Sports Desk 26 Feb , 2024 01:10 PM GMT
Rare boxing tournaments due to obstacles like politics and injuries.
ESPN's fantasy tournaments aim to determine undisputed champions in boxing.
Heavyweight tournament features top contenders like Joshua, Usyk, and Hrgovic.
Jermall Charlo poses with his championship belts after beating Juan Macias Montiel in a WBC middleweight world championship boxing match Saturday, June 19, 2021, in Houston. The World Boxing Co
Boxing fans have long dreamed of a tournament-style format in the sport to determine the best in each weight class. However, boxing tournaments have been rare due to various obstacles such as boxing politics, injuries, and mandatory title defense obligations.
ESPN has envisioned three fantasy tournaments that would captivate fans and elevate boxers' careers by crowning undisputed champions in their divisions. One such tournament involves the heavyweight division, with the WBC champion set to face Oleksandr Usyk to determine the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era.
The tournament features top contenders such as Anthony Joshua, who has been in impressive form recently with notable wins over Robert Helenius and Otto Wallin. Another contender, Hrgovic, holds the No. 1 contender spot with the IBF but faces tough competition in the tournament.
Opetaia, the IBF cruiserweight champion, could be a wildcard entry in the heavyweight tournament, showcasing his skills against formidable opponents. Additionally, former WBO champion Parker and rising star Dubois add excitement to the tournament with their potential matchups.
The tournament also presents an opportunity for Ruiz to make a comeback after a period of inactivity, facing tough competition in the form of top seeds like Fury or Usyk. The potential showdown between Joshua and Fury, once touted as a mega-fight, could finally materialize in this tournament if both fighters continue their winning streaks.
Furthermore, the tournament extends beyond the heavyweight division, with pound-for-pound king Crawford stepping up a division to face new challenges. Charlo, who suffered a defeat against Canelo Alvarez, aims to regain recognition in the super middleweight division.
Australian Tszyu, the WBO champion, is set to face former welterweight world champion Keith Thurman in a high-profile fight, showcasing his elite skills and potential for big fights.
Overall, the proposed tournaments offer an exciting prospect for boxing fans, with the potential for epic matchups, career-defining victories, and the crowning of undisputed champions across various weight classes.
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