By – Justin Jones & Brian Jones: Remember our passionate appeal back in 2021, urging boxing’s decision-makers to put aside their differences and give fans the epic matchups they crave? We emphasized that “the best vs. the best equals success,” and we still stand by that mantra.
While we’ve seen a few of those matchups come to life, many have yet to appear, lingering in possibility. Our love for boxing, which spans 75 years combined, had us worried about its future. But to our delight, the sport’s excitement has noticeably grown in the past couple of years, thanks in part to social media influencers and elite investors who have shaken things up more than we ever expected. These changes—financially, competitively, and structurally—have breathed new life into boxing.
Gone are the days where fights were derailed by promotional politics, network disputes, and record protection. This shift allows us to dream of four divisional tournaments that could truly capture the boxing world’s imagination.
Here’s what we’re proposing: over the next 18 to 24 months, let’s host tournaments, whether officially or unofficially, in four key divisions: Heavyweight, Light Heavyweight, Junior Welterweight, and Lightweight. We chose these divisions based on a clear set of criteria: fighter rankings, world champions, pay-per-view appeal, live gate and viewership statistics, hall of fame potential, and the intriguing matchups they present.
Now, let’s dive into our proposed tournaments, analysis, and predictions. Let us know your thoughts in the comments or on social media:
Light Heavyweight (175 Pounds) – This division is currently on fire. No other division boasts as much talent, featuring three pound-for-pound elites: Dmitrii Bivol (24-1, 12 KOs), Artur Beterbiev (21-1, 20 KOs), and the emerging star David Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs).
Wildcard: The division’s biggest wildcard could be Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (62-2-2, 39 KOs). If he decided to return to 175 lbs., it would change our tournament dynamics. We could see Callum Smith (31-2, 22 KOs) join, expanding the competition to a six-fighter showdown. However, with Canelo busy until September, we’ll go with a final four:
Semifinals:
– #1 Bivol vs #4 David Morrell (11-1, 9 KOs)
– #2 Beterbiev vs #3 Benavidez
Justin’s Picks: Bivol by Unanimous Decision (UD). Bivol’s comprehensive skill set and championship experience will prove too challenging for Morrell, whose only shot at victory would be a knockout—a feat even Beterbiev couldn’t achieve.
Benavidez by majority decision. I predict an upset as Benavidez’s youthful energy and relentless attack wear down Beterbiev, securing him a tough victory against a future Hall of Famer.
Final: Bivol by UD. The clash of styles in this fight is thrilling. Bivol’s adaptability gives him the edge over the aggressive style of Benavidez. Bivol’s footwork and ring IQ keep him on top.
Brian’s Picks: Bivol by UD over Morrell. Though Morrell aims to seize the division’s throne, Bivol’s prowess ensures his path to a decision win. Meanwhile, Beterbiev stops Benavidez late in an epic showdown.
Final: Bivol narrowly outpoints Beterbiev for the split decision. Beterbiev’s powerful start will test Bivol, but resilience and tactical finesse will help Bivol prevail in this anticipated trilogy fight.
Lightweight (135 Pounds) – This division shines brightly, featuring major pay-per-view star Gervonta “Tank” Davis (30-0-1, 28 KOs) and rival Shakur Stevenson (23-0, 11 KOs). After years of waiting, it’s the perfect time to determine the division’s true king.
Wildcard: Should Vasyl Lomachenko (18-3, 12 KOs) retire or remain inactive, William Zepeda (32-0, 27 KOs) could fill the fourth seed slot, pending Lamont Roach’s (25-1-2, 10 KOs) continued presence at 135. This could prompt a fourth seed elimination bout.
Semifinals:
– #1 T. Davis vs #4 K. Davis (13-0, 9 KOs)
– #2 Stevenson vs #3 Lomachenko (18-3, 12 KOs)
Justin’s Picks: Tank by late TKO. Keyshawn shows promise but needs more experience before facing Tank. Stevenson by UD. I expect a great performance from Stevenson, capitalizing on Lomachenko’s inactivity and age.
Final: Stevenson by split decision. This battle between two legendary talents will be tight, but Stevenson’s defense and speed tip the scales in his favor.
Brian’s Picks: Tank by KO over Keyshawn. Despite Tank’s underwhelming recent performance, I envision a late stoppage, with Keyshawn showing early promise before succumbing to Tank’s power. Stevenson edges Lomachenko by decision in what might’ve once favored Lomachenko.
Final: Tank by TKO over Stevenson. A thrilling potential FOTY candidate, Tank finds success in the later rounds after adjusting to Stevenson’s elusive style.
Junior Welterweight (140 Pounds) – This division offers a compelling mix of bold personalities and tense rivalries. Some might say the pre-fight banter is as entertaining as the bouts themselves.
Semifinals:
– #1 Teófimó López (21-1, 13 KOs) vs #4 Ryan Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs)
– #2 Richardson Hitchins (19-0, 7 KOs) vs #3 Devin Haney (31-0, 15 KOs)
Justin’s Picks: López by UD. López’s reputation may be exaggerated, but he has the explosiveness to outpace Ryan. Haney by UD. After a tough setback, Haney’s speed and jab will keep Hitchins at bay.
Final: Haney by UD. I see Haney reclaiming a unified title with smart movement and tactical supremacy over López.
Brian’s Picks: López by decision. Though the buildup will draw attention, López’s agility guides him to a win over Garcia’s deadly hook. Hitchins surprises Haney with a decision, fueled by hunger and restored confidence.
Final: Dubois by TKO. Anticipation aims high in NY, and López’s tenacity ultimately seals a narrow victory.
Heavyweight – This division ushers in a new era with its iconic figures nearing retirement. It boasts the legendary Oleksandr Usyk (23-0, 14 KOs) and emerging competitors aimed at claiming the division’s mantle.
Semifinals:
– #1 Usyk vs #4 Agit Kabayel (26-0, 18 KOs)
– #2 Daniel Dubois (22-2, 21 KOs) vs #3 Joseph Parker (36-3, 24 KOs)
Justin’s Picks: Usyk by UD. Though not at his peak, Usyk still exhibits brilliance, overtaking Kabayel with characteristic dominance. Parker by split decision. After being knocked down early by Dubois, Parker rebounds, using his agility and strategy to come out on top.
Final: Usyk by UD. Only time can conquer Usyk. I foresee him triumphing in his final fight, securing his legacy with superior skill over a determined Parker.
Brian’s Picks: Usyk by late stoppage. Kabayel’s strengths aren’t enough against Usyk’s prowess, ending by TKO in later rounds. Dubois by KO. Despite Parker’s early lead, Dubois’ power catches up, securing victory.
Final: Dubois by TKO. In this decisive rematch, Dubois claims the heavyweight crown by handing Usyk his first defeat in a climactic showdown.
Our message to fighters and decision-makers is simple: keep delivering these spectacular matchups and experiences. We, the fans and boxing community, need you to “Make Boxing Great Again.” Boxing truly deserves this resurgence, so let’s not look back.
