Manny Pacqiuao Makes His Comeback in 10 Fights to Watch in the Month of April
Don't be in a rush to make any plans for weekends in April, boxing fans.
If there's a family function that isn't of the highest importance (so either a milestone birthday or a wedding of a blood relative), send your apologies and tell them you cannot make it.
If you're thinking of going on a holiday to get away from your busy life and get some time to relax, think again.
Even if you have to be somewhere, make sure the destination you're travelling to has a television. Or, at the very least, excellent Wi-Fi coverage.
The next month is jammed full of big names and fantastic fights. Think of it as the boxing equivalent of a family of four trying to pack for a fortnight abroad with only a carry-on case for their luggage.
Manny Pacquiao returns, Gennady Golovkin and Roman Gonzalez continue their friendly battle to be recognised as the pound-for-pound king and two rising heavyweights collide in the English capital.
Bleacher Report has picked out 10 (and that was a challenge in itself) bouts to watch in April. These are not necessarily the 10 biggest fights, but a selection you should consider watching.
Charles Martin vs. Anthony Joshua
1 of 10
When: April 9
Where: O2 Arena, London
Heavyweight Anthony Joshua (15-0, 15 KOs) has charmed the British Isles with his broad smile and heavy hands.
But, after 15 straight knockout wins at the start of his pro career, the 2012 Olympic gold medallist is about to take a leap into the unknown.
Joshua has already won the British and Commonwealth titles. On April 9, he gets the chance to become a world champion, as he faces reigning IBF holder Charles Martin (23-0-1, 21 KOs).
The American southpaw claimed the vacant belt in January, albeit thanks to opponent Vyacheslav Glazkov suffering a serious knee injury in Round 3 that ended their fight early.
Martin heads on the road for his first defence: Is it a bold move, or simply cashing in on his sudden status?
There are also doubts about Joshua, who has only had 32 rounds as a pro. Is he jumping into the deep end too soon, particularly after he was wobbled by rival Dillian Whyte last time out?
The answers will be revealed on April 9 at the O2 Arena. A stoppage looks a certainty—if you're booked as a judge for this fight, you can consider it a night off.
Matthew Macklin vs. Brian Rose
2 of 10
When: April 9
Where: O2 Arena, London
Eddie Hearn has made sure to provide plenty of support for the main event of the pay-per-view bill at the O2 Arena on April 9.
While Joshua's world-title tilt against Martin is the headline act, the undercard includes world champions Jamie McDonnell and Lee Selby, as well as three-time challenger George Groves.
However, the best of the rest could end up being the all-British middleweight showdown between Brian Rose (28-3-1, 8 KOs) and Matthew Macklin (34-6, 22 KOs).
Both men have had a taste of fighting at world level without being successful. Both men also know a defeat at this stage of their careers could leave them in a hole.
Rose lost to WBO super welterweight champion Demetrius Andrade in 2014. He has since moved up in weight to ease his issues on the scales.
Macklin, meanwhile, was last seen at super welter, yet he is better known for losing at middleweight to world champions Gennady Golovkin, Sergio Martinez and Felix Sturm.
Manny Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley
3 of 10
When: April 9
Where: MGM Grand, Las Vegas
A year ago, Manny Pacquiao (57-6-2, 38 KOs) was preparing for the richest bout in boxing history.
He would finally, finally, get the chance to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. on a night that would make everyone involved trillions of dollars (that amount is admittedly a rough estimate).
Since losing to Mayweather Jr., Pac-Man has undergone shoulder surgery, furthered his career in politics and made comments about same-sex relationships that created a media frenzy.
The Filipino's words cost him more than just a few votes—he also lost his contract with sportswear company Nike, per ESPN senior writer Darren Rovell.
Pacquiao had planned for his third fight against Timothy Bradley Jr. to be his final outing.
However, it now seems he could be tempted to box on beyond April 9. He's even considering fighting at the 2016 Olympics, per the Associated Press (h/t the Guardian).
The series with Bradley Jr. is split at one win apiece. The decider takes place in Las Vegas.
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Arthur Abraham vs. Gilberto Ramirez
4 of 10
When: April 9
Where: MGM Grand, Las Vegas
Arthur Abraham's defence of the WBO super middleweight title against Gilberto Ramirez is the chief support to Pacquiao-Bradley Jr.
King Arthur (44-4, 29 KOs) has not fought outside of Germany since losing to Andre Ward in the Super Six World Boxing Classic in California in May 2011.
While the battle-worn champion is now 36 and on an eight-fight winning streak, Mexican Ramirez is 33-0 (24 KOs) and, at 24, a spring chicken in comparison to his opponent.
Abraham was fortunate to come out on the right end of a split-decision verdict in his last defence, against Englishman Martin Murray in November 2015.
Ramirez might just be catching his rival at the right time. Could the King's reign come to an end in Las Vegas?
Errol Spence Jr. vs. Chris Algieri
5 of 10
When: April 16
Where: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York
Unbeaten welterweight Errol "The Truth" Spence Jr. has eased his way to a 19-0 (16 KOs) record.
Now, though, it is time for the promising American to be given a proper test.
Chris Algieri (21-2, 8 KOs) lacks power but does have a certain pedigree when it comes to fighting big names.
