Heavyweight Boxing
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Auckland, New Zealand - The heavyweight boxing division saw some of its most thrilling and impactful fights in 2024, with long-awaited title clashes, stunning upsets, and breakout performances shaping the sport’s future. From historic undisputed battles to unexpected knockouts, these bouts not only determined championship status but also redefined the division's power structure. Below is a breakdown of the most significant heavyweight fights of the year, including the pre-fight odds and key moments that made each one unforgettable. It was also a significant time for online casinos, as changes in the industry provided opportunities for players to adapt their strategies and approaches.
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Boxing fans had waited years for the first true undisputed heavyweight championship fight of the four-belt era, and when Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury finally stepped into the ring, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. Fury, the towering and unpredictable WBC champion, faced Usyk, the tactical mastermind who had already conquered the cruiserweight division before dethroning Anthony Joshua.
Coming into the fight, Fury was a slight favorite due to his size, reach, and unorthodox style. However, Usyk's supreme footwork and precision punching neutralized many of Fury's advantages. The fight was a chess match early, with both men having their moments, but as the rounds wore on, Usyk’s superior conditioning and relentless pace took over. In the ninth round, Usyk nearly finished Fury, forcing a standing count and shifting the momentum entirely.
In the end, the judges scored it a split decision: 115-112, 114-113 for Usyk, and 113-114 for Fury. With the victory, Usyk made history as the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the modern era, etching his name alongside legends like Lennox Lewis and Muhammad Ali. The fight was a masterclass in skill and heart, setting up an immediate rematch for later in the year.
After their razor-thin first encounter, Tyson Fury exercised his rematch clause, setting up a December showdown for heavyweight supremacy. This time, however, the odds had shifted slightly in Usyk’s favor, as the Ukrainian had proven he could handle Fury’s size and style.
Fury entered the ring looking more focused and aggressive than in their first meeting, using his jab and movement to control the early rounds. But Usyk, ever the technician, adjusted once again, slipping inside and countering with sharp left hands. As the fight progressed, Fury struggled with Usyk’s relentless pace and accuracy, leading to another decisive championship performance from the Ukrainian.
Unlike their first bout, this time the judges were in full agreement, awarding Usyk a unanimous decision victory with identical scores of 116-112. The win cemented Usyk as the undisputed king of the division and left Fury with questions about his future in the sport.
This all-British showdown was meant to be a showcase for Anthony Joshua’s continued resurgence, but instead, it became one of the biggest upsets of the year. With the vacant IBF title on the line, Joshua entered the fight as the heavy favorite, riding momentum from recent wins and looking to reclaim his position as a top heavyweight.
Dubois, still trying to shake off the inconsistency that had plagued his career, was expected to be a tough test but not a real threat to Joshua. However, from the opening bell, it became clear that Dubois had different plans. He started aggressively, pushing Joshua onto the back foot and landing heavy shots to the body. By the fourth round, Joshua looked unsettled, and in the fifth, Dubois landed a thunderous right hand that sent AJ crashing to the canvas.
Joshua tried to beat the count but was on unsteady legs, prompting the referee to wave it off. Dubois’ career-defining knockout not only handed him his first world title but also raised serious doubts about Joshua’s future at the top level. Bettors who backed Dubois tripled their money, and those who wagered on a stoppage earned even bigger payouts.
While the Usyk-Fury fight took center stage on the May 18 card, the heavyweight clash between Agit Kabayel and Frank Sanchez turned out to be a sleeper hit. Sanchez, an undefeated Cuban boxer with slick movement and counterpunching ability, was widely expected to outbox the rugged German fighter. But Kabayel, known for his relentless pressure and durability, had other plans.
From the opening bell, Kabayel refused to let Sanchez get comfortable, closing the distance and forcing him into uncomfortable exchanges. By the middle rounds, Sanchez was showing signs of fatigue as Kabayel continued to push forward. Then, in the seventh round, Kabayel landed a devastating combination that sent Sanchez to the canvas. Unable to recover, Sanchez was counted out, marking the first loss of his career.
This victory catapulted Kabayel into the conversation as a legitimate contender, proving that his aggressive style could pose a problem for anyone in the division.
Zhilei Zhang entered 2024 with massive momentum after back-to-back stoppages over Joe Joyce, while Joseph Parker was still rebuilding his reputation after losses to elite opponents. With the WBO Interim Title on the line, Zhang was expected to overpower Parker, using his size and southpaw power to dominate the fight.
Instead, Parker executed a brilliant game plan, using his speed and movement to outbox the Chinese heavyweight. While Zhang had moments of success, including a few heavy shots that seemed to stagger Parker, the Kiwi remained composed, countering effectively and racking up points on the scorecards.
After 12 hard-fought rounds, Parker was awarded a well-earned majority decision victory, securing another significant title and proving that he still belonged at the highest level of the sport.
2024 was a pivotal year for the heavyweight division, with new contenders emerging, champions solidifying their legacies, and some of the sport’s biggest names suffering shocking defeats. Usyk’s dominance over Fury firmly established him as the undisputed champion, while Dubois and Kabayel shook up the rankings with their breakthrough victories.
As the heavyweight landscape continues to evolve, these fights will be remembered as key moments that shaped the division’s future. With young contenders rising and veteran champions still hungry, 2025 promises to deliver even more unforgettable heavyweight battles.
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