So far, boxing has not been as eventful this year as it was in 2013. However, there are several big fights remaining in 2014 that could make this a banner year in boxing.
Here’s a look at the big fights remaining in 2014:
October 18th Gennady Golovkin (30-0, 27 KOs) vs Marco Antonio Rubio (59-6-1, 51 KOs)
What’s at stake is Golovkin’s WBA and IBO middleweight titles.
While Golovkin was hoping for a fight against a bigger named opponent, this gives Golovkin another chance to show case his power and skill against a tough opponent. This should be an action packed fight from the opening bell. With Golovkin is able to cutoff the ring and his devastating punching power, it seems very unlikely that Rubio can pull off the upset.
With Saul Canelo Alvarez pulling out of his December 6th bout, that leaves the door open for Golovkin to possibly fight middleweight champion Miguel Cotto next if he gets by Rubio.
Prediction: Golovkin is the hardest puncher pound for pound in boxing and Rubio will find this out early in the fight. Golovkin wins by 5th round knockout
November 8th Bernard “The Alien” Hopkins (55-6-2, 32 KOs) vs. Sergey “The Krusher” Kovalev (25-0-1, 23 KOs)
What’s at stake: Hopkins WBA and IBF Light Heavyweight titles and Kovalev’s WBO Light Heavyweight title.
This is the biggest and most intriguing fight remaining in 2014 as arguably the two best light heavyweights face off. Hopkins, who will be just months shy of his 50th birthday, attempts to defy Father Time once more in his legendary career. Kovalev has been living up to his nickname by crushing his opponents. His last 9 fights have all ended by knockout and none of those fights made it to the 8th round. Although he’s never been in the ring with a fighter the caliber of Hopkins, his punching power and 18 year age advantage makes him the slight favorite in this fight.
However, some feel Kovalev straight forward attacking style is tailor made for Hopkins. Hopkins has used his craft and ring IQ to defeat similar style fighters such as Kelly Pavlick. But can he do this against arguably the hardest puncher he’s ever faced in his career?
Prediction: Hopkins seems offended that despite all of his accomplishments, people are still counting him out. Hopkins experience and craft earns him a split decision victory.
November 22nd Manny Pacquiao (56-5-2 38 KOs), vs. Chris Algieri (20-0, 8 KOs)
What’s at stake: Pacquiao’s WBO welterweight title
The biggest fight of Chris Algieri’s career came in June when he upset the then WBO junior welterweight champion Ruslan Provodnikov by split decision at the Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn. That win put him in line to face Pacquiao. While many are saying Algieri does not deserve this fight, his 3 ½ inch height and 5 inch reach advantage could pose problems for Pacquiao.
But in fighting Pacquiao, Algieri does not have the experience to deal with the likes of Pacquiao. Although he’s no longer getting knockouts, Pacquiao has the clear power and speed advantage to nullify Algieri’s long jab. Also, this will be Algieri’s first fight at welterweight. So, there’s a question of how his chin will hold up once Pacquiao starts connecting with his power punches.
Prediction: Pacquiao knows he needs to win to keep the possibility of a fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. next year. Pacquiao wins by unanimous decision.