Top 5 Boxing Matches We Look Forward To In 2021
The Covid-19 pandemic made it difficult for most sports to continue, and boxing was not left behind. Some of the biggest boxing matches we expected to see were postponed, and some were even cancelled. However, the end of 2020 showed some signs of returning to boxing matches, and 2021 has undoubtedly confirmed the return.
There have been some dramatic fights already, including Mauricio's suprise triumph over unbeaten Josh Warrington, and David Avanesyan's humbling of top prospect Josh Kelly. Still, there are many boxing matches to come. In this article, we will discuss some of the biggest boxing matches set for this year:
Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua
It's the big one! Two of the greatest British heavyweight boxers of all-time are expected to meet this year foe 'Undisputed' domination. The fight has already been put in motion, but there is still no official date when it will happen. The only thing preventing this clash from being for the 'Undisputed' crown is their mandatory opponents if thy are unwilling to step aside.
Oleksandr Usyk is mandated by the WBO to challenge champion Joshua, and has been patiently waiting for some time already, but it is rumoured he could face Joe Joyce next, which would provide the Brit with a chance to exact revenge for his loss to the Ukraininan in the World Series Boxing, back in 2013.
Also, fallen foe Deontay Wilder has threatened to take legal action if his victor Fury does not commit to a third fight. Assuming they clear these problems soon, we could have the Fury vs Joshua matchup as soon as June or July, with a contracted rematch due for November/December. It will, without a doubt, become the biggest fight in UK history, and one of the biggest heavyweight fights in the world.
Dereck Chisora vs. Joseph Parker
Former World Title challenger Chisora (32-10, 23 KOs) was last seen pushing Ukraine’s pound-for-pound star Oleksandr Usyk all of the way in their 12-round battle for the WBO Intercontinental Heavyweight Title at The SSE Arena, Wembley last October, and the fan favourite is chomping at the bit for his next challenge.
A meeting between the pair scheduled for October 2019 fell through at three-and-a-half weeks’ notice when Parker’s team revealed he was suffering from the after-effects of a spider bite. Chisora, who was unconvinced with Team Parker’s reasons for pulling out in 2019, has labelled Parker a ‘chicken’ in recent weeks and says he has unfinished business with the popular heavyweight contender.
Former WBO World Champion Parker (28-2, 21 KOs) is fresh off a hard-fought 12-round decision over long-time amateur nemesis Junior Fa at Spark Arena in Auckland, New Zealand last month that settled an 11-year old rivalry with his compatriot, a win that he hopes will kickstart his route back to the top of the blue-ribbon division.
Ranked at No.3 with the WBO, New Zealand’s Parker is well known on these shores having defended his WBO Title against Hughie Fury at Manchester Arena in September 2017, before taking unified ruler Anthony Joshua the distance at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff in March 2018. His last appearance in the UK came against Dillian Whyte in a dramatic points loss in July 2018.
He's a familiar face to British boxing fans, and a popular one too due to his funny videos during lockdown that kept us all entertained on social media, plus also because of his talent and exciting fighting style. Chisora is also a fan-favourite owing to his aggressive, take no prisoners style of fighting, plus he too is colourful character that entertains the crowds. This is a must-see event!
Errol Spence Jr. vs Terence Crawford
The Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua fight will obviously be the most prominent commercial fight of 2021, but the Spence-Crawford battle is not far behind. The anticipation for this fight is arguably equal to Fury-Joshua.
In this matchup, we will witness a unification of two of the best fighters around, given that they are both unbeaten champions. Spence has had 27 fights, winning all, 21 of them by KO.
On the other hand, Terrence Crawford has been in 37 fights, winning all of them, 28 by KO. Crawford and Errol have traded verbal jabs in the past. In fact, they had a backstage exchange in 2019 during Maurice Hooker's fight. Given their history, the battle between them is a thing all boxing fans look forward to seeing. We hope we won't have to wait for too long.
Manny Pacquiao vs Mikey Garcia
We all know the Philippines greatest ever fighter, Manny Pacquiao. He is one of the best boxers globally, still, even at the age of 40, and his fight against Floyd Mayweather is considered one of the century's best fights, which unfortunately failed to live up to it's hype, because of it's many delays that should have seen the spectacle shown five years prior when they were both at the peak of their powers.
Mikey Garcia, despite his greatness and accomplishments, was not actually the Garcia everyone was hoping to see in this potential fight. Flashy youngster Ryan Garcia was in negotiations with the eight-world ruler, but talks fell through, unfortunately.
Pac-Man is expected to appear twice more before hanging up his gloves for good to focus on his position as a senator in his native country. First up is Mikey Garcia, followed by Terence Crawford… is the plan, but whether it comes to fruition or not is another question.
On March 3rd, 2021, Garcia said that the fight is in its final preparations, and they are hoping everything will be ready by May. It's not a guarantee the fight will happen in though. Fingers crossed in the meantime!
Ryan Garcia vs Gervonta Davis
The Garcia-Davis clash is set for Saturday, April 17th, and it one of the most anticipated boxing matches of 2021. Davis has been a professional boxer for the last eight years and has been in 24 fights, winning all of them.
On the other hand, Garcia is newer to the boxing world, having been a pro for only four years. However, he has been in 21 fights, winning all of them. The Garcia-Davis clash will be conducted on the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
This match is quite difficult to predict since both are worthy opponents, but bookmarkers' odds favour Gervonta Davis, most probably because he's more experienced.