Some Great Fights Highlight a Busy Start to 2023
Over the years, there has been major shifts in the way people spectate sports. Today’s audience are not just interested in who wins and who loses, but also the action of the game and how the players conduct themselves before and after the event. The Sweet Science, boxing has stood the test of time and remains one of the most popular sports across the world, with many millions of viewers tuning in to watch major bouts.
From the pre-fight rituals to the bets that can be placed and the post-match analysis, there’s something about boxing that has fans fascinated.
There have already been some big boxing tournaments this year, however there’s also a full and exciting lineup for 2023. For those that want to get in on the action, it’s never been easier to place sports bets online at various bookies who are offering bets on boxing matches and boxing related odds.
Below, we’ll take a closer look at the lineup for 2023.
The popularity of boxing around the world
Boxing is such a popular sport around the world, not only because people find the fight thrilling to watch, but because it requires both mental and physical endurance. It requires the boxer to be mentally strong, calm under pressure and show strength and endurance at the same time; traits that not many people are able to show at one time.
Today, not only is it popular for people to watch boxing, but younger generations are adding boxing style workouts to their fitness regime. According to studies, boxing is currently the 4th most popular sport in the United States and was the fastest growing sport globally between 2010 and 2020.
Part of what makes boxing so popular is that it is no longer a spectator sport. While modern day life is pretty hectic, finding time to go to the gym consistently can be challenging, yet boxing and MMA style workouts can be done from home easily every day and guidance from a professional instructor can easily be found online.
From hitting the punching bag correctly to learning the footwork, there’s more to boxing than meets the eye, making it a challenge where people can work towards improving their technique.
Fights lined up for 2023
The 2023 boxing calendar was off to a fast-paced start in January, in which a number of key fights had already taken place. Below, we’ll look at some of the upcoming events in the boxing calendar.
Slugfest
This April, we are anticipating an eagerly anticipated showdown between featherweight champions Leigh Wood and Mauricio Lara. In addition, the schedule also includes a rematch between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano. The undisputed champions made history last year in their legendary match at Madison Square Garden. The pair will go head to head this year in Ireland.
Headlining events
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: Oleksander Usyk v Anthony Joshua, IBF, WBA, WBO & IBO World Heavyweight Title Fight.
20 August 2022
Picture By Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
Other headlining events of 2023 include British heavyweight legend Anthony Joshua. Joshua will exercise his exclusive relationship with DAZN as he faces his opponent, Jermaine Franklin at London’s O2 in April. Currently the British heavyweight champion, we are keen to see whether he can keep this title.
Additionally, boxing fans can look forward to watching Callum Smith, Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez and Joe Cordina.
Lightweight events
When it comes to the lightweight matches, we can expect to see Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano go head-to-head in Dublin on the 20th of May. Their rematch will make for an exciting night.
The youngest world champion
June 25, 2022; San Antonio, Texas; Jesse Rodriguez celebrates his win over Srisaket Sor Rungvisal after their fight at the Tech Port Arena in San Antonio, Texas. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland/Matchroom.
Of course, we can’t forget about the boxing world’s youngest champion Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez. On the 8th of April, Rodriquez will go for Gold at 112 lbs against Cristian Gonzalez.
Overall, it’s set to be an incredibly full and exciting calendar this year with a number of key rematches taking place. From determining the Undisputed Lightweight World Title for women’s boxing, to the Fighter of the Year by ESPN, it’s going to be an exciting time in which spectators can get more involved than ever by placing your bets early online, without even needing to leave your house.
