Boxing Memorial Day: Is there a boxing fight on Memorial Day weekend? (Updated May 2023)

Everything you need to know about the boxing fights being held on Memorial Day weekend 2023.

Memorial Day is quickly approaching. And with that comes the long weekend leading up to May 29. While the final Monday of the month commemorates those who have died while fighting for the United States, the weekend leading up to it will play host to three boxing events in Europe.

On Saturday, May 27, fight fans will have a variety of cards to choose from, with two events in England and one in Northern Ireland.

From Belfast, Luiz Alberto Lopez will defend his IBF featherweight belt against Michael Conlan. The two will be headlining a twelve-fight card that will be available for streaming on ESPN+ at 1:30 P.M. EST.

Meanwhile, Southeast of the United Kingdom, Leigh Wood will attempt to take Mauricio Lara's WBA welterweight strap in Manchester. For American audiences, the event will begin at 2 P.M. EST and will be available on DAZN.

Another event on British soil will take place in Bournemouth. Lawrence Okolie's WBO cruiserweight title will be on the line against Chris Billam-Smith in the main event live on Sky Sports.

Is there a boxing fight on Memorial Day 2023?

The challenger in Conlan has the homecourt advantage. Despite having the strap, 29-year-old Lopez is listed as the underdog against the adversary two years his senior. Although younger and four inches shorter, Lopez has more experience, boasting a 27-2 record and 15 knockout victories. On the other hand, Conland, 18-1, despite having fewer knockouts under his belt, also has one less defeat on his shorter record. This bout will be Lopez's first title defense since winning the belt from Josh Warrington in December.

Like the bout in Belfast, the Manchester headliner features a Mexican-born champion defending his title in enemy territory. This fight is a rerun of their February bout in which Lara won the championship from Wood via TKO in the seventh round. Lara, 25, is nine years younger than his challenger. Their records are almost identical; Wood is 26-3, while Lara is 26-2-1. However, FanDuel lists Lara as the betting favorite.

The headliner in Bournemouth has the narrative factor, as Okolie and Billam-Smith were former training partners. The two protagonists in this cruiserweight clash have similar builds, are close in age, and both love a knockout win. Expect an entertaining show as these former accomplices throw down in the ring.