So far, we?re already set for an interesting year in the world of boxing. Anthony Joshua will fight Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium, while David Haye vs Tony Bellew will attract a lot of attention that very same month.
Of course, with just a week gone in 2017 we know very little about the next 12 months of fights for the time being. What we do know is that the above two UK blockbusters could be just the tip of the iceberg, if fighters and matchmakers align with boxing fans? best interests to provide the best possible bouts.
Here are a few of the showdowns we would like to see take place this year, in what could be a huge one for the sport if everyone plays ball and puts on the big brawls.
Andre Ward v Sergey Kovalev II
Their first meeting in November was one of the biggest of 2016, and perhaps the decade so far. Two of the world?s best pound-for-pound putting their respective unbeaten records on the line against one another in an eagerly-anticipated duel.
The fight didn?t disappoint, though some were frustrated with the outcome: Ward won by a slender unanimous decision, with all three judges having him up by just a point. Those who admire Kovalev?s high-pressure, attacking style were incensed that he didn?t get the nod.
The truth is, the fight was so close that there was a case for either fighter to take the decision, which is part of the reason it was so good. It?s also the reason why a rematch would be even bigger than the first.
Reports suggest that Ward is flirting with retirement. We really hope he isn?t. 2017 is just begging for a second Ward-Kovalev fight, pitting perhaps boxing?s finest defence against perhaps the game?s best attack.
Gennady Golovkin v Saul Alvarez
This bout should not be anywhere near a feature like this one. The fight should have either been signed by now, or perhaps even have already taken place.
Alvarez and Golovkin are taking the slow-burn approach to this one, and the finger of blame for that is being almost entirely pointed at Canelo and his team. Whoever?s responsible for the only contest that could eclipse Ward-Kovalev as the collision of today?s elite fighters, it will hopefully be a moot point this time next year. We?ve been told time and time again that the fight will happen in September. Here?s hoping we aren?t dragged along further twists and turns.
Amir Khan v Kell Brook
In a ?2017 predictions? piece I discussed how it seems Khan and Brook may finally be able to agree terms after defeats to Golovkin and Alvarez in 2016. It may also be fair to say that ?17 is the final year that the fight would be able to command as much attention as it could.
High on most fans? wishlists for three years or so now, Khan and Brook have constantly referenced the potential bout and each other but reports suggest that this is the closest we?ve ever come to the duo?s representatives sitting down to discuss terms.
It could have been the bout to follow Carl Froch and George Groves into Wembley, but instead there?s a very real chance that even if they do make it happen, it could just be an O2 Arena or MEN headliner now that they?ve dragged things out.
Vasyl Lomachenko v winner of Carl Frampton/Leo Santa Cruz
After discussing clashes of the titans earlier in reference to Ward-Kovalev and Canelo-GGG, there?s another pairing that could be developed to equal billing as those two. Lomachenko?s rise from amateur standout to instant professional sensation could dovetail with the aftermath of 2016 fighter of the year Frampton?s return bout against the man he toppled last summer.
That fight takes place on January 28 in Las Vegas and if LSC wins, a rubber bout seems likely. Whether it goes down that path or Frampton underlines his superiority, can you imagine Lomachenko taking on the winner of that series in the winter, with a decent course of build-up?
Winner of Anthony Joshua/Wlad Klitschko v Deontay Wilder
If the heavyweight resurgence that began when Tyson Fury dethroned Klitschko in Dusseldorf is to truly kick into high gear with the Wembley superfight, the next logical step would be to see the winner take on unbeaten WBC titlist Wilder.
Whether it?s Dr. Steelhammer or AJ, a fight with the American would interest. And, of course, if Fury can get his head back in the game, he?ll also be looking to take on whoever has the belts.
