Photo edit by @Menisupermeni
Listed in no particular order, check out the seven matchups I want to see happen in 2014.
Adonis Stevenson vs. Sergei Kovalev
Photo by Action Images/Peter Cziborra
While there are probably better matchups in terms of money and notoriety for both fighters out there to be had—like Jean Pascal, Andre Ward etc.—these two could produce the most fireworks of just about any matchup that you could draw up.
While Stevenson didn’t necessarily seem warm to the idea after his last fight, eventually I believe these two will be locking horns; and for boxing fans, the sooner the better.
Tim Bradley vs. Manny Pacquiao II
Photo by Naoki Fukada
If Manny Pacquiao can decisively beat Tim Bradley it would make his comeback from the Juan Manuel Marquez knockout complete and give him more credibility going into a possible negotiation with Floyd Mayweather.
A win for Bradley, at least a legit win that most fans would recognize, would help erase the stain of his first victory over Pacquiao and would once again raise his profile as being one of the most elite fighters in all of boxing.
They both are Top Rank fighters so there would be no issues in arranging the fight now that Manny Pacquiao says he’s willing to come back state side to fight again.
Marcos Maidana vs. Floyd Mayweather
Photo edit by John Garita/Round By Round Boxing
This would be “Big Brother” avenging the loss of his little brother, Adrien Broner.
Marcos Maidana—in the eyes of many—is tailor made for Floyd Mayweather as an aggressive straight forward fighter.
That might be true, but the question is does Floyd Mayweather have the power to deter “El Chino” from plodding forward and reigning down heavy shots?
Adrien Broner, who is pretty fast, couldn’t escape Maidana’s unrelenting attack in a huge 23 foot ring.
Sure Mayweather has the boxing skills, speed, and defense to hold off Maidana, but I’d sure like to see him actually do it. It’s probably a lot easier said than done.
Sergio Martinez vs. Gennady Golovkin
Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images
Yes, Sergio Martinez is at the end of his career. Yes, the country strong Gennady Golovkin is a matchup he’d probably steer away from.
But, if Martinez wants to continue to carry the title of the lineal champion of the Middleweight division, this is a fight that he can’t duck for much longer.
If “Maravilla” can sum up the old legs, and quickness of his 2010 self; then maybe, just maybe he can make one last championship stand and stamp his ticket to Canastota, NY—home of the Boxing Hall of Fame.
Gary Russell Jr. vs. Anyone of Consequence
Photo by Jim Wyatt
I feel like Gary Russell Jr. has been the prospect of the year for several years now.
It’s time to take that potential and put it to the test. Russell has some of the fastest hands in the sport, but unless you’re a boxing die hard, you probably don’t know that nor do you know him.
A win over a quality opponent would go a long way in moving Russell Jr. from being a great prospect to being a star in the sport.
James Kirkland vs. Canelo Alvarez
Photo by Roberto Fernandez/Hogan Photos/Golden Boy Promotions
This fight was actually supposed to happen before. This was when Canelo Alvarez went through a long line of opponents and kept going through terrible luck getting them in the ring.
Paul Williams (motorcycle accident), Victor Ortiz (broken jaw, TKO loss to Josesito Lopez), Miguel Cotto (loss to Austin Trout), and Kirkland (unstable management on Kirkland’s part).
I’d like to see Kirkland get a second shot at trying to negotiate a fight with Canelo. If for no other reason, it’d be an opportunity to feature a blood-and-guts warrior on a large scale, much in the way Marcos Maidana was showcased against Broner.
Now that Kirkland isn’t promoted by Golden Boy, there may not be much interest on their end, but that’s not stopping me from wanting to see it.
Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather
Photo edit by John Garita/Round By Round Boxing
Not sure why I even bothered putting this down on this list. Don’t know if this fight will ever happen.
It should have happened two or three years ago, but oh well it’s almost obligatory to include in any “must see matchup list,” so here it is.
A speedy, highly-offensive minded fighter who comes from all types of angles, and a defensive mastermind that makes you miss from all kinds of angles.
Doubt it gets done, but like the good Reverend Jesse Jackson, I will keep hope alive.
