By George Gigney
THE FESTIVE period gave plenty to talk about: Naoya Inoue confirmed his position as Fighter of the Year 2023, Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou signed to fight each other in March and referee Tony Weeks sparked controversy over fighter safety. But to start the new year, let’s try something a little different this week. Let’s take a look at the fighters we think will make the biggest splash in the media in 2024. This could be due to the big fights they participate in, silly things they post on social media, or unexpected announcements. Let’s dive in.
Antonio Joshua
Given that ‘AJ’ has been one of the sport’s biggest stars for many years, this might seem like a very safe answer, but 2024 in particular could be a big year for the Watford giant. He will, of course, face former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou in Saudi Arabia in a few months (as of this writing the date has yet to be formally announced). The announcement of that fight has already generated a lot of buzz, and that will only get stronger the closer it gets.
Joshua should also beat Ngannou in style. If he does, he will continue to be in excellent shape and put himself in prime position for a mega fight with Tyson Fury. That said, Fury is probably considering a pair of superfights with Oleksandr Usyk, due to the rematch clauses involved in their February clash, so Joshua may find himself waiting for a spell. Still, a win over Ngannou – despite Francis’ lack of pedigree as a boxer – would do wonders for Joshua’s status. He could also finally see it properly enter the US market. Ngannou is extremely popular in the United States thanks to his performances in the UFC and there are many MMA fans who believe that he will beat Joshua. If ‘AJ’ can look impressive by beating him, his popularity could skyrocket once again.
Anthony Joshua (Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Naoya Inoue
After an outstanding 2023, in which he was universally recognized as one of the fighters of the year, the Japanese Inoue is on the verge of true stardom in the West. He is already an established superstar in his home country, but Inoue’s name is not known to many casual sports fans in major markets like the United States and the United Kingdom. In fact, there isn’t much reporting on him by mainstream sports media outside of dedicated boxing sites and publications.
Considering he became ‘undisputed’ champion in not one but two weight classes in the last 13 months, it would be nearly impossible for Inoue to surpass those achievements in 2024. However, this could be the year he moves on to the mainstream. With the right opponents and perhaps more appearances in the United States, Inoue’s amazing talent deserves to be seen by the world.
It looks like his campaign this year will begin against Luis Nery, a decent but not entirely exciting challenger.
Naoya Inoue
Amanda Serrano
The Puerto Rican star has been a force of nature in several weight classes over the past few years and 2023 was no different. But it wasn’t just his exploits in the ring that have kept Serrano’s name in the media. She has also been admirably outspoken about campaigning for equality within boxing, which is why last year she vacated her WBC title to protest against the sanctioning body that did not allow women to fight in 12 three-minute rounds. There is no doubt that she will continue to fight the good fight in 2024 and, hopefully, she will continue to receive media attention for it.
Plus, he’s backed by Jake Paul who, whether he likes it or not, has somehow become one of the biggest names in combat sports. In fact, he will box on Serrano’s undercard when she headlines in her home country later this year. Although her own boxing activities leave much to be desired, he has been a staunch supporter of Serrano and his influence has helped raise his profile considerably.
Amanda Serrano (Al Bello/Getty Images)
Ryan Garcia
There are other lightweights and super lightweights who perhaps deserve more media coverage than Garcia: Gervonta Davis (who beat him last year), Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson, to name a few. But none of those men have Garcia’s ability to get his name out there. He is very popular on social networks, where he is very active and knows how to gain ground very quickly.
He has also shown a willingness to join the best fighters. He’ll likely have at least one more big fight this year, perhaps against Haney. Given his online popularity – and a recent connection to one Floyd Mayweather – Garcia will continue to make headlines in 2024. This could also be the year his bubbling feud with promoter Golden Boy comes to a head. It could be complicated and that will be covered extensively.
Ryan García (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Teresa Crawford
In 2023, ‘Bud’ scored the biggest win of his career when he dismantled Errol Spence Jnr. It was a performance that solidified Crawford as a modern great, and one that sets him up for a successful chapter in his career. Crawford, now 36, is nearing the end of his career, but is only now getting the attention he has long deserved.
Based on the interviews he’s given since beating Spence, it’s clear that Crawford only wants really big fights now. There has even been talk of him facing Canelo Álvarez; If that happened, it would be one of the most talked about fights of the year. There are also rumors of a rematch with Spence, who recently underwent eye cataract surgery. Whatever Crawford does next will be big news, and rightly so.
Terence Crawford (Getty Images)
Boxing in the box
January 14
Artur Beterbiev-Callum Smith
Sky Sports Stadium
Coverage begins at 2 a.m.
