BRITISH boxing fans are known for their love of a domestic clash; fights where stakes are high and come fight night the atmosphere crackles with anticipation.
Yet, in 2023, it was slim pickings, with only Leigh Wood vs. Josh Warrington and two fights between Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Smith the standouts. In addition to these was a list of enjoyable British title fights that we’ve come to expect: Denzel Bentley vs. Nathan Heaney, Samuel Antwi vs. Mason Cartwright and Fabio Wardley vs. David Adeleye to name but three. Overall, though, it was predominantly a year of the Brits facing international opponents at home, which made them look good in one-sided contests.
The good news is there is enough talent in the UK to match two of the best from most divisions in 2024, and this means there are no end of quality bouts to look forward to. The bad news, however, is that many involve one fighter moving over to a different broadcaster for one night, which, if history tells us anything, may lead to them never happening.
Heavyweight
Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua
The big one; the obvious one. If Fury handles business on February 17 against Oleksandr Usyk and a re-energised Anthony Joshua puts another solid win on the board then this makes too much sense and too much money for it not to happen.
Joe Joyce vs. Daniel Dubois 2
The sight of the seemingly unbreakable Joyce on the floor against Zhilei Zhang in their rematch was a worrying one. But ‘The Juggernaut’ has vowed to carry on. Dubois is flying high after beating Jarrell Miller. While the belts are out of sight, this rematch is a no-brainer for both.
Fabio Wardley vs. Frazer Clarke
After the purse bid debacle of eight months ago, this British heavyweight title fight remains very much alive. Both fighters remain keen on facing each other. Wardley continues to improve but it’s time to find out how far Clarke can go.
David Adeleye vs. Solomon Dacres
Adeleye talked a good game before fighting Fabio Wardley, but fell short when it mattered most. Dacres didn’t look good in his Queensberry debut last month. Two British heavies who may find themselves vying for the Lonsdale belt once Wardley vacates.
Cruiserweight
Chris Billam-Smith vs. Richard Riakporhe 2
After Riakporhe got the better of Billam-Smith four years ago, the bets would have been on the former going on to challenge for a world title. Billam-Smith has beaten him to it and now holds the WBO cruiserweight belt. A rematch is a strong possibility.
Isaac Chamberlain vs. Cheavon Clarke
Chamberlain waltzed to British title success against Mikael Lawal. Clarke is mandatory but has a date with Tommy McCarthy later this month. How about late 2024 for the British and the European if the latter belt becomes available? Two quality operators who could compete at levels beyond where they are.
Mikael Lawal vs. Viddal Riley
Lawal’s reputation suffered a knock when he barely laid a glove on Isaac Chamberlain. All is not lost, however. Meanwhile, Riley is a man on the way up. Both are with Boxxer and both may want to derail the other.
Light-heavyweight
Anthony Yarde vs. Joshua Buatsi
Good fights in the UK have a habit of passing us by without happening. This has the potential to be another. Yarde has proven himself against the very best. Buatsi has old friend Dan Azeez to fight first. The clock is ticking. Yarde and Buatsi need each other.
Super-middleweight
Mark Jeffers vs. Callum Simpson
Two emerging super-middles who have what it takes to break away from the Brit Pack at 168lbs. At short notice Jeffers handled Zak Chelli with ease and hopes are high for Boxxer recruit Simpson. The prize would have to be worthwhile and if it doesn’t happen now it will eventually.
Mark Heffron vs. Bradley Rea
A hard-hitting former British champion against “The Sting” Rea who has only ever lost to current EBU middleweight champ Tyler Denny. Two styles that would gel perfectly and an ideal chief support for Jeffers vs. Simpson.
Middleweight
Chris Eubank Jr vs. Liam Smith 3
The Conor Benn fight has gone for Eubank. His future is now unclear. Both he and Smith had their pride dented during their defeats in January and September last year. You can’t leave a rivalry at 1-1 no matter what they want.
Tyler Denny vs. Nathan Heaney
A couple of fairytale stories from 2023 and the perfect match-up for Heaney’s dream of fighting outdoors at Stoke City FC’s Bet365 Stadium. The European champ against the British champ. Perfect.
Denzel Bentley vs. Kieron Conway
Bentley was on the wrong end of the BN 2023 Upset of the Year, but has vowed to bounce back and wants to be active. Conway got a solid win against former Bentley foe Linus Udofia three months ago. This fight makes sense.
Pat McCormack vs. Troy Williamson
Sunderland vs. Darlington. A north-east derby. Sold. McCormack’s promoter Eddie Hearn wants to see if his future stars can sink or swim. Troy Williamson is the ideal test. Questions would be answered.
Super-lightweight
Josh Taylor vs. Jack Catterall 2
Taylor still believes he can make 140lbs. The drama of their first fight hasn’t been forgotten. They carry genuine dislike for one another. A guaranteed sell-out. Inevitable, surely.
Dalton Smith vs. Harlem Eubank
Smith looks a potential world champion. Eubank is getting better and better. Two promoters in Hearn and Sauerland that get along and can work together. The perfect fight for both Smith and Eubank.
Adam Azim vs. Smith or Eubank
The career of the EBU champ continues to move at a rapid pace. Skills to burn and tipped for the top. A defence against Smith or Eubank would be terrific.
Lightweight
Gavin Gwynne vs. Sam Noakes
Gwynne has over-achieved in the eyes of some and now holds the British and European straps. His Queensberry stablemate Noakes is being built for stardom and is already being talked about as a first defence for Gwynne. All-action.
Sam Noakes vs. Mark Chamberlain
Speaking of all-action, here are two of Frank Warren’s rising stars slowly building their own rivalry. Twenty-six fights between them, 22 finishing inside the distance. A genuine potential Fight of the Year however long it lasts.
Super-featherweight
Leigh Wood vs. Josh Warrington 2
This is unfinished business for Warrington, who was all over Wood in their first fight until Wood found his powers of recovery once again. Wood’s dream of fighting at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground now awaits. A new weight but a dance partner is needed.
Jordan Gill vs. Zelfa Barrett
Gill’s unexpected win and performance against Michael Conlan put him back into contention for major fights. A world title shot may have to wait until the end of the year for both. This is the ideal in-betweener. Winner stays on.
Liam Dillon vs. Ryan Garner
Dillon captured the British title in a bit of a forgotten classic from 2023. Garner’s career has been stop-start. He was due for a huge step up against Anthony Cacace last month. Why not then Dillon vs. Garner?
Featherweight
Nick Ball vs. Jazza Dickens
A Scouse derby. Ball is on the up and up. The 12-year career of former world title challenger Dickens may be on the home straight, but he could have one final trick up his sleeve.
Flyweight
Sunny Edwards vs. Galal Yafai
Sparring partners and eventual rivals, maybe 2024 is too soon for this but career direction and money will ultimately dictate. Edwards was brave against Jesse Rodriguez and his stock has increased. Yafai, meanwhile, would love the scalp of Sunny. The fight will happen sooner or later.