The 12 months 2024 was essential for boxing and was filled with nice moments. Going into 2025, one other calendar that’s promising, it’s price remembering 12 of the transcendental occasions for the game and for the World Boxing Affiliation (WBA).
Undisputed Usyk: on March 18, Oleksandr Usyk stepped into the ring in Riyadh to face Tyson Fury for the undisputed heavyweight title. The Ukrainian scored an ideal cut up choice victory coming from much less to extra in some of the epic fights of the 12 months and probably, one of the best of 2024.
Riyadh Season within the USA: The Riyadh Season arrived in the US with an ideal occasion on August 3 in Los Angeles. Terence Crawford received the WBA crown in opposition to Israil Madrimov in the primary battle and was the icing on the cake in an ideal night that featured top-level fights, which has turn into a customized in the sort of occasion.
Canelo took over Las Vegas: Saul Alvarez defeated Edgar Berlanga on September 14 in a unanimous choice after a really entertaining battle. The Mexican proved that he’s nonetheless one of many faces of boxing by filling the T-Cell Area and offering one other nice present for the followers.
Taylor-Serrano rematch: Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano met in Arlington, Texas, for his or her rematch battle, wherein the Irishwoman prevailed once more after 10 rounds filled with drama and pleasure. It was an enormous occasion that was streamed on Netflix and opened new doorways for the game.
Seniesa Estrada introduced her retirement: one of many prime figures in ladies’s boxing introduced her retirement in a shock transfer. Seniesa Estrada stated goodbye to boxing on the age of 32 and after 13 years as knowledgeable fighter. Seniesa retired as undisputed minimumweight champion and with an undefeated report after defeating Yokasta Valle in her final battle on March 29.
Gervonta knocked out Martin: Gervonta Davis as soon as once more made it clear that he is without doubt one of the greatest fighters as we speak by demolishing Frank Martin on June 15 in Las Vegas. The American left nice sensations and the general public once more responded massively to his battle.
Beterbiev vs Bivol: some of the anticipated fights within the boxing world was made potential due to the efforts of the Riyadh Season. Artur Beterbiev defeated Dmitry Bivol final October 12 to turn into the undisputed mild heavyweight champion in a superb battle.
Fundora would be the youngest undisputed: Gabriela Fundora earned her place amongst boxing’s elite together with her victory over Celeste Alaniz final November 2 in Las Vegas. The American captured all 4 flyweight belts at simply 22 years outdated, the youngest in historical past.
Joshua demolished Ngannou: Anthony Joshua confronted Francis Ngannou on March 8 and knocked him out in simply two rounds in Riyadh. Ngannou was coming off an ideal battle in opposition to Tyson Fury and got here in with excessive expectations, however Joshua broke them together with his punching energy.
Dubois shocked the world: In his subsequent battle, Joshua was shocked by Daniel Dubois, who defeated him by knockout in 5 rounds on September 21 in London. Dubois knocked him down 4 instances and received in a landslide to the shock of many followers.
Inoue continues to be a monster: among the best pound-for-pound fighters as we speak couldn’t be left off the record. Naoya Inoue continues to show his dominance and defeated veteran TJ Doheny on September 3 to stay the undisputed tremendous bantamweight monarch.
Usyk vs Fury 2: 2024 closed with the second bout between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury, which was once more a win for the Ukrainian in Riyadh on December 21. It was a battle with much less drama than the primary however with a variety of emotion that ratified Usyk because the monarch and now proprietor of three of the 4 belts of the class.