Inoue vs Donaire
This years fight of the year and it was spectacular. Naoya Inoue entered the ring as an overwhelming favourite against the ageing Nonito Donaire however after an evenly matched ten rounds Donaire found himself floored on the canvas which secured Inoue the win.
However, ‘The Monster’ was hindered for ten rounds with double vision which makes his unanimous decision even more impressive. Thirty-six year-old Donaire left the ring with his stock rising as he proved he is certainly capable to competing at the top level and should get another world title shot should one present itself.
Taylor vs Prograis
The World Boxing Super Series does it again, it produced the top two fights of the year. ‘The Tartan Tornado’ Josh Taylor warred with Regis Prograis for twelve hard fought rounds coming out on top. Victorious and adding the Muhammad Ali trophy to his jewellery collection to take back to McGuigan’s gym. The top two men in their division did not dissatisfy when they found each other in the final of the Comosa led tournament. The win solidified Josh Taylor’s place in the pound-for-pound rankings.
Spence vs Porter
This September dust-up in the City of Angels with two welterweight titles and potential rule over the division on the line was a pulsating affair from start to finish. Porter started out fast and even overwhelmed the undefeated IBF champion at times with his combination punching. This fight would be very close throughout with both men giving as much as they took. Spence would score the only knockdown of the fight with a terrific left hook that caught Porter coming in, causing his glove to touch the mat. Spence would eventually defeat Porter by split decision to become IBF/WBC unified champion in the toughest match to date of his career.
Beterbiev vs Gvozdyk
You had two of the very best, not to mention undefeated light heavyweights in the world squaring off here. Gvozdyk had dethroned longtime WBC champion Adonis Stevenson in devastating fashion while Beterbiev had never gone the distance, having stopped all of his opponents. The result brought us one step closer in determining the best light heavyweight in the world as the Russian pulled away late to score three knockdowns and finish off Gvozdyk in the 10th round. This was an exciting chess match where both men had their moments of dominating the action.
Joshua vs Ruiz I
June 1 in Madison Square Garden, Anthony Joshua was originally billed to face drug cheat Jarrell Miller, after he failed three tests Andy Ruiz Jr was drafted in. A mockery to boxing, the fat guy who snacks on snickers bars before fights, the shock of the decade! Ruiz Jr was quick, powerful and all wrong for Joshua as the world was stunned after the Londoner was seated numerous times throughout this fight. Ruiz was of course floored himself early in the fight but, that seemed to bring out the worst in him as he proved he wasn’t there to make up the numbers and he became the first Mexican heavyweight world champion after the fights stoppage in round seven when ‘AJ’ was not complying with the referees orders therefore forcing the ref to deem him unfit to continue.
Honourable Mentions
Ramirez vs Hooker
Dilmaghani vs Fonseca
Roman vs Doheny
