Boxing in 2019: Top 5 bouts to kickstart the new year

Hopes are high for boxing in 2019. DAZN, Showtime, FOX and ESPN have several fight cards set that should provide some entertaining matchups.

In 2018, boxing had a successful year. Oleksandr Usyk dominated the cruiserweight division with unparalleled skill and control. Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury helped reignite interest in the heavyweight division and showed that there’s plenty of debate as to who’s the best heavyweight in the world. Cecilia Braekhus lead a new era in women’s boxing, and prospects like Josh Kelly helped show the promise of what’s to come in the sport. As great as 2018 was, there’s even more hope that 2019 will surpass it.

It’s very early into the new year, but there are already several intriguing matchups set with others in the process of being negotiated. Numerous big names are ready to throw down shortly, but not all of their opponents present a valid threat. In contrasts, there are various cards that are flying under the radar but are stacked with talented boxers. In January alone, there are seven major events that will be televised or streamed by major companies.

With all of the bouts already set, it can be hard to navigate which contest is worth seeing. It’s also hard to keep track of which fight is appearing on which broadcast company. The following slideshow helps you make sense of the best bouts to watch in the upcoming months. Here are five fight cards that you should view along with reasons to watch them and where to find them.