Harlem Eubank vs David Papot Preview: Molloy and Noakes Clash on Packed Copper Box Card

London’s Copper Box hosts an interesting night of British boxing on Saturday as Harlem Eubank looks to get himself firmly back into the world title conversation against France’s David Papot. It’s a card with plenty of unbeaten talent sprinkled throughout, and there are a couple of domestic match-ups that could easily steal the headlines if they catch fire.

Live on DAZN under the British Boxing Board of Control, the event blends established contenders with rising prospects, and there aren’t many easy nights on the schedule.

Main Event: Harlem Eubank vs David Papot

Harlem Eubank (22-1-0) returns looking to bounce back from the first defeat of his professional career when he takes on France’s David Papot (30-1-1) over the welterweight distance.

Eubank’s loss to Jack Catterall may have ended his unbeaten run, but it also answered a few questions about where he belongs. Rather than taking a step backwards, he’s straight back into a meaningful fight against a seasoned opponent who has built an impressive 30-win record and won’t be travelling to London simply to make up the numbers.

Papot has quietly put together one of the better records in European boxing and has the experience to make life awkward if Eubank switches off. The Brighton man is still the sharper athlete, though, and if he can settle into his rhythm early, his speed and punch selection should create openings as the rounds go on.

It feels like one of those fights where Eubank doesn’t necessarily need a spectacular knockout. A disciplined, convincing performance against a respected opponent could be every bit as valuable as he chases bigger opportunities at welterweight.

Co-Main Event

The chief support could end up being the fight of the night.

Unbeaten Irishman Kieran Molloy (14-0-0) meets fellow unbeaten Sean Noakes (12-0-0) in a genuine domestic showdown at welterweight.

Neither man has tasted defeat and neither has looked particularly interested in taking the easy route. Those are usually good ingredients for an entertaining fight. Molloy has steadily climbed the rankings despite a few frustrating delays to his progress, while Noakes has built momentum of his own and will fancy upsetting the Irish visitor on British soil.

With both records on the line, someone leaves with a valuable statement win.

Other Key Fights

Middleweight prospect Joel Bartell (10-1-0) takes on unbeaten Kyran Jones (14-0-0) in another intriguing domestic clash. Jones has protected his unbeaten record well, but Bartell has already experienced defeat and sometimes that can make a fighter a little more relaxed when the pressure arrives.

Aaron Prospere (15-2-0) faces experienced campaigner Mikey Sakyi (14-5-0) at super lightweight. Prospere will be looking to build consistency, while Sakyi has enough rounds under his belt to test anyone who overlooks him.

Undercard

Finley James (9-0-0) and Jake Henty (9-0-0) both arrive unbeaten, making this welterweight contest one of the most evenly matched fights on the card.

Codie Smith (9-0-1) meets Ryan Griffiths (8-2-3) in the super featherweight division, with Smith aiming to continue his steady rise.

Another unbeaten meeting sees Christian Bozzia (7-0-0) face Kurtis Wiggins (5-0-1) in what could be a lively featherweight contest.

Heavyweight action rounds out the bill as Matty Harris (10-1-0) takes on Ben Vickers (3-4-2). Harris will expect to keep himself moving forward, but heavyweights always carry that bit of unpredictability.

Final Thoughts

The headline attraction is Eubank’s chance to move himself back towards world-level contention, but don’t be surprised if Molloy versus Noakes ends up generating the biggest buzz once the final bell rings. On paper, it’s arguably the most competitive fight of the evening, while the rest of the card offers plenty of unbeaten prospects looking to announce themselves.

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