Selecting one preferred clash in each division, the list below is a compilation of clashes that should happen in 2015 to benefit all those involved in the sport, and have the potential to be classics based on the calibre of the fighters involved.
Last year’s list saw three fights make it to the ring from our list of 17, with only Tony Bellew v Nathan Cleverly II at cruiserweight, Saul Alvarez v Erislandy Lara at 154lbs and the Miguel Cotto v Sergio Martinez middleweight battle coming to fruition.
Heavyweight – Wladimir Klitschko v Deontay Wilder
Following on from its conclusion in last year’s list, a fight between four-belt king Klitschko and WBC title challenger Wilder should be made in earnest should the latter overcome Berman Stiverne later this month.
If Stiverne manages to keep his green belt, a unification with Klitschko has to be made for the summer.
Cruiserweight – Marco Huck v Tony Bellew
Positive vibes have already come from both camps regarding what looks on paper to be the most exciting bout in the 200lb division at the moment. It is hoped that any disagreements about a venue for any potential clash can be ironed out, with the two talented punchers hopefully meeting in the late spring or summer.
Light heavyweight – Sergey Kovalev v Adonis Stevenson
There’s only one fight that has to be made in 2015 at 175lbs and that is WBO, IBF and WBA champion Kovalev engaging in a mouth-watering bout with WBC title holder Stevenson.
Super middleweight – Andre Ward v Gennady Golovkin
As Golovkin runs out of credible opponents at 160lbs, a move up to super-middleweight to face Ward seems like a natural progression for the WBN Fighter of the Year. Granted that Ward would need a bout or two to shake off any ring rust after fighting just once in two years, although there is no reason why a clash couldn’t take place in late 2015 if the pair are both keen.
Middleweight – Miguel Cotto v Canelo Alvarez
Negotiations for a catchweight encounter have been ongoing for some time between WBC champion Cotto and ex-154lb king Alvarez which could take place in May or June at an agreed weight of around 155lbs.
Light middleweight – Erislandy Lara v Jermell Charlo
Up and comer Charlo has been on the brink of sealing a big fight for the past 12 months having put together a run of 25 straight wins and being matched with Lara would certainly be a gauge for what the contender could then achieve in the remainder of his career.
Welterweight – Floyd Mayweather v Manny Pacquiao
Mayweather and Pacquiao are under immense pressure to complete negotiations after admitting they want the multi-million dollar fight to happen this year. Talks are tentatively ongoing as the boxing world awaits the completion of secretive talks between the two parties.
Light welterweight – Terence Crawford v Adrien Broner
On the back of a spectacular 2014, former lightweight world title holder Terence Crawford is ready for a run at the light-welterweight limit. A clash against the rejuvenated Broner would certainly have the fans salivating at the prospect and with Top Rank and Golden Boy in unison once again, there is no reason why the fight can’t happen.
Any combination of Jessie Vargas, Ruslan Provodnikov, Crawford or ‘The Problem’ would be most welcome though.
Lightweight – Richar Abril v Anthony Crolla
Due to the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the cancellation of his first world title fight, WBN saw it as only fair that Crolla’s potentially rearranged bout with Abril was placed as the one contest at 135lbs that should take place.
Mikey Garcia v Omar Figueroa would also be high on the list should the former super-featherweight champion go the WBC route following his move up.
Super featherweight – Takashi Miura v Jhonny Gonzalez
WBC title holder Miura has already made public knowledge of his desire to meet featherweight champion Gonzalez in 2015 as rumours gather pace that a fight could be on the cards.
Featherweight – Nicholas Walters v Vasyl Lomachenko
Walters made big waves in 2015 and with both he and Lomachenko currently under the Top Rank banner, the clash should be relatively easy to put together.
Super bantamweight – Guillermo Rigondeaux v Carl Frampton
The much-avoided Rigo has blown away all before him so far in his career, although look vulnerable against his latest victim Hisashi Amagasa. Frampton becoming the IBF title holder has given the fight considerably more weight, and with the Irishman keen on campaigning at home, road warrior Rigondeaux Irish ties may mean the Cuban would be up for the challenge.
Bantamweight – Tomoki Kameda v Jamie McDonnell
News that the fight will happen in 2015 broke late last year as both the WBO and WBA champions aim for the top spot in the division.
Super flyweight – Naoya Inoue v Carlos Cuadras
Naoya Inoue announced himself as the new star of the division as the 21-year-old destroyed long-reigning champion Omar Narvaez in just two rounds and challenging the WBC king seems the next logical step.
Flyweight – Roman Gonzalez v Juan Carlos Reveco
As unified champion Juan Estrada ponders a move up to super-flyweight, matching WBC and WBA title holders Gonzalez and Reveco would make for a great battle I am sure. As would Gonzalez v Estrada at the higher weight class.
Light flyweight – Pedro Guevara v Donnie Nietes
The number one and number two in the division seem destined to collide at some point in 2015.
Minimumweight – Katsunari Takayama v Hekkie Budler
A four-belt battle weight the Japanese IBF and WBO champion and the WBA and IBO belt holder would be a defining fight in the lowest division.
Follow on Twitter@PhilDJay for tweets of upcoming news on @WorldBoxingNews
