Here I take a look at the candidates who I believe will win a title in 2024, I’m sure there are some glaringly obvious omissions, for that I apologise in advance.
So in no particular order, lets start with one at Super Middleweight. David Benavidez is the boogeyman of the boxing world, his name uttered alone instils fear within the division with victories over Caleb Plant and Demetrius Andrade in 2023 doing nothing to calm the nerves of his rivals, for a year or so a ginger Mexican going by the name ‘Canelo’ as held the titles hostage with little in the way to indicate a change. Benavidez as been vocal in his intentions to share the ring with Alvarez but there as been little more than a nibble from the Mexican.
Alvarez designates both May and September for his bouts each year, yet Benavidez’s name has yet to be considered, with Jaime Munguia and Jermall Charlo emerging as the probable frontrunners for both dates.
If the scenario unfolds and a call is made for the WBC title to be vacated, the organization’s decision remains a topic of debate. With Benavidez positioned as the mandatory challenger, the Mexican will then face a decisive moment of “fish or cut bait.”
Vasyl Lomachenko should be in possession of the WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO titles in my humble opinion based on what I witnessed as a winning performance over the champion of the time, Devin Haney.
While some have suggested robbery, on May 20th, 2023, Lomachenko appeared to have secured a decision victory on the judges’ scorecards, perhaps by a point or two. However, the judges saw it differently, ultimately crowning Haney as the winner.
Water under the bridge, Haney as since moved north of the division to win another title whilst scattering his former titles in to the realm of vacancy.
The division is now in need of a ruler and on May 12th in Perth, Australia we will get some way to knowing who that person will be when Vasyl Lomachenko faces former unifed ruler George Kambosis Jr.
Hence the reason why Lomachenko has made it onto my list. Kambosis will be a favoured pick amongst some with good reason, he is the man who beat the man in Teofimo Lopez and albeit he lost those titles to Haney in back to back losses, he will be on home soil, hoping to pick up where he left off before he was rudely interrupted by Haney.
I personally don’t believe that will happen. I see Lomachenko taking out his frustrations over the last twelve months on Kambosis to leave the contintent with a title around his waist.
The upcoming addition to the list is a straightforward choice; Jai Opetaia shouldn’t have been forced to vacate his title, but circumstances led to it. The cruiserweight relinquished his title to meet his obligation against Ellis Zorro, whom he swiftly defeated in just one round.
The IBF title was made vacate due to the organisations stance in only accepting the Mairis Briedis rematch (Opetaia defeated Briedis in 2022).
“I fought through absolute agony to win that belt and it saddens me to relinquish it,” said Opetaia regarding having to vacate his title to face Zorro. “But the fact is, Briedis isn’t ready to fight on Dec. 23 and I need to stay active. I simply can’t turn down a career-high payday.”
“Belts should be won and lost in the ring,” Opetaia said. “… I am the true king of the cruiserweight division. … I look forward to getting that IBF belt back as soon as possible and adding all of them, one by one.”
If you’ve come across my earlier article praising Israil Madrimov‘s skills, I’m still a fervent supporter. He earns a spot on this list for his impending clash with Magomed Kurbanov for the WBA Super Welterweight title, even though, truth be told, I almost leaned towards Kurbanov.
After securing a stoppage win and a draw against Michel Soro, Madrimov stands just one fight away from fulfilling his dream of becoming a World champion. The only hurdle in his path is a formidable opponent who is undeniably Very Good as well.
Time will tell as we await an official announcement of the fight, one that will excite the fight fans in due time.
Saturday 4th November IBF King Sivenathi Nontshinga‘s world literally came crashing down around him, left looking up from the arena’s canvas with Adrian Curiel stood over him, having landed the best right hand of his career to date.
The surprise was palpable when Nontshinga, once hailed as the division’s best, succumbed to a change in narrative in just two rounds. A new king emerged, adding to the shock factor of the situation.
Nontshinga finds himself on this list as I believe he will again reign supreme on February 16th.
Nontshinga won the title on 16th Feb in a rematch with Adrian Curiel
Picture By Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
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