BoxRec

With just a couple of fights left this year, thought it would be a good time to think of the fights i'd like to see for our top guys next year. I've tried to be vaguely realistic, and hopefully at least a good few of them will come off.

Fury v Wlad - Wlad fighting any current heavy has limited appeal, so why not give Fury a shot. I don't give him more than a crude sluggers chance, but it would be entertaining

Price v Chisora - If Price can rebuild and banish the demons, this would be a good test. Chisora is in form and highly ranked but he doesn't punch hard and could provide Price a route to a title shot

Nathan Cleverly v Marco Huck - Easy fight to make and will provide Nathan with a stern test. Winnable if he is the world class fighter that he and his team claim. Would be highly entertaining

Carl Froch v George Groves II - Whether you think that Groves was stopped to save him from a beating or that Froch was handed a lucky win that he didn't deserve, the only way to truly solve it is with a rematch. No other fight makes a great deal of sense (or as much money) for either.

James Degale v Stieglitz/Abraham winner - Fast becoming the forgotten man of British boxing. Needs a big fight this year and the german-based belt holder would be ideal

Martin Murray v Felix Sturm - With Barker probably retired, it should fall to Martin to attepmt to return the title to these shores. Their first fight was a draw, so there is plenty of scope for a rematch, while a proposed fight for Murray with Golovkin at this stage might be foolhardy and could be scuppered by visa issues

Billy Joe Saunders v Matthew Macklin - A true crossroads fight. I think Matthew is done at world level, while Billy-Joe should be looking to step up. I would favour Billy Joe, but he will need to be at his best to beat a warrior like Macklin

Kell Brook v Shawn Porter - Kell needs to fight for a world title in 2014. Porter looks the most straightforward option (in terms of matchmaking at least)

Frankie Gavin v Josesito Lopez - A beatable, semi-world level opponent for Frankie who really needs to move up a level.

Amir Khan v Marcos Maidana - I know both guys are going after Floyd, but rather than watch those humiliations, why not rematch each other? The first was a mini-classic war and a rematch could be even better. After Maidana's stunning win on saturday, the fight would make a bucket of money too

Ricky Burns v Adrien Broner - At 140lb. Burns has been constantly accused of avoiding Broner, so why not chase the fight? I'm sure a world title could be conjured up to give the fight added meaning. I doubt Adrien could be tempted to the UK, so a big Vegas night for Ricky against a fighter who appears quite lazy and doesn't handle pressure well. Would be entertaining

Carl Frampton v Leo Santa Cruz - Santa Cruz can look exceptional in one fight and ordinary in the next. He has some impressive names on his cv, but I'm not sure he's fought anyone with the talent and power of Frampton. Carl needs a big fight this year, and a world title against the Mexican at a thunderous Kings Hall in Belfast would be sensational

Scott Quigg v Kiko Martinez - Quigg to fight Martinez (assuming he beats Mathebula on saturday) to provide a benchmark against Framptons impressive handling of the spaniard. If both these fights come off (with wins for the Brits) then a unification late 2014/early 2015 would be huge.

Jamie McDonnell v Malinga/Hall winner - Jamie should be given an opportunity to win his belt back. Obviously there would be promotional problems with a Hall victory, but it would be a shame to see Jamie continue in 6 and 8 rounders in the year after he became a world champion

earsjohn wrote:With just a couple of fights left this year, thought it would be a good time to think of the fights i'd like to see for our top guys next year. I've tried to be vaguely realistic, and hopefully at least a good few of them will come off.

Fury v Wlad - Wlad fighting any current heavy has limited appeal, so why not give Fury a shot. I don't give him more than a crude sluggers chance, but it would be entertaining

Price v Chisora - If Price can rebuild and banish the demons, this would be a good test. Chisora is in form and highly ranked but he doesn't punch hard and could provide Price a route to a title shot

Nathan Cleverly v Marco Huck - Easy fight to make and will provide Nathan with a stern test. Winnable if he is the world class fighter that he and his team claim. Would be highly entertaining

Carl Froch v George Groves II - Whether you think that Groves was stopped to save him from a beating or that Froch was handed a lucky win that he didn't deserve, the only way to truly solve it is with a rematch. No other fight makes a great deal of sense (or as much money) for either.

