Whatever you’re into; boxing, MMA or wrestling, there’s always something to look forward to and the coming weeks are no different.
There’s big fights and some superb supporting cards that give nods to the future, so here we take a look at what to watch out for.
Anthony Joshua v Joseph Parker (March 31)
Boxing’s heavyweight division has a unification contest to savor in Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, as hot betting favourite Anthony Joshua battles Joseph Parker with the WBO, WBA (super), IBO and IBF belts all on the line.
Both men come into the bout undefeated, but New Zealand native Parker is an outsider to blemish AJ’s perfect record of 20 wins and knockouts since turning professional. WBO champ Parker has taken his last three opponents the full 12 rounds, so Joshua may have to prove his stamina.
On form through a shared opponent in Carlos Takam, the latest Joshua v Parker betting has markets on a number of scenarios for how the fight could pan out. With both fighters renowned heavy-hitters, this is reflected in Betfair’s decision to offer a market on both men to be knocked down during the tie.
Elsewhere on this card, Russia’s Alexander Povetkin (33-1, 23 KOs) puts the WBA intercontinental and WBO international heavyweight straps up for grabs against British boxer David Price (22-3-1, 18 KOs). Northern Ireland’s Ryan Burnett (18-0, 9 KOs), meanwhile, defends his unbeaten record and the WBA (Super) bantamweight belt against Yonfrez Parejo (21-2-1, 10 KOs) of Venezuela.
WrestleMania 34 (April 8)
Away from boxing, the biggest annual wrestling event and WWE’s flagship pay-per-view, WrestleMania comes live from Cajun country this year. The Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans is home to “The Showcase of the Immortals”.
While the WrestleMania 34 card is not quite finalized yet, the likely main event sees Brock Lesnar defend his WWE Universal Championship against Elimination Chamber winner Roman Reigns. Rumors are rife that champ Lesnar will return to the UFC when his contract expires, so “The Big Dog” may be going over him.
Speaking of the octagon, former female MMA star Ronda Rousey makes her wrestling debut in tag team action. The former UFC women’s bantamweight champ joins forces with Kurt Angle to take on Triple H and wife Stephanie McMahon.
Japanese duo Shunsuke Nakamura and Asuka won their respective Royal Rumble matches back in January, meanwhile, and will have championship matches at Wrestlemania. The Intercontinental title is also up for grabs, while a tournament final to determine a new Cruiserweight champ is also penciled in.
Carl Frampton v Nonito Donaire (April 21)
Fans of Irish boxing have a real treat with a card stacked full of up-and-comers in the build-up to a fierce-looking featherweight fight between Carl Frampton (24-1, 14 KOs) and “The Filipino Flash” Nonito Donaire (38-4, 24 KOs).
Besides that battle between Belfast’s own and the former four-weight world champion, a number of bright prospects are preparing for fights. These include two more hometown boys in welterweight Lewis Crocker (4-0, 4 KOs) and Steven Ward (6-0, 2 KOs).
Tyrone McCullagh (9-0, 5 KOs) is another to watch at super-bantamweight on the Frampton v Donaire undercard, alongside lightweight fighter David Joyce (3-0, 2 KOs). Such talents are the future of Irish boxing.
