Of all the unlikely events that we have seen in 2020, the boxing world may yet be in for another one: former UFC fighter Clay Collard, 27 (9-2-3, 4KO) winning Fighter of the Year.
It’s not as unlikely as you may think. Prior to COVID-19, the front-runner would most likely have been Tyson Fury. After his stunning demolition of Deontay Wilder in February, many expected a similar result in their rematch, which was to take place during the summer, but now appears to be scheduled for December and may be delayed indefinitely. Can Fury win Fighter of the Year based on one fight? Other perennial candidates will also most likely have had only one fight in 2020, and if the rumours are to be believed about Canelo, his only fight will be against an underwhelming opponent. Vasyl Lomachenko looks to face off against Teofimo Lopez in October, and if Lopez wins, you could make the case he deserves Fighter of the Year, but that is a big “if”.
Collard on the other hand, has captivated the boxing world in a time where there has been very little to capture the imagination of the fans. One of the most incredible parts is that we probably would not even know Collard’s name if COVID had not happened. He is currently under contract to the Professional Fighter’s League and is to compete in their $1,000,000 mixed martial arts tournament once the pandemic ends. He isn’t able to sign with any promoter right now, but has not expressed any regrets about that, consistently praising the PFL for allowing him to compete in boxing while he awaits the start of the tournament. It’s a shame for Collard, because despite the promise of a chance at one million dollars, his 2020 boxing resume contains the type of victories and story line that would leave promoters salivating over him. Here’s a look so far:
January 3
Collard appears to be a stepping stone for upcoming undefeated prospect Quashawn Toler. In a small card featuring Cincinnati Contenders, Toler, 9-0, was supposed to get his first victory against an opponent with a winning record. Unfortunately for Toler, Collard battered him throughout the fight, and took the decision away from the rising hometown star. Another interesting fact about this fight: it was fought at 148. Just two months earlier, Collard suffered a KO loss to Bektemir “The Bully” Melikuziev at 174!
February 1
Collard goes up against another undefeated prospect. Who is picking these fights?! Raymond Guajardo is 5-0 and has recently dropped out of school for the promise of a lucrative pro career. In a short Fight of the Year candidate, both fighters are dropped multiple times, and Collard finishes Guajardo in the second round.
June 18
Collard gets a brief rest as COVID-19 sweeps the world, but he is back in the first few weeks of the ‘Return to Boxing’ with Top Rank on ESPN. His opponent? Another undefeated prospect, this time, David Kaminsky. In a split decision win, that Collard controlled for most of the fight, Kaminsky is taken to deep waters, and later taken to hospital (he was fine) as he felt the full force of Clay’s piston like punches. Collard’s opponents through June have had a combined record of 20-0. His legend begins to grow.
July 14
This fight is a bit of an anomaly, as Collard is the A side for the first time in 2020. His opponent, Lowrant T Nelson is 5-3, and Collard makes quick work of him with a second round KO.
August 22
As Collard continues to gain name recognition, Top Rank starts to realize what they have on their hands and once again he is the A side, this time against 7-1, Maurice “The Bounty Hunter” Williams. The 27 year old hasn’t’ faced much high level competition, but Collard still had a statement win against him, getting his second straight second round knockout.
There is a good chance Collard will fight again in 2020. He may even fight more than once considering the pace he has maintained so far. With every win, it seems more and more likely that not only is he the leading candidate for Fighter of the Year, he may actually be the easiest choice in years.