Lightweight stars Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia announced on Thursday that they plan to fight each other next spring if they win the interim matches and Davis overcomes legal issues, bringing offers fans one of the most exciting matches possible in the sport.
That proves that best versus best is more than just a slogan. And it makes us think about potentially more exciting matches as we approach a new year.
Here are five fights we want to see – and two we don’t – in 2023.
WE WANT TO SEE…
We may never see Terence Crawford fight Errol Spence Jr. AP Photo / Chase Stevens
Terence Crawford vs. Errol Spence Jr.
Do not hold your breath. This could be the best fight possible in boxing, two undefeated, experienced heavyweights and top heavyweights in a 50-50 bout. It could be the biggest 147-pound clash since Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao in 2015. Alas, they haven’t been able to reach terms and the opportunity for a deal seems to be closing. It would be a farce if this war never happened.
Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk
Boxing fans crave a single heavyweight champion. This match will generate one. The undefeated Fury is the dominant man for more than half a decade, including two knock-out knockouts of Deontay Wilder. The talented Usyk, the undisputed former 200-pound champion, is on a straight streak of wins over the once-feared Anthony Joshua. Fury and Usyk haven’t reached an agreement yet, but public demand is huge.
Canelo Alvarez vs David Benavidez
Alvarez seemed determined to avenge his nasty loss to 175-pound weight class owner Dmitry Bivol but it wasn’t the most exciting fight for him. Benavidez is a fiery, undefeated former champion who weighs as much as Alvarez (168 pounds) and has a more exhilarating style than Bivol. Another good pick for Alvarez is Jermall Charlo, the undefeated 160-pound belt holder who seems poised to put on weight.
Naoya Inoue vs Stephen Fulton
Inoue may be the best boxer in the world by the pound, with a deadly combination of ability and knocking power. And there was no obvious threat at or near the 118-pound champion’s weight. The only possible exception is the undefeated Fulton, a 122-pound belt holder with rare skill. Inoue is the more complete boxer but he has to gain weight, that could be the equalizer.
Davis-Garcia Winner vs. Devin Haney
If we wanted to crown a true lightweight king – and one of the top boxers in the weight class – this would be the way. The Davis-Garcia winner will feel as though he’s on top of the world but Haney will still be the undisputed 135-pound champion, assuming he beats Vasiliy Lomachenko in an expected bout. That could set up a giant 50-50 showdown in the fall or winter for all light marbles.
WE DON’T WANT TO SEE…
We don’t need to see Dmitry Bivol beat Canelo Alvarez again. Joe Camporeale / US Sports TODAY
Canelo Alvarez vs Dmitry Bivol
It is understandable that Alvarez wants to challenge Bivol a second time. The Russian has made a deep dent in his reputation by quite easily overtaking him this past September. The Mexican star wants revenge for the defeat. The problem was that Bivol’s victory was decided. There is no good reason to believe that the outcome would be different if they rematched.
Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder IV
Fury and Wilder have served for the Battle of the Year 2021, which one could argue is a good reason to do it again. At the same time, Fury has a 2-0-1 record in three fights against his opponent, including a draw that most observers believe Fury should have gone his way. Obviously the British are the better fighters. And there are other, fresher challenges ahead for Fury: Usyk, Anthony Joshua, Joe Joyce.
