5. Keith Thurman vs Shawn Porter
June 25
This is the kind of fight the welterweight division has spent too long waiting for. Both have power, though perhaps Thurman has the edge in this department. Porter has been in with good opponents, Devon Alexander, Adrien Broner and could well have learned from his loss to Kell Brook. You just wonder why a fight like this wasn’t made sooner.
4. Tyson Fury vs Wladimir Klitschko
July 9
Well, their first encounter might not have been world war three but it did have a strange magic all of its own. And there is intrigue ahead of this rematch. Will Fury be in the same kind of condition as he was in November when he defeated Klitschko? Was it really an off-night for Klitschko, as Wladimir suggests, or does Tyson just have his number? Not to mention, when big men fight, there’s always the chance for a big knockout.
3. Terence Crawford vs Viktol Postol
July 23
Simply the two best super-lightweights in the world being matched up. Postol superbly dismantled Lucas Matthysse while Crawford is one of the most highly skilled boxers operating in the sport today and brings an edge of venom to his work.
2. Leo Santa Cruz vs Carl Frampton
July 30
These are two entertaining fighters. Santa Cruz works at a tremendous pace and is a come-forward aggressor. Frampton is a quality boxer but hits with real spite and power. Against Scott Quigg he showed his ability to nullify a strong opponent. Carl might be a natural super-bantamweight, but Santa Cruz also moved up from that division. This is a fair fight, and might just be explosive.
1. Anthony Crolla vs Jorge Linares
September 24
The rise and rise of Anthony Crolla has been riveting. A controversial draw with Darleys Perez was subsequently avenged and Crolla defended his WBA lightweight title against dangerous Venezuelan Ismael Barroso. This could be another thriller, afterall when was the last time Crolla was in a boring fight? Linares is not only the number one in the division, but he came through an absolute epic with Kevin Mitchell last year. More of the same and this could be a special fight indeed…
What fight are you most looking forward to? Comment below to let us know.
