If 2009 taught us anything, it was that those who penned boxing’s obituaries did so prematurely.
Pressured as never before by the growing pay-per-view clout of mixed martial arts, the sport was forced to delve deep within itself and come up with the fights and personalities the public wanted to see.
For a large part, it succeeded. The exploits of Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather lit up Las Vegas, and even the heavyweight division began to emerge from the doldrums thanks to the rise of David Haye.
Finally, there are signs that politics can no longer stand in the way of the really big fights, and 2009 has left us with a whole host of potential super-fights for 2010.
But, bearing in mind the sport can no longer afford to rest on its laurels for a single second, the Press Association suggests list of gifts the sport of boxing ought to put high on its list to Santa:
ONE HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION
It’s always been said boxing needs a single recognised heavyweight champion, a worthy successor to the legends who have gone before, in order for the sport to stay healthy and valid.
To an extent, the exploits of the lighter weight greats like Mayweather and Pacquiao, and Oscar De La Hoya before them, have diminished that need by taking on the sort of celebrity once only afforded the big men.
Now, after years in turmoil, the heavyweight scene has some genuine new stars: not only the Klitschko brothers, who continue to dominate, but brash, fast Haye, whom many believe can become the saviour of the division.
Admirably, Haye is not content to keep the WBA title he took from Nikolai Valuev, and is eager to get one or both of the Klitschkos in the ring in 2010. The intent is there – and for the future of the division, the fights need to be made.
PACQUIAO v MAYWEATHER
Supposedly, negotiations are advanced for a fight between the two biggest names in the sport, perhaps as early as March. It would be about far more than simply a battle for boxing’s pound-for-pound crown.
After years of missing out on super-fights due to politics and interminable wrangles over cash, the relative ease with which Pacquaio versus Mayweather has been made will send a message to the sporting world.
It is this: that fight fans will simply no longer tolerate excuses from self-interested promoters or champions intent on pursuing the easy option. For boxing to thrive, they want nothing less than the best against the best.
Pacquaio versus Mayweather is all that and more. The talk is the pair will split USD100million and all the hype which will drench Las Vegas will be justified. It will keep the sport’s obits at bay for a decade.
BYE-BYE BERNARD AND CO
It is time for some of the sport’s greatest modern names to call it a day in 2010. Bernard Hopkins might still be doing the business but at 44 it must be hoped the veteran Philadelphian will ease into deserved retirement.
Hopkins had been talking up a potential career-closer against his great old rival Roy Jones until Jones failed to keep his side of the bargain.
Now there could surely be no better way for Hopkins to finish his career than by taking on the commonly regarded light-heavyweight number one Chad Dawson.
Likewise, it is time for someone to take hold of Ricky Hatton and somehow convince him that to attempt to return to the ring is folly.
Hatton is intent on a showdown with Juan Manuel Marquez in America. If he goes through with it, our festive letter ought to include the wish that he emerges unscathed, yet realising the error of his ways.
MORE SUPER-SIXES
The ‘Super Six’ super-middleweight tournament may have its problems, not least what to do when a fighter like Jermain Taylor suffers a defeat which nudges him towards retirement.
There are also those detractors who say that by signing up to such relatively long-term tournament, the leading 12-stone fighters are effectively shutting the door on any new young talent who might emerge.
But the bottom line is for all their inevitable teething problems, tournaments like ‘Super Six’ are able to cut through politics and produce big-time fights which ultimately crown true champions.
The idea that a similar type of event could be staged throughout the divisions – and ultimately at heavyweight – is a mouthwatering one.
