First Half of 2024 Boxing Highlights
After an eventful six months of boxing in 2024, filled with global fight cards and remarkable performances, it’s time to highlight the best moments. From standout achievements in the heavyweight division to thrilling knockouts and surprising upsets, boxing has set an impressive standard for the rest of the year.
For the first time since Lennox Lewis in 2000, there is an undisputed heavyweight champion, and women’s boxing saw its first-ever undisputed strawweight champion crowned. We witnessed a champion deliver a powerful knockout and another suffer a major upset upon returning home.
Mike Coppinger and Nick Parkinson reflect on some of the memorable moments from the first half of the year.
Usyk’s Historic Victory
Oleksandr Usyk achieved a monumental feat with his split-decision win over Tyson Fury in May, marking the second time he’s claimed an undisputed championship—having previously held all four belts at cruiserweight. Despite being outweighed by nearly 40 pounds and facing Fury’s height and reach advantages, Usyk showcased his exceptional skill and resilience. “The Gypsy King” initially dominated from range, but Usyk rallied in the latter half of the bout, demonstrating the prowess that helped him secure the unified heavyweight championship in his fights against Anthony Joshua.
Usyk’s triumph not only made him the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis but also catapulted him to the top of ESPN’s pound-for-pound rankings. With a rematch against Fury set for December 21 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the 37-year-old Ukrainian is poised to solidify his status and potentially secure the Fighter of the Year title.
