Boxing Match Preview: Maxi Hughes (28-7-2, 6 KOs) vs. Archie Sharp (25-1-0, 9 KOs)
Fight Details
Matchup: Maxi Hughes (28-7-2, 6 KOs) vs. Archie Sharp (25-1-0, 9 KOs)
Date: Friday, May 23, 2025
Venue: Eco-Power Stadium, Doncaster, England
Division: Lightweight (135 lbs)
Rounds: 12
Title on the Line: WBC Silver Lightweight Championship
Broadcast: DAZN
Fighter Profiles & Recent Form
Maxi Hughes
Age: 35
Height: 5’7″ (170 cm)
Stance: Southpaw
Professional Rounds: 237
Ranking: WBC #10, IBF #7
Hughes is a seasoned veteran in the lightweight division, known for his technical boxing skills, defensive movement, and counterpunching ability. He has faced elite competition, including a tough loss to William Zepeda in March 2024, but rebounded with a dominant win over Gary Cully in December 2024.
This fight marks a homecoming for Hughes, as he competes in Doncaster for the first time in years. He has expressed excitement about fighting in front of his hometown crowd, calling it a “full-circle moment”.
Archie Sharp
Age: 30
Height: 5’9″ (175 cm)
Stance: Orthodox
Professional Rounds: 157
Ranking: WBO #8, WBC #12
Sharp is making his lightweight debut, moving up from junior lightweight (130 lbs) after previously competing in the WBO rankings. He suffered his first career loss to Ryan Garner in 2024, but has since regrouped and is eager to prove himself at 135 lbs.
Sharp believes his footwork, speed, and unorthodox style will pose problems for Hughes, stating, “I don’t feel like he’s boxed anyone with my movement and speed”. He accepted this fight within 12 hours of hearing Hughes was looking for an opponent, showing his confidence in stepping up.
Key Matchups & Fight Analysis
Experience vs. Freshness
Hughes has more experience at lightweight, while Sharp is untested at 135 lbs. If Hughes can impose his strength and ring IQ, he could control the fight.
Technical Boxing vs. Speed
Hughes is a technical counterpuncher, while Sharp relies on speed and movement. If Sharp can stay elusive, he could frustrate Hughes.
Home Advantage
Hughes will have the Doncaster crowd behind him, which could give him an extra boost in the later rounds.
FIGHT ODDS
Maxi Hughes – 450
Archie Sharp + 320
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, May 22, 2025
