July boxing roundup: surprise upsets, rising stars and veteran struggles

July’s boxing calendar was notably sparse, yet it generated several noteworthy developments. The long-delayed “Battle of Britain” between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua remained on the horizon, while their respective warm-up fights sparked debate. Albanian Kristian Prenga stunned the heavyweight scene by dropping Joshua twice before succumbing in the second round, earning newfound respect.

Danish super-middleweight Jacob Bank capitalized on exposure from the Joshua-Prenga undercard, securing a dominant win and a future WBO title challenge. Young champions Abdullah Mason and Diego Pacheco showcased adaptability, with Mason stopping Albert Bell and Pacheco returning to knockout form under Buddy McGirt. Heavyweight veterans Fury and Joshua attracted criticism for lackluster performances, and former welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. retired following a decisive defeat by Tim Tszyu.