WHAT boxing fans want, and what they often get, are frustratingly different things.
But with sport knocked out for the last three months amid the coronavirus pandemic, there is no time to waste with big fights there to be made.
Anthony Joshua is just one win away from facing Tyson FuryCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
As boxers spent their weeks in isolation with itchy knuckles, now is the time to return with a bang.
Here SunSport uncovers five super-fights boxing fans want to see this year.
MIKE TYSON vs EVANDER HOLYFIELD III
Admittedly, the thought of paying to watch both Tyson, 53, and Holyfield, 57, fight well past their primes is not everyone’s cup of tea.
But it cannot be argued there isn’t an overwhelming amount of interest to see how Iron Mike would fair in the ring, 15 years since he last fought, especially since posting a series of explosive training videos.
Despite wanting to compete in exhibition bouts, a fight is a fight, especially when Tyson is involved.
And boxing against another retired and inactive fighter in Holyfield not only makes it a more level paying field, but also a far greater spectacle due to their shared history.
If both heavyweight legends are adamant on returning, this is the biggest fight to be made, and despite the critics sure to follow, so will the pay-per-view numbers.
Mike Tyson bite into the ear of Evander Holyfield during their 1997 rematch
ANTHONY JOSHUA vs TYSON FURY
There is arguably no bigger fight in British history than Joshua vs Fury – with the pair at the peak of their powers.
And the magnitude of the fight increases by adding in the fact they both possess all the heavyweight belts, setting up a historic undisputed title decider.
Fans are desperate to finally settle the debate on who the division’s true No1 is, as well as determining the nation’s biggest star.
But, not for the first time, the fight is due to be shelved, as Joshua is mandated to defend his titles against Kubrat Pulev, while Fury is obligated to fight Deontay Wilder for a third time.
Should the champions get through their respected hurdles, the Battle of Britain simply cannot wait and run the risk of either losing or gradually beginning to decline in ability.
There is arguably no bigger fight in British history than Fury fighting Joshua
CANELO ALVAREZ vs GENNADY GOLOVKIN III
Despite Canelo beating Golovkin in 2018 after they initially drew a year before, their rivalry is far from over.
Some consider GGG unlucky not to have his hand raised on both occasions, despite Alvarez improving dramatically in the second fight.
Promoter Oscar De La Hoya has promised a trilogy clash, despite Canelo’s reluctance, with fans demanding Golovkin be given a shot at redemption.
Until Mexican superstar Alvarez is to do the double over GGG, the saga may never be put to bed.
Golovkin’s last fight was at middleweight, winning the IBF title Canelo vacated, as Alvarez moved up to light-heavyweight, but appears to be moving down to super-middleweight – likely where Triple G would have to meet him.
Despite Canelo beating Golovkin after they initially drew, their rivalry is far from overCredit: Getty
ERROL SPENCE JR vs TERENCE CRAWFORD
Possibly boxing’s best fight between two unbeaten champions, in their primes, comes in the welterweight division.
Crawford, a three-weight champion, rivals Canelo and Vasily Lomachenko on the mythical pound-for-pound rankings, but WBC and IBF champion Spence is considered the No1 welterweight in the world.
The pair have seem to show no weaknesses in their game, offering a rare 50/50 matchup.
Both can learn from Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao – who fought in 2015 towards the tail end of the careers – and please fans by fighting while they are both on top.
Spence, 30, and Crawford, 32, should they act now, even have the potential to fight upwards of three times, like legends Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, Tommy Hearns and Roberto Duran did.
Errol Spence Jr, left, and Terenc Crawford are both welterweight champions
AMIR KHAN vs KELL BROOK
Britain’s version of ‘what if’ is due to be represented by Khan and Brook, who were for so many years on course for a mega-money grudge match in the welterweight division.
But as Brook chased the fight, Khan appeared to want bigger things, facing the likes of Canelo and Danny Garcia but failing in attempts to face Mayweather or Pacquiao.
And towards the end of their careers, they seem to be again on different paths, with Brook fighting at light-middleweight having faced a mighty battle to shrink down to welterweight throughout his career.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has just about given up on the fight, which would need to take place within the next 12 months.
Despite going well past their sell-by-date, the bragging rights is still there for either Khan, 33, or Brook, 34, to take into retirement.
Despite going well past their sale by date, the bragging rights is still there for either Amir Khan or Kell Brook
Mike Tyson boxing return CONFIRMED as Shannon Briggs says he and icon have officially signed to fight for charity
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
