Error code: %{errorCode}

Mason mounts defence, heavyweight battle begins: Five things to look out for this week

DAZN
Mason vs. Bell on DAZN subscription - Saturday

Abdullah Mason will hope to make the most of an altered bout as he faces Albert Bell this weekend in his first WBO lightweight title defence.

The American was originally due to face Joe Cordina, but a change of opponent presents him with a different challenge to master at short notice.

Nevertheless, Mason will be hopeful he can retain his crown - but his latest fight is not the only story poised to make headlines this week.

Here, DAZN News looks ahead to the week in boxing and picks out five key stories that it is worth keeping an eye on over the next seven days.


Zayas vs. Ennis: Fight Night Raw

Watch: How this epic fight unfolded from behind the scenes


Mason seeks statement win

Having earned the vacant crown last year against Sam Noakes, Mason has been forced to wait for his first bout as the champion.

Cordina would have presented a sturdy test, but the Welshman's legal issues meant he vacated the equation at short notice.

That has handed Bell a blockbuster opportunity to make a name for himself - but Mason will be even more determined for a big win.

Heavyweight roundabout begins

Oleksandr Usyk's decision to vacate the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles now means a sea change is truly rolling in the division.

Agit Kabayel has already been elevated by the WBC, but there's plenty left to unfold on where the rest of the Ukrainian's straps go next.

Agit Kabayel celebrating_10012026DAZN

Expect a concentrated effort from fighters, promoters and teams to jostle for pole position, with Moses Itauma likely leading the pack.

Crawford faces questions

Terence Crawford has said time and again that he is happily retired - but it won't stop speculation over a potential return for 'Bud' too.

Victory for Jaron Ennis is the latest big result that has got fight fans asking whether the Nebraska man could be tempted to come back.

Crawford has already said this month that he has no plans to do so. But it likely won't stop more speculation being bandied about here.

Will Fury announce tune-up?

We're only a month or so away from Tyson Fury's reported second tune-up fight, with 'The Gypsy King' eyeing a Dublin date in August.

Tyson Fury April 2026Mark Robinson/Getty Images

That has long suggested a place on a Queensberry bill set for August 1 - but there's still been no official word or confirmation as yet.

Time is running out for Fury to actually lock in another fight, with Anthony Joshua set to end July with his bout against Kristian Prenga.

Is Garcia-Benn finally on?

News that Canelo Alvarez will now face Christian M'billi in October raised more than a few eyebrows when it broke over the weekend.

In part, the switch could be innocent. But Ryan Garcia's long-mooted WBC welterweight bout with Conor Benn has always been eyed for the same date.

Might Canelo's move clear a path for the latter pair to rubber-stamp their dance? It's hard to say. But news surely must be brewing soon.

Anthony Joshua vs Kristian Prenga

Joshua vs. Prenga - exclusively on DAZN PPV

Watch Anthony Joshua's hugely anticipated return to the ring versus Kristian Prenga on Saturday, July 25 only on DAZN PPV. Buy as a one-off PPV or included, along with Itauma vs. Hrgovic and Canelo vs. Mbilli PPVs, with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.

For more information, pricing and to buy, click here .