2024 was another banner year for boxing, which saw a shift in trends, some controversy and several key matches.
The Middle East has emerged as a mecca for super fights, and we saw the rise of streaming platforms as the new media for boxing. The transgender issue grabbed headlines during the Olympics, and we, the fight fans, were finally treated to some super fights we had been clamoring for.
But through it all, one fighter loomed large over the horizon, and despite his humble size for the division he competes in, Oleksandr Usyk, who deserves “Fighter of the Year” honors, should be celebrated.
USYK. After jawing at each other online for several months, Tyson Fury vs. Oleksander Usyk finally came to fruition, and it was truly worth the wait.
Standing at only a mere 6’ 3” to Fury’s 6’ 9” frame, the latter was rightfully the favorite against a fighter perceived as a “blown up cruiserweight.”
But Usyk showed that sometimes size doesn’t matter when you know your way around a boxing ring. He exhibited excellent ring generalship and showcased sharp boxing skills in neutralizing Fury’s size advantage, knocking down the latter in the 9th round en route to a close decision win.
And just last month, he repeated over Fury, although this time around, the fight seemed much closer.
To defeat Fury twice, who had been erstwhile undefeated, is an almost impossible feat, and showing that a smallish heavyweight can dominate an era where the Leviathans have been lording it over the past decade is truly remarkable.
For that, he easily is our “Fighter of the Year.”
MENTIONS. Honorable mention goes to Naoya Inoue (28-0, 25KOs), who fought twice in 2024.
He defeated highly regarded Luis Nery in May and followed that up with another victory over TJ Doheny in September.
Another fighter that made the list was Artur Beterbiev (21-0, 20KOs), who defeated Callum Smith in January and narrowly outpointed Dmitri Bivol in October
VERBATIM. “Let’s be honest. How many fighters do you know from Ireland? Paul Hughes and Conor. And who else? — Khabib Nurmagomedov (www.talksport.com)
LAST ROUNDS. Are on Blanche Regual and Edwin Tero, who celebrate their birthdays this week. Cheers!
