Glad New 12 months, fellow struggle fan!
Now that 2024 is firmly within the rearview mirror—and it was, by and huge, a superb 12 months—at the very least for boxing, however possibly not for politics, motion pictures, TV, music, or normal good morale in lots of locations, primarily from a monetary perspective—however that’s a complete different set of points—we glance forward at what could also be in retailer for us in 2025.
Specializing in boxing solely, listed here are some fights we actually may get, and hopefully will get, right here in 2025 (and by the best way, by way of huge and important struggle anniversaries, there shall be a bunch in 2025: Ali-Frazier III will hit 50 years, Hagler-Hearns will hit 40 years, and Ali-Liston II will hit sixty years right here in 2025, for simply three examples).
The fights we have to see – in no specific order:
Naoya Inoue Vs. Murodjon Akhmadaliev
This entire “Inoue is ducking MJ” factor must be laid to relaxation, and the best way to do it’s for “Monster” Inoue to remind his few remaining critics that it’s HE who does the scaring – and the taking good care of enterprise within the ring – not his opponents. Or could be/must be opponents? Akhmadaliev is an excellent fighter, and after Inoue takes care of Sam Goodman (no disrespect) on January 24, it’s clear there shall be just one man left who can name out Inoue with a loud voice – this at 122 kilos, anyway. And after Inoue beats “MJ,” it may both be Junto Nakatani – an altogether completely different super-fight we have to see in 2025 – or a transfer as much as featherweight for the second or third present greatest pound-for-pound fighter on the planet.
Johnny Fisher Vs. Dave Allen II
A home dust-up, this British heavyweight slugfest rematch – and it will likely be a slugfest, because it was the primary time round – has to occur. The ten-round bar-room brawl good buddies Fisher and Allen thrilled us with in December was as controversial because it was, nicely, thrilling. Not too many followers have been proud of the break up resolution win handed to Fisher, let’s put it that manner. A sequel is likely to be as thrilling as the primary battle, and we would get a transparent, no-ifs or buts winner with a spherical two. Or a spherical 11, the place this struggle would begin, with it rumbling on for so long as the rematch goes.
Canelo Alvarez Vs. Terence Crawford
Depend me in so far as this mega-fight goes. Sure, Canelo is simply too huge for Crawford. Sure, Canelo carries just about all the benefits on this one. But additionally, sure, Crawford is a super-special fighter, a crafty and, when it fits him, spiteful switch-hitter of a make-you-pay boxer. Some followers can’t get previous that huge weight benefit for Canelo, however when you can, possibly you will get to excited about a modern-day boxing “Dream Battle.” One that might reveal one thing genuinely outstanding.
David Benavidez in opposition to the Artur Beterbiev-Dmitry Bivol rematch winner
Maybe this decide is considerably out of kinds, seeing as Benavidez hasn’t bought previous David Morrell but – this in a struggle set for February, one that might show to be savage and firmly X-rated – however Benavidez is likely to be, as James Toney would possibly say, “indestructible.” A struggle with the winner of Bivol and Beterbiev II would present us, come what may. Benavidez is likely to be probably the most thrilling fighter on the market as we speak, out and in of the ring. The Toney talked about above absolutely approves of Benavidez’s unhealthy angle and trash-talking proficiency.
Lawrence Okolie Vs. Joe Joyce
How huge can Okolie, AKA “The Sauce,” be as a heavyweight? Having gained belts at cruiserweight and bridgerweight, Okolie now says he can and can win world honors at heavyweight. I wish to see if he can do it. First, I wish to see if Okolie can deal with a giant man’s shot to the chin. Joe Joyce continues to be one powerful dude who can crack and continues to be hungry for fights. This one could be very, very fascinating. Okolie has the instruments, whereas Joyce has the engine. Does “The Juggernaut” run over Okolie, or does Okolie ship Joyce off the street?
Vasiliy Lomachenko Vs. Gervonta Davis
If Loma comes again – and as particular, you may say generationally proficient as he’s, we would like him to struggle once more – how superior wouldn’t it be to see Lomachenko check his abilities, nerve, want, and ring IQ in opposition to Tank? Neither man had an lively 2024, however we’d neglect all about that if Loma and Tank bought it someday in 2025. Who on earth can decide a winner right here?
Ryan Garcia Vs. Devin Haney II
Why not! This one was wild within the ring in April and earlier than and after the struggle had ended. Controversy, shock, outrage, a lawsuit, a number of loopy uploads on social media, most from winner, later no-contest man Garcia…..This one was simply loopy. Oh, and the struggle, initially gained by an over-the-weight Garcia, was additionally thrilling. If – and it may show to be a giant one – these two fighters can thrash out a deal, a rematch might be one among 2025’s hottest, most-watched fights.
(Word: I’ve given up all hope of ever seeing Canelo struggle Benavidez. In any other case, that struggle would have been on the checklist)
