Here’s our boxing wish list of bouts we absolutely need to see this year
As we enter a new boxing year, let’s look at our wish list of fights we want to see.
If boxing fanatics and casual fans alike weren’t pleasantly spoiled by a great year of boxing, it appears we’re in for another one in 2019.
There are a lot of quality fights that can, and should, be made. But as boxing fans know all too well, sometimes fights simply do not happen. With that being said, here are 8 fights to hope for in 2019.
Deontay Wilder vs Tyson Fury II
Two of the three best heavyweights in the world fighting should always top a wishlist, as there is just nothing like a heavyweight title fight.
When these two met for the first time in December, there were big questions surrounding both fighters. Was Fury ready to be back in with an elite fighter? Would Wilder be able to land on someone who is a superior boxer? The answer to both of those questions ended up being ‘yes’, and fans were treated to a fight they will not soon forget.
The two fighters put on a show, which was dominated early by Fury’s superior boxing ability. Despite looking relatively out of shape, Fury was the quicker man, landing at will on Wilder and avoiding his monster right hand. It was clear that Fury was back, and that he had shaken off most, if not all, of his ring rust.
Entering the 12th round, it appeared that Fury had the fight in the bag. Despite suffering an earlier knockdown, it seemed as though he had won enough rounds to overcome the 10-8 round, and he had not been hurt since.
However, in the 12th, Wilder was able to land his signature right hand that sent Fury falling, followed by a beautiful left hook that landed on Fury’s way down.
Fury dropped, hands on his side, not moving a muscle. Everyone watching thought Wilder had done it, he knocked out Fury despite being outboxed for most of the fight, but then out of nowhere, Fury miraculously got up.
It was one of, if not the single most impressive thing I have ever seen a professional athlete do. The shots landed on Fury would have put anyone out, and yet here he was, rising from the canvas.
As if getting up from essentially being knocked out was not impressive enough, Fury went on to win the rest of the round. Truly a remarkable moment, in a historic 12th round that will be remembered forever.
The fight was ruled a draw, and while most felt Fury did enough to earn a win, few were crying robbery. Wilder kept his belt, Fury remained the lineal champion, and fans were rewarded with an excellent fight. With the entertainment level of the first fight, as well as the result being a draw, expect to see this rematch sometime in the first half of 2019.