Rotherham fighter's 'Monte Carlo or Bust' mission

The stakes are high for Junaid Bostan as he heads to Monte Carlo with a point to prove and a career to reignite.

The 24-year-old from Eastwood, Rotherham faces fellow Yorkshireman Ishmael Davis at Matchroom Boxing’s Monte-Carlo Showdown VII on Saturday, December 12, knowing a victory could breathe fresh life into his ambitions of becoming a major title-holder.

Bostan was initially hailed as one of Matchroom’s brightest prospects, a young fighter whose talent appeared to point towards the top.

But 2025 proved a difficult year, with a draw and a defeat bringing his progress to a halt.

He returned to winning ways in May, beating Mohammed Graich over eight rounds, and now has a golden opportunity to build some momentum.

In many ways, it is a case of Monte Carlo or Bust for the Rotherham man, who will be eager to remind the boxing world what made him such an exciting prospect in the first place.

There is an obvious benchmark close to home. Bostan is a gym-mate of Dalton Smith, the Sheffield fighter who has reached the summit by becoming WBC super-lightweight world champion. While their weight divisions differ, Smith’s success provides a reminder of what can be achieved. Bostan will want to get himself back into the conversation for significant domestic and, eventually, international honours.

Davis, however, will have no intention of playing the supporting role in somebody else’s comeback story.

The 31-year-old from Leeds has mixed with high-class opposition and brings valuable experience into this all-Yorkshire encounter. He has endured a difficult run of results, but remains a dangerous opponent with ambitions of his own. Having lost his British and Commonwealth titles in February, Davis will be determined to prove he still belongs in the title picture.

Promoter Eddie Hearn has described the contest as a “real humdinger of a fight”, underlining his belief that the Yorkshire clash will be one of the highlights of the card.

The setting should add to the occasion. The Salle des Étoiles at Sporting Monte-Carlo is a prestigious events venue overlooking the Mediterranean, famous for its retractable roof and glamorous concert history. Its intimate setting should bring the ringside audience close to the action.

Tickets have been quoted at £200 and £400, prices that might raise eyebrows elsewhere but are perhaps in keeping with Monaco. The show will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN.

Also on the bill is South Yorkshireman Josh Padley who faces Spain’s Moussa Gholam for the interim WBA super-featherweight championship - a huge moment in the Doncaster man's career.

For Bostan, though, the focus will be firmly on Davis.

He needs to combine the talent that first attracted attention with the composure and consistency required to move forward again.

Davis has the experience to make him pay for any mistakes, and will be equally hungry to revive his fortunes.

It promises to be a genuine test rather than an easy route back.