CONOR BENN VS. RYAN GARCIA | FULL FIGHT HIGHLIGHTS

 

RYAN GARCIA REACTS TO KNOCKING OUT CONOR BENN

 

RYAN GARCIA VS. CONOR BENN | WEIGH-IN HIGHLIGHTS

 

JARON 'BOOTS' ENNIS DROPS XANDER ZAYAS THREE TIMES BEFORE SEVENTH-ROUND STOPPAGE

 

Before a sold-out crowd of more than 16,000 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, Top Rank, Matchroom Boxing, and Boots Promotions presented a stacked DAZN Pay-Per-View card headlined by Jaron “Boots” Ennis challenging WBA and WBO champion Xander Zayas. Ennis dropped Zayas three times before the champion’s corner threw in the towel in the seventh round.

Zayas (23-1, 13 KOs), of Puerto Rico, was making the first defense of his unified titles against former IBF welterweight champion Ennis (36-0, 31 KOs), of Philadelphia.

On his birthday, Ennis opened in the southpaw stance and wasted little time making an impression. Just over a minute into the first round, he landed a left hand on the chin that sent Zayas to the canvas for an eight-count from referee Harvey Dock. Ennis switched back to orthodox in the second round and continued landing clean right hands while Zayas tried to recover.

The third round produced Zayas’ best moment of the fight when he connected with a hard right hand that briefly forced Ennis to hold. It was one of the few rounds where Zayas had genuine success. By the fourth, Ennis had settled back into his rhythm, repeatedly finding the target with straight rights while both fighters exchanged late in the round.

A right uppercut midway through the fifth produced another knockdown. Zayas beat the count again but was clearly taking punishment, and Ennis continued landing hard right hands before the bell.

Zayas showed plenty of courage in the sixth, remaining competitive despite trailing badly. In the seventh, Ennis landed a left hand followed by a barrage of unanswered punches that dropped Zayas for the third time. Although Zayas got back to his feet again, his corner wisely threw in the towel to prevent further punishment.

Vargas Stops Mills

In the co-feature, Emiliano “El General” Vargas (18-0, 15 KOs) stopped Bryce Mills (22-2, 9 KOs) in the fourth round to retain his regional titles.

The opening two rounds were competitive. Vargas switched to southpaw at times and landed the cleaner shots, while Mills had his best moment late in the second when a right hand briefly stunned Vargas.

Vargas broke the fight open in the third, scoring the first knockdown with a right hook. In the fourth, he dropped Mills again with a lead left before another barrage sent Mills down a third time, forcing referee Ricky Gonzalez to stop the contest.

Tucker Wins Close Decision

Jahi Tucker (17-1-1, 7 KOs) earned a majority decision over 2020 Olympian Euri Cedeno (14-1-1, 12 KOs) to claim the vacant IBF North American, WBC USA, and WBO NABO middleweight titles.

The fight was closely contested throughout. Tucker started quickly, Cedeno rallied, and the middle rounds featured steady back-and-forth action. Cedeno used his reach well in the seventh and eighth before Tucker closed strongly over the final two rounds despite suffering a bloody nose and swelling under his left eye.

The scores were 95-95, 97-93, and 98-92.

Whittaker Impresses In U.S. Debut

Olympic silver medalist Ben Whittaker (12-0-1, 9 KOs) needed less than two rounds to stop Richard “Popeye the Sailor Man” Rivera (27-3, 20 KOs).

Making his U.S. debut, Whittaker dominated from the opening bell before dropping Rivera with a chopping right near the end of the first round. Early in the second, a left hook sent Rivera down again. Although Rivera beat the count, referee Michael Griffin took one look at him and decided he had seen enough, waving off the contest.

Thompson Escapes With Split Decision

Dennis “HFUP” Thompson (11-0, 6 KOs) won an eight-round split decision over Edwin Rodriguez (12-12-3, 5 KOs).

Thompson boxed well early, but Rodriguez refused to cooperate with the script, turning the fight into a rugged battle and looking far better than his record suggested. The final round was close, and the judges returned scores of 79-73, 77-75 for Thompson, and 77-75 for Rodriguez.

