Who deserves to be celebrated as 2024’s Fighter of the 12 months? Within the opinion of many individuals, web sites and publications, it’s a ‘no-brainer’ – the excellence HAS to go to reigning heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. It’s extremely robust to disagree. Usyk fought twice this 12 months and, with immense strain on him each occasions – Usyk was not solely preventing for himself however, way more importantly to him, he was preventing for his nation – the expert southpaw from Ukraine delivered.
Twice Usyk bested the a lot greater and heavier Tyson Fury, with Usyk coming nearer than anybody else ever has of knocking the British big out within the ninth spherical of their first struggle; the ninth spherical being an actual spotlight of the 12 months in itself, this on account of Usyk’s punching accuracy and ferocity, with Fury’s means at delivery punishment in seeing out the spherical (with slightly assist from the referee, within the opinion of some people) additionally wonderful to behold.
It was a heck of an accomplishment from a person who’s principally a pure cruiserweight, this a division Usyk, who cleaned issues out at 200 kilos earlier than going for final glory, might return to earlier than he’s performed. And Usyk did it with class, with refreshing sportsmanship, with magnificence. Usyk is a particular fighter, on this virtually everybody agrees, whereas there do stay a couple of dissenting voices that insist, no, he’s not an all-time nice. That’s a complete different article.
However the finish of the 12 months is upon us, and to make use of the phrase writers corresponding to Dan Rafael and others have used relating to Usyk, choosing the 2024 Fighter of the 12 months actually is a no brainer. Heck, if it’s not Usyk, then who’s it?
Usyk, 23-0(14) grew to become the primary unified heavyweight king in 25 years along with his Could win over Fury, and the 37 12 months outdated then proved the win was removed from a fluke by beating Fury once more within the December return. Usyk, a person who has performed every thing the arduous manner – fights on the street, within the different man’s yard, in opposition to defending champions who have been at their peak – loves the joys of competitors. We boxing followers have beloved seeing Usyk, competing on the highest degree in two weight divisions, triumph each single time.
However for therefore many followers, these two decisive, sure, decisive wins over loudmouth, later sore loser Fury rank as Usyk’s most particular victories. And the 2 wins over the beforehand unbeaten Fury are greater than sufficient to safe Usyk the Fighter of the 12 months trophy.
