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Preview: Bermane Stiverne, Chris Arreola, Derry Mathews, Kid Galahad

Sports Mole previews some of biggest fights that are taking place around the world this weekend.

After last week's boxing action was dominated by the star-studded card in Las Vegas, there is more variety over the next few days as several significant bouts take place in England and the United States.

In California, Bermane Stiverne and Chris Arreola will compete for the vacant WBC heavyweight title, Derry Mathews is scheduled to face Martin Gethin for the British lightweight belt in his home city of Liverpool, while Kid Galahad will attempt to win the vacant Commonwealth super-bantamweight strap against Fred Mundraby.

Below, Sports Mole takes a look at each fighter and how the respective encounters could pan out.

1. Bermane Stiverne vs. Chris Arreola

Heavyweight legend Vitali Klitschko has long made it known of his intentions to move into the political world at some stage in his career, and after the last defence of his WBC crown against Manuel Charr in August 2012, it was soon speculated that the then 41-year-old was ready to take a hiatus from the sport.

However, after one injury pull-out, it took over a year before Klitschko formally announced that he was stepping away from boxing, which resulted in the WBC moving quickly to come up with a plan to name a new champion. Mandatory Bermane Stiverne and highly-ranked Chris Arreola were soon handed the opportunity to clash for the belt, while Deontay Wilder and Malik Scott were placed into an eliminator bout where the winner would become the first challenger to the next titlist.

Wilder stormed past Scott, leaving the knockout specialist in prime position to face either Stiverne or Arreola later this year. Saturday's contest won't be the first time that the pair have met, with Stiverne gaining a unanimous points verdict over the experienced American last year.

Chris Arreola of the US celebrates after defeating Nagy Aguilera also of the US by a TKO during their Super Six World Boxing Classic Heavyweight fight at the Home Depot Center in Los Angeles, California on May 14, 2011© Getty Images

Stiverne had Arreola down in the third round, but Arreola's task of getting back into the fight was hindered by a broken nose, and many pundits and critics alike see the rematch having the potential to go either way.

After missing out on the chance to face Klitschko, Stiverne hasn't competed for over a year, and at 37 years of age, it's unclear whether a 12-month absence would have benefited his career. However, with just one defeat in 25 bouts and 20 stoppages to his name, the Canadian's proven power will trouble Arreola if the American hasn't adapted from their first fight.

Arreola recovered from his loss to Stiverne by wiping out Seth Mitchell inside a round. The former world title challenger might be lacking rounds, but that result made a statement, and if he finds a balance between boxing and fighting his opponent, he should have a realistic chance of winning on points.

2. Martin Gethin vs. Derry Mathews

British lightweight champion Martin Gethin looked on the verge of a world title shot last year when he secured an IBF eliminator with Ammeth Diaz, but after he was outclassed by the South American, Gethin made a return to the domestic scene.

He had been scheduled to defend his belt against Anthony Crolla on the undercard of the first encounter between Carl Froch and George Groves before pulling out through injury, but six months on from that disappointment, Gethin is eager to prove his worth against Derry Mathews.

Mathews has been involved in a series of brutal encounters over the past couple of years, and it's currently unknown how much they have taken out of the 45-fight veteran, but the Liverpudlian brings passion and excitement to the table and he isn't likely to take a backward step in front of his home supporters.

Despite coming close to competing for a world crown, this is Gethin's biggest chance to showcase his talents to the nation and a good performance and victory could open doors for the 30-year-old.

However, after falling short against Stephen Ormond for the WBO European strap last time out, Mathews has a point to prove, and his power and will to win could be enough to get the better of the champion.

3. Kid Galahad vs. Fred Mundraby

Kid Galahad leaves the ring after defeating Josh Wale on May 12, 2013© Getty Images

Over the past two years, Kid Galahad has established himself on the super-bantamweight scene, and ever since capturing the WBC international strap in 2012, he has shown potential of being able to introduce himself onto the world stage.

The Sheffield fighter is yet to move himself into contention for a shot at a global title, but with the motivation of reaching the heights of Scott Quigg and Carl Frampton, Galahad isn't too far behind the standard bearers in the division.

After winning the British title last September, the 24-year-old added the European strap to his CV earlier this year with a comfortable points win over Sergio Prado, and this weekend will represent a chance to add Commonwealth honours to his growing list of belts.

Standing in the way of the unbeaten boxer is Australia's Fred Mundraby, who possesses a professional record of 15 wins from 17 matches, with his most significant win coming in his last fight when he won his national title.

However, if Galahad can continue to develop on a match-by-match basis, he should have little trouble in overcoming the 26-year-old and after failing to gain the stoppage last time out, expect an explosive display from the Yorkshireman.

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Darren Plant
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