Juanmita Ends It Early

Juanma “Juanmita” Lopez (6-0, 4 KOs), the son of former two-division world champion Juan Manuel Lopez, needed just one round to knock out Alberto Motos (6-3).

Lopez controlled the action before a straight left landed flush on Motos’ chin. Motos went down and failed to beat the count as referee Ricky Gonzalez completed the knockout.

Williams Outpoints Baxter

Quincey Williams (8-0, 6 KOs) defeated Jerome “Thoroughbred” Baxter (8-3, 3 KOs) over eight rounds.

Williams controlled most of the fight with his jab and movement, while Baxter earned respect by continuing to press forward despite falling behind on the scorecards. All three judges scored the contest 79-73 in Williams’ favor.

Note: The night’s final officiating crew included ring announcer David Diamante—not referee David Diamante, who somehow found his way into the original report.

- Ken Hissner

YUSUF ADENIJI CROWNED WBA AFRICA CHAMPION

Yusuf Adeniji Crowned WBA Africa Champion

Nigeria’s Yusuf Adeniji (17-1, 10 KOs) captured the WBA Africa super welterweight title (154 lbs) on October 1 in Nigeria, earning the crown by technical decision after Akimos Anaang Apiah (7-3, 6 KOs) was disqualified for an intentional low blow in the fifth round.

From the opening bell, Adeniji displayed greater tactical discipline, working behind a steady jab and moving smartly to avoid Apiah’s frontal assaults. The Ghanaian pressed the action, looking for exchanges, but it was Adeniji who landed the cleaner, sharper shots, especially at mid-range.

The tension escalated in the fourth round when the referee issued Apiah a warning for low blows. In the fifth, following a missed combination, Apiah drove a downward hook squarely into the prohibited zone, leaving Adeniji doubled over in obvious pain. After consulting the ringside physician and reviewing the sequence, the referee called a halt to the contest, ruling a disqualification and confirming the result via the scorecards at the time: 50-46, 50-45, 50-45, all in favor of Adeniji.

With the victory, Yusuf Adeniji becomes the continental champion under the World Boxing Association banner, notching his 17th professional win and cementing his status as one of Nigeria’s most promising prospects. Though the ending was controversial, Adeniji’s dominance in the earlier rounds and his composure in the ring.

- Rowerth Goncalves

CANELO ÁLVAREZ VS. TERENCE CRAWFORD PRE-FIGHT PRESS CONFERENCE | NETFLIX

TURKI ALALASHIKH REVEALS HOW MUCH CANELO'S BEING PAID TO FIGHT TERENCE CRAWFORD

The boxing world is buzzing ahead of one of the biggest fights of the year as Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez takes on Terence Crawford in what is being billed as a clash of two of the sport’s best pound-for-pound fighters.

Canelo, the undisputed super middleweight champion, will face Crawford, the undefeated welterweight, in a fight that promises high-quality action, worldwide attention, and of course, huge sums of money. Fans are eagerly anticipating the match-up, which could define legacies and shake up the sport’s pound-for-pound rankings.

The fight is not only historic inside the ring, but also away from it. At the pre-fight press conference, Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the Saudi Arabian General Sports Authority, confirmed that Canelo is set to earn a purse that will likely rank among the top 10 in boxing history, solidifying his position as one of the highest earners in the sport.

The announcement came during the pre-fight press conference when a reporter addressed Alalshikh: “You can be on Saturday the historic person that will award Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez for the first time, a Mexican sports figure, with a guaranteed purse of at least a hundred million dollars.” Alalshikh quickly corrected the figure, saying: “No, you get the number wrong. The contract between us and Canelo, more than that.” The statement left no doubt that Canelo is set to secure a record-breaking payday just for showing up to the event, let alone winning.

