2018 was a very good boxing year in terms of compelling fights, breakout fighters, and new Live and on demand streaming services to give us fight fans more and more boxing. So with 2018 now in our rear view, here are 12 fighters that I am looking forward to seeing more of heading into the 2019 boxing calendar year.
Anthony Joshua(22-0)– It has now been three weeks since Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury treated us to an entertaining battle and fight fans are STILL talking about that wild 12th round. This proves that Heavyweights still reign supreme in boxing. So here’s to HOPEFULLY seeing Joshua in the ring AT LEAST three times in 2019. Wilder, Fury, Big Baby Miller, and Luis Ortiz are all there waiting to get it on with AJ.
Oleksandr Usyk(16-0)– I don’t really care who Usyk faces, all I know is that I want to see more of this crushing cruiserweight. His combination blend of hand speed, heavy hands, and quick footwork make him must see tv for me.
David Benavidez(20-0)– Like Usyk, the super middleweight Benavidez displays very fast hands and power in both hands. I would love to see young David in against Callum Smith, Uzcategui, Gilberto Ramirez, or Plant.
Canelo Alvarez(51-1-2)– Alvarez now has options at 160 and 168 and with a new monster fight deal at DAZN, no reason for Canelo to not fight less than 3 times a year. Alvarez puts butts in seats and is always improving, here’s to more Canelo in 2019.
Terence Crawford(34-0)– I love seeing Bud fight, I especially love his versatility. Bud can box you or he can fight you in the pocket. And his kill switch is the best in boxing, if he sees any discomfort on his foe at all, Bud will jump right on it and end things.
Josh Kelly(8-0)– Kelly brings much much intrigue for me. I love his hand speed, rapid feet, and angles he uses, thing is that I am dying to know if he is more Lomachenko or more Amir Khan.
Josh Taylor(14-0)– This kid can flat out fight, like Josh Kelly I want to see more of him to see how good he really is.
Vasiliy Lomachenko(12-1)– Loma is the total package to me and the fact that he is willing to take on any threat at any time makes him a throwback fighter.
Mikey Garcia(39-0)– Mikey is the perfect boxer in terms of overall skills, thing is that he needs to be more active, ESPECIALLY since he decided to sit out for 2 years of his prime.
Teofimo Lopez(11-0)– Like Holyfield, this young bull is the real deal.
Vergil Ortiz Jr.(11-0)– Kid can really crack and wants to be tested.
Naoya Inoue(17-0)– When Inoue fights, EVERYONE must tune in. Quickness, powerful, and looks to end matters fast.
Others to watch– Errol Spence Jr., Carlos Balderas, Tank Davis, Shakur Stevenson, Oscar Valdez