What Will Happen in Boxing in 2024?
Relegate your Christmas trees and stockings to the attic or waste bin while avoiding the scales because we know it bears nothing but bad news. But while the festive season comes to a close, a new year is upon us, and that means more intriguing boxing bets online to look forward to.
We can’t anticipate every upcoming factor of boxing in 2024, but from the minor details we know thus far, let’s take a closer look at what might potentially happen in boxing in the New Year.
Pacquiao Coming out of Retirement?
The Philippines has formally appealed to the International Olympic Committee for an exception to allow Manny Pacquiao, the former world champion, to participate in boxing at the Paris Games, even though he surpasses the prescribed age restriction.
Pacquiao announced his retirement from boxing in 2021 following a 12-round defeat by Yordenis Ugas, a last-minute substitute. Pacquiao would then endeavor, but eventually be unsuccessful, in pursuing the presidency in the Philippines.
Manny Pacquiao vs Ricky Hatton #Boxeo #NoticiasBoxeo #BoxingStuds #MannyPacquiao #RickyHatton #PacquiaoHatton pic.twitter.com/4egj3NI2hm
— Boxing Studs Noticias (@BoxingStuds) December 26, 2023
Abraham Tolentino, the head of the Philippine Olympic Committee, wrote a letter to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) requesting a “universality place” for Pacquiao. Universality spots are allocated to athletes from nations who face difficulties obtaining Olympic berths through regular qualification pathways.
There are nine universal boxing venues in Paris, with five designated for women and four for men. The positions will be officially verified and confirmed on June 7.
Pacquiao’s desire to compete for Olympic gold isn’t the only boxing news that’s enthralled fans lately. A little Irishman you may have heard of has called for the former eight-division champion to step inside the ring with him.
Conor McGregor just went OFF on Manny Pacquiao 😳 pic.twitter.com/lIKpQnZUO9
— Luigi 🦅 (@Tiopapito23) December 24, 2023
McGregor vs. Pacquiao, could it happen?
Fury vs Usyk: Historic Night for Heavyweight Boxing
Fortunately, those of us eager for some high-level betting on boxing won’t have to wait long in 2024. On Feb. 17, the heavyweight championships will be unified when Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk finally meet in the squared circle.
IN LESS THAN 2 months we get another UNDISPUTED 🥊 and another potential 2 division undisputed champion.
This time in the heavyweight division!! 🔥🔥
Can Usyk handle Fury’s style?
Can Fury handle Usyk’s style?#boxing #BOXINGnBBQ #FuryUsyk pic.twitter.com/oU9xlxs7HC
— BOXING n BBQ (@BOXINGnBBQ) December 27, 2023
I previously discussed the Saudi Arabia takeover of boxing at BetUS, and to no surprise, the UAE will now host the most highly anticipated heavyweight clash of the last two decades.
Although the fight was rescheduled from December to February, there is no doubt that this bout presents a delay we can handle. The victor of this contest will establish themselves as the preeminent heavyweight of their generation and one of the most exceptional in their weight division throughout history.
If that doesn’t get your Boxing 2024 excitement levels up, I don’t know what will.
Bivol vs Beterbiev: Somebody’s 0 has to go
I don’t want to jinx anything, but the potential for a light heavyweight showdown involving the division’s two most dominant forces is stronger than ever as we head into 2024.
Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev have engaged in negotiations for a considerable period of time with regard to a potential bout. Both light heavyweight fighters have consistently defeated every opponent they have seen so far but have been unable to come to an agreement.
Bivol’s Manager Does Not Expect The WBC To Be an Obstacle in Making Beterbiev Fight https://t.co/sMzdngQDh4 pic.twitter.com/zdLa9KkxVD
— BoxingScene.com (@boxingscene) December 26, 2023
Nevertheless, the two individuals have regained confidence in the possibility of a 2024 confrontation, primarily because of Bivol’s affiliation with Saudi Arabia. Although it isn’t official yet, it’s a fight we need, a fight we want and a fight that boxing purists deserve!
Crossover Boxing isn’t going anywhere
Whether it’s YouTubers taking six-week camps for the first time in their lives and proclaiming to be boxers or MMA athletes daring to face the craftsmanship of ring generals, we should expect crossover boxing to continue in 2024 – and, perhaps, more than ever before.
Las Vegas odds have already released prices on a potential Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou II bout. Better yet, how about Ngannou versus Deontay Wilder?
Francis Ngannou reacts to Deontay Wilder’s loss against Joseph Parker 👀 #DayOfReckoning pic.twitter.com/DDuUHPTGI8
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) December 23, 2023
Not forgetting the likes of KSI and Jake and Logan Paul, who are always primed to make a quick buck in these circus-esque events.
I will give credit to Jake Paul, however. He’s at least taking a somewhat professional approach by competing against “pro” boxers, having recently faced Andre August. However, how long will it be before the CEO of Most Valuable Promotions finds another retired MMA athlete to beat on?
Conor McGregor is another name that could step back into the boxing ring. The Irish MMA superstar cannot live down his loss to Floyd Mayweather and, as previously mentioned, has recently called out Pacquiao.
Love it or loathe it, crossover boxing has brought new eyes to the sport, and while it may slightly taint the legitimacy of the sweet science, the double-edged sword is that it also heightens the sport’s popularity.
