September's Must-Watch Boxing Fights: Taylor's Farewell and Garcia vs. Benn Showdown

As summer fades away, boxing fans are finally treated to a thrilling lineup of fights this September. After a season marked by anticipation, the upcoming month promises an array of compelling bouts that should not be missed.

This month’s schedule features a diverse mix of fighters and narratives, from the heartfelt farewell of Katie Taylor to the intense rivalry between Conor Benn and Ryan Garcia. With names like Andy Ruiz Jr. and Jai Opetaia also in the mix, boxing enthusiasts have plenty of reasons to stay glued to their screens.

Here are the top five fights to keep an eye on this September.

Jai Opetaia, holding an impressive record of 30 wins and no losses (23 KOs), is eager to make a mark in the cruiserweight division. He faces Noel Mikaelian, who comes into this matchup with a record of 28 wins and 3 losses (12 KOs). Mikaelian, known as the “Dark Horse,” gained recognition after winning the WBC title against Badou Jack last December. This fight promises to be a significant test for both fighters as they aim to solidify their standings in the competitive cruiserweight landscape.

Andy Ruiz Jr. makes his return under the Matchroom banner, seven years after his stunning victory over Anthony Joshua at Madison Square Garden. With a record of 35 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw (22 KOs), Ruiz is looking to reignite his career after a series of sporadic fights. He faces Damian Knyba, a Polish fighter with a record of 17 wins and 1 loss (11 KOs). This bout in New Jersey is crucial for Ruiz, who needs to prove he can still compete at a high level after a lengthy absence from the ring.

In a highly anticipated rematch, WBC bantamweight champion Takuma Inoue (22-2, 5 KOs) takes on superstar Tenshin Nasukawa (8-1, 3 KOs) on September 27. This fight comes just ten months after Inoue's unanimous decision victory over Nasukawa for the vacant title. Both fighters have since secured wins against notable opponents, making this rematch a compelling storyline in the bantamweight division.

Katie Taylor's farewell fight is set to be a momentous occasion as she faces Flora Pili (12-0, 2 KOs) for the undisputed super lightweight titles. Taylor, a national icon in Ireland, has had a profound impact on women's boxing and will bid adieu to the sport in front of a sold-out crowd at Dublin's historic Croke Park. This match not only represents Taylor's last chance to showcase her skills but also serves as a celebration of her legacy in the sport.

The highly anticipated clash between Ryan Garcia (25-2, 20 KOs) and Conor Benn (25-1, 14 KOs) is set for September 12. This bout, taking place at Las Vegas' T-Mobile Arena, features two fighters with controversial pasts, both vying for the WBC welterweight title. Benn's recent struggles with weight and Garcia's own issues with performance-enhancing substances add layers of intrigue to this matchup. With their contrasting fighting styles and aggressive approaches, fans can expect a thrilling encounter that could have significant implications for both fighters' careers.