Oleksandr Usyk’s next ambition could bring him back to the division he once unified. Carl Jammes Martin’s weigh in, meanwhile, gives Filipino fans a clearer picture of what the upcoming Picasso assignment actually offers.
1. Usyk’s return plan runs through unfinished business for Benavidez
Usyk wants his next fight at cruiserweight, advisor Serhii Lapin told The Ring’s Mike Coppinger on Friday. The objective is another undisputed championship and a meeting with David Benavidez. It would take Usyk back toward 200 pounds for the first time since his November 2018 victory over Tony Bellew.
The complication is the order of business. As our earlier October coverage of Benavidez’s December unification explained, Benavidez must first face WBC champion Michal Cieslak on December 5. The IBF belt is vacant, while Jai Opetaia remains another major name in the division. Usyk’s plan adds urgency to that title picture, but it does not guarantee Benavidez wins or establish a signed showdown.
2. Martin’s scale reading clarifies the featherweight opportunity
Carl Jammes Martin weighed 126 pounds on Friday, with David Picasso at 125.8. Broadcaster Box Azteca documented those readings, while Fightmag and Uncrowned identified Picasso’s WBC Silver featherweight belt as the prize. That supplies a concrete update after yesterday’s look at Martin’s weight decision.
The distinction matters for expectations. The Silver belt is separate from the WBC world championship; winning would improve Martin’s position without making him a full world champion. Picasso has already won at featherweight since his loss to Naoya Inoue. Martin must now show that his effectiveness travels upward against someone with experience in both divisions, rather than simply preserve an unbeaten number.
3. Munguia says Reynoso has opened up his boxing
Jaime Munguia’s explanation of his coaching partnership is more specific than saying the camp went well. In an interview reported by The Ring’s Manouk Akopyan on Friday, Munguia said Eddy Reynoso has helped him use his legs, upper body movement, jab and distance. Previously, he felt constrained by a particular style; now he believes his strongest attributes are being developed.
That gives his defense against Nikita Zon a useful measuring point beyond his knockout prediction. Watch how Munguia sets distance and enters exchanges, especially when an opponent refuses the first opening. His confidence comes after rebuilding from the Bruno Surace defeat, but the claim of broader boxing still has to appear in the ring.
4. Warburton gets Adames without a world title on offer
Gerome Warburton’s newly announced assignment comes with an unusual distinction: he will fight the WBC middleweight champion without challenging for that championship. Zuffa’s Friday announcement sets Carlos Adames against the Welsh southpaw on November 14 in Riyadh, over 10 rounds at a contracted 165 pounds. BBC reporting confirms it is a non title bout.
Warburton earned attention through consecutive decision victories over Nathan Heaney. Now he gets a much higher level opponent, while Adames begins his Zuffa run above the middleweight limit. The opportunity is career visibility and a potentially valuable victory, with no world belt changing hands. Even an upset would leave Warburton needing a separate sanctioned world title opportunity.
Upcoming Fights: Philippine Time
Published broadcast timelines differ. These provisional times follow DAZN’s current FAQ; individual bout slots require reconfirmation.
Saturday, October 31, 2026
- Carl Jammes Martin vs. David Picasso
Time: 9 PM preliminary coverage begins; Martin’s individual bout time and card placement require confirmation.
Stakes: Picasso’s WBC Silver featherweight championship.
Location: The Venue, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Venue local event date: October 31.
Sunday, November 1, 2026
- Rafael Espinoza vs. Ricardo Blandon
Time: 12:30 AM provisional PPV broadcast start; individual bout time to be announced.
Stakes: Espinoza’s WBO featherweight championship.
Location: The Venue, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Venue local event date: October 31. - Canelo Alvarez vs. Christian Mbilli
Time: 4 AM provisional estimated ring walk; PPV coverage listed from 12:30 AM.
Stakes: Mbilli’s WBC super middleweight championship.
Location: The Venue, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Venue local event date: October 31.