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

By Jeremy Herriges

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 28: George Groves (L) and Chris Eubank Jnr (R) square up during a George Groves and Chris Eubank Jr. Press Conference at the Savoy Hotel on November 28, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 28: George Groves (L) and Chris Eubank Jnr (R) square up during a George Groves and Chris Eubank Jr. Press Conference at the Savoy Hotel on November 28, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) /
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Spence vs. Peterson
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 29: Errol Spence, Jr and Lamont Peterson speak to the press and pose during the press conference announcing their upcoming Championship Welterweight fight in January, at the Barclays Center November 29, 2017 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Bill Tompkins/Getty Images) /

Errol Spence Jr. vs. Lamont Peterson

On Saturday, Jan. 20, Errol Spence Jr. defends his IBF welterweight title against veteran Lamont Peterson. Spence is considered one of the most promising rising stars in the sport of boxing. Peterson has been in the game for a long time, but his best years are behind him. He’s still a formidable opponent, but he lacks the luster he once possessed.

Spence has only had one test in his career against Kell Brook, and it wasn’t easy. It was a close fight through Round 8, and Showtime analyst Steve Farhood had it as an even bout. Spence showed some defensive liabilities, but he also showed heart and the ability to take a punch.

Spence won the fight by KO in Round 11, but that’s deceptive. Brook’s left orbital bone was damaged and he took a knee and quit. Brook broke his left orbital bone in his previous fight against Gennady Golovkin. Spence got the victory, but it’s slightly tainted. Spence won against a fighter who appears to be permanently damaged.

Peterson is an old 33 years. His career has been up and down, but he looks to be on an upswing. He lost to Danny Garcia in 2015, but he has won twice since. His main issue is inactivity. He didn’t fight at all in 2016 and fought once in 2017 — and that was in February. It’s hard to build momentum with breaks in action.

Which Peterson will show up against Spence? Usually, when a boxer has a long layoff they are rusty when they return. Peterson can’t afford to be rusty against Spence at this point in his career. Spence can further his reputation with a strong performance against Peterson.

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