1. Mayweather names a Bangkok opponent while Garcia has another route
Mayweather announced Sunday that he will face Australia’s Matty Floyd in a December 19 exhibition in Bangkok. In his Instagram announcement, documented by Boxing News and Uncrowned, he described it as preparation for Ryan Garcia. That is Mayweather’s stated plan, rather than confirmation of a Garcia contract.
Uncrowned’s Darshan Desai reports that Garcia’s team is in advanced talks with Teofimo Lopez for an early February meeting, with agreement still required. The WBA has ordered Lopez to face Jack Catterall, so that alternative also needs sanctioning clarity. For Filipino fans, Mayweather’s new announcement also leaves the question raised in our October coverage of the unresolved Pacquiao rematch unanswered. It supplies no replacement date for that contest. The Bangkok exhibition and a proposed professional title challenge are different undertakings, with different stakes for Mayweather’s record.
2. Canelo wants Crawford, but leaves himself an exit from waiting
Canelo’s latest rematch appeal contains an important qualification. Speaking to FightHubTV after the Mbilli fight, he said he would welcome another meeting with Terence Crawford but would continue his career if it did not happen. The Ring’s Manouk Akopyan reported those comments Sunday, alongside Eddy Reynoso’s preference for the same opponent.
That develops the next fight question after yesterday’s account of Canelo reclaiming the WBC belt. Crawford remains retired, and his congratulatory social post does not announce a comeback. Akopyan identifies Osleys Iglesias, Lester Martinez and Hamzah Sheeraz among the alternatives. Those are possibilities, not bookings. A champion can pursue the fight that matters personally while still needing a workable defense against an available contender.
3. Buatsi explains why he still backs the title chance he declined
Joshua Buatsi does not treat every missed opportunity as a mistake. In a new interview published Sunday, he told BoxingScene’s Tom Ivers that he still stands by declining an earlier Dmitry Bivol offer because he would not accept what came with it. He described his longer route to a championship as a marathon after expecting a sprint.
Now he meets Willy Hutchinson again on November 7 for the vacant WBC light heavyweight title. The WBC’s detailed announcement confirms the full championship, despite an event listing still calling it interim. Buatsi won their first meeting by split decision. His patience has produced another opportunity, but Hutchinson has his own chance to show how much has changed since 2024.
Upcoming Fights: Philippine Time
Broadcast starts are separate from individual bout times. Provisional bout slots can change.
Wednesday, November 4, 2026
- Erson Trinidad vs. Masataka Taniguchi
Time: 5 PM U-NEXT broadcast start; approximately 7:04 PM provisional JBC bout slot.
Stakes: Non title light flyweight bout, eight rounds.
Location: Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan.
Sunday, November 8, 2026
- Joshua Buatsi vs. Willy Hutchinson
Time: 3 AM listed card start; main event ring walk to be confirmed.
Stakes: Vacant WBC light heavyweight championship.
Location: AO Arena, Manchester, United Kingdom. - Chris Billam-Smith vs. Cheavon Clarke
Time: 3 AM Sky Sports coverage start; individual ring walks to be announced.
Stakes: Non title cruiserweight bout, 10 rounds.
Location: Copper Box Arena, London, United Kingdom.
Saturday, November 14, 2026, venue local date
- Carlos Adames vs. Gerome Warburton
Time: To be announced; Philippine date awaits a verified start time.
Stakes: Non title bout, 10 rounds at a contracted 165 pounds.
Location: The Venue, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Thursday, November 26, 2026
- Miel Fajardo vs. Masamichi Yabuki
Time: 2:30 PM scheduled Lemino broadcast start; title bout ring walk to be announced.
Stakes: Yabuki’s IBF flyweight championship.
Location: EBARA WAVE Arena Ota, Tokyo, Japan.
Watch for Garcia’s team to identify which negotiation becomes a signed fight while Mayweather promotes Bangkok. Would you prefer Garcia to pursue Lopez’s championship, or give Mayweather the opportunity to challenge for his belt?