The 2024 Fighter of the Year Race: An In-Depth Look at the Top Contenders and Potential Game-Changers

As we approach the final stretch of 2024, the battle for Fighter of the Year is shaping up to be a compelling one. While Oleksandr Usyk’s stunning victory over Tyson Fury in May makes him the frontrunner, the year is far from over. With several high-profile fights still on the horizon, it’s time to dissect the landscape of boxing and explore who might claim the coveted Fighter of the Year title.

 

**Usyk’s Dominance and the Impending Rematch**

 

In May 2024, Oleksandr Usyk achieved one of the year’s most significant victories, winning a split decision over Tyson Fury to become the undisputed heavyweight champion. This victory alone positions Usyk as a leading candidate for Fighter of the Year. Despite the rematch scheduled for December 21 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Usyk’s performance in May has already set a high bar. A clear victory in the rematch would solidify his claim to the award, potentially making it his second time winning Fighter of the Year, having previously been honored in 2018 for his cruiserweight achievements.

 

**The Battle of the Light Heavyweights**

 

The light heavyweight division is poised for a dramatic showdown between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitriy Bivol. The winner of this clash will be crowned the undisputed champion. Beterbiev’s earlier victory over Callum Smith in January and Bivol’s recent triumph over Malik Zinad make this matchup particularly significant. Bivol, who won Fighter of the Year in 2022, is no stranger to high-caliber performances. The outcome of this bout will be crucial in determining the Fighter of the Year, particularly if the winner delivers an impressive performance.

 

**Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez: A Knockout to Remember**

 

Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez made headlines in June with a knockout victory over Juan Francisco Estrada, a long-time pound-for-pound standout. Although Rodriguez has fought only once in 2024, this win was a remarkable display of skill and power. Depending on his performance in any additional fights this year, Rodriguez could further strengthen his case for Fighter of the Year.

 

**Honorable Mentions: Notable Performances of 2024**

 

Several fighters have had noteworthy performances this year, even if they don’t quite meet the criteria for Fighter of the Year:

 

– **Naoya Inoue**: Despite an impressive TKO win over Luis Nery and an anticipated fight against TJ Doheny, Inoue’s campaign might not be enough to secure a second Fighter of the Year award in 2024. His performance will need to be exceptional in his remaining bouts to climb back into contention.

 

– **Junto Nakatani**: With three significant wins, including a title victory and two knockout victories, Nakatani is a strong contender for an honorable mention. However, the lack of standout competition in his recent fights may limit his chances for top honors this year.

 

– **Daniel Dubois**: Dubois’ interim heavyweight title win and upcoming fight against Anthony Joshua could boost his profile. A decisive victory over Joshua would significantly enhance Dubois’ chances of recognition.

 

– **Gervonta “Tank” Davis**: Davis’ sole fight in 2024, a knockout win over Frank Martin, was impressive. However, his inability to secure additional high-profile fights has limited his chances for the top honor.

 

– **Fernando Martinez**: Martinez’s victory over Kazuto Ioka for unified titles in Japan was notable. A potential rematch with Ioka could further bolster his claim.

 

– **Liam Paro**: Paro’s win over Subriel Matias for a junior welterweight title was impressive. If he can secure another quality win, such as a potential unification bout with Devin Haney, Paro could emerge as a strong contender.

 

**Potential Game-Changing Upsets**

 

While the frontrunners are established, the potential for major upsets could dramatically alter the Fighter of the Year landscape:

 

– **TJ Doheny**: A victory over Naoya Inoue would be a monumental upset, positioning Doheny as a top contender for Fighter of the Year.

 

– **Edgar Berlanga**: Defeating Canelo Alvarez would be a shocking turn of events. Berlanga would immediately become a leading candidate for the award if he can pull off such an upset.

 

– **Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela**: If Valenzuela manages to defeat Gervonta Davis, it would be a significant achievement, making him a strong contender for Fighter of the Year.

The race for Fighter of the Year in 2024 is still wide open, with numerous factors and potential upsets that could influence the final outcome. While Usyk currently leads the pack, the coming months could see dramatic shifts. As the year progresses, keep an eye on these top contenders and potential game-changers to see who will ultimately claim the title of Fighter of the Year.