The Year of the Fighter

2013 was a supreme indication that boxing is more than alive and well… it’s flourishing.  Veteran fighters such as Floyd Mayweather Jr., Manny Pacquiao, Andre Ward and Miguel Cotto continue to keep the average sports fan in arms distance, while a young crop of fighters linger in the shadows of the aforementioned fighters looking to capture the spotlight.  The major divisions, besides heavyweight, are strong and the personalities within these divisions are even stronger.  2014 should be an amazing year in the world of boxing and it’s imperative that you watch!

2013 BOXING HIGHLIGHTS

Boxing popularity starts with the marketing of the fighter.  It’s very similar to brand placement in movies.  Once we see it enough, we’ll trust it.  Showtime and HBO do a fantastic job marketing their fights, but for the millions of sports fans that don’t subscribe to premium cable, it’s a lost cause.  Word of mouth is equally as important and there’s definitely enough hardcore boxing fans around to spread the word.  Luckily, I’m here to give you a quick snapshot of fighters you need to keep an eye on in the coming year. If you happen to hear that ANY of these boxers are fighting, do yourself a favor and tune-in. 

FIGHTERS TO LOOK OUT FOR IN 2014

ADONIS STEVENSON (23-1, 20 KO’s) – Imagine a fighter that will fight ANYONE and possesses the type of knockout power that can put a fighter to sleep with one punch! Sports Illustrated’s 2013 Fighter of the Year has superstar written all over him and is wasting no time making a major name for himself in the sport.  Chad Dawson made the mistake of calling his meeting with Stevenson a “tune-up” fight.  Seventy-six seconds into round one, Dawson ate a vicious left hand that left him in another world!

Next up? Hopefully a matchup with fellow light heavyweight Sergey Kovalev. 

SERGEY KOVALEV (23-0-1, 21 KO’s) – This kid is a machine.  He’s extremely brash, shouts obscenities at his opponents and throws every punch with bad intentions.  Hopefully the stars will align and we’ll get to see him match up with Adonis Stevenson.  The fight wouldn’t last very long, but the power would be something to marvel. 

Next up? Supposedly fighting Bernard Hopkins… and hopefully Stevenson afterwards. 

GENNADY ”GGG” GOLOVKIN (28-0, 25 KO’s) – Who would I like to see Floyd Mayweather Jr. fight next?  Manny Pacquiao… but since that will most likely never happen, my second in line would be GGG.  This young Russian monster walks through his opponents like they’re holograms.  He possesses an aggressive style that automatically will make him a fan favorite.  His power is unparalleled within the junior middleweight division and his 89% knockout ratio is a testament to that.  What separates him from being just another hard hitting Eastern European is his technical skills.  He has no weaknesses. 

Next up? Fights Osumanu Adama on February 1^st, 2014.  (No TV announced as of yet)  

MARCOS MAIDANA (35-3, 31 KO’s) – Maidana’s already made a name for himself with his domination of Adrien Broner.  The heavy handed Argentinean has climbed up the ranks of the welterweight division by merely upsetting a number of fighters that no one gave him a chance to beat.  His wins over Broner, Josesito Lopez and Soto-Karass has put him in the discussion for a possible matchup with Floyd Mayweather Jr., but we all know that Floyd won’t put himself in harms-way by fighting the best puncher in the division. 

Next up? A matchup with fellow Argentinean Lucas Matthysse would be a spectacular bout. 

SHAWN PORTER  (23-0, 14 KO’S) – This youngster from Akron, Ohio recently made a name for himself by defeating  the talented Devon Alexander.  He doesn’t have explosive power, but his energy in the ring is Ricky Hatton-like with better athleticism.  Since Alexander was his first quality opponent, 2014 should be the year that tells us exactly what we have in Porter. 

Next up?  Would love to see him fight fellow Ohioan Adrien Broner

DANNY GARCIA (27-0, 16 KO’S) – Danny Garcia wins… plain and simple.  He is good at everything but doesn’t seem to be great at anything.  He’s beaten the likes of Amir Khan, Zab Judah, Lucas Matthysse and Erik Morales putting him in the running for a future bout with Floyd.

Next up? Maidana, Broner or even Floyd. 

RUSLAN PROVODNIKOV (23-2, 16 KO’S) – This ex-sparring partner of Manny Pacquiao had his coming out party in 2013.  He provided amazing entertainment in the fight of the year with Timothy Bradley and made one of the toughest fighters in the sport (Mike Alvarado) quit on his stool.  He’s the Siberian Rocky. 

Next up? Up in the air since Pacquiao has chosen to fight Timothy Bradley.  Maybe Juan Manuel Marquez?

MIKEY GARCIA (33-0, 28 KO’S) – When you watch Mikey Garcia, you bare witness to a technically sound boxer with big-time power.  It’s really a joy to watch.  The way he sets up his fighters in the early rounds only to dismantle them shortly after is poetry in motion.  He had an incredible 2013 with big wins over the once renowned "JuanMa" Lopez and Rocky Martinez.

Next up? JANUARY 25^TH, 2014 – HBO – VS. JUAN CARLOS BURGOS… If he wins this fight, a possible showdown with Yurios Gamboa could follow. 

KEITH THURMAN (22-0-0-1, 20 KO’S)  -- Thurman is one of the most intriguing young fighters in the sport.  He’s extremely athletic, works hard and has legit one-punch knockout power.  That’s a deadly combination for a fighter. One of his most impressive feats is that you can tell he strives on getting better every time he fights.  A young fighter with that type of determination will only breed some excellent fights.  

Next up? Broner, Porter, Maidana or Garcia… take your pick, all would be great.

 ADRIEN BRONER (27-1, 22 KO’S) – Mr. Brash and cocky got his words of scorn shoved down his throat in 2013 when Marcos Maidana beat him from post to post in early December.  There’s no denying that the kid has an immense amount of talent with equal amounts of heart in the ring… the question will be does he have the will power and spirit to change his lifestyle outside the ring and dedicate himself to boxing 100%?

Next up? Rematch with Maidana… would love to see him fight Porter.