7 Fights We Absolutely Must See in Boxing and MMA in 2020
By Michael Luciano
After we got some of the most violent, high-octane, legendary fights across both boxing and MMA over the course of 2019, and there's a chance that 2020 could be even better now that Conor McGregor is returning to the Octagon this month and Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury will treat the world to their hotly-anticipated rematch in February. But that's not all 12uppercut is hoping to see in this new year -- these seven dream fights could end up stealing the show if and when they're able to take place.
7. Colby Covington vs. Tyron Woodley
Kamaru Usman has proven that he reigns supreme in the UFC welterweight division, but the winner of a fight between the last two opponents he beat would be a logical opponent for an eventual rematch. Covington's wrestling heel approach can be exhausting, but his technical proficiency is nearly unmatched in the division. He and Woodley have legitimate bad blood at this point, and MMA fights with an underlying personal vendetta mixed in always end up bloodier and more intense. That's just how the welterweight division should be.
6. Manny Pacquiao vs. Keith Thurman II
Keith Thurman came into his fight with the legendary Manny Pacquiao as an undefeated welterweight champ that has held at least one belt since 2013. He was subsequently handed his first professional loss at the hands of the ageless Pac Man, who became the WBA ("Super") welterweight champ at the age of 40. Pacquiao was the first fighter to land some major hits on Thurman, who never regained control of the fight after Manny's early blitz in what went on to be a candidate for 2019's Fight of the Year. In 2020, we may be lucky enough to see if Thurman has learned from his mistakes and can dethrone the icon.
5. Daniel Cormier vs. Stipe Miocic III
Daniel Cormier has confirmed that his next fight in UFC will be his last, and the only opponent that makes sense is Stipe Miocic. DC, normally a wrestler that is better on the ground, knocked out Miocic in the first round of their initial matchup, but Miocic later avenged that defeat by taking down his rival in the fourth round of their August rematch for the heavyweight crown. Win or lose, completing the trilogy is a perfect way to wrap the career of one of the most accomplished fighters in mixed martial arts history.
4. Terence Crawford vs. Errol Spence Jr.
Two undefeated fighters at the peak of their respective careers? Boxing doesn't get much better than this. Errol Spence moved to 26-0 when he took down Shawn Porter in September, while the switch-punching maestro Bud Crawford won his 36th straight fight when he pulverized Egidijus Kavaliauskas to keep his WBO belt. Crawford has yet to be solved or even really challenged over the last few years, but Spence and his instant knockout power could change all of that with one punch.
3. Vasyl Lomachenko vs. Teofimo Lopez
Vasiliy Lomachenko, considered by some as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, is coming off of two straight wins against after beating Anthony Crolla to a pulp and toying with Luke Campbell. Teofimo Lopez, still just 22, has quickly become one of the hottest rising stars in the sport, and both he and his boisterous trainer father have openly demanded that they get a fight against the 31-year-old Lomachenko. Some would say Lopez is biting off more than he can chew, but he's proven that he can at least give Loma problems due to his speed-power combo. This one could be a reality as soon as April.
2. Tyson Fury/Deontay Wilder vs. Anthony Joshua
Whoever prevails in the Fury-Wilder rematch will likely have to turn around and prepare for a matchup against the resurgent Anthony Joshua. After redeeming himself by pummeling Andy Ruiz in December's heavyweight title rematch, AJ is out to prove that he truly is the best heavyweight in the world. Beating the undefeated victor of Fury-Wilder II would be a serious challenge, but it's the stuff all-time legacies are built on.
1. Conor McGregor vs. Jorge Masvidal
Is this unlikely? For now, yes. However, Notorious vs. Gamebred would have a chance to shatter UFC pay-per-view records. Conor McGregor needs to focus on beating Donald Cerrone and perhaps one more tune-up opponent before he is ready for either a fight against BMF Jorge Masvidal or a rematch with Khabib Nurmagomedov, but Conor's generational talent should make getting back into title-contending shape a feasibl goal. Masvidal is an aggressive fighter that doesn't take crap from anyone, but McGregor is just as vicious in the Octagon. There is NO WAY a fight between those two goes five rounds.