I am starting to make a habit of these. I did my first in 2021, then followed it up with one in 2022.
In my third instalment, I am hoping to get a higher success rate than the four fights from my 2022 list to come to fruition.
That success rate may be more difficult as one fight I would have mentioned has just been announced.
Finally, we will get an undisputed heavyweight title fight as Fury will take on Usyk in December 2023, provided nothing drastic happens in Fury’s fight with Ngannou.
1. Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol
This fight is first on my list as it was on my 2021 list at No6 and my 2022 list at No2. With all the undisputed bouts that has happened in recent years, this is the one that absolutely needs to happen.
In the last two years, a light heavyweight unification fight has become even bigger, with Beterbiev, the WBC, IBF, and WBO champion, elevating his record to a phenomenal 19 wins, 19 stoppages, with wins over Joe Smith Jr and Anthony Yarde in a thrilling fight.
But not to be outdone, Bivol, the WBA champ rose his stock with an impressive and eye-raising win over Canelo and then Gilberto Ramirez, both convincing points victories.
It’s a classic irresistible force versus the irremovable object fight, which will intrigue the masses and capture the imagination while elevating the light heavyweight division.
Verdict: Beterbiev wins via 10th-round stoppage
2. Gervonta Davis vs Teofimo Lopez
I was surprised to see I have this fight on both my lists in 2021 & 2022 in the 4th and 5th spots respectively. In the past 18 months, this fight has looked likely, then unlikely, but now it’s back to the likely bracket.
Lopez, after surprisingly losing his lightweight titles, has bounced back well three fights later to claim the WBA welterweight title.
Although Davis has a version of the WBA lightweight title and has proved he doesn’t need titles’ to elevate his elite fight status. There will still be criticism about his fight choice and champion-light resume.
That said, these two have talked about fighting for some time. If styles make fights, and reputations make even bigger fights, a mega fight at lightweight could and should be on the horizon.
Verdict: Davis wins by 11 round tko
3. Claressa Shields vs Savannah Marshall 2
This is another rematch, or could even be a trilogy or a rubber match if you add their amateur fight.
Their professional fight in October 2022 was a barnstormer, but Shields did win clearly.
However, Shields has since had one convincing win over a replacement opponent, and Marshall has moved up to claim the unified Super Middleweight titles.
I am sure both will have another fight in the next few months, but the lure of another undisputed crown would easily tempt Shields. But Marshall at a heavier weight, with more punching power, could be a much harder challenge than the Marshall at middleweight.
This is all added to the ongoing disdain for each other and the constant war of words, which entertained the fans in a thrilling build-up to their October fight.
Verdict: Shields wins via split points decision
4. Devin Haney vs Shakur Stevenson
This was on my 2022 list as N10. I called it a fantasy fight as both were friends, and a fight between the two was unlikely.
However, things have changed in 12/18 months, and that competitive nature of calling yourself the best has certainly made this fight a viable option for both.
Different promotions aside, the sheer demand for this fight, combined with the current climate of the sport and the recent super fights happening, could force these two together.
Haney is the current undisputed lightweight champ, while Stevenson was recently a unified featherweight title holder. Shakur, who had weight issues, will inevitably move up.
The only hope is Haney stays at lightweight long enough to see these two immense boxing talents lock horns.
Verdict: Majority draw
5. Deontay Wilder vs Anthony Joshua
This fight has been in the works for years but now looks closer than ever. Both have had their ups and downs and weirdly, still need to prove the doubters wrong.
So, there would be no better than a fight like this. However, I would fear for the loser, which could make this fight difficult to finalise.
I suspect much of the fight would be if Wilder can connect or when. However, although Joshua has built his recent self as more of a boxer, he still has knockout power, as he showed in his last outing against Robert Helenius.
Despite any ramifications, this will be a huge fight that will intrigue the boxing fraternity and generate huge money, interest and media attention.
Verdict: Wilder wins via 9th round tko
6. Naoya Inoue vs Marlon Tapales
I am cheating a little by putting this up here as although I wouldn’t call it a dream match, the fight is inevitable.
Inoue, who ran through the flyweight and bantamweight divisions, is one step away from being undisputed at super bantamweight.
However, the only man standing in his way is the IBF and WBA title holder, Tapales. He was at ringside when Inoue defeated Fulton in devastating fashion and showed no fear, steeping into the ring to size up his opponent.
Although he has an unenviable task, and few are giving him any hope. He is a champion in his own right and full of confidence, with 9 of his last 10 wins not going the distance.
However, this is the ultimate test and would be a massive upset if he becomes undisputed.
Verdict: Inoue wins via 6th round stoppage
7. David Benavidez vs Demetrius Andrade
I could be cheating on this also, as where I am hoping for most other fights to happen, I am expecting this fight to happen.
Both would have been upset to see Jemell Charlo, a light middleweight get an opportunity to fight Canelo.
Both have long been calling out Canelo and touted as possible opponents who could give Canelo his toughest test since Mayweather. But both had been discredited by some due to their credentials and resume’s.
However, in the past few years Benavides has grown his resume with wins over David Lemieux and Caleb Plant. While Andrade has maintained his undefeated record while proving to be an avoided fighter.
There is not another credible fight out there for each to get excited about, so this fight is literally the be all and end all.
Verdict: Benavidez wins via unanimous points victory
8. Alycia Baumgardner vs Mikaela Mayer 2
I am happy that this was No8 in my 2022 list and one of the fights that happened.
Baumgardner then won a close and some would say controversial points decision to become undisputed at Super Featherweight.
She has since gone on to defend those titles twice and may have a mandatory coming up.
Mayer has never stopped disputing that points defeat and has called for a rematch at every opportunity she gets. Since, she also fought and won twice, even picking up the WBC interim lightweight title.
However, the way this intense build up and rivalry almost stole the show on the Shields vs Marshall card. Nobody will be against seeing it all again in a rematch, which could be even more spicy this time.
Verdict: Mayer wins split points decision
9. Keith Thurman vs Jaron Ennis
Ennis has been touted as a future star in the sport and is the current IBF interim welterweight title. But his resume is not impressive, and he needs a big test.
Who better than Thurman, who bounced around the welterweight division for several years and had some notable victories? But due to injuries he has only fought once since his disappointing defeat to Pacquiao in 2019.
Thurman seems a good gatekeeper and will want to show he still has something to offer, and there are levels to this. Ennis will want to show his top-class credentials and use Thurman as a stepping stone to bigger things.
A fight like this will answer questions and put the winner in a very favourable position in the division. So this fight could be a real barnstormer.
Verdict: Ennis wins via unanimous points victory
10. Natasha Jonas vs Terri Harper 2
This was on my 2022 list as an honourable mention, following their thrilling first fight in August 2020 that ended in a draw, which was harsh on Jonas.
Since, Jonas has been on a mission capturing the WBO, WBC & IBF light middleweight titles in her last three fights.
Ironically, since that draw, Harper lost her super featherweight title to Alycia Baumgardner, but then moved up, and in her last two fights captured and defended the WBA and IBO light middleweight titles.
So, it has come full circle. What better opportunity for a rematch after a draw than to settle it for the right to be undisputed at light middleweight.
Verdict: Jonas wins via unanimous points victory
HONOURABLE MENTION
Amanda Serrano vs winner of Taylor vs Cameron 2
Jermell Charlo vs Tim Tszyu
Anthony Yarde vs winner of Buatsi vs Azeez
Rolando Romero vs Ryan Garcia
Josh Taylor vs Regis Prograis 2
