5 Underrated Middleweights to Watch Out for in 2023

2023 looks set to be another brilliant year for boxing, with many stacked cards already being announced. At Big Fight Weekend, we wanted to pay homage to the middleweight division, so we have compiled a list of underrated middleweights to look for in 2023.

Middleweights to Look For in 2023

"THERE'S ONE FIGHT THAT WILL 100% HAPPEN"

🍿 @BJSaunders_ confirms discussions have already begun for him to fight Demetrius Andrade.

Who wins? 🤔

Watch the full interview HERE ➡️ https://t.co/Wb2j5KUcEq#BillyJoeSaunders #BoxingLife pic.twitter.com/9wulu7MLnb

— IFL TV (@IFLTV) February 20, 2023

Middleweights to Look For in 2023: Demetrius Andrade

Demetrius Andrade enjoyed a decorated amateur career. “Boo Boo” won a plethora of awards during the amateurs, including a gold medal at the 2007 world championships in Chicago.

Since turning pro in 2008, “Boo Boo” has won all 32 of his professional bouts, with 19 coming by way of knockout. He won his first title when he defeated Vanes Martirosyan to lift the vacant WBO light middleweight title. Andrade has experienced a lot of promotional turmoil and missed opportunities, including the breakdown of negotiations with Jermell Charlo. Despite being undefeated, the lack of a super fight leaves Demetrius on our underrated middleweights to look for in 2023.

Vladimir Shishkin

31-year-old Vladimir Shishkin has raced to 14-0 since making his professional debut in 2016. He most recently defeated ex-IBF world champion Jose Uzcategui by unanimous decision. Shishkin finds himself number 8 in the Ring Super Middleweight Rankings and number 2 in the IBF rankings. 

When you watch Shiskin box, the accuracy of his punches stands out as one of his best qualities. He is very balanced and adept at throwing punches from different angles. His promoter Dimitry Salita has previously waxed lyrical about the Russian’s progress in the professional game: “Vladimir is one of the rare talents that can progress significantly faster than one would think from the amount of fights he’s had.“

Zach Parker

Zach Parker has enjoyed a rapid rise up the world rankings until a fight-ending hand injury in his latest bout against John Ryder. The injury ensured Parker experienced his first professional defeat.

Parker has shown plenty of ability throughout his 23-fight career, which has seen him amass 22 wins. He possesses plenty of spite in his punches, which he showed in his fight with Marcus Morrison, where he landed some heavy body shots. He has also shown a great chin, none more so than during his split decision win over Daryl Williams, where he absorbed some heavy shots from opponent.

David Morrell

David Morrell enjoyed a wonderful amateur career, which saw him compile a record of 130-2. Morrell won gold at the world youth championships, and at the Cuban national championships.

The Cuban boxer has taken to the professional fight game, like a duck to water. He is currently 8-0, with seven victories coming by way of knockout. Morrell currently finds himself ranked number 4 in the Ring Super Middleweight Rankings. He showed his devastating power when he knocked out Aidos Yerbossynuly in the 12th round to retain his WBA (Regular) super-middleweight title.

The Cuban southpaw seemingly has a bright future in the super middleweight division. Morrell has shown impressive ring craft, undoubtedly coming from his amateur career. His shot selection is impressive as is the power in his punches, and the future seemingly looks bright for the 25-year-old Cuban.

Jaime Munguia

Jaime Munguia is a Mexican middleweight who is currently 41-0. His knockout ratio stands at 80%, which is phenomenal. The Mexican’s most recent win came via a 3rd round knockout of Argentine Gonzalo Gaston Coria. Before that win, Munguia showed his devastating power, destroying Englishman Jimmy Kelly in 5 rounds.

The Tijuana native carries plenty of spite in his punches and is trained by the legendary Erik Morales. His ability to box patiently is improving, with his wide margin points win over Gabriel Rosado proving this. He had previously shown his toughness and determination in 2018 when he beat Liam Smith on points.

The Mexican has been linked with fights against Charlo and Gennadiy Golovkin, but no agreements have been reached. Despite his impressive record, Munguia is one of our underrated middleweights to look out for – because he lacks that career-defining victory on his resume. At only 26, time is definitely on his side to obtain all the praise he deserves.