James Degale v Stieglitz/Abraham winner - Fast becoming the forgotten man of British boxing. Needs a big fight this year and the german-based belt holder would be ideal

Martin Murray v Felix Sturm - With Barker probably retired, it should fall to Martin to attepmt to return the title to these shores. Their first fight was a draw, so there is plenty of scope for a rematch, while a proposed fight for Murray with Golovkin at this stage might be foolhardy and could be scuppered by visa issues

Billy Joe Saunders v Matthew Macklin - A true crossroads fight. I think Matthew is done at world level, while Billy-Joe should be looking to step up. I would favour Billy Joe, but he will need to be at his best to beat a warrior like Macklin

Kell Brook v Shawn Porter - Kell needs to fight for a world title in 2014. Porter looks the most straightforward option (in terms of matchmaking at least)

Frankie Gavin v Josesito Lopez - A beatable, semi-world level opponent for Frankie who really needs to move up a level.

Amir Khan v Marcos Maidana - I know both guys are going after Floyd, but rather than watch those humiliations, why not rematch each other? The first was a mini-classic war and a rematch could be even better. After Maidana's stunning win on saturday, the fight would make a bucket of money too

Ricky Burns v Adrien Broner - At 140lb. Burns has been constantly accused of avoiding Broner, so why not chase the fight? I'm sure a world title could be conjured up to give the fight added meaning. I doubt Adrien could be tempted to the UK, so a big Vegas night for Ricky against a fighter who appears quite lazy and doesn't handle pressure well. Would be entertaining

Carl Frampton v Leo Santa Cruz - Santa Cruz can look exceptional in one fight and ordinary in the next. He has some impressive names on his cv, but I'm not sure he's fought anyone with the talent and power of Frampton. Carl needs a big fight this year, and a world title against the Mexican at a thunderous Kings Hall in Belfast would be sensational

Scott Quigg v Kiko Martinez - Quigg to fight Martinez (assuming he beats Mathebula on saturday) to provide a benchmark against Framptons impressive handling of the spaniard. If both these fights come off (with wins for the Brits) then a unification late 2014/early 2015 would be huge.

Jamie McDonnell v Malinga/Hall winner - Jamie should be given an opportunity to win his belt back. Obviously there would be promotional problems with a Hall victory, but it would be a shame to see Jamie continue in 6 and 8 rounders in the year after he became a world champion

lots of great fights there but I think Macklin is still the best middleweight by a distance and murrary was awful on saturday night,
also why would frampton fight in Kings hall when he is now filling out a larger stadium in the Odyssey arena,
Frampton would title fight in the summer will fill a stadium in Belfast

Interesting to see betting websites have got Froch vs Groves odds now.... although noted their date says 1st April.... which falls on a tuesday. Little glint in Fastcar's eye when talking about it as a possibility for next year. I think its very close to being agreed personally - just guessing by the above.

As for another fight - how about this one - not been mentioned at all but I think its a natural.

Quigg vs McDonnell.

Like to see Butler in a world title fight also by the end of the year - really impressed with him.

mullenman wrote:
lots of great fights there but I think Macklin is still the best middleweight by a distance and murrary was awful on saturday night,
also why would frampton fight in Kings hall when he is now filling out a larger stadium in the Odyssey arena,
Frampton would title fight in the summer will fill a stadium in Belfast

I meant the Odyssey, but put Kings Hall meaning to go back once i'd researched the name. The Odyssey is a bigger arena, but nowhere near as atmospheric as the Kings Hall. I wouldn't give a visiting fighter much of a chance against Frampton in that kind of bearpit.

Fights I would like to see.

