the champion - record is littered by 11 defeats and is 40 years old. 

Let loose: Andrew 'D'Animal' Robinson one step away from defining night

By Peter Wells:



Andrew 'D'Animal' Robinson

On October 24th Birmingham's Andrew Robinson will be stepping into the ring to jump over his final hurdle before a huge test against one of Frank Warren's top prospects, Frank Buglioni.

At the Civic Hall Robinson is set to entertain once again before he faces Buglioni on November 29th at the Excel Arena - a show headlined by Tyson Fury and Dereck Chisora.

Andrew let his friends and family know last week on Facebook how quickly he snapped up the opportunity, not even giving the fight a second thought.

And why not, at 12-0(3) Robinson is at his physical peak, turning 30 next Monday. 



Frank Buglioni

An appearance against the underated Dan Blackwell on BoxNation last time out provided excitement and brutality, as Robinson's left ear swole grotesquely. 

A fantastic chin, but Robinson's defence needs improvement, often leaving himself open on the outside, something Buglioni will quickly look to exploit. But on the inside 'D'Animal' is a different animal. 

Buglioni will prove a huge step up in opposition for Robinson, but like the popular Brummie, he too has shown vulnerabilties, no more so than in a stoppage defeat to Sergey Khomitsky. 

So long as Buglioni tightens his defence, his greater pedigree and undoubted power may be the deciding factor against Robinson, albeit Robinson's incredible resilience and heart can see him through to the final bell in a very competitive and entertaining affair.

An upset however is on the cards. I for one would not be surprised.