After 2023 provided the world of boxing with memorable bouts like Zhilei Zhang vs Joe Joyce and Katie Taylor vs Chantelle Cameron, 2024 is ready to raise the stakes and increase the action. While fights involving stars like Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder are likely to be booked later in the year, a number of major bouts are already set to take place over the next 2 months.
Artur Beterbiev v Callum “Mundo” Smith (13 January)
Originally scheduled for August last year, Artur Beterbiev and Callum Smith will now face off in the former’s adopted home of Quebec City on 13 January. Since turning professional, Beterbiev has amassed an unbeaten record of 19-0, all via knockout. However, former super-middleweight champion Smith will pose a stern test for his opponent this winter as the Englishman looks to become a two-weight world champion.
HS TikkyTokky vs Tayo Ricci (20 January)
The latest episode in the influencer/boxing crossover phenomenon, social media stars Tayo Ricci and HS TikkyTokky will step into the ring on 20 January for a grudge match long in the making. Both figures command enormous online followings so an electric atmosphere is expected inside Leeds’ First Direct Arena when musician Ricci and fitness guru TikkyTokky finally do battle.
Jaime Munguia vs John Ryder (27 January)
With a record of 42-0, with 33 KOs, Munguia is one of the hottest stars in boxing, but the Mexican will face his toughest challenge yet in 2024 when he takes on John Ryder. Recently, Canelo Alvarez needed a judges’ decision to defeat Ryder, and the Englishman will no doubt push Munguia all the way in this super-middleweight clash.
Conor Benn vs Peter Dobson (3 February)
Conor Benn, son of former world champion Nigel Benn, will fulfill his dream of headlining in America when he takes on Peter Dobson in Las Vegas on 3 February. Known as the “Destroyer”, Benn will need to be at his best to overcome the undefeated New Yorker in Sin City.
Tyson Fury v Oleksandr Usyk (17 February)
Arguably the most anticipated fight of the year will take place on 17 February as Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk finally square off. Hosted by Saudi Arabia’s Kingdom Arena, the bout’s victor will be crowned the heavyweight division’s first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999.