Women's boxing has seen several
title fights play out in the opening half of the year but the
biggest and most exciting bouts have been saved for the latter
stages of the year.
Natasha Jones beat Mikaela Mayor in the opening title fight of
the year to retain her IBF belt and there was a similar theme in
the WBO welterweight title fight in March as Sandy Ryan
maintained her world champion status against Terri Harper.
Undisputed and unified title fights feature on the calendar for
the remainder of the year which means reputations are set to be
reinforced and damaged. Here we will look at the two massive
meetings that will soon capture the eyes of the world.
Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano 2
Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano are set to meet in the ring for
a rematch with the undisputed super lightweight title on the
line in November.
Their second chapter will form a co-main event alongside Mike
Tyson's much-anticipated return to action against Jake Paul. In
the
Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson odds, the former is a 2/5 favourite
with the 30-year age difference expected to make it a one-sided
bout. Betting on
boxing suggests the women's fight will be more competitive
though as Taylor is a narrower favourite at 4/7.
The night could offer a huge spotlight on women's boxing as two
fighters within their primes will put everything on the line,
while the other co-main event will count for little in terms of
accolades and a Paul win should be a formality.
Taylor and Serrano first met in a lightweight title clash in
2022 and the Irish star emerged as the
winner via split decision. However, this time both have
moved up a weight class so that they can fight to be the
undisputed champion of the world at super lightweight.
Both of the women have enjoyed long
and remarkable careers so far and they have already ensured that
strong legacies will be left behind when they retire. Whoever
wins in Texas this year will secure the biggest moment of their
career though, the chance to become an undisputed champion is an
opportunity that comes to a minority of boxers during their
careers.
Taylor vs Serrano part two is
undoubtedly the biggest women's title fight that remains in
2024. Its position on a card with huge online stars and legends
of the sport will ensure that millions around the world watch
what should be an incredible rematch meeting.
Vanessa Lepage-Joanise vs
Claressa Shields
The other title fight that is yet
to take place this year relates to the WBO and WBC light
heavyweight bout between Vanessa Lepage-Joanise and Claressa
Shields.
The fight should be a
straightforward one for Shields as she will hope to inflict an
early knockout blow and move on to planning another long-awaited
rematch against Savannah Marshall.
The reason this fight is so big
is simply the implications. If Shields does win as expected then
her
long-term rivalry with Marshall will surely be re-opened in
the ring - either late this year or early in 2025.
Ultimately women's boxing
currently boasts of two huge title fights that are yet to arrive
in 2024. Both fights will have a huge impact on the next steps
of the individuals involved as numerous title belts are set to
be claimed and defended before the massive year of women's
boxing comes to a close.