Internationally

Khan v Mayweather - styles make fights and they match up very well. Would be a very entertaining fight. Hope this Happens..

Burns v Crawford - this reminds me a bit of Calzaghe v Lacy. Will roles reverse. I change my mind every day shows it's a great 50/50 fight.

Fury v Wilder - sounds like Wilder is getting a crack at the WBC belt. I'm sure he will be fed an easy win so would like to see his first mandatory v Fury. Fury wins this by KO for me.

Chisora v Wlad - this is a better fight for Chisora. Wlad hates pressure I actually think it is a fight he may win.

Groves v Froch 2 - not going to happen but it should .

Bika v Degale - I think Degale will become world champion this year. Both him and Groves gearing up for another all British Superfight 2015.

Brook v Khan - can see this happening after the may weather fight great fight.

Frampton v Quigg - why go in opposite directions the fight is big enough now.

Domestic

Butcher v Satchell - Butcher deserves a rematch

Clark/Kay's v Walsh/Sykes - it's funny how these fights are very similar. The winners should fight and also Troy James in that mix also

Cleverley v Bellew 2 - this is domestic level now. Clev all the way but big fight none the less

Cornish v Sexton - Cornish needs a little step up and Sexton could provide a bit of a test. I think Cornish's size would be too much for Sexton.

Coyle v Crolla - I believe Crolla will beat Gethin and would make a great fight with Tommy.

Flannigan v Mitchell - these 2 are in my eyes the best 2 lightweights in the uk behind Ricky Burns. I think Flannigan is our next big star.. Might not be that entertaining to watch but he is class

Harrison v Mathews - I think Mathews is made for Scott.. Most would favour Derry I'm sure but I think we would see fireworks.

Got lots more but getting a bit bored :)

earsjohn wrote:With just a couple of fights left this year, thought it would be a good time to think of the fights i'd like to see for our top guys next year. I've tried to be vaguely realistic, and hopefully at least a good few of them will come off.

Fury v Wlad - Wlad fighting any current heavy has limited appeal, so why not give Fury a shot. I don't give him more than a crude sluggers chance, but it would be entertaining

With the WBC title now available I'd assume Fury, amongst with several others will be looking at that options. 2014 seems likely to see Wlad booked up with Leapai and Pulev anyway.

Price v Chisora - If Price can rebuild and banish the demons, this would be a good test. Chisora is in form and highly ranked but he doesn't punch hard and could provide Price a route to a title shot

Would love this but can't see it happening. As with the above Chisora should be looking at the WBC title and fights Wilder, Stiverne, Perez or Arreola would currently be more interesting with Price's current form

Nathan Cleverly v Marco Huck - Easy fight to make and will provide Nathan with a stern test. Winnable if he is the world class fighter that he and his team claim. Would be highly entertaining

Poor Nathan gets decapitated. Would be entertaining if you dislike Cleverly but he'd be completely destroyed and swiftly.

Carl Froch v George Groves II - Whether you think that Groves was stopped to save him from a beating or that Froch was handed a lucky win that he didn't deserve, the only way to truly solve it is with a rematch. No other fight makes a great deal of sense (or as much money) for either.

Can't see any problems with this. Carl might not want it but it looks likely.

James Degale v Stieglitz/Abraham winner - Fast becoming the forgotten man of British boxing. Needs a big fight this year and the german-based belt holder would be ideal

I've not complaints here. Can't work out why DeGale/Groves II doesn't get made as an eliminator IF Groves can't get the Froch rematch.

Martin Murray v Felix Sturm - With Barker probably retired, it should fall to Martin to attepmt to return the title to these shores. Their first fight was a draw, so there is plenty of scope for a rematch, while a proposed fight for Murray with Golovkin at this stage might be foolhardy and could be scuppered by visa issues

Good enough fight here and could be very entertaining if Sturm comes out with his new found killer attitude.

