Author: Sean Close
I have been writing for this publication for more than ten years, and 2023 has certainly been the most robust year yet. Strictly speaking, the word “was” should not be used. Here in Connecticut, we’re still nearly nine hours away from entering 2024. However, with no more significant games until next year, this is my reflection. I will use the past tense here. Regardless, 2023 was an exceptional year for the sport. There were significant fights, some of which were pay-per-view worthy, outstanding performances, and thrilling toss-ups.
While there were certainly some low points, even the loss of Showtime could not halt boxing’s upward trajectory over the past 12 months. Furthermore, as 2023 comes to a close, the sport is gearing up for a promising 2024. With a fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk set for February, and Devin Haney in serious discussions to face Ryan Garcia, next year seems to be on the right track. Naturally, this is boxing we’re talking about, and just like in 2023, disappointments are sure to occur. Big matches won’t happen, easy fights will be selected, and potentially important matches will be sidelined. Social media abuse.
Nevertheless, the overall momentum that began in the past year will continue into 2024. The reason is simple. After a true drought in which ambition itself became obsolete, boxing has returned to a place where the courage to be great is required. This is encouraging. In 2023, Terrence Crawford faced Errol Spence, Naoya Inoue faced Stephen Fulton, Garcia fought Gervonta Davis, David Benavidez took on Demetrius Andrade, and Katie Taylor clashed with Chantel -This was his second match against Cameron. These were all fights that could have been avoided by a safety-first fighter. Fortunately, in 2023, fighters seeking easy victories seemed less prominent.
Let’s hope these ambitious fighters get their opportunity and change their approach in 2024. If 2023 has taught us anything, it’s that boxing becomes much more exciting when big-name fighters take the risk of losing. However, in 2024, don’t discount a major fighter with one or two losses. Such assumptions contribute to the safety-first approach that the sport has been stuck with for so long. Moreover, boxing is full of stories of fighters coming back from defeat and achieving glory. Often, it’s all about mindset.