After the purse confirmation, the spotlight turned to Crawford, who took a respectful and gracious tone. He praised the support he receives from his fans in South America and congratulated Canelo on both his titles and his historic financial milestone. Despite being the challenger, the American emphasised the significance of the occasion for boxing fans worldwide, putting the mutual respect between the two fighters on show, even though the reported $50 million he is taking home is less than half of what Canelo will be scooping up.

The Mexican's guaranteed purse will likely be one of the largest in combat sports history, reflecting not only his dominance across multiple weight classes, but also his global appeal and commercial power. Crawford, meanwhile, benefits from competing on one of boxing’s biggest stages, gaining worldwide exposure and the chance to challenge one of the sport’s pound-for-pound best, something he isn’t new to doing after dispatching Errol Spence Jr in nine rounds back in 2023.

This weekend’s fight promises to deliver excitement in the ring and headlines outside of it. With combined purses of over $150 million, the bout will rank as one of the biggest in boxing history. Crawford’s recognition of his opponent’s achievement and their mutual respect only adds to the sense of occasion, setting the stage for a showdown that will be remembered on multiple levels.

Fans around the world will be watching closely, as Canelo and Crawford put their legacies on the line. Whether it’s for the titles, the historic payday, or the chance to witness two elite fighters clash, this is a fight that’s destined to make waves in the boxing world.

- Joshua Waite

MARIO BARRIOS FULL POST-FIGHT PRESS CONFERENCE

 

MANNY PACQUIAO VS. MARIO BARRIOS | FULL PRESS CONFERENCE

FULL FIGHT HIGHLIGHTS | MANNY PACQUIAO VS. MARIO BARRIOS

PACQUIAO VS. BARRIOS FIGHT HIGHLIGHTS

 

MANNY PACQUIAO VS. MARIO BARRIOS RESULTS: FIGHT CARD HIGHLIGHTS

Manny Pacquiao made a triumphant return to the boxing ring.

Even if it didn’t end in victory.

Fighting for the first time in nearly four years, the 46-year-old Pacquiao and 30-year-old Mario Barrios fought to a majority draw. The judges scored the welterweight bout 115-113 (in favor of Barrios), 114-114, 114-114 and Barrios retained his WBC welterweight title.

Manny Pacquiao reacts next to Mario Barrios after their WBC welterweight title fight ended in a majority draw.
© Harry How, Getty Images

The crowd booed, but Pacquiao called it a "wonderful" fight. It was an inspired performance from Pacquiao against a fighter 16 years younger than him.

"I thought I won the fight. I mean, it’s close fight," Pacquiao said. "My opponent very tough. … Wonderful fight.’’

Barrios said he thought he “pulled (the fight) out. But I still tip my hat to Manny. It was an honor to share the ring with him.’’

Manny Pacquiao's incredible stamina

Barrios said he was surprised by Pacquiao’s stamina at age 46.

“It was crazy. His stamina. He could still crack. He’s still strong as hell. And, you know, his timing is real and everything. He was still a very awkward fighter to try to figure out.’’

Pacquiao had not fought since 2021, when he lost to Yordenis Ugas by unanimous decision.

Pacquiao was asked about his stamina and how he pulled this off at age 46.

“Oh, just work hard. Hard work and then discipline. Everything like that.’’

What's next for Manny Pacquiao?

In the final rounds, Barrios said, his corner was telling him to pick it up and start pressing Pacquiao.

“That was the plan in the first place coming in here, try to make him feel old. But, man, he has such good legs, he has a lot in the tank. And … he still has a lot of fight left in him.’’ 

Barrios said he would give Pacquiao a rematch after being told by broadcaster Jim Gray that’s what Pacquiao wanted.

“Absolutely,’’ Barrios said.

Asked if he will fight again, Pacquiao said, “I think so. I think so. God willing.’’

The crowd cheered. 

©Harry How, Getty Images
Sebastian Fundora poses with his team after his TKO victory over Tim Tszyu.

Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios: Round-by-round analysis

Welterweight bout, 12 rounds

Round 1

Manny Pacquiao is back! But, for how long? We’ll soon know as he and Mario Barrios respond to the sound of the bell. But before it sounds, up go the chants, “Man-ny! Man-ny!” Boy, Barrios is significantly bigger than Pacquaio. Barrios connects with his jab twice. Pacquiao looks a little unsure as he gets hit with the jab despite the chants. Pacquiao throws a left that lands to Barrios' head. Pacquiao eats a jab from Barrios. Throws a left and takes a right from Barrios. Pacquiao lands a right and later rushes in but without conviction. Barrios looks prepared. Barrios 10, Pacquiao 9

Round 2

Barrios out quick with his jab. Barrios a little more aggressive with the jab. Barrios lands a jab and slips to the canvas. A clear slip. Barrios working that jab. Barrios using his reach well. Pacquiao less active in this round. Pacquiao lands a hard left and Barrios counters with a jab. Barrios peppering Pacquiao with the jab as the round ends. Barrios 20, Pacquiao 18

Round 3

Pacquiao rushes in for a left. The speed is there, but the punch did not connect. Pacquiao looking more aggressive. Barrios connects with a right to the body. Barrios connects with a jab as Pacquiao tries to close the distance. Pacquiao complaining about low blows. The ref shakes off the complaint. Clearly those body shots are bothering Pacquiao. Pacquiao lands a couple of punches and Barrios connects. Barrios 30, Pacquiao 27

Round 4

Pacquiao scores and back comes two fists from Barrios. Pacquiao lunges in for a shot, and Barrios seems prepared. The speed and power for which Pacquiao was known simply not apparent here. Barrios using his size difference. Pacquiao doing his best to close the gap but so far it’s not enough. Barrios 40, Pacquiao 36

Round 5

Pacquiao squirms in and lands to Barrios’ body. That looked like vintage Pacquiao. Is there more there? Pacquiao again, darts in and lands a left. Barrios counters with jabs. Pacquiao darts in again for the left. Pacquiao evades a punch and shows some quickness. Pacquiao closes with a flourish. Barrios 49, Pacquiao 46

Round 6

Pacquiao closes the gap and lands to the body and the head. There’s some old Manny. Barrios lands a snapping jab and follows it up with another. But Pacquiao is fighting through the punches in an attempt to land them. Pacquiao taking chances and lands a few body shots in close quarters. Pacquaio takes a punch but closes with a flourish. Barrios 58, Pacquaio 56

Round 7

Barrios still fighting behind the jab. In comes Pacquiao and he lands a combination. Then does it again! Barrios counters with a right. For all of Barrios’ size advantage, he’s yet to really hurt Pacquiao. Pacquiao takes a shot and gives one back. Up go the chants again: “Manny, Manny!’’ Barrios 67, Pacquiao 66

Round 8

Barrios lands a solid right and then a body shot. Pacquiao didn’t like that one. Barrios throwing punches but no successful combinations. He looks passive now as Pacquiao scores. Pacquiao was under siege and fired back. He turned back the clock there! Barrios 76, Pacquiao 76

Round 9

Pacquiao getting stronger? He’s taking it to Barrios now. Barrios punches, and Pacquiao immediately responds – with combinations. Now it’s Barrios looking tentative and unsure of himself. The crowd bathing Manny in chants. Pacquiao 86, Barrios 85

Round 10

Barrios strikes early. A hard exchange of body shots. Barrios lands a hard combo. But Barrios still looks a little tentative, but lands a hard left there. Pacquiao going toe to toe with a man 16 years younger than he is. More chants of “Manny, Manny!’’ Those massive Pacquiao claves have served him well. Pacquiao 96, Barrios 94

Round 11

Barrios strikes with both hands and with force. Then connects with the jab before Pacquiao responds. Pacquiao scores with a right hook and follows up with another before Barrios pounces. Pacquiao ducks a punch and delivers one. Still showing quickness, then eats a jab from Barrios. Pacquiao 105, Barrios 104

Round 12

They hug before the round begins. Barrios scores with a jarring right. Barrios lets fly with both hands. Pacquiao counters with a left. Up go the chants again with about a minute left. No overtime, folks. Barrios looking good as the round closes. The crowd is on its feet, even as Barrios looks in command. Pacquiao 114, Barrios 114

Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios fight card results

• Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios declared majority draw, welterweight bout, 12 rounds

• Sebastian Fundora def. Tim Tszyu by TKO, super welterweight bout

• Isaac Cruz def. Omar Salcido by unanimous decision, super lightweight bout, 10 rounds

• Brandon Figueroa def. Joet Gonzalez by unanimous decision, featherweight bout, 12 rounds

• Gary Russell Jr. def. Hugo Castaneda by TKO in 10th round, super featherweight

• Eumir Marcial def. Bernard Joseph by KO in third round, middleweight

• David Picasso def. Kyonosuke Kameda by majority decision, super bantamweight

• Mark Magsayo def. Jorge Mata by unanimous decision, lightweight bout

Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios ring walks

Mario Barrios is making his way to the ring first, despite being the reigning WBC welterweight champion. The honor of walking in last goes to Manny Pacquiao, the eight-division champion in his 16th ringwalk at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Both men are in the ring and Manny plays his favorite song: "Eye of the Tiger."

- USA Today 

MARIO BARRIOS FEELS ‘INSULTED’ 46-YEAR-OLD MANNY PACQUIAO PICKED HIM AS COMEBACK OPPONENT

LAS VEGAS — Mario Barrios has an enormous amount of respect for Manny Pacquiao.

Not only for what the Filipino legend accomplished during his incredible career, but for his willingness to fight a championship-caliber opponent at such an advanced age Saturday night. Barrios can’t help but take some offense, however, that Pacquiao, 46, picked him as the opponent coming back from a retirement that lasted almost four years.

“It’s an honor, but I’m a little insulted at the same time,” Barrios told The Ring. “Why did he want it so bad with me? I don’t know if it’s something him and his team saw from one of my fights, or what the reason is exactly. But it’s business.”

Pacquiao’s two other options if he wanted to fight for a welterweight title in his comeback bout were former Ring/IBF/WBA champ Jaron “Boots” Ennis and WBO champ Brian Norman. Ennis, 28, and Norman, 24, are younger, undefeated and considered harder punchers than Barrios, who turned 30 on May 18.

Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs), who is from San Antonio, Texas, is 16 years younger and six inches taller than Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs).

Barrios, however, showed some vulnerability in his last fight.

The WBC welterweight champion dropped Abel Ramos with a right hand in the second round and appeared well on his way to a convincing victory until the sixth of their fight on the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson undercard Nov. 15 in Arlington, Texas. That’s when Ramos sent Barrios to the canvas and the bout became very competitive.

Barrios admits he was hurt badly by Ramos’ right hand and needed time to clear his head. Judge Mike Ross still scored Barrios a 116-110 winner, but he settled for a split draw because judge Javier Alvarez had it 114-112 for Ramos (28-6-3, 22 KOs) and judge Douglas Robinson rendered the entertaining bout a draw, 113-113.

Barrios previously lost a one-sided unanimous decision to Keith Thurman in February 2022 in Las Vegas. Pacquiao edged Thurman by split decision in the last fight the eight-division champion won 2½ years earlier.

Almost six years to the day since he defeated Thurman (31-1, 23 KOs, 1 NC), Pacquiao will return to the same venue, MGM Grand Garden Arena, to battle Barrios.

DraftKings lists Barrios as almost a 3-1 favorite over Pacquiao, who hasn’t boxed since Cuba’s Yordenis Ugas (27-6, 12 KOs) upset him by unanimous decision in August 2021 in Las Vegas. Barrios nonetheless recognizes the magnitude of Pacquiao’s return to the ring.

“It’s super crazy, but it really puts it into perspective, the person and the fighter that Pacquiao is,” Barrios said. “He has taken care of his body over all these years. And still just being a champion at heart and just wanting to fight the best still at his age — as fighters, we’ll always have that mentality. But for him to be doing it at the age he is, it’s very admirable. I respect it. But he is fighting me for my title.”

