Boxing enthusiasts, get ready for some of the most anticipated bouts of the year taking place in the ring this autumn. With bouts ranging from long-brewing rivalries to matchups between unbeaten champions, the latter part of 2024 is sure to be exciting, dramatic, and full of life-changing experiences. After a year filled with highs and lows, the boxing industry is now set to close the year on a positive note. Let’s discuss the big fights that are coming up that will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat, starting with Canelo’s upcoming match and going all the way to a Tyson Fury megafight that might change the landscape of heavyweight boxing in the future.
Canelo Alvarez vs. Edgar Berlanga: T-Mobile Arena bout on September 14
Canelo Alvarez, one of boxing’s most charismatic characters, is our first. The COVID-19 epidemic was avoided thanks in large part to the legend of Mexico, who has continued to be the major power in boxing ever since. His matchup with Edgar Berlanga on September 14 looks to be an exciting one. Canelo has a huge fan base and knockout power, even though Berlanga isn’t thought to be his hardest opponent. He hasn’t faced a fighter of Canelo’s ability before, and the rivalry between Puerto Rico and Mexico always instills a feeling of pride and history in the ring.
However, there isn’t much hype surrounding this battle. Berlanga will need to provide a performance that leaves us in awe—possibly a brilliant fight, a heartfelt demonstration, or a knockout blow that sends him skyrocketing to fame. If Berlanga performs poorly, this might be just another stop on Canelo’s path to larger names; however, if he does well, the boxing narrative might quickly shift. Be prepared for drama, but keep in mind that this is a timeless classic.
September 21: Wembley Stadium’s Daniel Dubois vs. Anthony Joshua match
This fight has the potential to upend the entire structure of British boxing. Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua will square off in what is undoubtedly one of the most thrilling heavyweight fights of recent memory, taking place at the legendary Wembley Stadium. This is a crucial battle for both combatants. At barely 26, Dubois is reaching his prime, and a victory over Joshua might establish him as the new British boxing monarch.
This is about legacy for Joshua. The former Olympic champion is currently chasing a third heavyweight belt after carrying British boxing through a golden age. With around 100,000 spectators expected, Wembley is sure to be electrifying, and Liam Gallagher’s live performance will further heighten the mood. This fight has the makings of a barnburner, and for those who are fortunate enough to witness it, it might be an unforgettable experience.
October 12 at the Kingdom Arena: Dmitry Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev – Fire vs. Ice
If you enjoy top-tier pure boxing, October 12 should be noted on your calendar. Perhaps the bout of the decade will pit the icy-cold tactician Dmitry Bivol against the fearsome knockout power of Artur Beterbiev. Beterbiev is among the world’s most lethal fighters since he has defeated every opponent he has faced. However, there are still concerns about whether he can maintain that brutal edge at 39.
Conversely, Bivol has a reputation for stepping up to the plate. He is the perfect counterbalance to Beterbiev’s wrecking-ball technique since he adjusts to his opponent. It doesn’t get much larger than this, with all the 175-pound belts on the line. This is the ultimate fire vs ice match. This is the battle that genuine boxing aficionados must not miss.
October 26 at Co-op Live Arena: Jack Catterall vs. Regis Prograis: The Redemption Fight
Jack Catterall is determined to get back to the top of the boxing world, and his matchup with Regis Prograis may be the key to his success. Ten years have passed since Catterall first made waves in the industry, but his rise has been more gradual. If he were to defeat the two-time champion Prograis, he would be eligible for another try at the world title.
Devin Haney has surpassed Prograis, therefore Prograis has some work to do. For both men, this fight is about atonement, and the stakes are very high. A victory would put Catterall back in the running for the title, but a defeat would be disastrous for both fighters. A technical and intense battle between two men who cannot afford to lose should be expected.
November 15: The Big Event at AT&T Stadium: Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul
You cannot ignore it, whether you like it or not. In what is sure to be one of the most strange and talked-about events of the year, YouTube sensation Jake Paul and 58-year-old former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson will square off in the ring. This battle is pure entertainment and a far cry from the serious boxing world we know; you can watch it for free on Netflix.
There is sincere curiosity, though, beneath the spectacle of it all. Due to Tyson’s previous health worries, this battle is more about show than it is about skill, and Jake Paul’s prominence as a businessman takes precedence over his boxing abilities. Even while it’s simple to write this off as a money grab, the numbers will undoubtedly be enormous. At least there will be excellent boxing to look forward to with Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano on a fantastic undercard.
December 21: The Rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk in Riyadh
At last, we have what may turn out to be the biggest bout of the year: Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk’s rematch. The first bout was a contemporary classic, full of momentum changes that served as a constant reminder of why heavyweight boxing is the best division in the sport. The stage is now set for an even more intense bout in which both competitors hope to establish themselves as the greatest of their respective eras.
Although Usyk, the maestro, is expected to triumph once more, it would be foolish to count out Tyson Fury. Fury’s career has been distinguished by his capacity to rise to the occasion, particularly when others question him. With the significant financing from Saudi Arabia, this bout may be the one that closes out 2024 strongly and opens up the heavyweight class for an even more thrilling 2025.
