By George Gigney
THE FESTIVE period provided plenty to talk about: Naoya Inoue confirming his position as the 2023 Fighter of the Year, Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou signing to fight each other in March and referee Tony Weeks sparking controversy around fighter safety. But, to kick off the new year, let’s try something a little different this week. We’re going to take a look at the fighters we think will cause the most media stir in 2024. This could be because of big fights they’re involved in, dumb things they post on social media or unexpected announcements. Let’s dive in.
Anthony Joshua
Given that ‘AJ’ has been one of the sport’s biggest stars for numerous years now, this might seem like a very safe answer but 2024 in particular could be a huge year for the Watford giant. He, of course, will face former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou in Saudi Arabia in a few months’ time (at the time of writing a date has not yet been formally announced). The announcement of that fight has already generated a huge amount of buzz, and that will only get louder the closer it gets.
Joshua should also beat Ngannou in style. If he does, he’ll be continuing an excellent run of form and will put himself in prime position for a megafight with Tyson Fury. That being said, Fury is likely looking at a couple of superfights with Oleksandr Usyk, due to rematch clauses involved in their February clash, so Joshua may find himself waiting for a spell. Regardless, a statement win over Ngannou – despite Francis’ lack of pedigree as a boxer – would work wonders for Joshua’s status. It could also finally see him properly crack the American market as well. Ngannou is extremely popular in the US thanks to his performances in the UFC, and there are many MMA fans who think he will beat Joshua. If ‘AJ’ can look impressive in beating him, his popularity could skyrocket once again.
Anthony Joshua (Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Naoya Inoue
Coming off the back of a standout 2023, in which he was universally recognised as one of the fighters of the year, Japan’s Inoue is on the verge of true stardom in the West. He’s already a solidified superstar in his home country, but Inoue’s name is not one known to many casual sports fans in major markets like the US and the UK. Indeed, there isn’t much reporting on him from major sporting outlets outside of dedicated boxing sites and publications.
Considering he became ‘undisputed’ champion in not one but two weight classes in the last 13 months, it would be almost impossible for Inoue to top those achievements in 2024. However, this could be the year he crosses over into the mainstream. With the right opponents, and perhaps more appearances in the US, Inoue’s jaw-dropping talents deserve to be seen by the world.
It looks as though his campaign this year will begin against Luis Nery, a decent but not wholly exciting challenger.
Naoya Inoue
Amanda Serrano
The Puerto Rican star has been a force of nature across several weight classes over the past few years and 2023 was no different. But it wasn’t just her exploits in the ring that have kept Serrano’s name in the media. She’s also been admirably outspoken about campaigning for equality within boxing, which is why last year she vacated her WBC title to protest against the sanctioning body not letting women fight 12 three-minute rounds. There’s no doubt she’ll continue to fight the good fight in 2024 and she will hopefully keep getting media attention for it.
Plus, she has the backing of Jake Paul who – like it or not – has somehow made himself one of the biggest names in combat sports. In fact, he will box on Serrano’s undercard when she headlines in her home country later this year. Although his own pursuits in boxing leave a lot to be desired, he has been a staunch supporter of Serrano and his influence has helped raise her profile considerably.
Amanda Serrano (Al Bello/Getty Images)
Ryan Garcia
There are other lightweights and super-lightweights that perhaps deserve more media coverage than Garcia: Gervonta Davis (who beat him last year), Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson to name a few. But none of those men have Garcia’s knack for getting his name out there. He is hugely popular on social media, where he is very active and knows how to gain traction very quickly.
He’s also shown a willingness to jump in there with the best fighters. It’s likely that he’ll get at least one more big fight this year, perhaps against Haney. Given his popularity online – and a recent connection with one Floyd Mayweather – Garcia will continue to create headlines in 2024. This could also be the year that his bubbling conflict with promoter Golden Boy comes to a head. It could get messy, and that will be covered extensively.
Ryan Garcia (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Terence Crawford
In 2023, ‘Bud’ earned the biggest win of his career when he dismantled Errol Spence Jnr. It was a performance that solidified Crawford as a modern great, and it’s one that sets him up for a blockbuster chapter of his career. Now 36, Crawford edging closer to the end of his career but only now is he getting the attention he has long deserved.
Based on interviews he has given since beating Spence, it’s clear that Crawford now only wants truly big fights. There has even been talk of him moving up to face Canelo Alvarez – if that were to happen, it would be one of the most talked-about fights of the year. There are also rumblings of a rematch with Spence, who recently underwent surgery for cataracts on his eye. Whatever Crawford does next, it will be big news and rightfully so.
Terence Crawford (Getty Images)
Boxing on the Box
January 14
Artur Beterbiev-Callum Smith
Sky Sports Arena
Coverage begins at 2am