Boxing 2024 Recap: Usyk and Beterbiev dominate as Saudi Arabia strengthens its position in boxing

In 2024, boxing entered a new era, with Oleksandr Usyk and Artur Beterbiev dominating the ring while Saudi Arabia emerged as a major player in shaping the future of the sport. From star-studded matchups in Riyadh to the rise of new champions across various divisions, 2024 set the stage for an exciting new chapter in boxing history.

Saudi Arabia’s Rising Influence in Boxing

Saudi Arabia has firmly established itself as a global hub for boxing, with Riyadh Season now hosting some of the sport’s most high-profile events. The kingdom didn’t just promote major boxing cards at home but also expanded its influence by holding events in London and Los Angeles. A significant development was the signing of Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue and the purchase of Ring Magazine, solidifying Saudi Arabia’s role as a key player in the industry.

One of the biggest stories of the year was the Beterbiev vs. Bivol showdown in October, where Artur Beterbiev triumphed over Dmitry Bivol in a close and thrilling battle. Their rematch is already confirmed for February 22, 2025, and is expected to be one of the most exciting Saudi-backed boxing events. With their substantial financial backing and strategic partnerships, Saudi Arabia continues to reshape the future of boxing on a global scale.

Usyk’s Dominance and the Rise of New Champions

The heavyweight division saw huge changes in 2024, with Oleksandr Usyk solidifying his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats. After two dominant wins over Tyson Fury in Riyadh, Usyk’s place in boxing history was firmly secured. Meanwhile, Daniel Dubois emerged as a rising star by defeating Anthony Joshua, positioning himself as a future title contender.

At cruiserweight, Jai Opetaia claimed the top spot, defeating Mairis Briedis in a defining bout. The lower weight divisions also had major action, with Terence Crawford impressing in the light middleweight division. Fighters like Sebastian Fundora and Vergil Ortiz further showcased the depth of talent across all weight classes, bringing excitement to boxing fans around the world.

Canelo’s Decline and Fury vs. Joshua Showdown

While Saudi Arabia’s influence continues to rise, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez had a quieter year in 2024. Critics pointed to his selective matchmaking, as he avoided difficult opponents in favor of easier paydays. This led to a less relevant year for Canelo, despite his past dominance in the super middleweight division. However, a potential superfight with Terence Crawford could bring Canelo back into the limelight.

Meanwhile, the heavyweight division’s former titans, Joshua and Fury, saw their careers falter. After multiple defeats, both fighters face uncertain futures. A long-awaited Fury vs. Joshua clash might finally take place in 2025, offering a final chapter for two of boxing’s biggest names.

Beterbiev: Fighter of the Year and What’s Next for 2025

Artur Beterbiev earned the title of Fighter of the Year after securing all four major light heavyweight belts with his victory over Dmitry Bivol. Despite some controversy over the fight’s scoring, Beterbiev’s dominance in the championship rounds justified the win. At 39, Beterbiev’s ability to recover from knee surgery and take on one of his toughest challenges made him a standout in 2024.

Looking ahead to 2025, several exciting matchups are in store. The highly anticipated Beterbiev vs. Bivol rematch is already confirmed, while other potential fights like Crawford vs. Ortiz Jr., Haney vs. Garcia 2, and Fury vs. Joshua could headline major events. With Saudi Arabia continuing to back key fighters like Naoya Inoue, it seems the kingdom’s influence on global boxing will only continue to grow.

2024 is a Transformative Year for Boxing

2024 was a pivotal year for boxing, as Saudi Arabia emerged as a powerhouse in the sport, reshaping its future with major investments and partnerships. The year saw legendary fighters like Usyk and Beterbiev make their mark, while rising stars and potential superfights kept fans on the edge of their seats. As the boxing world looks to 2025, the excitement surrounding new matchups and Saudi Arabia’s growing influence guarantees another thrilling year ahead for boxing fans everywhere.