Fight Calendar: April 2022

Here are the Boxing fights and MMA match-ups that pique our interest this month.

• April 9th: Alexander Volkanovski vs. The Korean Zombie (MMA)

• April 9th: Aljamain Sterling vs. Petr Yan (MMA)

• April 16th: Errol Spence, Jr. vs. Yordenis Ugas (BOXING)

• April 23rd: Tyson Fury vs. Dillian Whyte (BOXING)

• April 30th: Shakur Stevenson vs. Oscar Valdez (BOXING)

Boxing

April 16th: Errol Spence, Jr. vs. Yordenis Ugas

Image Credit: Boxing News 24/7

Talk about a crazy good fight. Errol Spence, who many have in the top 5 pound-for-pound conversation, is coming off a long layoff in order to fight fellow Welterweight Champion Yordenis Ugas who is coming off a victory over legendary fighter Manny Pacquiao. This is the best vs. the best.

Errol Spence, Jr.: A deadly southpaw boxer, Spence, Jr. is considered by many to be the man to beat at Welterweight. With devastating power, a strong chin, solid boxing, and a left hook like a tank round, he’s the real deal. He’s also had a huge step up in competition, a challenge he’s passed with flying colors, defeating Kell Brook, Shawn Porter, and Danny Garcia to name a few. Against a skilled boxer like Ugas, Spence will probably use his trademark forward style and punish Ugas to the body to slow down the slicker boxer.

Yordenis Ugas: Ugas has been on the hardcore fan radar for a long time but has only stepped into the limelight recently with his clinical win over the “PacMan” in Pacquiao's last fight before retiring. Ugas is a rangy boxer with good power and something to prove to the wider boxing community in this fight. If Spence isn’t careful about his timing, he’ll try to keep Spence at range and counter over the top with right hands all night long.

Prediction: Yordenis Ugas by Decision. I’m taking a risk here as Ugas is the underdog and rightfully so, but I think styles make fights, and Ugas is a very tough challenge for Spence.

HOW TO WATCH: Live on Showtime PPV on April 16, 2022 at TBD.

April 23rd: Tyson Fury vs. Dillian Whyte

Image Credit: Boxing News 24/7

This entire month is stacked with awesome fights, and this is another great example of a fan-friendly fight. Tyson Fury is considered by many to be the best current heavyweight, and Dillian Whyte is someone who many other fighters have avoided. This will be a great fight between two heavyweight warriors.

Tyson Fury: Coming off of his war with Deontay Wilder, Fury is looking very strong. With his quick reflexes, extremely long reach, and willingness to brawl, Fury is a fan-friendly fighter who backs it all up with elite credentials. I think against Whyte he will use more of his boxing than his brawling talents.

Dillian Whyte: Whyte's a serious and dangerous contender at heavyweight. He has knockout power in both hands and enough fundamentals to deliver his power efficiently. His entire style is structured around forcing engagements, making him a great match for the cagey Fury. Look for Dillian to be the aggressor in this fight.

Prediction: Tyson Fury by Decision. I always favor the boxer in these match-ups, and I think Fury has the better toolbox to stay on the outside and out of danger.

HOW TO WATCH: Live on Kayo on April 23rd, 2022 at TBD.

April 30th: Shakur Stevenson vs. Oscar Valdez

Image Credit: GIVEMESPORT

Shakur Stevenson and Oscar Valdez are again considered two of the very best in their division and are meeting up to work towards unification (Stevenson brings WBO, Valdez brings WBC).

Shakur Stevenson: Stevenson is a lightning-fast boxer with some truly impressive range and combinations. He’s an extremely impressive fighter to watch, often able to put three or four punches in between strikes from his opponents all while avoiding danger, and he’s proving here that he certainly isn’t afraid to fight the best going up against Valdez. Look for him to stick to his usual form, taking angles and firing off lightning-fast combinations from safe positions.

Oscar Valdez: Valdez is an aggressive, forward fighter who loves to create exchanges and make his opponents uncomfortable at close-range. With solid body punching and a very nasty lead uppercut, Valdez isn’t the kind to wait for opportunities, preferring instead to create them with constant aggression.

Prediction: Stevenson by Decision. I think this fight could easily go either way, but I’m leaning slightly towards Stevenson due to his ability to work off angles and his defensive skills.

HOW TO WATCH: Live on ESPN+ on April 30th, 2022 at TBD.

MMA

April 9th: Alexander Volkanovski vs. The Korean Zombie

Image Credit: The Sports Geek

Volkanovski is widely considered one of the best to ever fight at 145 in the UFC, sporting 2 wins over Max Holloway in his most recent outings. Meanwhile, The Korean Zombie is one of those fighters who is never out of a fight and can always, always put you away for one small mistake. As they are both strikers, this is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Alexander Volkanovski: Volkanovski is an extremely skilled striker, and he is quickly entering the P4P and GOAT conversations due to his sheer consistency. He doesn’t seem to ever have a bad night, as in every outing he has been dynamic, explosive, and creative in his attack.

The Korean Zombie: Chan Sung Yung (he’s listed by his ring name in the official write-up of the fight) is an incredibly skilled and well-rounded fighter who is far better than his 7-5 record suggests. He’s one of very few fighters to have a twister submission under his belt, he’s fought quality opponents for most of his career, and he has the power to take out anyone at any time.

Prediction: Volkanovski by TKO. I have to go with the overwhelming consistency of Volkanovski here, but the Zombie definitely isn’t out of the fight.

HOW TO WATCH: Live on ESPN+ on April 9th, 2022 at 9:00 PM EST.

April 9th: Aljamain Sterling vs. Petr Yan

Image Credit: Ruby Sports & Entertainment

After the controversial ending of their last fight with Yan losing on disqualification, this fight has some serious implications and bad blood behind it that will be sure to turn it into a barn-burner.

Aljamain Sterling: Sterling is a very skilled grappler and a fast starter, always more dangerous in the first half of the fight. After learning his lesson in the first fight about trying to fight Yan, this time around, I expect him to lean much more on his grappling pedigree. Look for him to be pressing for takedowns and submissions from the opening bell.

Petr Yan: A deadly striker with a chip on his shoulder after losing his belt on a DQ, Yan is coming in with bad intentions and the relentless attack that has always defined his style. I expect him to press his advantages now that he is certain he can beat Sterling standing up, and because in the first fight, he defended against takedowns quite well.

Prediction: Yan by Strikes. I think the writing was on the wall in the first fight, and this time Yan will be able to close the show.

HOW TO WATCH: Live on ESPN+ on April 9th, 2022 at 9:00 PM EST.

Note: All April 2022 fight information is accurate as of March 24, 2022.

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