Boxing Match Preview: Michael Hunter (24-1-2, 17 KOs) vs Eli Frankham (3-0-0, 0 KOs)

The heavyweight division’s odd-couple clash headlines a BIBA-sanctioned card at UFC 323’s boxing undercard equivalent—wait, no, this is a standalone boxing event—as American contender Michael “The Bounty” Hunter (24-1-2, 17 KOs) faces undefeated British prospect Eli “Fatboy” Frankham (9-0, 6 KOs) on Friday, December 5, 2025. Hunter, the 37-year-old Las Vegas-based southpaw ranked No. 9 by the WBA and No. 7 by the WBC, returns after a year-long layoff, seeking to reassert his status as one of boxing’s most avoided technicians amid a nomadic career that has seen him box in Mexico and Uzbekistan. His jab-heavy style and ring IQ have frustrated elites like Oleksandr Usyk, but recent draws and inactivity have dimmed his star. Frankham, the 32-year-old Wisbech warrior from a fighting Irish Traveler family, enters on a feel-good run of stoppages under the British & Irish Boxing Authority (BIBA), transforming from small-hall hero to York Hall headliner. With a decorated amateur background interrupted by personal setbacks—including prison time—Frankham’s raw power and heart could make this a David-vs.-Goliath upset, though his limited opposition raises questions about levels. This 10-round (per recent patterns) international showdown, promoted by William Storey and co-sponsored by Rich Energy and Rx Sports, pits Hunter’s precision against Frankham’s aggression in a bout that could redefine both trajectories—or expose Hunter’s drift.

Venue Location

The ring awaits at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London, England, at 5 Old Ford Road, E2 9PJ. Opened in 1929 as a public bathhouse and converted to a boxing mecca in the 1930s, this 1,500-seat historic venue—often dubbed the “spiritual home of British boxing”—has hosted over 1,000 events, including Naseem Hamed’s pro debut and Anthony Joshua’s early pro wins. Nestled in the East End’s vibrant, multicultural fabric (near Bethnal Green tube on the Central Line), it features intimate ringside seating, a sprung floor for footwork, and concessions like pie and mash or curry goat for £5-8. Recent upgrades include LED lighting and VIP lounges, but its raw atmosphere—echoing with chants from traveling fans—remains unmatched. Capacity sells out for headliners like this; tickets via Eventbrite start at £40 for general admission (doors at 5:00 p.m. GMT), with parking limited (£10-15 in nearby lots)—public transport recommended. Stream globally on Player+ PPV (£9.99 UK, $14.99 US, €9.99 Eurozone).

Time: 7:00 p.m. GMT (11:00 a.m. PT / 2:00 p.m. ET) for the main event (full card 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. GMT)

Broadcast: Live PPV on Player+ (global streaming); UK regional on DAZN highlights; US via Fubo Sports or YouTube Boxing (delayed). Radio: BBC Radio London (post-fight analysis).

Injury Report

Hunter’s 2025 has been inactivity-driven rather than injury-plagued, but a 2024 rotator cuff surgery sidelined him post his December TKO win over Christian Larrondo Garcia—full recovery by March, per team statements, with no flare-ups in camp. Frankham enters unscathed, his 2025 stoppage streak (six KOs) free of reported issues; a minor hand tweak post-October KO of Simon Edwards resolved quickly. Both made weight cleanly (Hunter ~220 lbs, Frankham ~240 lbs) at Friday’s ceremonial weigh-in. Expect standard heavyweight cut fatigue, but no restrictions.

Fighter Matchups

Hunter’s 79.5″ reach and technical jab (3.5 landed/min) dwarf Frankham’s brawling style, but the Brit’s compact power (6 KOs in 9) and forward pressure could close distance. Hunter’s 55% defense meets Frankham’s untested volume—key: range control vs. inside war.

Striking: Jab Precision vs. Power Swings
Hunter’s southpaw jab (52% accuracy, absorbs 2.8/min) exploits Frankham’s 45% head-body mix, outlanding foes 120-80 avg. Frankham’s hooks (6 KOs, avg. 2:30 time) thrive close, but his 48% defense invites counters. Edge: Hunter—projects +50 strike lead if ranged.

Grappling/Inside Game: Clinch Control vs. Body Work
Neither elite boxer, but Hunter’s clinch ties (1.2/round) neutralize; Frankham’s body shots (40% targets) wear down. Hunter stuffed 80% attempts vs. Povetkin; Frankham untested vs. clinchers. Edge: Hunter—his IQ drains Frankham’s gas.

Cardio & Durability: Veteran Pace vs. Burst Energy
Hunter’s decisions (7/10 last 10) showcase tank (avg. 8:45 time); Frankham’s finishes fade unproven (0 decisions). Hunter absorbed 150 vs. Usyk; Frankham took minimal damage. Edge: Hunter—37-year-old legs hold vs. 32-year-old bursts.

Recent Team Forms

Hunter’s last 5: 3-0-2, blending UD over Cassius Chaney (Jun. 2024, 10 rds, jab masterclass) and TKO5 Christian Larrondo Garcia (Dec. 2024, body work), but SD draw with Povetkin (2019) and Usyk loss (2017) highlight elite tests. He’s 4-1-2 in last 7, scoring 71% KOs but leaning decisions lately (60%). Frankham’s last 5: 5-0, all stops: KO1 Simon Edwards (Oct. 2025), KO2 Naimou Aziz Samson (Aug. 2025 hometown), TKO6 Arjun (Jun. 2025), KO2 Kabiru Towolawi (Mar. 2025), KO1 Daniel Coker (Dec. 2024 debut). Unbeaten streak: 9-0, 67% KOs, but opposition journeymen (avg. record 10-8).

Series History

First meeting—no priors. Hunter’s heavyweight ledger: 12-1-2 (9 KOs), wins over Bakole (TKO), Povetkin (draw but dominated). Frankham’s pro: 9-0 (6 KOs), all domestic; amateur: Decorated schoolboy, but no elite clashes. Vs. similar: Hunter 5-0 vs. unranked; Frankham untested vs. Top 20.

Betting Trends

Hunter opens as -2000 favorite (consensus Bet365/Ladbrokes), with Frankham +1000 underdog—reflecting levels (Hunter No. 9 WBA). Total: O/U 6.5 rounds (-120 Over). Hunter 8-2 ATS last 10 as fave; Frankham unrated. Public 85% on Hunter ML; overs hit 6/10 Hunter fights (60%). BIBA sanction limits lines, but sharps eye Hunter early stoppage amid PPV hype (£9.99 UK).

Trends: Hunter 7-3 ATS vs. underdogs; Frankham 0 lines.

FIGHT ODDS

Michael Hunter                – 2000

Eli Frankham                      + 1100

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, December 4, 2025