Boxers with a point to prove in 2023

Boxing fans are in for a treat during the remainder of 2023, with the calendar packed with a ton of top-class events across the different weight divisions.

Several fighters will enter their next contests with a point to prove as they bid to bounce back from damaging defeats or strive to prove they can win world titles.

Read on as we take a look at four boxers who need to make their mark this year, starting with a British fighter whose last victory was extremely questionable.

Josh Taylor

A run of 19 successive victories made Josh Taylor a favourite with sports bettors in the United Kingdom and Ireland, but his last outing left a bitter taste in the mouth.

The Scottish boxer won a split decision over Jack Catterall, although most neutral observers thought the judges made the wrong call.

Having been heavily criticised for that performance, Taylor will be eager to put on a show when he defends his light-welterweight world titles against Teofimo Lopez in June.

The latest online betting in Ireland is backing Taylor to maintain his unbeaten record, but Lopez will be a tough nut to crack on home soil.

Conor Benn

Promoter Eddie Hearn recently denied that he is close to rescheduling the fight between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr in the Middle East.

The bout between the British rivals last October was cancelled after it was revealed that Benn had failed two voluntary drug tests.

Benn subsequently gave up his boxing licence in Britain and has refused to cooperate with the governing body’s investigation.

The 26-year-old claims he has concerns about the testing protocols, but he needs to fully prove his innocence before stepping back into the ring.

Hamzah Sheeraz

Hamzah Sheeraz extended his record to 17-0 in late November with a superb victory over River Wilson-Bent inside three rounds at the O2 Arena.

The young British boxer soon switched his attention to Amir Khan, who had criticised the rising star for allegedly talking about him behind his back.

Sheeraz quickly responded by calling Khan ‘a bit thick’ and challenging the 36-year-old to go toe-to-to with him in the ring.

A victory over Khan would look good on Sheeraz’s CV and could be the launch pad for him to secure a world title shot further down the line.

A victory over Khan would look good on Sheeraz’s CV and could be the launch pad for him to secure a world title shot further down the line.

George Kambosos Jr

Australian lightweight George Kambosos Jr is on a recovery mission after losing his unbeaten record to Devin Haney last year.

He also came up short in a rematch against Haney and can ill-afford another defeat when he takes on rising British star Maxi Hughes in June.

The winner of the fight will likely get a shot at the world title, with Haney expected to vacate the belts to move up in weight.

Kambosos Jr has admitted he has a point to prove and a victory over Hughes would be the perfect way to get his career back on track.