Billy Joe Saunders v Matthew Macklin - A true crossroads fight. I think Matthew is done at world level, while Billy-Joe should be looking to step up. I would favour Billy Joe, but he will need to be at his best to beat a warrior like Macklin

I'd go the opposite way, don't think BJS is as good as he thinks, would be a great test for him though.

Kell Brook v Shawn Porter - Kell needs to fight for a world title in 2014. Porter looks the most straightforward option (in terms of matchmaking at least)

Don't see this happening, Brook has his chance with a straight forward one and blew it, can't see the IBF forcing a mandatory with Brook involved again.

Frankie Gavin v Josesito Lopez - A beatable, semi-world level opponent for Frankie who really needs to move up a level.

Really good one, as would Gavin v Bundu which would also be a step up for Gavin.

Amir Khan v Marcos Maidana - I know both guys are going after Floyd, but rather than watch those humiliations, why not rematch each other? The first was a mini-classic war and a rematch could be even better. After Maidana's stunning win on saturday, the fight would make a bucket of money too

Would enjoy this one and a lot, lot more than Mayweather v Khan which to me seems like a mismatch.

Ricky Burns v Adrien Broner - At 140lb. Burns has been constantly accused of avoiding Broner, so why not chase the fight? I'm sure a world title could be conjured up to give the fight added meaning. I doubt Adrien could be tempted to the UK, so a big Vegas night for Ricky against a fighter who appears quite lazy and doesn't handle pressure well. Would be entertaining

Can't see this one taking place, especially not after Crawford beats Ricky.

Carl Frampton v Leo Santa Cruz - Santa Cruz can look exceptional in one fight and ordinary in the next. He has some impressive names on his cv, but I'm not sure he's fought anyone with the talent and power of Frampton. Carl needs a big fight this year, and a world title against the Mexican at a thunderous Kings Hall in Belfast would be sensational

This might take place, though I doubt it, I'd imagine Frampton will be looking at the IBF title instead, certainly wouldn't get Leo over to Ireland.

Scott Quigg v Kiko Martinez - Quigg to fight Martinez (assuming he beats Mathebula on saturday) to provide a benchmark against Framptons impressive handling of the spaniard. If both these fights come off (with wins for the Brits) then a unification late 2014/early 2015 would be huge.

Agree fully with the last part but I think Frampton/Martinez II is more likely. Would love to see Quigg in with Hasegawa though, that'd help Quigg earn real creditability in my eyes.

Jamie McDonnell v Malinga/Hall winner - Jamie should be given an opportunity to win his belt back. Obviously there would be promotional problems with a Hall victory, but it would be a shame to see Jamie continue in 6 and 8 rounders in the year after he became a world champion

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No argument at all here

Top of my list would be Chisora-Fury II closely followed by Quigg-Frampton, Brook-Khan, Froch-Groves and Murray-Macklin

I would like to see BJS against Eubank jr but don't think it will happen. I'm not sure Jr is the real deal, make a lot of quotes on Twitter but does not follow them up.

Anthony Joshua vs Shug Fury is one i've fancied from before joshua turned pro

From the superbantams, i'd much rather see frampton beat Kiko again
then fight quigg if he get the win

Defs want to see BJS and Gavin go for the Euro titles next year which I think they win.

Plus I think Macklin Sturm rematch is a must.

Matchroom have to start mixing the lightweights up in 2014 as well.

Khan vs Brook

Murray vs Macklin

Fury vs Wilder

Groves vs Froch

Chisora vs Lewison

Quigg vs Frampton

Murray v macklin
Gavin v khan
Yafia v butler
Warrington v ryan walsh
Crolla v murray
Simmons v keane
Eubank jnr v blackwell
C.Smith v fielding
Joe murray v ste smith
Sykes v walsh
Kays /clark v troy james.
Foot v gaynor
Ochieng v al harbi
Nurse v. Nav mansouri

I know it has now been made for Feb 1st but I've always wanted
Buckland v Rees and I am hoping Pryce v Hope is added to the bill.