The 32-year-old went the distance with Manny Pacquiao and Amir Khan, losing on both occasions. He also has a victory over Ruslan Provodnikov at lightweight on his CV.
Against Algieri, Spence Jr. has the chance to show he’s ready for a world-title shot in a crowded division by handing his opponent a third defeat in his last four outings.
The Truth is determined to impress, per his interview with Lem Satterfield for Premier Boxing Champions: "I’m not going to try too hard for the stoppage, but I’m definitely looking for a dominant performance."
Gennady Golovkin vs. Dominic Wade
6 of 10
When: April 23
Where: Forum, Inglewood, California
Gennady Golovkin's search for a big-name opponent goes on.
Dominic Wade is young (25), unbeaten (he has an 18-0, 12 KOs record) and is willing to take on GGG.
However, the American hardly has a record that suggests he can cause an upset in a bout that sees Golovkin (34-0, 31 KOs) put his IBF, IBO, WBA and interim WBC middleweight titles on the line.
The target for the former amateur star is a money-spinning unification clash with Saul "Canelo" Alvarez. Whether that happens at 160 pounds could be the sticking point in negotiations.
Still, Golovkin told Phil D Jay of World Boxing News: "I want to fight Canelo and many big fights, big shows, but it’s not frustrating for me to face other fighters."
It might not be frustrating for him, but it's disappointing for the rest of us. Still, watching the 33-year-old in action is rarely dull.
Roman Gonzalez vs. McWilliams Arroyo
7 of 10
When: April 23
Where: Forum, Inglewood, California
Golovkin may be considered the best in the world by many, but The Ring magazine has Roman Gonzalez at the top of their pound-for-pound rankings.
The unbeaten flyweight—who is nicknamed Chocolatito—may be 5′3″, but he can hit hard, as shown by his 38 knockout wins in 44 fights.
The WBC champion defends his title against McWilliams Arroyo (16-2, 14 KOs), a Puerto Rican who failed in his attempt to take the IBF title from Amnat Ruenroeng in 2014.
Gonzalez's popularity in the United States has been aided by his appearances on cards alongside Golovkin.
The Nicaraguan will be eager to impress an American audience again in California, and the fact that both flyweights love a knockout win should make for an exciting contest, however long it lasts.
Billy Joe Saunders vs. Max Bursak
8 of 10
When: April 30
Where: Copper Box Arena, London
At one stage, it seemed Billy Joe Saunders would make the first defence of his WBO middleweight title in a unification bout against Golovkin.
However, no deal could be worked out between the two parties.
Saunders hopes the fight against GGG can still happen in the summer, telling host Paul Dempsey while appearing on Channel 5's boxing coverage (h/t Phil D Jay of World Boxing News): "I want Gennady Golokvin. I want to see what I’m made of. Let’s face it, Golovkin is the best out there so let’s chuck me in there."
Before then, though, the 26-year-old southpaw (23-0, 12 KOs) has to get past Max Bursak.
The Ukrainian (32-4-1, 15 KOs) is a former European champion who British fight fans may remember losing on points to Martin Murray in June 2014.
Saunders has a habit of rising to the occasion but cannot afford to look too far beyond the experienced Bursak.
Badou Jack vs. Lucian Bute
9 of 10
When: April 30
Where: D.C. Armory, Washington D.C.
WBC super middleweight champion Badou Jack has not had it easy at the start of his reign.
After winning the title by upsetting Anthony Dirrell, the Swedish-born, American-based 32-year-old overcame George Groves by a split decision on the scorecards in his first defence.
Next up for Jack is Lucian Bute (32-3, 25 KOs), a former IBF champion who showed he can still compete at the highest level despite losing to James DeGale last time out.
Speaking of DeGale, the Englishman appears on the same bill in Washington D.C. The reigning IBF holder (22-1, 14 KOs) takes on mandatory challenger Rogelio Medina (36-6, 30 KOs).
The plan is clear—the two winners on April 30 will go on to face each other in a unification bout later in 2016.
DeGale has made no secret of his preferred option, telling Sky Sports News HQ (h/t Mike Patterson of SkySports.com): "I'm hoping Jack wins because the unification fight with me and him this September in London—my homecoming—that's what I want."
Andre Berto vs. Victor Ortiz
10 of 10
When: April 30
Where: StubHub Center, Carson, California
The rematch between Andre Berto and Victor Ortiz has been a long time in the making.
Their first meeting—back in April 2011—was eventful to say the least. Both men were sent to the canvas twice, while Ortiz lost a point in Round 10 for hitting behind the head.
Despite the deduction, Vicious Victor (31-5-2, 24 KOs) won by unanimous decision on the scorecards.
He has only fought five times since, losing three of them, but is ready to get his career back on track, telling George Gigney of Boxing News: "This is definitely the next chapter of my boxing career and I want to take full advantage of it. I’m healthy and I’m young and I’m still able to pull the trigger."
As for Berto (30-4, 23 KOs), the 32-year-old was the lucky winner of the Floyd Mayweather Jr. retirement stakes in 2015.
After losing to his fellow American's final fight before retirement (if you believe Money isn't going to make a comeback), Berto has now suffered defeats in four of his last seven bouts.
The renewal of an old rivalry may be just what both men need to get going again.
What fight are you looking forward to seeing in April? Have your say via the comments section.
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