British boxing is in an electrifying stage at the moment with talent across all the divisions, and 2018 has a lot to live up to.
British boxing is flying, but there is still so much more to come to whet the appetite.
In a year where we saw Anthony Joshua batter Wladimir Klitschko into retirement and Tony Bellew upset huge odds to defeat David Haye, 2018 has a challenge on its hands.
From heavyweight to superfly, we are awash with talent and potential mouthwatering fights.
Here, I give my prediction for fights that have to happen next year.
James DeGale vs Callum Smith
Super middleweight has it all going on at the moment but let’s not forget the number one in the world James “Chunky” DeGale, who needs to get back in the headlines soon.
He is set for what looks like a warm-up fight against Caleb Truax as he comes back from injury.
But a great future fight is against Callum Smith, depending how the Liverpool man goes in the Super Series that is.
At 6ft 3ins and with an excellent jab, Smith could be the standout man in the Series and a fight with DeGale would surely follow.
And what a fight.
My prediction: if the injury is fully healed, DeGale on points.
Josh Warrington vs Kid Galadah
A Yorkshire derby at featherweight between Leeds hero Josh Warrington taking on Sheffield’s Kid Galahad would be an excellent clash of styles.
Both are pure boxers, and are two hungry undefeated fighters.
Somebody’s O has to go and my pick would be Warrington on points.
Kal Yafai vs Jamie Conlan
Birmingham’s Kal Yafai at super flyweight is doing everything right in his career.
He is a star amateur and now the WBA champion and is ready for anyone in the division.
And a natural fight is him going at it against Belfast’s Jamie Conlon, who will be desperate to prove his shock KO loss to Jerwin Ancajas was a one-off.
My pick would be Yafai on points.
Lee Selby vs Carl Frampton
Featherweight puts together two of my favourite fighters and Britain’s very best in Lee Selby and Carl Frampton.
It is another dream pairing both with very different skills and super slick.
Selby against Belfast’s Jackal doesn’t even need a build up, its got everything.
Two modest but tough guys who have talent to spare. It is a “pick um” fight by anybody’ standards.
My prediction is Frampton on a close points decision.
Terry Flanagan vs Anthony Crolla
At lightweight I want to know who the best in a Manchester, forget the World.
Terry Flanagan is undefeated in 33 fights and holds the WBO title while Crolla is a former WBA champion who has just recently defeated boxing legend Ricky Burns.
It is another huge match for the Manchester Arena and a super pairing between two likeable, all-action fighters that would be a super scrap.
My pick is Flanagan on points.
Jamie McDonnell vs Ryan Burnett
At bantamweight Jamie McDonnell and Ryan Burnett hold three of the world belts and this is a perfect match to make as both are Matchroom fighters.
But who wins?
It’s a great fight, two tough competitors, both tall, rangy and technically sound good chins and both punch solidly.
McDonnell is more experienced but Burnett is younger and maybe has a bit more youthful fire.
My prediction is Burnett with a close points decision.
Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury
Finally, it’s the fight everyone wants to see, the two best heavyweights in the world are British and undefeated.
World ruler Anthony Joshua against the undefeated linear champ Tyson Fury, who needs to put his troubles to bed, and get back to doing what he does best – boxing.
Fury still has so much to give, but he needs to start getting back to peak fitness.
Then the doors will open to the fight that the world wants to see.
My pick… wait and see.
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