The bout between Pacquiao and Barrios will headline a four-fight Premier Boxing Champions pay-per-view show. Amazon’s Prime Video will distribute the event, but it is also available through all cable and satellite providers in the United States ($79.99).

- KEITH IDEC

JAKE PAUL AND JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR. MAKE CRUISERWEIGHT LIMIT

Some of Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.’s biggest fights have come against the scale, but the second-generation fighter didn’t have issues making the cruiserweight limit ahead of his 10-round clash against Jake Paul on Saturday.

Paul (11-1, 7 KOs) weighed 199.4 pounds, while Chavez (54-6-1, 34 KOs) tipped the scales at a career-high 198.4 pounds on Friday ahead of their fight at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

Paul and Chavez faced off without incident for MVP and Golden Boy’s co-promoted event, which will stream on DAZN PPV beginning at 5 p.m. PST.

Chavez came into the weigh-in having missed weight in high-profile fights (and losses) in recent years against Anderson Silva and Daniel Jacobs, and other times before that, in a career that started in 2003.

Chavez has been competing as a cruiserweight since 2021, and the besmirched boxer is 8-4 dating back to 2012, when he was an undefeated middleweight title holder at the time. But at 39, a faded Chavez is promising a rejuvenated version of himself to regain respect with a turn-back-the-clock-like performance.

Paul, meanwhile, is looking to use Chavez as a stepping stone to get ranked and chase a world title run.

In the co-main event, WBA and WBO cruiserweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez (47-1, 30 KOs), from Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico, weighed in at 199.8 pounds, while Miami-based Cuban challenger Yuniel Dorticos (27-2, 25 KOs) weighed 198.6 pounds.

Ramirez seeks to cement his status in the division with his first stoppage win in the weight class as a possible unification fight looms against Jai Opetaia.

Weights for the rest of the Paul-Chavez Jr. undercard

Welterweights; 10 rounds

Raul Curiel (15-0-1, 13 KOs) 146.4 pounds; Guadalajara, Jalisco

Victor Rodriguez (16-0-1, 9 KOs) 145.2 pounds; Maldonado, Uruguay

Welterweights; 10 rounds

Avious Griffin (17-0, 16 KOs) 146.8 pounds; Chattanooga, Tennessee

Julian Rodriguez (23-1, 14 KOs) 146.6 pounds; Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey

Lightweights; 10 rounds

Floyd Schofield Jr. (18-0, 12 KOs) 134.8 pounds; Austin, Texas

Tevin Farmer (33-8-1, 8 KOs) 135 pounds; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

DAZN will stream the preliminary action to its subscribers beginning at 12 p.m. PST, and the non-PPV card will be headlined by former three-division champion and UFC champion Holly Holm, who is making her return to boxing after a 12-year break.

Lightweights; 10 rounds

Holly Holm (33-2-3, 9 KOs) 136.6 pounds; Albuquerque, New Mexico

Yolanda Vega (10-0, 1 KO) 136.8 pounds; Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico

Welterweights; 8 rounds

Joel Iriarte (7-0, 7 KOs) 146.8 pounds; Bakersfield, California

Kevin Johnson (12-6, 8 KOs) 146.4 pounds; Las Vegas, Nevada

Bantamweights; 8 rounds

Alexander Gueche (7-0, 5 KOs) 124 pounds; Long Beach, California

Vincent Avina (8-1-1, 7 KOs) 120 pounds; Las Vegas, Nevada

Heavyweights; 6 rounds

Joshua Edwards (2-0, 2 KOs) 226 pounds; Houston, Texas

Dominic Hardy (6-3, 4 KOs) 251.4 pounds; Riverside, Illinois

Junior Lightweights; 10 rounds

Victor Morales (20-0-1, 10 KOs) 130 pounds; Vancouver, Washington

Renee Alvarado (34-16, 22 KOs) 129.6 pounds; Managua, Nicaragua

Junior Featherweights; 10 rounds

John “Scrappy” Ramirez (14-1, 9 KOs) 119.8 pounds; Los Angeles, California

Josue Jesus Morales (33-18-5, 14 KOs) 121.6 pounds; Houston, Texas

- MANOUK AKOPYAN

TALE OF THE TAPE | MANNY "PACMAN" PACQUIAO VS MARIO "EL AZTECA" BARRIOS

 

