Boxing in 2022: The Most Anticipated Fights Ahead
2021 was a spectacular year for the world of boxing, but a plethora of unanswered questions could deliver an even greater twelve months ahead.
A potential history-making showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua crumbled in front of our eyes. When Oleksandr Usyk shocked the world and dethroned Joshua of his three heavyweight titles, there was no doubt that Joshua’s plans for 2022 would be focused on rematching the Ukrainian.
However, 2021 did conclude the ongoing war between Fury and Deontay Wilder. Unfortunately, Fury’s path to unifying the heavyweight championships is now on hold because of Usyks success and AJ’s rematch clause coming into play.
Canelo Alvarez cemented his legacy in 2021, becoming the undisputed super-middleweight champion, and many couldn’t have predicted George Kambosos Jr finishing the year holding the IBF, WBA, and WBO titles.
With strategically planned matchmaking and some alignment from the stars, 2022 is set to provide countless moments in professional boxing that possess the interest to elevate the sport further, including two of the most significant women’s bouts in history.
Claressa Shields vs. Savannah Marshall
Date: TBC
The only blemish on Claressa Shields came during her amateur career in the form of England’s own, Savannah Marshall. Since both women turned professional, talks of a rematch have been ongoing, especially since Shields has become one of the pound-for-pound greatest.
It should be known; Shields and her team has claimed to have made numerous attempts to schedule this bout, making it clear that Marshall wasn’t so keen. However, since Shields has signed a multi-fight contract with Sky Sports, the inevitable meeting is expected to take place in the summer months of 2022.
Shields must first overcome Ema Kozin on February 5. But with most critics expecting the IBF, WBA, and WBC champion to walk through Kozin, the highly anticipated bout between Shields and Marshall should unravel soon after.
Amanda Serrano vs. Katie Taylor
Date: TBC
Elsewhere in women’s boxing, the rivals to Claressa Shields pound-for-pound greatest reputation are expected to cross paths. Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor can deliver a super fight of monstrous proportions.
Rumor has it, talks have already begun, and the bout could occur in the first half of 2022.
Taylor recently shut out Firuza Sharipova, but the undisputed lightweight champion will undoubtedly face the toughest test of her career when stood across from Serrano, who owns a 44-1-1 record and a substantial number of knockout victories.
Canelo Alvarez vs. Anybody
Date: TBC
It takes a unique talent to become the first-ever undisputed super-middleweight world champion, but the Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez claimed that achievement in 2021.
Naturally, the rumor mill has been speculating on Canelo’s next opponent, as many believed a fight against Ilunga Makabu at cruiserweight might be next. However, Canelo has since shown disinterest in Makabu, leaving critics’ speculation to continue.
Artur Beterbiev, David Benavidez, and Jermall Charlo are potential opponents, but the fight to appease the audience would be a concluding trilogy fight against Gennady Golovkin.
A meeting inside New York’s Madison Square Garden versus “GGG” is unquestionably the money-maker; however, I still wouldn’t expect BetMGM New York to line Canelo with anything short of a significant betting favorite.
Anthony Joshua vs. Oleksandr Usyk II
Date: TBC
Following months of silence, Joshua finally announced his rematch clause with Usyk is underway. Initially, many believed AJ would step aside to allow a heavyweight unification bout between Fury and Usyk. Still, the British heavyweight is now arranging a rematch for the three titles Usyk defeated him for.
Even in victory, we must imagine that the AJ and Usyk saga won’t be complete without a trilogy about. Therefore, the eagerly awaited heavyweight unification match between Fury and either man will be on hold.
Dillian Whyte vs. Tyson Fury – or Deontay Wilder?
Date: TBC
Since the WBC made Dillian Whyte their mandatory challenger for the title held by Tyson Fury, the road ahead for Fury was seemingly simple whilst waiting for Joshua and Usyk.
Fury has hinted he could vacate the WBC championship to avoid the mandatory bout despite the straightforward planning for a contest with Whyte. Without any confirmation, the possibility of Deontay Wilder versus Whyte has since arisen, should the “Gypsy King” want to pursue an alternative journey in 2022.
