Boxing in 2024 reminded us exactly why the sweet science can be both: electrifying and unpredictable. Below is a recap of seven pivotal fights that defined the year:
Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov
Terence “Bud” Crawford took a daring step up to super welterweight, challenging the skilled and physical Israil Madrimov for the WBA title. In a tactical first half, Madrimov showed why many viewed him as a budding star, tagging Crawford with solid countershots and smart footwork. As the fight advanced, Crawford’s superior ring IQ and adaptability emerged, especially during the championship rounds. Despite Madrimov’s resilience - he became the first fighter since 2016 to push Crawford to a full 12-round decision - Crawford triumphed with scores of 116-112, 115-113, and 115-113. Post-fight, he praised Madrimov’s toughness, hinting that bigger challenges at 154 might be on the horizon.
Watch Crawford vs. Madrimov highlights: Watch
Serhii Bohachuk vs. Vergil Ortiz Jr.
Originally hyped as a big shootout, this interim WBC super welterweight title clash delivered beyond expectations. Serhii Bohachuk stunned the crowd early by flooring Vergil Ortiz Jr. in the first round, rattling the typically dominant Texan. Ortiz regrouped, only to be dropped again in Round 8. With both warriors showing grit and heart, the bout went the distance - a first for Ortiz - who eked out a majority decision (114-112, 114-112, 113-113). CompuBox numbers revealed Ortiz’s slight edge in punches landed, and though Ortiz escaped with the victory, Bohachuk’s stock soared thanks to his explosive power.
Watch Bohachuk vs. Ortiz Jr. highlights: Watch
Canelo Alvarez vs. Jaime Munguia
An all-Mexican superfight at super middleweight, this clash pitted living legend Canelo Alvarez against the hard-charging Jaime Munguia. Much of the boxing world anticipated fireworks - and they got them. In the opening rounds, Munguia tried to impose his youth and size, but Canelo’s ring craftsmanship became apparent as he expertly timed counters and navigated the heavier shots. While some felt Canelo could have gone for the stoppage, he opted for a calculated approach, resulting in a unanimous decision victory. Rumors swirled that he “carried” Munguia to gain him more experience on the big stage.
Watch Canelo vs. Munguia highlights: Watch
Rafael Espinoza vs. Robeisy Ramirez
In the featherweight division, rising contender Rafael Espinoza took on two-time Olympic gold medalist Robeisy Ramirez. Through the first five rounds, Ramirez’s polished technique won him key moments. Yet Espinoza’s aggressive combinations steadily broke through, culminating in a sixth-round TKO when Ramirez withdrew, citing elbow issues and vision problems.
Watch Espinosa vs. Ramirez highlights: Watch
Emanuel Navarrete vs. Denys Berinchyk
At super featherweight, Emanuel Navarrete faced Denys Berinchyk for the vacant WBO lightweight title and in a closely contested bout, Berinchyk emerged victorious by split decision, with judges scoring the fight 115-113 and 116-112 in his favor, and 116-112 for Navarrete. Despite Navarrete’s reputation for power and aggression, he struggled to find his rhythm against the technically sound Berinchyk. 
Watch the post-fight interview here: Watch
Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk I
The boxing world had begged for this showdown: Tyson Fury, the towering “Gypsy King,” colliding with Oleksandr Usyk, a master of angles and footwork. For the first few rounds, Fury attempted to bully Usyk with his size, but the Ukrainian responded with sharper counters and clever lateral movement. The pivotal ninth round saw Usyk score a critical knockdown that rattled Fury’s confidence. Two judges gave the nod to Usyk (115-112, 114-113), while one saw it for Fury (114-113). That scorecard sealed Usyk’s status as the first undisputed heavyweight champion in a four belt era.
Watch Fury vs. Usyk I highlights: Watch
Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol
An undisputed light heavyweight crown was up for grabs when the destructive Artur Beterbiev locked horns with the precise Dmitry Bivol. True to form, Beterbiev hunted for the knockout, while Bivol’s defense and crisp counterpunches kept him in the fight. Mid-rounds drama erupted when Beterbiev rocked Bivol, shifting the momentum enough to sway two of the judges, awarding Beterbiev a majority decision (114-114, 115-113, 116-112). Both men showcased elite-level skill, fueling calls for a rematch.
From the crisp mastery displayed by Crawford at super welterweight to the epic heavyweight duel that crowned Usyk undisputed, 2024 offered fights we’ll be talking about for years. After all, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of a big fight - and boxing keeps delivering.
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