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By Cliff Rold - It’s a night of Heavyweight action to kick off 2022 (Fox PPV, 8 PM EST) featuring an aging veteran who fell short in two title challenges and an aging former titlist who wants to be remembered as more than a footnote.
By Cliff Rold - Since 2011, Jr. bantamweight titlist Kazuto Ioka has missed only one New Year’s Eve appearance. He’s 8-1 on the date so far and even with the disappointment of a COVID-related replacement opponent, Ioka will still be ring center to see out 2021.
The bulk of boxing is done for the year but a few struggles remain. Several took place this holiday week, with young talent in the spotlight on a Christmas night show on Fox.
Heavyweight: Tyson Fury ends the year still reigning as heavyweight champion. Oleksandr Usyk won three belts with his victory over Anthony Joshua. A rematch between the two is expected in 2022.
By Cliff Rold - For the millions of Americans celebrating the holiday, Christmas supper will likely be done. Desserts will be served or on their way. A healthy set of those millions of homes will know or soon know how a clash between the Green Bay Packers and Cleveland Browns wrapped up.
It was another absolutely packed weekend for boxing with several strong main events, some memorable stoppages, and the foundation for some big clashes next year. The most notable action in the ring came at light heavyweight. Artur Beterbiev laid claim to history’s crown in 2019 and unified the IBF and WBC belts with an excellent stoppage of Oleksandr Gvozdyk. Beterbiev hasn’t had a chance to do much since. Defending against solid contender Marcus Browne on Friday, Beterbiev got to remind the world how good he can be.
In one of the last big fights left for 2021, it’s a clash between 2012 Olympians for the lineal light heavyweight title with some balance of power intrigue at play on Friday night (ESPN+, 8 PM EST).
Pick It: TBRB World Champion Artur Beterbiev vs. #5 Marcus Browne (Friday, ESPN+, 8:00 PM EST) - 36-year old light heavyweight king Artur Beterbiev (16-0, 16 KO) makes only his second appearance since a career best win for the lineal crown over Oleksandr Gvozdyk.
By Cliff Rold - The best division in boxing right now is lightweight, right Not so fast. While recent action cast shine on the depth and quality of the division, lightweight is far from the only division with a case for being the most competitive in boxing. We’re living through a time when several divisions are vibrant and flush with fresh matches. Perhaps the best argument against lightweight will again get the spotlight this weekend.
A pair of former champions highlighted the weekend, both picking up their second win in a row since a loss to a younger tiger in the sports ranks, both with an eye on more glory ahead. While one is closer to his prime than the other, both remain near the top of their divisions.