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Mike Coppinger Calls Jack Catterall-Shakhram Giyasov His Favorite Fight On Card

By Ken Woods - 05/16/2026 - Comments

Coppinger and Max Kellerman say the welterweight clash may deliver the strongest pure boxing matchup on the “Glory in Giza” card

Mike Coppinger believes Jack Catterall vs. Shakhram Giyasov could be the best pure boxing fight on next Saturday’s “Glory in Giza” card despite receiving far less attention than the event’s headline attractions. Coppinger and Max Kellerman both described the welterweight matchup as a dangerous fight for both men rather than a showcase bout.

“This is by far my favorite fight on this undercard. Jack Catterall is criminally underrated. People always sleep on this guy. I thought he beat Josh Taylor years ago for the title. Didn’t get the nod and then he’s been on a good roll, and he just had knocked Echo Esuman out of the ring. Catterall is very deserving, and of course, he has to go through Giyasov to get good,” said Coppinger to the Inside Ring Show.

Max Kellerman also pointed to the difficulty of the matchup for both fighters, particularly because of Catterall’s style and Giyasov’s reputation as a dangerous contender who has struggled to land major opportunities.

“Giyasov, who’s kind of being ducked by Rolly Romero for his sanctioning body belt, right? That’s a tough assignment. Catterall is a tricky customer,” said Kellerman.

The panel repeatedly described the fight as dangerous for both sides rather than a showcase bout for either man.

“But by the way, you’re right. They have to go through each other. This is not easy for either guy,” said Coppinger. “It’s a close fight. It’s a fight where Catterall is a favorite.”

Catterall enters the fight still carrying recognition from his disputed loss to Josh Taylor, while Giyasov has remained one of the more avoided names around the welterweight division. Despite that, the fight has received limited promotion compared to the headline attention surrounding Oleksandr Usyk’s event in Egypt.

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Ken Woods

Ken Woods has been a senior writer at Boxing News 24 since 2013, covering the sport from every angle. With years of ringside reporting, he delivers fight news, results, and analysis that cut through the noise. Ken’s work consistently spotlights champions, contenders, and rising prospects, giving fans a sharp, knowledgeable view of the global boxing scene. 


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