Boxing has a reputation for being impossible to follow. Too many belts, too many promoters, too many platforms. Here is the simplest guide possible for a new fan.
Step 1: Understand the weight classes that matter. Boxing has 17 weight classes. You do not need to follow all of them. The divisions that produce the best fights right now:
- Heavyweight (unlimited): The biggest names, the most media coverage.
- Super middleweight (168 lbs): Canelo's division. Consistently produces great fights.
- Welterweight (147 lbs): Historically the glamour division. Terence Crawford dominates.
- Lightweight (135 lbs): Stacked with talent. Multiple legitimate contenders.
Step 2: Ignore the belts (mostly). WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO. Four "world champions" per division. The only designation that matters is undisputed -- holding all four belts simultaneously. If someone is undisputed, they are the real champion.
Step 3: Where to watch.
- ESPN+ ($10/month): Top Rank promoted fights. Good cards almost every weekend.
- DAZN ($20/month): Matchroom Boxing. Canelo's home, plus strong UK cards.
- Amazon Prime: Selected big fights (Fury-Usyk was here).
- PPV: The biggest events (Canelo, Crawford superfights). $70-80 per event.
Step 4: Who to follow for news.
- Mike Coppinger (ESPN) -- The most connected reporter in boxing.
- Dan Rafael -- Veteran boxing journalist.
- DAZN Boxing YouTube -- Free fight highlights and full undercards.
- iFL TV (YouTube) -- UK-based, excellent interviews and coverage.
Step 5: 5 fights to watch to get hooked.
- Fury vs. Usyk 1 (2024) -- Undisputed heavyweight championship
- Canelo vs. GGG 2 (2018) -- The best modern rivalry
- Pacquiao vs. Marquez 4 (2012) -- The most dramatic knockout in boxing history
- Ward vs. Gatti 1 (2002) -- The greatest round in boxing history (Round 9)
- Hagler vs. Hearns (1985) -- 8 minutes of the most violent boxing ever filmed
Sources:
- BoxRec -- fight database
- ESPN+ -- streaming platform
- DAZN -- streaming platform
- Ring Magazine -- historical rankings
Who else has noticed this?
Ward vs. Gatti Round 9 is the single greatest round of boxing ever fought. If that does not hook you on the sport, nothing will. YouTube it right now.