Boxing lifted itself back onto the back pages with a superb year of super fights and sensational champions. But 2008 could be even better if the following eight contests finally happen:
1 Floyd Mayweather v Miguel Cotto
A clash with the ferocious, unbeaten Puerto Rican welterweight is perhaps Mayweather’s final challenge. A guaranteed barnstormer whose pay-per-view numbers would likely reach new heights.
Verdict: Who could back against Mayweather after the way he turned brawler to demolish Ricky Hatton? Cotto would be tougher, but ‘Pretty Boy’ reigns supreme.
Likelihood: The war of words has already started. Public demand could very well see it happen.
2 Joe Calzaghe v Bernard Hopkins
They’ve already gone nose to nose in a Las Vegas media centre, and now the time is right for the Welshman to challenge Hopkins’ somewhat tenuous claims to being the best light-heavyweight on the planet.
Verdict: Calzaghe would have too much for the fading former middleweight great. He wins easily on points, picking up plaudits and pocket money en route.
Likelihood: If the pair’s respective promoters are to be believed, the fight is just a couple of signatures away.
3 Ricky Hatton v Junior Witter
What better way for Hatton to rebound from his mauling by Mayweather than with a stadium-filling homecoming against his long-time nemesis Witter, with the Bradford man’s prestigious WBC title on the line?
Verdict: Hatton’s loss makes this long-attractive match-up even more fascinating. Dangerously under-rated, Witter could sneak a contested points verdict.
Likelihood: Hatton needs to put personal issues aside. Witter needs to accept a smaller portion of the purse, and speculate to accumulate. Then it could happen.
4 Manny Pacquiao v Edwin Valero
Unbeaten Venezuelan punching sensation Valero holds the WBA crown but is yet to break into boxing’s big league. He deserves his chance against Filipino firebrand Pacquiao in an explosive clash.
Verdict: Almost impossible to say with Valero’s punch resistance having barely been tested. But every chance Pacquiao would end up on the deck at some stage.
Likelihood: Valero is still banned from the US on medical grounds, which is a big obstacle. But Asian casinos are showing an interest.
5 David Haye v Enzo Maccarinelli
What better way for Haye to sign off from the cruiserweight division than by entering into a big-money unification clash with Welsh rival Maccarinelli? A 50-50 fight which would split critics.
Verdict: Both can punch so hard that anything could happen. But Haye’s chin is the more fragile of the two, suggesting a Maccarinelli stoppage win.
Likelihood: Diminishing, with Haye preparing for a move up to heavyweight and clearly struggling to make the 200lb limit.
6 Kelly Pavlik v Arthur Abraham
Pavlik shot to fame when he scrambled up off the canvas to knock out world middleweight champion Jermain Taylor. Germany’s explosive Abraham – who has knocked out all but five of his 25 opponents – is his next big test.
Verdict: The form guide would have Pavlik as a clear favourite. But Abraham – who battled through a broken jaw to beat Edison Miranda – would pose a threat.
Likelihood: Slim. Pavlik has a rematch with Taylor lined up, while Abraham does not have a US profile to make the match worth the risk.
7 Juan Diaz v Michael Katsidis
Diaz’ outstanding run of form has seen him establish himself as the world’s number one lightweight. But unbeaten Aussie puncher Katsidis – unbeaten in 23 contests – has every right to challenge that assumption.
Verdict: Having mixed in much higher class, Diaz would be favoured to win by stoppage. But it would be no surprise if he hit the canvas first.
Likelihood: The fight is already slated for February 9. But promotional small print now threatens to scupper the deal.
8 Israel Vazquez v Rafael Marquez III
Vazquez forfeited the first clash of the two prominent super-bantamweights with an injured nose, but rebounded to win the rematch by sixth round stoppage in the fight of the year. A third meeting is a natural.
Verdict: Vazquez won their second fight despite bad cuts. He will likely have to ride another early storm in order to win a frenetic rubber match.
Likelihood: A deal is almost done for the pair to clash for the WBC title in Mexico. Contracts are expected to be signed imminently.
