Boxing has seen a remarkable start to the year. In the first six months, champions achieved undisputed status and had mammoth upsets. The sport is now in a bit more of a slump as it prepares for more wildness in late summer and early autumn.
Many of the top fighters in the sport are ready to return to the ring. CBS Sports’ writers took it upon them to answer the most pressing questions as the final six months begin.
Let’s now dive into the predictions and questions from Brian Campbell, “Morning Kombat”, host, as well as Brent Brookhouse, staff writer.
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Terence Crawford vs. Errol Spencer Jr. and Tyson Fury against the winner of Oleksandr Uzyk and Anthony Joshua
Campbell: While it is past time for both fights to be fair, the good news for boxing fans, however, is that the wait seems almost over. Both Spence, Crawford seem to be heading toward a fight at 147 pounds in the fall. As unified champion Oleksandr Uzyk and Anthony Joshua have agreed to their August rematch, the heavyweights are moving closer. Tyson Fury is the unbeaten WBC titleholder and, while he does not use the threat of retiring as leverage, he appears to be ready to fight the winner. It has been pleasant to see a trend in undisputed fights in all weight divisions. However, none of these weight divisions have quite the royal status as the two most lucrative in the sport: welterweight or heavyweight.
Brookhouse: It is refreshing to see big fights in the boxing ring. Crawford vs. Spence is now possible because Crawford has left Top Rank. The fight must happen. It seems that it will happen. It’s not just going to happen. Both fighters will be in their primes, as well as being world champions at their ideal weights. The Heavyweight fight is more complex. Fury should meet the Joshua vs. Usyk champion, of course. Fury claims he is retired and will not end his retirement for less $500 million. Fury will be rewarded with a boatload, even half a million, of money for this legacy-defining fight. Although I doubt that the heavyweight unification will happen before the end, I still believe it will be in 2023.
Campbell: Vasiliy Lomachenko
For negotiating in a mandatory match clause, George Kambosos Jr. must be given all credit. However, it seems that no one is interested in giving Haney another chance to solve the technical puzzle. The 23-year old phenom would face much more difficult challenges in a perfect world. One of the most appealing and easy to promote would be a fight against Vasiliy Lomachenko, former unified titleholder. Although Haney could potentially do more chasing Ryan Garcia and Gervonta Davies, it’s clear that Lomachenko is the most attractive option for Haney. This fight features two of the best chess players in boxing in the ultimate crossroads fights.
Brookhouse: George Kambosos
It’s not because it’s Haney’s “best” fight, but because it is his contractual obligation. Kambosos used his undisputed champion status to guarantee a rematch in Australia. There is no indication that a rematch will be any different from the first fight. However, Haney cannot fight anyone else unless they are willing to spend some time in courtroom. Kambosos will not step aside if he has already put himself in the best possible position.
Campbell: Super bantamweight
It’s obvious that welterweight is the answer, especially since Spence and Crawford are close to signing the dotted lines for a fall showdown. Stephen Fulton Jr. is making noise as he tries to win all four belts and the P4P crown. “Cool Boy Steph,” who has openly desired a showdown against Murodjan Akhmadaliev (who returns this weekend against Ronny Ris), is clearly outspoken. A four-belt title fight would be difficult given the fact that Fulton and Akhmadaliev fight across different networks. However, all parties seem to be interested in it.
Brookhouse: Bantamweight
A welterweight unification looks like it will occur with Spence and Crawford wanting to fight, but the bantamweight fight is the most straightforward fight to crown an undisputed champion. After destroying Nonito Donaire, Naoya inoue now holds three belts. Paul Butler has the WBO title. Butler stated that he is open to making the fight happen, and that he will travel to Japan to do so. His team is also in discussions to have the fight completed before the end the year. Inoue made it clear that he wants undisputed status after the Donaire victory. It’s too easy to put together this fight and Inoue doesn’t feel as cursed to encounter odd difficulties like Crawford vs. Spence.
Campbell: This is the most likely answer. However, this doesn’t mean GGG will not be willing to take up his sword and lean on his legendary chin. A trilogy fight against Golovkin is not considered an easy fight for Alvarez. This is especially true after the two classics that both fighters have produced in recent years. However, Golovkin is clearly out of his prime at 40. This is a shame considering that Alvarez, 31, is much more dangerous than ever. Boxing fans believe Alvarez could defeat Golovkin in dominant performances that would double as a “get well” fight after Alvarez’s loss to Dmitry Bivol, WBA light-heavyweight champion.
Brookhouse: Alvarez will likely stop Golovkin this round. Golovkin is still an excellent fighter but he’s no longer the fighter he was. Golovkin has also been struggling with weight gain and his body being manipulated by opponents in recent fights. Alvarez is a skilled body puncher, and knows that Golovkin’s physique is his priority. Alvarez was not beaten by Bivol. He was simply outboxed. This fight is not going to ruin Alvarez’s reputation as a boxer. Golovkin is a little less than he was in his first fight with Alvarez. But that’s enough to allow Alvarez to make big statements.
