by Chris Milton
2011 has the potential to be the greatest single year of Boxing of our era. Every generation of Boxing fans have always had that one fight, the fight that defined the generation. Louis v Schmelling, Ali v Frasier, Leonard v Hearns, Leonard v Haggler, Tyson v Holmes, Tyson v Holyfield, Barrera v Morales have all been fights that have helped define a generation of boxing fans. In 2011, we could possibly have two generation- defining fights.
The first fight is obviously P4P no 1 v no 2. It doesn’t matter which one you rank above the other, you know who I am talking about. This fight could potentially be the richest ever. It is stupid that the fight hasn’t been made yet, but if it’s made for late 2011, all will be forgiven.
David Haye v Wladimir Klitschko could also be regarded as a generation-defining fight. For over two years we have been teased by both fighters. With Haye retiring in October (or so he says) the clock is ticking on this one.
It is not just about generation-defining fights, though. Its also about those fights where the styles match up so perfectly you immediately think, FOTY contender.
We already have Segura v Calderon 2 signed. But imagine if the winner signs to fight Roman Gonzalez? There are already rumours of this happening and while its not a major money spinner, it’s an instant FOTY contender.
Yuriorkis Gamboa v Juan Manuel Lopez has been built up to the point of no return. The fans are now demanding this fight and I have a feeling we will see it in the fall. Expect fireworks.
After taking part of Devon Alexander’s soul, Tim Bradley now has his sights set on Amir Khan and the undisputed 140lb Championship. The clash of styles in my mind would make this a fight another potential FOTY.
Want a guaranteed barn burner?, why not make Brandon Rios v Michael Katsidis? Can anyone, anywhere say that they wouldn’t watch this?
What about Sergio Martinez? A fight with Dimitri Pirog would be an excellent second bout of 2011 assuming he gets by Dzinziruk in March. Throw Sturm and Sylvester in the mix and suddenly we could have a very fun mini tournament.
What about Saul Alvarez v Julio Cesar Chavez Jr? That fight would bring Mexico to a standstill and you know what, it would be an excellent fight.
What about the bantamweights? There is no need to even ask for any fights to be made there. With Showtime’s tournament and Donaire v Montiel already signed, the only thing we can ask for is the winners to face each other and crown and undisputed champion.
The Super Middleweight division is also solving itself. Showtime have already announced their plan to match-up the Super 6 winner against Lucian Bute in what would crown another undisputed Champion.
There seems to be a running theme here in which the bouts we need to be made would crown an undisputed Champion in their respective division or allow the lineage to continue in one shape or form. Boxing needs clarity. There is nothing worse than having 4 different champions in a single weight class. Many of these fights would bring clarity and bring some sort of order to our beloved sport. At the moment, Boxing needs this more than the above fights.
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