It’s that time again. A new year and another list of potential blockbuster battles for the coming twelve months.
Last year, six of the seventeen listed fights made it over the line. Hopefully, a few more can as we reveal one fight per division we’d like to take place in 2019.
MINIMUMWEIGHT
Wanheng Menayothin v Knockout CP Freshmart
On the list last year, it’s the only bout to make at 105 pounds. A combined record of 71-0 makes this collision a must before either moves up in weight.
LIGHT-FLYWEIGHT
Ken Shiro v Hiroto Kyoguchi
A huge unification between two of Japan’s stars would be the order of the year at the light-flyweight limit.
FLYWEIGHT
Kosei Tanaka v Moruti Mthalane
Tanaka, a two-time WBN Young Fighter of the Year, is already a three-weight world champion in just twelve fights. Veteran Mthalane, on the other hand, is unbeaten in a decade.
SUPER-FLYWEIGHT
Roman Gonzalez v Kal Yafai
Rumors the encounter could happen in 2018 mean this clash makes a list for 2019. Hopefully, both sides can reach an agreement.
BANTAMWEIGHT
Naoya Inoue v Nonito Donaire
A potential final in the World Boxing Super Series, the new superstar against the old, would be a fascinating match-up.
SUPER-BANTAMWEIGHT
Rey Vargas v Emmanuel Navarrete
It could prove an easy match to make, but the WBC ruler pitted against the WBO champion would be an ideal all-Mexcian fight to crown the number one at the weight.
FEATHERWEIGHT
Josh Warrington v Carl Frampton II
In one of the fights of 2018, Frank Warren could do all a favor by putting these two men in the ring together again.
SUPER-FEATHERWEIGHT
Miguel Berchelt v Fernando Vargas
A war of two Mexican warriors for the WBC crown could be a firecracker of a collision.
LIGHTWEIGHT
Vasyl Lomachenko v Gervonta Davis
With Davis currently tight at the super-featherweight limit, a move-up is on the cards. What better way to mark a switch than facing the best fighter on the planet.
SUPER-LIGHTWEIGHT
Regis Prograis v Josh Taylor
Another possible showcase at the finale of the WBSS, Prograis v Taylor is the fight most are hoping for in the last two.
WELTERWEIGHT
Terence Crawford v Amir Khan
With two huge fights already over the line in Errol Spence v Mikey Garcia and Manny Pacquiao v Adrien Broner, Crawford v Khan nods over a Shawn Porter v Danny Garcia rematch.
SUPER-WELTERWEIGHT
Jarrett Hurd v Kell Brook
In a division with slim pickings, it would be nice to see Kell Brook secure the opportunity to fight for another world title at a more comfortable weight.
MIDDLEWEIGHT
Danny Jacobs v Jermall Charlo
Providing Canelo stays at 168, and Gennady Golovkin joins him there, Jacobs v Charlo seems a no-brainer to secure for the coming year.
SUPER-MIDDLEWEIGHT
Canelo v Gennady Golovkin III
Giving ‘GGG’ the chance to win a second-weight division title would be a more interesting affair than both meetings again at 160. Canelo is currently a belt holder in two weight classes, so either cannot be ruled out.
LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHT
Oleksandr Gvozdyk v Badou Jack
Getting the nod just above an all-Russian clash between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, Gvozdyk v Jack had real possibilities in 2019.
CRUISERWEIGHT
Mairis Briedis v Andrew Tabiti
Without the star power of Usyk, Briedis v Tabiti could be for at two titles in the final of the WBSS.
HEAVYWEIGHT
Deontay Wilder v Tyson Fury II
An enthralling meeting in 2018 puts Wilder v Fury II as the most anticipated world title offering this year.