BRIAN NORMAN JR VS. JIN SASAKI | TALE OF THE TAPE | WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

 

SOURCES: TEOFIMO LOPEZ, SUBRIEL MATIAS

Teofimo Lopez and Subriel Matias are finalizing a deal for a March 15 fight for Lopez's WBO junior welterweight title, sources told ESPN on Monday.

The 140-pound title fight -- Lopez's third defense -- will headline Top Rank Boxing on ESPN+ PPV. There's no location set but the bout will take place in the U.S.

Lopez (21-1, 13 KOs) is ESPN's No. 1 junior welterweight. The former undisputed lightweight champion is coming off a June decision victory over Canadian-level fighter Steve Claggett. Before that, Lopez struggled in a decision win over Jamaine Ortiz in February.

The 27-year-old Brooklyn, New York, native won the title in dominant fashion from Josh Taylor in June 2023. Lopez's best win came in October 2020 when he outpointed future Hall of Famer Vasiliy Lomachenko for the lightweight championship.

Matias (21-2, 21 KOs) is ESPN's No. 8 boxer at 140 pounds. He lost his IBF junior welterweight title to Liam Paro in June in a major upset in Puerto Rico, where he was born and still resides.

The 32-year-old volume puncher is one of the sport's top action fighters. Matias rebounded from his second loss with a second-round TKO of career opponent Roberto Ramirez in November. Matias avenged his previous loss with a ninth-round TKO of Petros Ananyan in January 2022.

Matias won the IBF title with a fifth-round TKO of Jeremias Ponce in February 2023 and stopped Shohjahon Ergashev in Round 5 later that year in his lone successful defense.

- Mike Coppinger, ESPN Boxing Insider

A GUIDE TO THE NEW YEAR: FIVE FIGHTERS TO WATCH IN 2024

Jaron Ennis, right, could be fighting top opponents now that he has the IBF welterweight world title. Patrick Smith/Getty Images

Boxing's pound-for-pound best delivered some worthy performances in 2023.

Artur Beterbiev kicked off the campaign by keeping his perfect KO ratio intact with a thrilling TKO defeat of Anthony Yarde to retain three light heavyweight titles.

Three months later, a well-placed body shot by Gervonta Davis stopped Ryan Garcia in the year's biggest commercial fight. In July, Naoya Inoue dominated Stephen Fulton in his 122-pound debut and displayed his generational talent, before unifying titles to become undisputed champion in a second division with another impressive KO win over Marlon Tapales on Dec. 26.

And Devin Haney won every round and even dropped Regis Prograis to become a two-division champ on Dec. 9.

The best performance of all, of course, belonged to Terence Crawford, who dismantled Errol Spence Jr., in a tour de force victory to cement welterweight supremacy.

But what about all the fighters that sit just outside ESPN's pound-for-pound top 10? There are many boxers with a genuine opportunity to inch closer to that recognition in 2024.

Here are five such boxers we believe are appointment viewing in 2024 (in no particular order):

WHAT TERENCE CRAWFORD DID TO ERROL SPENCE JR WAS SPECIAL | AND HE IS TRULY GREAT

Getty 

Terence Crawford made Errol Spence Jr look like just another opponent on Saturday, and he deserves all the credit.

Terence Crawford completely outclassed Errol Spence Jr on Saturday night. He became undisputed welterweight champion of the world, the second time he’s become an undisputed champion, the first male fighter to do that in the four-belt era.

For years, Crawford heard from various angles that he hadn’t fought anyone, that he would struggle if he had been with Premier Boxing Champions, the outfit that all but owned the 147 lb division. Never mind that Crawford had won a title at 135 and gone undisputed at 140.

BOXING: ENNIS VS. VILLA