With less than a week to go until Zuffa Boxing returns to the UK for another highly anticipated night of action, with a mouth-watering domestic cruiserweight showdown between former WBO world champion Chris Billam-Smith and former amateur rival Cheavon Clarke. The pair headline Zuffa Boxing 12 at London’s Copper Box Arena, bringing a fascinating rivalry into the professional ranks, with both men looking to take another significant step towards a world title shot.
As has become something of a trademark of Zuffa’s events, however, the main attraction is only part of the story. The undercard is packed with competitive matchups, emerging talent and established names, offering plenty of intrigue across multiple weight divisions. From intriguing domestic encounters to international clashes featuring some exciting unbeaten prospects, there is plenty to get stuck into before the main event. Irish Boxing Digest takes a closer look at the full undercard, breaking down the matchups and giving our verdict on who we think will have their hand raised.
Denzel Bentley vs Shane Mosley Jr – Middleweight
Denzel Bentley has had a 2026 to remember both inside and outside the ring. He won the vacant WBO middleweight title in April against dangerous Venezualan Endrey Savaadra, got stripped controversially for not fighting his mandatory, became a promotional free agent and then signed with Zuffa. He will probably be looking forward to the safety of the ring. His opponent in London, Shane Mosley Jr, is coming off the back of a career best win, a stoppage over former light-middleweight world champion Sergeii Bohachuk.
The American will be coming to London full of a confidence and expecting to have his hand raised and Bentley will need to be at his best if he is to win. Mosley is big for the weight, will look to take the centre of ring with his jab and he could be ahead on points by the halfway stage. But expect Bentley to increase the intensity a little bit each round, as he did when he won the world title, and pull out a points win. Victory for either one opens the doors to big fights with the other Zuffa middleweight’s that include Aaron McKenna, Callum Walsh and possibly even Conor Benn.
Zach Parker vs Umar Dzambekov – Light-Heavyweight
Zach Parker vs Umar Dzambekov is one of the most intriguing matchups on the Zuffa Boxing 12 card. Parker (26-2, 18 KOs) arrives as the more established name, bringing experience against high-level opposition and the technical ability to trouble anyone in the division. Coming off his controversial decision defeat to Joshua Buatsi, Parker remains a dangerous operator. This is an opportunity to remind everyone of his credentials and re-establish himself as a serious contender.
Standing across from him is the undefeated Umar Dzambekov (14-0, 10 KOs), an explosive operator who has been making waves with his finishing ability. The Austrian-based Chechen has stopped five of his last six opponents and announced himself on the Zuffa stage with a devastating second-round knockout of Ahmed Elbiali. His power and timing present a serious challenge for Parker, but the question is whether he can overcome the experience and ring craft of the Brit. With both men having plenty to gain, this has all the ingredients to be fight of the night. Our pick is that Dzmabkov’s power will begin to take its toll on Parker and he will pull away in the second half of the fight for a clear points win.
Da’Mazion Van Houter vs Ivan Balaz – Heavyweight
Da’Mazion Vanhouter vs Ivan Balaz promises to be an explosive heavyweight clash, with unbeaten American prospect Van Houter (13-0, 10 KOs) looking to make a statement on his UK debut. The 21-year-old arrives with knockout credentials, having stopped six of his last seven opponents in the opening round, and will be eager to showcase his power on the Zuffa Boxing stage. However, Balaz (9-1, 7 KOs) is no pushover, having demonstrated his own punching power by dropping British heavyweight Johnny Fisher in their December encounter before eventually suffering a fourth-round stoppage defeat. The Czech heavyweight could be dangerous early, but the American’s speed, aggression and finishing ability should see him finish the Czech before the final bell.
Sam Hickey vs Troy Coleman – Middleweight
Sam Hickey vs Troy Coleman is an intriguing eight-round middleweight contest that sees Scotland’s unbeaten prospect take a significant step up in opposition. Hickey (6-0, 3 KOs), a former Commonwealth Games gold medallist, has made an impressive start to professional boxing and arrives looking for a third consecutive stoppage victory following an emphatic seventh-round knockout of Brad Axe in Dublin. However, Coleman (15-5-1, 7 KOs) brings considerably more professional experience and will be determined to disrupt the Scot’s momentum. Hickey’s technical ability, confidence and growing punching power make him an exciting prospect, but Coleman represents another important test of his development and could be take him the full 8 rounds.
Lucas Roehrig vs Connal McDonald – Cruiserweight
Lucas Roehrig vs Connal McDonald is an intriguing eight-round cruiserweight contest that offers unbeaten prospect Roehrig an opportunity to make an immediate impression on his Zuffa Boxing debut. The 23-year-old Englishman (9-0, 5 KOs), managed and trained by former world champion George Groves, is regarded as an exciting talent and will be keen to showcase his ability on a bigger stage. However, Scotland’s McDonald (5-1, 1 KO) will be determined to spoil the occasion after earning this opportunity with a victory over Scott Forrest in May. This is a real 50/50 and we see McDonald getting his hand raised at the end.
Kayla Allen vs Julia Igel – Light-Welterweight
Kayla Allen vs Julia Igel is a six-round super lightweight contest that sees one of British boxing’s most exciting emerging talents take another step in her professional development. Allen (1-0, 1 KO), the first female fighter signed by Zuffa Boxing, made an impressive professional debut in September, stopping Edina Kiss in three rounds at the Copper Box Arena. The former amateur standout will be looking to build on that performance. The 25-year-old German will have other plans but look for Allen to showcase her considerable talents and get another stoppage.
Masood Abdulah vs Adan Palma – Featherweight
Masood Abdulah vs Adan Palma is an eight-round featherweight contest added late to the card, with England’s Abdulah (13-1, 8 KOs) looking to make a statement on home soil. A former Commonwealth featherweight champion, Abdulah possesses sharp technical skills and proven finishing power, having stopped the likes of Qais Ashfaq and Marc Leach during his rise through the professional ranks. However, California’s Palma (14-1, 9 KOs) brings an impressive knockout ratio of his own and will be eager to cause an upset on British soil. With both fighters boasting similar records and the ability to hurt their opponents, this promises to be a competitive featherweight encounter, with Palma the pick to earn a decision that may be close on the cards.
Middleweight Vinnie Kemp is also due to make his debut on the card but no opponent was confirmed at the time of writing.
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