As we take our first steps in this newly begun 2022, all boxing fans hope that it will be a year full of memorable fights, exciting challenges, and world reunification. Many potentially explosive situations remain unresolved by the end of 2021, many matches loudly requested by the public, and many champions eager to prove their worth once and for all. So, let's make a short list of the five comparisons that, more than any other, would make 2022 a year to remember!
5. Dmitry Bivol vs Artur Beterbiev
While we wait to see which weight class Mexican champion Saul Alvarez decides to stay in, it would be great to find out once and for all who is the current undisputed light heavyweight champion.
To this day, it is difficult to say with certainty: on the one hand, there is Bivol's footwork, timing, surgical precision, and superfine technique; on the other, there is Beterbiev's suffocating pressing, brutal power, agonistic nastiness, and physical strength.
A Russian derby between the two would be extremely exciting due to the clash of opposing boxing styles. Furthermore, three of the four world belts are on the line, with the fourth about to be contested by Joe Smith Jr. and Callum Johnson, who have already been soundly defeated by Bivol and Beterbiev.
4. Juan Francisco Estrada vs Roman Gonzalez 3
The second chapter of the saga between these two little ring phenomena provided us with an unforgettable show. Despite widespread belief that he was on the decline, "Chocolatito" Gonzalez played an exceptional match, attacking relentlessly and displaying the best of his technical repertoire, while Estrada reacted like a champion by firing match shots of rare beauty.
After twelve tense rounds, the judging triad issued a Split Decision verdict in favor of the "Gallo," which some have found controversial, and others, including the writer, have found scandalous. As a result, it is unavoidable to consider a third chapter that concludes the debate. Fortunately, barring any hiccups, this wish on our list appears to be on its way to fulfillment.
3. Gervonta Davis vs Vasyl Lomachenko
Third on our wish list is a utopia, which is more than a fantasy. For a variety of reasons, it appears extremely unlikely that the two samples in question could cross the gloves in such a short time.
Nonetheless, fantasizing is free, and among the numerous crosses available in the lightweight division right now, the one between Davis and Lomachenko appears to be the most enticing. They are two boxers who are well-liked by fans and have a remarkable charisma that will make the press conferences for the match unmissable shows.
In this case, it would be very interesting to compare two different styles, with Gervonta's terrifying broadsides on one side and Loma's masterful combinations on the other. Could the Ukrainian's pivot foot's notorious rotations throw off the small but explosive US thug? We're hoping to find out someday!
2. Terence Crawford vs Errol Spence Jr
In second place in our rankings is a true evergreen: fans have been hoping for this challenge to continue since June 2018, when Crawford made his welterweight debut. Organizational issues have made the "duel" impossible in the three and a half years since, but now that "Bud" has left Bob Arum's Top Rank as a result of the contractual terms being fulfilled, something may finally change.
Spence appears to be on the verge of reuniting with Cuban Yordenis Ugas, which would put him in possession of the 147-pound world championship belt for the third time. It would be a sporting crime not to achieve a total reunification of the titles with the strong compatriot with whom a war of declarations, provocations, and promises has been going on for years at that point.
1. Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury
The battle of all battles, the challenge of all challenges, can only be valid for the absolute primacy of the queen category. After achieving a monumental feat on his way to dethroning the English Anthony Joshua, Usyk does not intend to stop surprising and plans to repeat himself in the spring rematch, which will see him leave as the underdog.
Tyson Fury, on the other hand, has gained boundless confidence in his abilities following his magnificent statement on the lethal thug Deontay Wilder, who was brutally KO'd after eleven heart-pounding rounds. The boxing world is divided into two camps: those who believe that the tonnage difference between Fury and Usyk cannot be bridged and those who believe that the Ukrainian's class, consistency of action, and timing would be more than enough to allow him to "climb the mountain".
