Boxing: March 2024 Winners and Losers
With the first quarter of the year now behind us, it is time to evaluate the standout moments in boxing from March. The sport continues to evolve rapidly, and last month provided a clear mix of career-defining triumphs and frustrating complications.
The Winners
Moses Itauma
The hype surrounding heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma is proving to be justified. At the end of March, the 21-year-old southpaw delivered a dominant five-round performance against the previously unbeaten Jermaine Franklin Jr. With a professional record of 14-0, Itauma has established himself as a legitimate future contender in the heavyweight division. While reigning champion Oleksandr Usyk has indicated he is not interested in facing the young fighter, it seems inevitable that Itauma will challenge for a world title in the near future.
The Fundora Siblings
It was a landmark month for the Fundora family, as both Gabriela and Sebastian successfully defended their respective world championship titles. By defeating Viviana Ruiz Corredor and Keith Thurman, the duo has solidified their status as elite, must-see talent. Supported by their father, Freddy, and their own dedicated training facility, the siblings appear poised for long-term success in the sport.
DAZN
The streaming service DAZN has effectively positioned itself as a global hub for boxing. By securing a multi-year deal with Bob Arum’s Top Rank in March, the platform now hosts fight cards from the industry's most influential promoters, including Matchroom Boxing, Golden Boy, and Queensberry. This represents a significant turnaround for the platform, which had previously faced harsh criticism from long-time promoters.
Xander Zayas and Jaron “Boots” Ennis
In a refreshing display of cooperation, top super welterweight stars Xander Zayas and Jaron “Boots” Ennis have agreed to a highly anticipated clash on June 27 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The fight, which will be for Zayas’ WBA and WBO world titles, is a testament to what can happen when fighters and promoters prioritize major matchups over bureaucratic obstacles.
Carlos Adames
Middleweight champion Carlos Adames continues to prove his doubters wrong. Since moving up to the 160-pound division in 2021, the Dominican fighter has compiled an impressive run, including his recent WBC world title defense against Austin Williams. His high-pressure, athletic style has made him one of the most formidable names in his weight class.
The Losers
Jai Opetaia
Despite securing a victory in the ring, March was a complicated month for cruiserweight standout Jai Opetaia. Due to regulatory confusion regarding his association with Dana White's new promotional venture, the IBF withdrew sanctioning for his title defense against Brandon Glanton. Consequently, Opetaia was stripped of his IBF title for the second time in his career, making his path to becoming an undisputed champion appear increasingly obstructed by administrative hurdles.
Michael Conlan
Following a split decision loss to Kevin Walsh in Belfast, Irish fighter Michael Conlan announced his retirement from professional boxing. While his career did not reach the heights many anticipated, Conlan’s ability to leave the sport with his health intact is a positive note on which to conclude his journey.
Janibek Alimkhanuly
The middleweight division faced further instability this month as Janibek Alimkhanuly was stripped of his IBF title. The decision followed a failed drug test related to a previous unification attempt and a failure to meet mandatory defense obligations.
The Ali Act Reform
Legislative efforts regarding the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act moved forward in the U.S. House of Representatives. While the bill aims to add regulatory provisions, critics—including various industry insiders—have raised concerns that it serves as a “power grab.” The proposal seeks to create United Boxing Organizations (UBOs), which would allow promoters to implement exclusive contracts and internal ranking systems similar to those in the UFC.
The Furys
Tyson Fury’s preparation for his return to the ring has been overshadowed by public comments from his father, John Fury. John publicly claimed that his relationship with his son is broken and suggested that the heavyweight champion is past his physical prime. Regardless of whether these comments are a genuine family issue or a promotional tactic, they create unnecessary distraction for the “Gypsy King” as he seeks his first win since 2023.