There have already been plenty of huge boxing clashes in the first half of this year. Oleksandr Usyk became the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the world by outpointing Tyson Fury in a thrilling match in Saudi Arabia. Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez successfully overcame compatriot Jaime Munguia. But there is plenty more on the horizon. Here are the biggest fights still to come in 2024.
Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson
We're starting with perhaps the most controversial but without a doubt the most anticipated. Jake Paul and Mike Tyson made headlines earlier in the year when they agreed to clash - live on Netflix - inside the squared circle. Primarily thanks to the huge age disparity, the latest Paul vs Tyson betting odds make the much younger Problem Child a 2/5 favorite for the event. However, we should be careful not to write Iron Mike off.
The former World Heavyweight Champion still has power in abundance, and that has seen boxing betting odds providers give him a 13/5 puncher's chance at walking away victorious. He is now 57 years of age and nearly two decades removed from his most recent fight, a 2005 defeat to Kevin McBride. However, millions around the world will tune in this November in the hopes that they can pull one last rabbit out of the hat.
For Paul, this fight is an opportunity to prove he can take out the most fearsome of fighters, while for Tyson, it's a chance to showcase that age is just a number. The spectacle of this matchup lies not only in the potential clash of styles but also in the convergence of two wildly different eras. Of course, it goes without saying the opportunity also leads straight to the bank with a bucket load of cash.
Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury II
The first fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury delivered everything boxing fans could hope for and more in an undisputed clash. The contest was a nip-and-tuck affair, with the Ukrainians nicking the early rounds before the Gypsy King took over in the middle part of the fight. However, an onslaught from the former undisputed cruiserweight champion in the ninth round took the fight away from the former WBC King. With the referees standing eight-count saving Fury from a stoppage defeat, he ultimately went on to lose a razor-thin split decision.
The pair have agreed to a rematch in December, once again in Saudi Arabia. This second encounter is all about legacy and dominance. Usyk wants to solidify his status as the premier heavyweight of his generation, while Fury aims for redemption and the reclamation of his title. Whether he can make the necessary changes remains to be seen. It is Usyk who will head into the box as the bookies' favourite, courtesy of the strength he displayed throughout the final four rounds of the pair's first fight.
The giant Brit has managed to navigate through troublesome waters before, though. He went through hellfire in his trilogy with Deontay Wilder, surviving three heavy knockdowns to walk away with two knockout victories and a draw from their three clashes. He will have to find a way to find that fight again if he wants to be re-crowned as the heavyweight champion of the world.
