Few British fighters tell a more complex statistical story than Maxi “Maximus” Hughes. With 40 professional fights across a 16-year career, the 35-year-old super lightweight has tested himself against the very best — and the data shows a fighter whose losses have come in the toughest company. On May 16 at Eco Power Stadium, Doncaster, Hughes faces a rising challenge in the form of unbeaten Lewis Sylvester — a 27-year-old with a perfect 18-1 record and genuine designs on a significant upset.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, May 16, 2026 |
| Venue | Eco Power Stadium, Doncaster |
| Division | Super Lightweight (140lb) |
| Scheduled Rounds | 10 |
| Broadcast | DAZN (Worldwide) |
Maxi Hughes (29-9-2, 6 KOs) is one of British boxing’s most durable and respected super lightweights. The 35-year-old southpaw from Rotherham stands 5’7” (170cm) with a 66.9-inch reach, and his 40-fight career record reads like a who’s who of the 140lb division’s elite.
The headline data point: Hughes has 9 losses from 40 fights, but those defeats have come at the highest level — against the best fighters in his division on their best nights. His most recent run tells a turbulent story: wins over Antonas, Cully, and Sharp, then back-to-back defeats: a majority decision loss to Usmonov over 12 rounds in December 2025, followed by a TKO5 stoppage at the hands of O’Leary in March 2026. Two consecutive losses — including a stoppage — at this stage of his career raise legitimate questions about whether the miles are catching up with Maximus.
Lewis Sylvester (18-1-0, 4 KOs) represents the new wave of British super lightweight talent. At 27 years old, the orthodox Englishman has built an 18-1 record since turning professional in 2019, with recent wins over Lubanja (UD8, Nov 2025) and Mould (SD10, May 2025). The split decision win over Mould suggests a fighter who can handle close fights and maintain composure under pressure.
At 22% stoppage rate, Sylvester isn’t a power puncher — but he doesn’t need to be. His 18-1 record demonstrates consistent winning, and coming into this fight against a Hughes on a two-fight losing run, the conditions for an upset have rarely been more favourable.
| Hughes | Sylvester | |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 29-9-2 | 18-1-0 |
| KOs | 6 (15%) | 4 (22%) |
| Height | 5’7” / 170cm | — |
| Reach | 66.9” | — |
| Age | 35 | ~27 |
| Stance | Southpaw | Orthodox |
| Debut | 2010 | 2019 |
Maxi Hughes — Last 5 Fights
| Result | Opponent | Method | Rd |
|---|---|---|---|
| L | O’Leary | TKO | 5 |
| L | Usmonov | MD | 12 |
| W | Sharp | UD | 10 |
| W | Cully | UD | 10 |
| W | Antonas | TKO | 6 |
Lewis Sylvester — Last 2 Fights
| Result | Opponent | Method | Rd |
|---|---|---|---|
| W | Lubanja | UD | 8 |
| W | Mould | SD | 10 |
The southpaw vs orthodox dynamic always introduces wrinkles, and Hughes — a seasoned southpaw — is comfortable making that geometry work in his favour. His career has historically been built around a clever jab, ring craft, and movement developed across 40 professional fights. But the TKO5 loss to O’Leary is a red flag: stopped in five rounds suggests Hughes’ durability, once his calling card, may be fading.
Sylvester brings freshness, momentum, and an unbeaten record that will give him genuine confidence walking into this fight. His split decision win over Mould showed he can win close fights and handle adversity over 10 rounds. Against a Hughes who has gone the distance repeatedly at the highest level, Sylvester’s task is to prove he belongs in that company.
The critical question: does Hughes have enough left to outbox a younger, fresher opponent on a winning run? Or is Sylvester sharp enough to capitalise on a veteran past his peak?
Maxi Hughes must:
Lewis Sylvester must:
Sylvester’s unbeaten record, his eight-year age advantage, and Hughes’s two recent stoppages tip the scales here. A Hughes who has lost back-to-back fights — including a stoppage — is a different proposition to the Maximus who challenged for world honours.
Prediction: Lewis Sylvester W UD 10 — Sylvester outworks a fading Hughes over 10 rounds, though Hughes’s experience and ring craft will make it more competitive than expected.
| Country | Broadcaster | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧 UK | DAZN | From 7:00 PM BST |
| 🇺🇸 US | DAZN | From 2:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM PT |
When is Maxi Hughes vs Lewis Sylvester? The fight takes place on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Eco Power Stadium, Doncaster on the Allen vs Hrgovic undercard.
What is Maxi Hughes’s record? Hughes is 29-9-2 across 40 professional fights, with 6 wins by stoppage. He turned professional in 2010.
What is Lewis Sylvester’s record? Sylvester is 18-1-0 with 4 knockouts, undefeated since turning professional in 2019.
Is Maxi Hughes coming off a loss? Yes — Hughes has lost his last two fights: an MD12 defeat to Usmonov (Dec 2025) and a TKO5 stoppage by O’Leary (Mar 2026).
Also on the card at Eco Power Stadium: Dave Allen vs Filip Hrgovic — Main Event, Louie O’Doherty vs Ahmed Hatim — British & Commonwealth Lightweight Title, Michael Gomez Jnr vs Lee McGregor, and Ben Fail vs Dean Sutherland.
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