I WAS just seven minutes away from the fight hotel in Birmingham. I then uttered the words, “It was a silky trip, without any hiccups,” when the M42 suddenly retaliated. I’m sure the highway police heard me and all exits off the M42 were immediately blocked. Seven minutes turned into 37. The car navigation and its mobile phone equivalent turned on, which was much better at signaling road closures. To be clear, it wasn’t me who was driving, it was my patient wife who was driving. I sensed her stress level rising. My words were chosen very carefully in relation to the long and final 37 minutes of the journey. I didn’t want the fights to start early.

We finally got there. Just a regular brigade of fighters hanging around the hotel foyer, seemingly unbothered by anything. Posing for selfies with friends and family before they had to leave for work. A brutal exchange where one fight, or even one punch, can change everything for them.

The competition for attention combined with tight T-shirts and baggy tracksuits was an extraordinary sight of extreme glamor dazzling bewildered players who came only for blood. They weren’t fight fans. Everyone could see it. We finally have a defined look. Apparently it was a glitzy awards night for a different industry.

A gigantic group of farmers came to the city to appreciate their work. Men dressed and footwear, women looked great in the most fashionable dresses. The only thing missing seemed to be Jeremy Clarkson. Although, truth be told, I could have used it when my food arrived before struggling with the extremely icy fries. Clarkson, like me, doesn’t like icy food when it should be served warm. Although we have different ways of expressing our feelings on such matters.

I was in town not to see the moments of difficult working and unsung farmers, but to watch some boxing courtesy of Frank Warren and Queensberry Promotions. The sheer confusion of collecting a media pass is always a lot of fun, and sometimes even risky. This time it was quite a long walk around the back of the senior Birmingham Arena, which used to have an NEC on the front door, looking for a secret door marked A5. Even the security guard who was standing right in front of him didn’t know about his existence at first.

On paper, the program could promise very little. But in reality, it delivered everything and a little more. Saudi-backed programs have, without much discussion, diluted the quality of the home-made product. The frequency and level of programs in the UK have declined, quite significantly for some promotions. But Warren certainly avoided the quality dump better than his rivals. Where some have failed, he has maintained high standards. We saw a bit of that on Saturday night.

The initial fighting was mixed. But they were the ones that largely caught my attention. But the top three fights on the card delivered everything a fight fan could ask for.

Ben Vaughan quickly fought for the WBO European welterweight title against Ekow Essuman. We got blood, courage and a very good fight. Vaughan was incredibly brave and almost pulled out the win despite looking exhausted many times over the course of 10 wild rounds.

It was a fight reminiscent of the classic York Hall fight, in which nobbins would be more than suitable. Essuman, who is in the habit of organizing such fights, proudly carried his belt to breakfast on Sunday morning. Even when he ate from the hotel buffet, he did not part with his precious WBO bauble. For him, she is everything. We saw it the other night. Vaughan will come again. We should not forget what he gave. They both created everything that was good in this sport. A completely unexpected combat gem.

On Friday night, I finally found some time to watch Seniesa Estrada’s brutally candid interview with Crystina Poncher, which they did together for Top Rank. A retirement interview in which Estrada opened up about the physical and psychological brutality that boxing subjects its workers to. Estrada showed extraordinary courage in this interview. Poncher judged the tone perfectly. If you haven’t seen it, you must watch it. It’s riveting to watch. If sometimes it’s a little uncomfortable.

While watching this interview, I thought about Chantelle Cameron at various points. In a different way than Estrada, Cameron suffered from boxing. One can imagine a similar encounter with the former undisputed super lightweight world champion. Boxing hasn’t always been kind to her. Trust me, I’m being nice about this statement.

This year, Cameron changed her promoter and trainer. A period of finding yourself again. She found her love for sports again. Cameron is already there. I thought she showed the improvement she has been talking about since meeting Grant Smith in Sheffield on Saturday night against Patricia Berghult. The partnership is growing. Likewise Cameron.

Cameron scored a one-sided points victory over the former world champion. It will go unnoticed to some, but Cameron made a petite statement in her victory over Berghult. Now we’re looking at a substantial year in 2025. Cameron was ecstatic with her performance. But more importantly, she’s ecstatic again, period. After watching this gut-wrenching interview with Senisa Estrada, I appreciate it more than ever. Boxing demands a lot. It shouldn’t take everything. Estrada is currently writing her life story. Chantelle Cameron will surely do the same one day.

The star of the show in Birmingham was Shabaz Masoud. He may be an even bigger star in the future. A breakthrough performance that earned his promoter a few more points in his little personal, and now warm, rivalry with Frank Warren. Liam Davies lost his IBO super bantamweight title at the hands of the inspired and quite brilliant Masoud. A war inside the ring that was fought in a thunderous and passionate atmosphere and which fortunately did not escalate into anything more. Rival fans who created a real atmosphere of a great fight.

Masoud started quickly, but there was always a feeling that Davies would at some point close this initial and significant points deficit. I have often thought about Colin Jones and his two fights with Kirkland Laing. But despite a few fleeting moments of hope, Davies couldn’t find what he needed. Although one judge somehow and inexplicably declared Davies the winner. I could only give him three rounds from the ring. Even four rounds was a bit generous. In no way, shape or form did Davies win this fight. Boxing never stops finding ways to surprise us. Although it doesn’t really surprise us anymore. That’s where the problem lies. We accept ridiculousness too easily. Although many would exploit much stronger words.

