This year was one of the most exciting years in recent memory when it comes to the sweet science. There were major upsets, epic clashes, stunning knockouts, and pretty much endless drama from start to finish. Without further ado, and in no semblance of order, here is the best, the worst, and the weirdest of boxing in 2021.
Upset of the Year: George Kambosos vs Teofimo Lopez Jr
There were bigger upsets if you go by the betting odds, but I don’t think anyone really saw this one coming, or predicted how impressive Kambosos would look as his nullified any attack Teofimo had. The Australian shook up an already potentially electric division.
Worst Father of the Year: Teofimo Lopez Sr
Teofimo Jr was the victim of upset of the year, but he couldn’t have done it without his father in his corner. With cunning strategic advice like “Take your time, take your time… finish him! What the fuck is going on?” and “Beautiful man!” as he continued to lose round after round, Lopez Sr really earned this one.
Beatdown of the Year: Amanda Serrano vs Miriam Gutierrez
Although Serrano didn’t get the knockout (apparently she hurt her hand in the third round and that hindered her power), she absolutely battered Gutierrez for the entire fight, turning her face into an unrecognisable mess.
Female KO of the Year: Alycia Baumgardner vs Terri Harper
Although she didn’t actually hit the mat, Baumgardner froze Terri Harper on her feet, in a stunning KO that shook up women’s boxing.
Male KO of the Year: Jake Paul vs Tyron Woodley
I SAID WHAT I SAID. Although I understand the hate Jake Paul garners, this KO was spectacular amidst a dreadfully boring fight. I am also a believer of the “Jake Paul brings new fans to boxing” school of thought, and anything that does that is good for me. Also, a recent interview with Carl Frampton noted that a professional boxer close to him proclaimed Jake Paul as the “highest profile boxer in the world”, so say what you want about him, but he’s making waves.
Saltiest Tweet of the Year: Errol Spence Jr
After a statement win by Bud Crawford over Shawn Porter, Errol Spence couldn’t get out of the arena fast enough. Kenny Porter’s towel hadn’t even hit the ground yet and Spence was heading for the exit. As he was ducking and escaping any chance of confrontation with Bud, it’s amazing he had time to fire off this tweet criticising Porter’s father for stopping the fight.
Round of the Year: Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder III – Round 4
In what looked to be an even easier fight than the second one, Tyson Fury had already knocked Wilder down in round 3 and was looking for the finish. What he found was the canvas, twice, as Wilder’s right hand still had some life left in it. No other round this year had me standing and yelling at the screen. An epic round in an epic fight.
Fight of the Year: Fury vs Wilder III
In what most people viewed as a throwaway fight, we were blessed with an all time heavyweight classic. Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua had all but agreed to an undisputed showdown, when Wilder won his legal battle to secure the third fight, and the boxing world sighed in unison as yet another great fight was squandered by boxing politics. In what seemed to be a superfluous battle, fans were treated to an explosive display of power and heart, and despite losing by knockout, Deontay Wilder was able to regain the respect he lost through the excuses of the second fight, and the trilogy was given a spectacular and fitting end.
Runner Up: Chocolatito vs Estrada II
Canadian Fight of the Year: Oscar Rivas vs Ryan Rozicki
Taking the fight on six weeks notice, and giving up over 30 pounds, Cape Breton boxer Rozicki was given little to no chance in his Bridgerweight title shot against former heavyweight contender Oscar Rivas. Instead, he gave the fans one of the gutsiest performances of the year, taking Rivas the distance and proving that they really do build them different in Cape Breton.
Female Fight of the Year: Mikaela Mayer vs Maiva Hamadouche
If you haven’t seen this fight, stop reading this article and go watch it. From the opening bell they are smashing each other in the face with windmills and it goes on for the entire duration of the bout. Over a thousand combined punches thrown with two minute rounds is a feat to see, and this fight is one not to miss.
Trainer of the Year: Eddie Reynoso
From Ryan Garcia’s knockout of Luke Campbell, to Oscar Valdez’s destruction of Miguel Berchelt, to his undisputed P4P #1, Reynoso did it all. Every year he further solidifies his place as a future hall of fame trainer.
Male Fighter of the Year: Canelo Alvarez
This man fought three times, defeated two champions, and became undisputed at 168. Anyone who doesn’t have him as fighter of the year is lying.
Female Fighter of the Year: Amanda Serrano
Two top 10 opponents and an absolute statement win against Miriam Gutierrez all but guaranteed a shot at Katie Taylor in early 2022, and Katie Taylor has never looked more vulnerable.
