BOXING SET FOR AN EXPLOSIVE END TO 2024

With just over two months left in 2024 and boxing booming as Riyadh Season kicks into gear, we’re on the cusp of a massive conclusion to what has been an incredible year for the sport.

We’ve selected seven fights—some you’ll definitely know about and others you might not—worth watching before the year ends.

Ekow Essuman vs. Ben Vaughan – 2nd November

Former British and Commonwealth champion Ekow Essuman continues his comeback from the first defeat of his professional career against Harry Scarff, as he faces ex-Paratrooper Ben Vaughan for the WBO European Title.

Essuman bounced back from his disappointing loss to Scarff with a 10th-round stoppage of the undefeated Owen Cooper. Vaughan, who had recorded just one stoppage in his first eight professional fights, has recently achieved back-to-back first-round knockouts, both against undefeated prospects.

Both fighters will fancy their chances in this bout. Vaughan, riding high on confidence from his recent performances, could make this an explosive fight on the Davies/Masoud undercard.

Liam Davies vs. Shabaz Masoud – 2nd November

Headlining the card that features Essuman vs. Vaughan is an enticing domestic super-bantamweight clash between Liam Davies and Shabaz Masoud.

At 16-0, Davies has picked up British and European honors over the past three years, while Masoud, who has been relatively inactive, secured an impressive victory over the previously undefeated Jack Bateson in 2022. Masoud has shown enough talent to suggest he could be a future world champion.

This is a big step up for Masoud against the established Davies, but expect a highly technical fight that could very well be a fight-of-the-year contender.

Cameron Vuong vs. Gavin Gwynne – 30th November

Cameron Vuong, trained by Jamie Moore and Nigel Travis, steps up to face former British and European lightweight champion Gavin Gwynne in just his seventh professional fight on the Sunny Edwards vs. Galal Yafai undercard.

Vuong was originally set to face fellow undefeated prospect Jordan Flynn, but after the fight fell through, he now faces Gwynne, who is coming off a career-best performance against Jeff Ofori.

Gwynne’s career is a classic comeback story. After early defeats to Joe Cordina and James Tennyson in British title fights, he finally captured the Lonsdale belt by beating Luke Willis in April 2022.

Tough, durable, and a challenge for any novice pro, Gwynne will likely push Vuong further than he’s ever been. But with Vuong touted as one of British boxing’s next big stars, he’ll need to live up to the hype and get past Gwynne in a fight that’s already generating serious excitement.

Sunny Edwards vs. Galal Yafai – 30th November

A clash between a former world champion and an Olympic champion, counter-puncher vs. front-foot fighter—there’s a lot to like about this match-up.

What makes this fight particularly appealing is the lack of bad blood. These two fighters share a great deal of respect, and with their contrasting styles, this fight is poised to live up to its potential without any need for animosity.

That being said, don’t be surprised if the outspoken Edwards stirs things up as the fight approaches.

Either way, this will be a terrific night for British boxing, and with these two special talents in the main event, it’s one you won’t want to miss.

Liam Paro vs. Richardson Hitchins – 7th December

The first world title fight in this article, and the only one outside of British shores, sees Australian Liam Paro make the first defense of his IBF World 140 lbs title against undefeated American Richardson Hitchins in Puerto Rico.

Paro shocked the boxing world when he dethroned reigning champion Subriel Matias on away soil back in June. Now, he returns to the scene of his greatest triumph, with Hitchins aiming to become the fourth man to hold the IBF world super-lightweight title in less than four years.

Hitchins is technically the better boxer, but Paro has already proven he’s the more well-rounded fighter. With just a year separating them in age, Paro’s greater experience in the professional ranks may prove decisive on fight night.

Dennis McCann vs. Peter McGrail – 21st December

What a fight this will be. Dennis McCann, touted as the future of British boxing, faces Peter McGrail, who likely would have medaled at the Tokyo Olympics if not for a nightmare draw.

McCann’s cheeky persona inside and outside the ring has made him one of the most recognizable prospects in British boxing, while McGrail, who suffered a surprise defeat late last year, has quietly gone about his business since turning pro after the 2020 Olympics.

This isn’t just Queensberry vs. Matchroom; it’s Rotunda vs. Everton Red Triangle—two of Liverpool’s most iconic boxing gyms.

There’s no bad blood yet, but that could change. Regardless, expect an incredible display of technical boxing, as this fight could be one of the most beautifully fought bouts of the year.

Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2 – 21st December

The final fight on our list, and unsurprisingly, the highly anticipated rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury.

Their first fight in May delivered on its promise, and this rematch is expected to be even better.

With Usyk now holding all but one of the world title belts, Fury has something to prove. The last time Fury was in this position, he demolished Deontay Wilder. Expect a more aggressive Fury this time, and if that’s the case, someone could be in for a devastating knockout. The only question is, who will it be?