Brown, 'Pitbull', Sheeraz: Five things to watch this week

The former will take on John Hedges in what marks the biggest test of his career thus far, while the latter will tangle with the impressive Nestor Bravo.

But the duo are not the only names likely to generate headlines on what is another blockbuster seven days for fight fans inside and outside the ring.

Here, DAZN News looks towards at the week in boxing - and picks out five key stories to keep an eye on as we head for the next seven days.

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Brown faces career litmus test

It has been smooth sailing for Paris 2024 favourite Brown, who has torn a path through the domestic ranks at cruiserweight with a rapid rise.

Now, he has the chance to earn the Lonsdale Belt in his biggest headline show yet against Hedges, in what makes for an intriguing matchup.

With each man's local links to the late Ricky Hatton too, expect this career litmus test to be an emotional evening at Manchester's Co-op Live.

Cruz ready to bite hard again

Halfway across the world in San Diego, 'Pitbull' will be seeking a return to winning ways after he was last held to a draw by Lamont Roach Jr..

Cruz will fancy his chances against Nestor Bravo, with his WBC interim super-lightweight strap on the line as he ventures back to California.

Showtime Boxing

Success might well tee up even bigger prizes for the star, with Shakur Stevenson and Dalton Smith both intriguing contenders in the division.

Garcia and Benn mull next steps

In the wake of their brisk two-round showdown last Saturday, Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn will contend with the fallout as this week unfolds.

For the former, his rapid-fire victory will only stoke calls for tougher tests, with 'Flash' seeking a statement opponent to add to his resume now.

For the latter though, his team will parse through the wreckage of a tough loss with one eye on a rebuild as their man retreats from public view.

Sheeraz faces title defence call

Hamzah Sheeraz may not have looked at his best during his prior WBO super-middleweight defence - and now he could lose his strap too.

Mark Robinson / Matchroom Boxing

The Briton has chafed at the decision to install Janibek Alimkhanuly as his mandatory challenger, with both parties failing to agree to a deal.

That means purse bids are incoming - and should he fail to settle, Sheeraz may yet find himself stripped and forced to start a rebuild again.

Will Catterall dictate title flow?

Jack Catterall's status as WBA (Regular) welterweight champion could prove difficult for Teofimo Lopez to circumvent in his unification bid.

With the latter now chasing WBC champion Garcia following his win over Benn, the Briton is putting his foot down on stepping aside next.

Catterall, long viewed as one of the sport's best fighters without a major belt, has bided his time for this - and will hope he is backed up too.

Matchroom Boxing

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