1 Dmitry Bivol
Not content with beating just one Mexican star in 2022, Russia’s Dmitry Bivol managed to continue his breakout performance against Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in May by knocking out Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez in November equally convincingly. Indeed, despite what some scorecards may have said, Bivol has lost very few of the 24 rounds he has spent with either Alvarez or Ramirez and has essentially taught the two boxers to be motivated by a long undefeated streak a boxing lesson. He has also stymied the progress of not only the sport’s current number one Mexican superstar but also that of a man who is tipped to wear that shirt in the future.
2 Jesse Rodríguez
Nowhere near a list like this in 2021, this year happens to be the year Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez transitioned from a hot prospect to a champion in a leap, entering a match in time. short in an unnatural weight class to knock on the door and let his voice be heard. This approach paid off well in February, when he stepped up to super fly to dethrone Carlos Cuadras, and then he was equally impressive stopping Srisaket Sor Rungvisai for eight innings. June. He ended the year with a decisive 12-round win over Israel Gonzalez, when, aged 22, Rodriguez played the main supporting role for Canelo Alvarez versus Gennady Golovkin III in Las Vegas.
3 Shakur Stevenson
After making a splash in featherweight for the first time, 2022 is the year Shakur Stevenson really asserted himself in the super featherweight division, building on his 2021 win over Jamel Herring to outpace major rivals Oscar Valdez and Robson Conceicao. In theory, both of those opponents look good to Stevenson, but the 25-year-old American has developed a knack for making what’s supposed to be difficult.
4 Jack Catterall
Oddly enough it seems to appear on this list of a boxer who hasn’t officially “won” a fight in 2022, given the quality of Jack Catterall’s performance in the ultralightweight title fight in February. with Josh Taylor, and it was cruel in the final scorecard, he more than deserves his place. From the first half to the 12th that night in Glasgow, Catterall played quite beautifully, even beating Taylor, the champion, in the round of 16, and in any other sport he would be rewarded for his success. excellence by a title that defines a worthy career. win. But, alas, this is boxing.
5 Oleksandr Usyk
While on the surface, Usyk’s 2022 may not seem that different from his 2021, it’s important to keep in mind the context and pressure he’s been under, while emphasizing the importance of doing so. eliminated all doubt by defeating Anthony Joshua for the second time in August. To do so in the year that Ukraine, his home country, entered war on Russia is testament to not only Usyk’s brave spirit but also his willingness to stand up, back down, and ignore any possible excuses. yes.
6 Devin Haney
Few will want to revisit the two games soon, but Haney’s back-to-back victories over George Kambosos in Australia this year deserve recognition and respect. Giving a one-way boxing lesson in both (one in June, one in October), he tamed a man in Kambosos who not only has the support of his family, but has just beat Teofimo Lopez in the best performance of his career.
7 Jai Opetaia
Australian men’s Opetaia is unproven and relatively unknown ahead of his title challenger against cruiser class champion Mairis Briedis in July. However, after 12 exciting rounds on the Gold Coast, the 27-year-old has proven himself as both a fighter and a new number one in the 200-pound division.
8 Jermell Charlo
After the disappointment of a split draw with Brian Castano in 2021, Charlo is adamant that he will make the gap between them much clearer in 2022. And this he has also done, contributing to into one of last year’s best games, in the 10th round, knocking out Castano to claim once and for all his supremacy in the superwealth.
9 Naoya Inoue
The “monster” Inoue ended the year with an 11th stoppage-time match as usual and was somewhat disappointing against an overly strong Paul Butler, but started the year with the elimination of old opponent Nonito Donaire in the second round. much more thrilling and meaningful. It was a fight that many assumed would be competitive, based on their epic first fight in 2019, but Inoue had other ideas, exploiting the advancing age of his opponents with stunts. Fastest and scariest.
10 Kenshiro Teraji
WBA and WBC super flyweight belt holder Teraji has recovered from a tough 2021, a year in which he suffered his first professional loss, to exact revenge on his conqueror and also win the nomination. “Match of the Year” member in 2022. He started the year by stopping Masamichi Yabuki for three innings in March, avenging his 2021 Yabuki loss, and then waging a gay fight. competed with Hiroto Kyoguchi, eventually winning the seventh round of a mini classic.
British Warrior of the Year
1 Jack Catterall
2 Angry Tyson
3 Joe Joyce
4 Leigh Wood
5 Joe Cordina
6 Chris Billam-Smith
7 sunny Edwards
8John Ryder
9 Dan Azez
10 Maxi Hughes
