How grateful we are to boxing in 2024!

Boxing remains a sport filled with passion, unpredictability, and unforgettable moments. While it often tests our patience with controversies, delays, and dubious decisions, 2024 reminded us why we love it. This year, boxing gave fans plenty to celebrate and reflect on. Here’s a closer look at why boxing made us thankful in 2024.

Women’s Boxing Stole the Spotlight

In one of the biggest fights of the year, Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano delivered yet another masterclass. Their highly anticipated November 15 rematch followed their 2022 Madison Square Garden showdown, but this time they reached an even higher level of intensity. Despite Serrano fighting through a gruesome eye injury, the fight was fiercely competitive, filled with skill and drama.

The bout captivated a staggering 50 million viewers on Netflix, marking a historic moment for women’s boxing. Their rivalry has grown sharper, with respect giving way to tension after 20 brutal rounds together. Taylor and Serrano’s performances showcased not only their greatness but also how far women’s boxing has come in gaining global attention.

Heavyweight Division Delivered Historic Battles

After years of delays, the long-awaited showdown between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk finally happened—and it was worth the wait. The two champions delivered a modern classic, with both fighters adapting brilliantly to each other’s styles. Usyk’s victory cemented his status as one of the all-time greats, while Fury displayed incredible resilience and skill, even in defeat.

The heavyweight division only got better as the year progressed. Daniel Dubois became an overnight sensation with a spectacular knockout, while Joseph Parker staged a remarkable comeback. Add to this the rise of entertaining figures like Zhilei Zhang, and 2024 turned into a year of heavyweight riches. With a Fury vs. Usyk rematch set for December—and even a potential trilogy—fans have every reason to stay excited.

Boxing’s Mix of Absurdity and Brilliance

One of boxing’s charms is its balance of the amazing and the absurd. On one end, bizarre events like Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson grabbed headlines for all the wrong reasons. While the fight itself was predictably awful, we can still be thankful no one was seriously hurt in this sideshow spectacle.

On the other hand, 2024 showcased the brilliance of rising stars like Bakhram Murtazaliev, Gabriela Fundora, and Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez, who delivered stunning performances on the world stage. These fighters represent the future of the sport, reminding us why boxing continues to captivate fans despite its flaws.

Boxing Builds a Community

For those who love boxing, it’s more than a sport—it’s a community and a way of life. Writers, fighters, and fans alike find a sense of purpose and belonging in this unique world. Boxing brings together people from all walks of life who share a deep connection to the fight game.

Many writers have expressed gratitude for the opportunities boxing has given them to tell stories and build careers. Fighters have found redemption and identity in the ring, while fans have formed lifelong friendships through their shared passion. Despite its imperfections, boxing creates moments that feel real, earned, and deeply personal.

A Year to Celebrate and Look Ahead

While boxing in 2024 wasn’t without its frustrations, it gave us unforgettable highlights to savor. From historic women’s matches to heavyweight drama and the rise of new stars, this year reaffirmed the sport’s ability to inspire and excite.

As we head into 2025, fans can look forward to even more thrilling fights, compelling rivalries, and moments that remind us why we remain loyal to this chaotic yet beautiful sport. For all its flaws, boxing continues to give us countless reasons to be thankful.