Sports

Barry McGuigan names 5 boxing fighters to watch in 2020 – including Oleksandr Usyk


After a thrilling 2019, the next 12 months promise to be equally as spectacular for boxing.

There was Anthony Joshua’s shock defeat to Andy Ruiz in New York in June, before the Brit became a two-time champion with victory in the rematch last month.

All eyes will be on who the Brit faces next with heavyweight rivals Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury going head-to-head again in February.

Their blockbuster first fight ended in a draw but who will come out on top second time around?

Big things are also expected of Callum Smith, Canelo Alvarez, Katie Taylor and Vasyl Lomachenko over the next 12 months.

Here are five fighters that have captured the imagination of my crystal ball as we look ahead to 2020.

Tyson Fury’s rematch with Deontay Wilder will take place in February

Oleksandr Usyk

Usyk is hoping to be the next Evander Holyfield but my worry is he looks underpowered for a 21st century heavyweight.

Little has changed since the beginning of the Queensberry Rules. This business is about power. Usyk had it in abundance at cruiserweight and great skill.

Oleksandr Usyk of Ukraine celebrates

That ability will keep him relevant but If a bloke is three stones heavier there is always the risk he can knock you out.

You might work him over, as he did Chas Witherspoon in his first engagement at heavy, but if he gets a free shot at your chin, the chances are a world class biggun will put your lights out.

Joshua Buatsi

Joshua Buatsi in action

Artur Beterbiev is the man at light heavyweight. Dimitri Bivol is not far behind, a very talented kid, but when Beterbiev closes you down it’s hard to stay upright.

Buatsi is operating at a much lower level, but an unexpected door might be opening if Beterbiev refuses a mandatory against China’s Fanlong Meng for his IBF belt.

At No.3 in the IBF rankings Buatsi is first in line to step up.

The jump from domestic level, as Anthony Yarde found against a 37-year-old Sergey Kovalev, is huge, but Buatsi, a bronze medallist at the Rio Olympics, has the potential to do it, and against Meng, every opportunity.

Lawrence Okolie

Lawrence Okolie celebrates

People say he is too negative, but just look at his record. He knocks everybody out. He has unbelievable power. He frustrates. Opponents get ragged and he takes them out.

Okolie is pencilled in for a world title fight this year. I am in no doubt he will take his chance, and will look better against better opponents.

Stepping up involves risk and he will be forced to take chances against fighters that give him no option but to open up and engage.

Luke Campbell

Luke Campbell salutes the crowd after losing to Vasyl Lomachenko

Deserves to be a world champion.

He pushed Jorge Linares all the way in September 2017 two weeks after his father died. He climbed off the canvas and was unlucky not to win.

He jumped last year against Vasyl Lomachenko, a once in a lifetime fighter, and acquitted himself well.

He will defintiely get another world title shot in the first half of this year and show the improvements he has made. He’s the freshest 31-year-old that I’ve ever seen.

Shakur Stevenson

Shakur Stevenson punches Christopher Diaz

Already a featherweight world champion after just 13 fights. At 22 this kid is an incredible talent.

He was a split-decision from gold against Cuba’s Robeisy Ramirez at the Rio Olympics, but has made up for that as a pro. A southpaw with fast hands, my hope is that we see him in a British ring in a unification with Josh Warrington.

Follow Barry on Twitter at @ClonesCyclone, @McGuigans_Gym, @CyclonePromo





READ SOURCE

Leave a Reply

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.