via Imago
Image Courtesy: Imago
via Imago
Image Courtesy: Imago
In a year where the boxing world spun with electrifying bouts, who stood out? Picture this: Tyson Fury, Terence Crawford, Devin Haney, Canelo Álvarez; each name – a titan in the ring. But what propelled them to the zenith of the World Boxing Council (WBC) 2023 awards?
Alvarez’s mastery over John Ryder and Jermell Charlo. Crawford’s jaw-dropping performance against Errol Spence Jr. Haney’s strategic brilliance, and Fury’s dance with Francis Ngannou. Imagine, Fury not just fighting, but almost getting outclassed by a UFC heavyweight monarch.
Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua headline the ‘Events of the Year’
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The World Boxing Council (WBC) spotlighted two monumental events that defined 2023. The first, aptly named ‘Day of Reckoning,’ unfurled a constellation of heavyweight clashes. The WBC’s post vividly captured the essence: “A galaxy of heavyweight unleashed titanic bolts in a quest for glory, creating a fabled story entitled: Day of Reckoning, at Riyadh`s Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia on December 23rd; among the Heavyweight Fights presented there were: Joshua vs Wallin; Parker vs. Wilder; Sanchez vs Junior Fa; Dubois vs. Miller… and more.”
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This event was not just a boxing card; it was a spectacle of strength and strategy. Anthony Joshua, a former two-time world heavyweight champion, faced Otto Wallin, showcasing his prowess in a defining comeback. Meanwhile, Joseph Parker shocked the boxing world by overpowering the formidable Deontay Wilder. Each match, from Sanchez’s clash with Junior Fa to Dubois’s showdown with Miller, contributed to a night replete with adrenaline-pumping action.
Equally commanding was the WBC’s second highlighted event, ‘The Battle of the Baddest.’ This extravaganza featured the gripping match-up between WBC heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury and former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.
The promotion, an intricate tapestry woven by His Excellency Sheik Turki Alalshikh and co-promoted by Top Rank and Queensberry, was described as “spectacular in every way.” This event transcended the conventional boxing matches, turning into a congregation of legends from various spheres, including the likes of Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
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Both events, in their grandeur and scale, not only celebrated the spirit of boxing but also illustrated the sport’s ability to unite diverse audiences in awe and excitement.
Fan choice, trainer, and performance of the year
The WBC’s 2023 awards embraced more than just event grandeur. The ‘Fan’s Choice Award’ saw Canelo Álvarez clinching the honor, with the WBC captioning, “Canelo remained very active in 2023 with two memorable fights. The first against John Ryder in his long-awaited return home and the second defeating Jermell Charlo in an overwhelming way. He masterfully conserved the undisputed super middleweight championship.” Álvarez’s victories over Ryder and Charlo were not just wins; they were a reaffirmation of his dominance in the sport.
In the realm of coaching, the ‘Trainer of the Year‘ award shone brightly on Shingo Inoue. The WBC’s post highlighted, “Shingo Inoue has turned his son into one of the greatest exponents of boxing not only in Japan but in the world.” Inoue’s guidance of his son, Naoya Inoue, to victories across multiple weight divisions epitomized the profound impact a skilled trainer can have on a boxer’s career.
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Not to be overshadowed, the ‘Performance of the Year‘ went to Terence Crawford for his remarkable victory over Errol Spence Jr. The WBC encapsulated this feat, “Terence Crawford stopped Errol Spence Jr. in the ninth round…crowning himself the undisputed welterweight champion.” Crawford’s ability to overpower a formidable opponent like Spence Jr. with a strategic and dominating display underscored his elite status in boxing.
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These awards, encapsulating fan admiration, coaching excellence, and in-ring supremacy, reflect the multifaceted nature of boxing success.
Who were the fighters of the year?
As the WBC 2023 awards unfolded, the spotlight turned to the exemplary fighters who defined the year. In the women’s category, the WBC celebrated Jessica Nery Plata as the ‘Fighter of the Year.’ The council’s post aptly described her achievements: “The Mexican fighter firmly established herself as light flyweight champion.” Her victories over undefeated champions Kim Clavel and Sarah Borman not only showcased her skill but also her ability to conquer foreign territories and prevail.
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For the men, the honor was shared between two exceptional talents: Devin Haney and Naoya Inoue. The WBC praised Haney’s incredible year: “Devin had a very busy year… defeating Ukrainian legend Lomachenko and then moving up to super lightweight to win his second division.” Haney’s strategic brilliance and adaptability were on full display in these fights. Meanwhile, Naoya Inoue’s accolade was captured: “Undefeated…former undisputed bantamweight champion, current undisputed super bantamweight champion.” Inoue’s journey to unify the super bantamweight division, marked by victories over Stephen Fulton and Marlon Tapales, was nothing short of historic.
Accompanying these individual honors were the ‘Fights of the Year.’ In the men’s division, the electrifying showdown between O’Shaquie Foster and Eduardo Hernandez was highlighted. “Super Featherweight Champion O’Shaquie Foster dramatically KO’d Eduardo ‘Rocky’ Hernandez in the 12th round,” stated the WBC. This bout, characterized by its dramatic turn in the final round, captured the essence of boxing’s unpredictability and excitement.
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In women’s boxing, the dual battles between Katie Taylor and Chantelle Cameron were recognized. The WBC’s post painted the picture: “Cameron vs Taylor I…Chantelle Cameron emerged as the deserved [winner]. Taylor vs Cameron II…Katie was the aggressor and decisively won most of the rounds.” These fights were not just physical contests but tactical chess matches that showcased the depth of skill in women’s boxing.
These awards, distinguishing the fighters and fights of the year, celebrated the courage, skill, and heart that define the very best of boxing. They encapsulated a year where champions were not just made, but legends were born.
Also Read: Zhilei Zhang Reveals the Only Way He Believes Tyson Fury Can Beat Oleksandr Usyk
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What new heights will these champions reach in the coming years? Will upcoming talents rise to challenge the reign of these titans? Who do you think will be the next to step into the ring and leave an indelible mark in the annals of boxing history?
Watch this story: Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk Tentative Timeline
