2024 has been one of the most memorable years for boxing fans, showcasing several monumental clashes across weight divisions. This year featured top undisputed bouts, including one between MMA star Francis Ngannou and boxing heavyweight Anthony Joshua. With 2025 on the horizon, expectations are high for even more thrilling matchups.
Highlights from 2024 include incredible knockouts and nail-biting decisions. The year kicked off with Anthony Joshua facing Ngannou; the former UFC champion had previously shocked the boxing world with his performance against Tyson Fury. Unfortunately for Ngannou, he faced the wrath of Joshua, who delivered a knockout blow, leaving Ngannou with yet another memorable moment but not one for the record books.
Ryan Garcia shocked many by defeating Devin Haney, the former undisputed lightweight champion, amid fiery pre-fight tensions. Although Garcia was the underdog, he managed to get Haney onto the canvas multiple times, winning by majority decision. This thrilling victory was later marred as Garcia was found to have failed a PED test, resulting in the matchup being labeled 'No Contest.'
On May 18, boxing fans witnessed history as Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury clashed for the undisputed heavyweight championship—a title no one had defended since Lennox Lewis. The bout showcased the skills of both athletes, who came incredibly close, but Usyk's performance led him to victory by split decision, earning him the status of the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era.
Another significant fight featured Deontay Wilder against Zhilei Zhang, who posed questions on Wilder's resilience after his defeat against Joseph Parker. The bout ended poorly for Wilder as his inability to maintain focus led Zhang to capitalize, ending the fight with a decisive knockout.
One of the most electrifying matches was held at Wembley Stadium, where two British stars, Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua, threw down for the IBF heavyweight title. It was Dubois' night as he went on to decisively hold the fort, leaving Joshua floored multiple times before sealing the victory with another knockout blow.
Later, recent history found itself repeating, as Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol faced off for the undisputed light heavyweight championship. This matchup was one for the ages, with both boxers demonstrating skill and tenacity. Beterbiev's strategy to change pace during the fight turned the tide, and he was crowned king of the light heavyweights by majority decision.
Usyk's fight against Fury wasn't just the championship bout mentioned earlier; the two heavyweights clashed for the second time later on, with Usyk again coming up on top, this time by unanimous decision, solidifying his place among the sport's greatness.
With events winding down for 2024, DAZN takes the opportunity to remind fans of the exciting lineup for 2025, culminating with even more anticipated fights. The boxing video streaming service boasts over 150 annual bouts, including pre-fight and post-fight shows, documentaries, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content. Fans are encouraged to subscribe to not miss any of the action.
Reflecting on the best fights of 2024 allows us to appreciate the talent, will, and drama these boxers bring to the sport. While 2024 showcased unforgettable moments, the anticipation for 2025 grows stronger, previewing big matches between great boxing legends.
