As we look back on the memorable fights of 2023, it’s time to look ahead to next year. Big Fight Weekend is bringing back the underrated series, and first on our list is looking at five underrated bantamweights to watch in 2024.
Bantamweights to look for in 2024
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Liam Davies
Liam Davies (15-0, 7 KOs) is the current European super bantamweight champion, working towards his first world title shot. 2023 was a good year for the English fighter since he defeated Jason Cunningham and the undefeated Vincenzo La Femina. Davies has an impressive boxing IQ and brilliant footwork, allowing him to dodge punches and counterattack from a variety of angles. It looks like 2024 will be a vital year for the Shropshire-born fighter.
Shabaz Masoud
Shabaz Masoud 12-0, 4 KOs) has been highly touted, but suffered a disappointing end in 2023 with a laborious split decision victory Jose Sanmartin. Masoud was named by Big Fight Weekend as one of our Top 5 Asian Boxers to Watch in 2023. Masoud chooses his shots well, precision being one of his greatest strengths. His trainer David Davisondescribed the Rochdale-born fighter as “a special talent with remarkable potential.”
Ryosuke Nishida
Ryosuke Nishida (8-0, 1 KO) enjoyed a winning 2023, defeating Songsaeng Phoyaem and Cristian Jimenez. His most notable victory so far remains the victory over Daigo Higa, which gave him the WBO Asia Pacific bantamweight title. The undefeated Japanese boxer has excellent footwork and combines his punches very well. He does everything at a high level, which makes him a dangerous opponent. 2024 looks to be an interesting year for the 27-year-old.
Fran Hennessy
Fran Hennessy (2-0, 1 KO) was a talented amateur and has had an undefeated start to her professional career, defeating Sonia Klos and Lucrecia Belen Arrieta. Hennessy is trained by former British and Commonwealth Champion Bradley Skeete. The 19-year-old is pure entertainment, from her lively walks around the ring to her exciting ring style. She moves her feet well, which helps ensure that she hits from various angles and avoids punches. Hennessy boxes well off the back foot and can stand and trade when necessary. She is an exciting prospect and it looks like she will have an entertaining 2024.
Yoshiki Takei
Yoshiki Takei (8-0, 8 KOs) was a brilliant kickboxer who made a successful transition to professional boxing, knocking out all of his opponents thus far. the victory over Bruno Tarimo on December 13, 2022 remains his most impressive victory, becoming the first person to stop the Tanzanian-born fighter. He also recently defeated Mario Maldonado in the Naoya Inoue vs. Marlon Tapales billboard with a hard left to the body, which saw Maldonado unable to beat the count in the second round. His signature shot is a jumping right hook, but he finds power, from a variety of angles, and looks ready for a big 2024.
