Boxing: Potential Huge Fights for 2021

Boxing took a massive hit during the global pandemic, with fights being cancelled and combatants having to wait it out for ring outings. 

Once the bouts did return, proceedings were different. Venues are now having to be extra cautious when it comes to health and safety, meaning fans aren’t permitted on site. 

That has forced the bigger and more high-profile bouts to be postponed, with the more prestigious names in the sport requiring crowds in order to fund larger purses and generate a more prosperous income. 

Proceedings are starting to get back to normal in 2020 though, with fans potentially set to be allowed back to arenas in small numbers. 

The sport could well get back to where it was in the coming months, barring another setback with the pandemic. 

Therefore, 2021 looks set to produce many huge showdowns that supporters have been craving. So, here are several potential encounters to look ahead to across 2021. 

Terence Crawford vs. Errol Spence Jr.

Arguably the best fight that can be made in the sport right now. A welterweight unification clash between Terence Crawford vs. Errol Spence Jr. is the big one fans have been calling for for some time now. 

It’s a bout that bookmakers can’t separate, with both men seen at 11/10* for victory in what would be an incredible match-up. 

Manny Pacquiao vs. Conor McGregor

Another crossover clash that would do huge numbers but one perhaps seen as a mismatch. UFC superstar Conor McGregor caused a frenzy among fight fans by claiming he’s set to face the legendary Manny Pacquiao. 

‘Pacman’ is seen as the odds-on 4/11* front runner with Paddy Power to KO ‘The Notorious’ in another bizarre meeting in the ring. 

Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua

The heavyweight battle between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua would be one of the biggest fights for the division in many years. 

Both men own all the marbles in the weight class, making it an undisputed showdown for the ages. It’s Fury that’s seen at a promising 15/8* with Paddy Power to prevail by decision in what would be a seismic all-British affair. 

Vasyl Lomachenko vs. Gervonta Davis

Another huge potential match-up for next year. Vasyl Lomachenko is widely regarded as the pound-for-pound number one on the planet right now, while Gervonta Davis is one of the most exciting rising talents. 

Both men have upcoming foes to deal with before this clash can be agreed but it’s a monumental PPV bout on the horizon. ‘Loma’ is available at odds-on 4/11* with William Hill to come out on top if it’s finally made. 

Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez vs. Gennadiy Golovkin

All eyes have been on the ongoing legal battle between boxing’s biggest name Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and his promoters in recent weeks. 

A trilogy fight with long-standing rival Gennadiy Golovkin was one of the potential bouts set in front of the Mexican but it looks to have been shelved to at least next year. Canelo is the odds-on 4/11* favourite to triumph for a second time over the Kazakh middleweight. 

*odds correct at time of writing