By: Sean Crose
I’ve been writing for this publication for over ten years now…and 2023 was, doubtless, the strongest of all these years. Technically, I shouldn’t be utilizing the phrase “was,” as a result of right here in Connecticut we nonetheless have virtually 9 hours earlier than we slip into 2024. Nonetheless, since there’s no extra main bouts available till the following calendar 12 months, I’m going to go together with the previous tense right here. What a 12 months 2023 was for the game, although! There have been main fights – a few of which really have been pay per view worthy – unbelievable performances, and a few thrilling throwdowns.
And whereas there have been undoubtedly downer moments available, even the lack of Showtime couldn’t take away from boxing’s upward trajectory these previous twelve months. What’s extra, 2023 is leaving the game loaded for a promising 2024. With Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk set to battle in February, and Devin Haney in critical talks to face Ryan Garcia, the approaching 12 months appears to be headed in the precise course. Naturally, this being boxing we’re speaking about, disappointments will definitely come up, simply as they did in 2023. Large matches gained’t get made, cherries will likely be picked, and doubtlessly main fights will likely be pushed apart so as to make room for social media smack discuss.
And but the general momentum begun this previous 12 months is prone to stay unbroken in 2024. The rationale for that is somewhat easy: After a real dry spell, one the place ambition itself turned retro, boxing has returned to a spot the place daring to be nice is one thing to be inspired. Terrance Crawford confronted Errol Spence in 2023, Naoya Inoue confronted Stephen Fulton, Garcia confronted Gervonta Davis, David Benavidez met Demetrius Andrade, and Katie Taylor battlef Chantelle Cameron for the second time – these have been all matches that might have been averted by security first fighters. Happily, fighters on the lookout for simple touches in 2023 appeared to be turning into much less distinguished.
Right here’s hoping such unambitious fighters change their tunes in 2024 by taking probabilities. If 2023 taught us something it’s that boxing is way extra thrilling when title fighters really danger shedding. Let’s take note in 2024, nonetheless, that main fighters that suffer a loss or two shouldn’t be written off. That type of factor results in the type of security first muck the game was caught in for therefore lengthy. Moreover, boxing is loaded with tales fighters coming again after defeat(s) and attaining glory. Usually, all of it has to do with the mindset.
