2023: A Year of Thrilling Fights
I’ve been writing for this publication for over ten years now…and 2023 was, without doubt, the strongest of all those years. Technically, I shouldn’t be using the word “was,” because here in Connecticut we still have almost nine hours before we slip into 2024. Still, since there’s no more major bouts to be had until the next calendar year, I’m going to go with the past tense here. What a year 2023 was for the sport, though! There were major fights – some of which actually were pay per view worthy – incredible performances, and some thrilling throwdowns.
Despite a few setbacks, the past year has been a positive one for boxing, and it looks like 2024 will continue the upward trend. Exciting matchups are already in the works, with Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk scheduled to fight in February, and talks of a potential bout between Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia. Of course, disappointments are bound to happen, just as they did in 2023. Some big fights may not materialize, easier opponents may be chosen, and social media drama may take precedence over important matches.
However, the overall momentum gained in 2023 is expected to carry over into the new year. Boxing has shifted away from a period of caution and is now embracing ambition and the desire to be great. In 2023, we saw fighters like Terrance Crawford, Naoya Inoue, Garcia, David Benavidez, and Katie Taylor take on tough opponents instead of playing it safe. This shift towards more competitive matchups is a positive sign for the sport.
Let's hope that in 2024, fighters who lack ambition will change their approach and take more risks. The year 2023 has taught us that boxing becomes much more exciting when well-known fighters are willing to put their records on the line. However, we should also remember that in 2024, a loss or two should not be the end for major fighters. This kind of mentality only leads to the same cautious and uneventful boxing matches that the sport has been plagued with for a long time. After all, boxing is filled with stories of fighters who have come back stronger after defeat, achieving greatness. Ultimately, it all comes down to the mindset.
