2019 marked another strong year for the sport of boxing with a handful of best fights taking place within the U.S. From all-out brawls to technical wars, we look back at five particular fights that were unforgettable.
- Errol Spence Jr. vs. Shawn Porter 9/28/2019 – Los Angeles, CA
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.
- Oleksandr Gvozdyk vs. Artur Beterbiev 10/18/2019 – Philadelphia, PA
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.
- Jarrett Hurd vs. Julian Williams 5/11/2019 – Fairfax, VA
Julian Williams put on a masterful performance, outboxing and outbrawling Jarrett Hurd to become the unified super welterweight champion. It was a breakout performance for Williams, who started strong, fought well on the inside, connecting at will and never giving Hurd a chance to impose his size, reach and power. It was an early frontrunner for Fight of the Year by most boxing media outlets, and for good reason. Williams beat the champion in his own backyard to spring the upset. Hurd was left battered while Williams would require elbow surgery in the aftermath.
- Lamont Peterson vs. Sergey Lipinets 3/24/2019 – Oxon Hill, MD
Former world champion Sergey Lipinets and former two-division champion Lamont Peterson engaged in a spirited and delightful action-packed showdown back in March. It featured the best bout at that time with the rejuvenation of one career, and the end of another. Lipinets turned in the finest performance of his career to date, scoring a 10th round stoppage of brave, hometown hero Peterson. Stopped for the second straight time, with two swollen eyes, Peterson announced his retirement afterwards.
- Guillermo Rigondeaux vs. Julio Ceja 6/23/2019 – Los Angeles, CA
Their phone booth war proved to be an unexpected treat for fight fans. Ceja outworked his opponent for the most part but Rigondeaux landed plenty of leather too, and his shots were much sharper throughout. Their action-packed bout was temporarily halted in the 8th round when both men were deducted a point for low blows. Moments later, Rigondeaux connected on a clean, huge left hand that put Ceja down hard. Ceja did get up, but the referee looked into his eyes and waved off the contest. You usually do not see the Cuban southpaw in exciting matches but he stayed right in the pocket with Ceja for the entire fight. Rigondeaux may no longer be the slickest ring technician but the 39-year-old proved that night that he can bang with the best at 122.
Honorable Mentions
Anthony Joshua vs. Andy Ruiz I
Gennady Golovkin vs. Sergiy Derevyanchenko
Anthony Dirrell vs. David Benavidez
Adam Kownacki vs. Chris Arreola
Tyson Fury vs. Otto Wallin
