5 Underrated Bantamweights to Watch Out for in 2024
As we look back on the memorable fights in 2023, it’s time to look forward to next year. Big Fight Weekend are bringing back the underrated series, and first on our list is to look at five underrated bantamweights to watch out for in 2024.
Bantamweights to Look For in 2024
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Liam Davies
Liam Davies (15-0, 7 KOs) is the current European super bantamweight champion – working towards his first world title shot. 2023 was a good year for the English fighter as he defeated Jason Cunningham and the unbeaten Vincenzo La Femina. Davies has an impressive boxing IQ and brilliant footwork, enabling him to slip punches and counter from a variety of angles. 2024 looks set to be a vital year for the Shropshire-born fighter.
Shabaz Masoud
Shabaz Masoud 12-0, 4 KOs) has been highly touted but endured a disappointing end to 2023 with a laboured split-decision win over Jose Sanmartin. Masoud was named by Big Fight Weekend as one of our top 5 Asian boxers to watch in 2023. Masoud picks his punches well, with accuracy being one of his biggest strengths. His trainer Ben Davison, described the Rochdale-born fighter as “a special talent with remarkable potential.”
Ryosuke Nishida
Ryosuke Nishida (8-0, 1 KO) enjoyed a winning 2023, defeating Songsaeng Phoyaem and Christian Jimenez. His standout win so far remains the win over Daigo Higa, which gave him the WBO Asia Pacific bantamweight title. The undefeated Japanese boxer has excellent footwork and puts his shots together extremely well. He does everything to a high level, making him a dangerous opponent. 2024 looks set to be an interesting year for the 27-year-old.
Fran Hennessy
Fran Hennessy (2-0, 1 KO) was a gifted amateur and has made an unbeaten start to her professional career, defeating Sonia Klos and Lucrecia Belen Arrieta. Hennessy is trained by former British and Commonwealth champion Bradley Skeete. The 19-year-old is pure entertainment from her animated ring walks to her exciting style in the ring. She moves her feet well – helping ensure she punches from various angles and avoids punches. Hennessy boxes well off the back foot and can stand and trade when needed. She’s an exciting prospect and looks set to have an entertaining 2024.
Yoshiki Takei
Yoshiki Takei (8-0, 8 KOs) was a brilliant kickboxer who has transitioned successfully into professional boxing, knocking out all of his opponents thus far. The win over Bruno Tarimo on December 13, 2022, remains his most impressive victory, becoming the first person to stop the Tanzania-born fighter. He also recently defeated Mario Maldonado on the Naoya Inoue vs. Marlon Tapales undercard with a hard left hand to the body, which saw Maldonado unable to beat the count in round two. His signature shot is a leaping right hook, but he finds power – from a variety of angles and looks ready for a big 2024.
