August 16 will entail a blockbuster weekend as two relevant main events, each on separate cards, have been confirmed. Though an official announcement is still withstanding, Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez have reportedly signed a contract to face each other in Saudi Arabia, presumably on a The Ring or Riyadh Season card, while Gervonta Davis is set to rematch Lamont Roach in Las Vegas.
BoxingScene officially reported that Devin Haney (32-0, 15 KO’s) and Teofimo Lopez (22-1, 13 KO’s) had agreed on a bout contract for August 16, with the fight purportedly taking place at catchweight―meaning no title will be on the line for their fight [though it is not improbable the WBC will introduce some sort of symbolic belt just to remain keenly involved].
Despite the probable lack of available titles for either fighter to win, it does count as one of the more relevant fights as two young boxers arguably close to their peaks face each other in a legacy fight. The bout is further made significant due to the achievements of both Haney and Lopez, with both fighters having become unified [with Haney notably becoming undisputed] and two-division champions in their careers.
Both fighters also fought on the same card on May 2nd, winning their respective fights in dramatically different fashions and within different divisions; with Lopez defending his WBO super lightweight (140 lbs) title while Haney made his welterweight (147 lbs) debut. Originally, a rematch between Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia (24-2, 20 KO’s) appeared to be eyed, but with Garcia failing to meet expectations to beat current WBA ‘regular’ 140-pound champion Rolando Romero, a fight between Haney and Lopez was apparently deemed more suitable.
Vying against the upcoming August 16th Saudi Arabia card will be another significant event confirmed to be staged in Las Vegas, Nevada, between Gervonta Davis (30-0-1, 28 KO’s) and Lamont Roach Jr. (25-1-2, 10 KO’s).
The two fought to a draw during their highly-controversial March 1st bout ― which ended in a majority decision (MD) draw, and the two will undoubtedly seek to draw a better conclusion on August 16 as they prepare for a career-deciding rematch in the United States.
Though the two events aren’t linked together, it does set an exciting precedent as two relevant matches will be contending for recognition on the same day.
