Boxing in 2018: Top 5 bouts to ring in the new year

Boxing is poised to have a big year in 2018. The new year only a week old, but there are several fights scheduled that should be spectacular.

In 2017, boxing rebounded in terms of popularity. Floyd Mayweather said farewell to boxing in an imaginative showdown with MMA superstar Conor McGregor. While this fight was criticized by boxing and MMA purists, it helped to reinvigorate the general public’s appreciation of combat sports.

In September 2017, Gennady Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez brawled to a draw. Both boxers helped to push themselves into boxing superstardom and proved that it is possible for the best fights in boxing to be made. They helped to whet the appetites of boxing fans for a glorious 2018.

There is a lot of excitement surrounding fights that are rumored to be in the works for the new year. The GGG and Canleo rematch is in play for Cinco de Mayo. Jarrett Hurd is almost in position to fight Erislandy Lara, and Terence Crawford is nearing a deal to compete for the first time as a welterweight, possibly against WBO champion Jeff Horn. Anthony Joshua has agreed in principle to a title unification bout with Joseph Parker, but a time and place for the contest have yet to be set.

These fights are still developing, but it’s more than likely that we will see them materialize soon. Beyond the rumors, there are several bouts already scheduled that are sure to please fans. Here are the top five boxing bouts to jumpstart 2018.