LAST night the squared circle gave us the birth of a potential fresh super bantamweight star, the dominance of one of the best fighters in the world and revenge in Texas.

Shabaz Masoud, Chantelle Cameron and O’Shaquie Foster are now in a good position to have a large fight in 2025. But who can wait for the triumphant trio and what’s next for Liam Davies after his impressive run ends?

looks to the future.

Shabaz Masoud and Liam Davies

Their amateur history created a professional preparation competition that felt real and wasn’t forced to sell tickets. Masoud proved what many people thought: that he would rise to the occasion and face his greatest test. Davies may have been too nervous and in love with the power that has stopped his last three opponents.

Masoud now holds the IBO super bantamweight belt, and the winner of December’s fight between Dennis McCann and Peter McGrail is a viable option. The division will only learn about undisputed champion Naoya Inoue’s plans after his fight against Sam Goodman on Christmas Eve. Matchroom may consider pairing Masoud with Inoue’s former opponent TJ Doheny, but his team must now build on this win and build something even bigger.

Davies will realize what he did wrong against Masoud, and a fight against someone like Doheny would certainly better suit his style.

Cameron could be one win away from regaining his world titles.

Chantelle Cameron

The former undisputed super lightweight champion appears to have found a fresh lease of life since moving to Grant Smith’s gym. Cameron played a professional match against Patricia Berghult and the result was not in doubt. The 33-year-old will be particularly eyeing the November 15 rematch between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, with the winner particularly in Cameron’s sights. It also cannot be ruled out that he will move to the welterweight category in 2025 to face Natasha Jonas or Mikaela Mayer for the world titles.

Foster wants to unify the super featherweight division.

O’Shaquie Foster

The 31-year-old equalized the score at 1-1 against Robson Conceicao after an unlucky defeat in the first match in July. Foster regained the WBC super featherweight title and hopes to unify in 2025. The Top Rank fighter is already eyeing a fight with the winner of the rematch between WBO champion Emmanuel Navarrete and Oscar Valdez. Elsewhere at 130 pounds, WBA champion Lamont Roach is closing in on Gervonta Davis, and Anthony Cacace could be tempted to grab the IBF title instead of facing mandatory challenger Eduardo Nunez.

Who will Daniel Dubois fight when he returns early next year?

Promoter Frank Warren has made it clear that his IBF heavyweight champion will defend his title for a second time in February.

The IBF will allow Dubois to accept an optional defense for his next fight and we now know that a rematch with Anthony Joshua will not happen. However, we know that Dubois will face someone from the IBF top 15. However, there is time for a surprise, because the rankings will be updated every month.

Number 12 candidate Fabio Wardley will have to wait as his promoter (Warren) believes it is too early for his up-to-date signing. The top two spots are vacant, while third and fourth place contenders Agit Kabayel and Martin Bakole have been selected for the eliminator.

So who could be next as “Dynamite” Dubois? presents five possible options.

Joseph Parker 35-3 (23 KO)

Former WBO champion

No IBF rankings

Parker would pose a different kind of challenge for Dubois. The Modern Zealander can do a little bit of everything and in his two wins over Deontay Wilder and Zhilei Zhang, he used his boxing skills and speed to defeat two hard-hitting fighters. Parker poses a threat to Dubois and the 32-year-old, who hasn’t fought since April, will do everything in his power to make sure he gets a chance.

Zhang is a hazardous proposition. (Getty Images)

Zhilei Zhang 27-2-1 (22 KOs)

Former interim WBO belt holder

Fifth place in the IBF ranking

Zhang’s career was thrown off balance after a March loss to Parker. The Chinese southpaw knocked Parker down twice, but couldn’t finish the job and lost a majority decision. However, in June, Zhang regained his strength with a stoppage victory over Deontay Wilder, who was already past his prime. Zhang remains one of the toughest fighters in the division and has already challenged Dubois. A hazardous proposition for a Briton.

Chisora ​​doesn’t want to retire. (Getty Images)

Derek Chisora ​​​​​​35-13 (23 KO)

Place 10 in the IBF ranking

The argument that Chisora ​​shouldn’t fight started many years ago, and yet the antique warhorse continues unabated. Chisora ​​shouldn’t even be competing, but his top-10 finish in the IBF rankings puts him in that group. However, his July victory over the failing Joe Joyce should not and cannot be used as an excuse. And if the potential Jarrell Miller fight doesn’t materialize, a Dubois vs. Chisora ​​fight won’t be a surprise.

Ajagba is in the IBF top 10. (Getty Images)

Efe Ajagba 20-1 (14 KOs)

Seventh place in the IBF ranking

Ajagba could be considered if he can maintain his position in the top 10 of the IBF rankings until a decision is made on Dubois’ opponent. The 30-year-old Nigerian has not yet fought a 12-round fight, and a fight with Dubois would be a huge step forward. Ajagba has improved since losing to Frank Sanchez, but putting him in as a world title challenger would be a tough sell.

Will Vianello be able to defeat Dubois? (Getty Images)

Guido Vianello 13-2-1 (11 KO)

Place 14 in the IBF ranking

The Italian was overtaken by Ajagba, but he achieved the biggest victory of his career in August. Vianello had to win against Arslanbek Makhmudov and won by stoppage in the eighth round. His top-15 finish puts him in the running to face Dubois, but “Gladiator” would be far behind against the champion.