An A-to-Z of Boxing in 2015
The boxing year is doneโand what a year it has been, too.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao finally faced each other in the ring, though their superfight didn't quite live up the billing.
Mayweather fought just once more before calling it quits, retiring with a 49-0 record that matched the career of the legendaryย Rocky Marciano.
Saul Alvarez and Miguel Cotto also met at middleweight, while the emergence of Premier Boxing Champions gave a platform for some world-class fighters to display their talents to a bigger audience.
Andre Ward made his long-awaited comeback, but Wladimir Klitschko lost his vise-like grip on the heavyweight division to Tyson Fury.
Fury finished the year as one of 12 world champions from Britain. That number could rise even further in the coming months, with several waiting in the wings for their opportunity to strike gold.
Bleacher Report has reviewed the last 12 months with an A-to-Z guide of boxing.
A Is for Alvarez
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Saul "Canelo" Alvarez recorded two contrasting victories during a year that saw him emerge from the shadow of Floyd Mayweather Jr. to become one of boxing's biggest draws.
The Mexican dismantled James Kirkland in style in May andย then claimed the vacant WBO middleweight title in November by getting the better of Miguel Cotto on points.
Despite having had 48 bouts already, Canelo is astonishingly still only 25. Promoter Oscar De La Hoya believes there's still room for improvement, too.
Per ESPN.com's Dan Rafael, the head of Golden Boy Promotions said: "I think the best is yet to come with him. He has grown as a fighter every year, learning from victories and his losses. Legacy is important to him, and when all is said and done, I know he will be remembered as one of the best in the sport."
B Is for Barthelemy
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Rances Barthelemy became a two-weight world champion when he beat Denis Shafikov on points to pick up the vacant IBF lightweight title in December.
However, the Cuban's biggest victory was escaping his homeland to reach the United States. Kid Blast detailed his astonishing journey to Bleacher Report's Jonathan Snowden.
Now based in Las Vegas, Barthelemyโwho was also the IBF's champion at super featherweightโis unbeaten in 24 fights.ย
Tall (5โฒ11") and tricky to hit, the 29-year-old is an opponent few will fancy facing in 2016.ย
C Is for Crolla
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Anthony Crolla's rise from hospital bed to world champion has to be the boxing story of 2015.
Attacked by burglars and left with a fractured skull and broken ankle, the Englishman's hopes of challenging for a world title were left in tatters. He wasn't even certain of being able to fight again.
When he did make a comeback, Million Dollar was on the wrong end of a debatable decision.
Few thought Darleys Perez had done enough to retain his WBA lightweight title in Manchester, England, in July, yet two judges somehow scored the bout a draw.
However, Crolla took the officials out of the equation in the rematch at the same venue. He knocked out the Colombian Perez in Round 5 to complete his rocky rise to the top.
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D Is for DeGale
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James DeGale made a bit of boxing history when he became the first British fighter to win both a gold medal at the Olympics and a world title in the paid ranks.
Chunky defeated Andre Dirrell on points to claim the vacant IBF super middleweight title in May.
He has since defended it once, travelling to Quebec, Canada, to beat former champion Lucian Bute by unanimous decision.
However, history wasn't the driving force behind DeGale's success.
The Englishman is motivated by one thing: money.ย He toldย Nik Simon of the Mail: "They say only 4 per cent of boxers retire and donโt have to work. I want to be part of that 4 per cent. I want to get the Maserati and make the millions."
E Is for Entourage
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A successful fighter will always develop a fanbase.
However, if you're really successful, you also end up with an entourage, a group of hangers on who helpโor hinderโin some way.
Fame and fortune will always attract interest from others who are more than happy to spend your money.
As Joseph Santoliquito wrote for Bleacher Report in 2012: "[Sugar Ray] Robinson was a human magnet that attracted all types. His eight-person traveling troupe included a barber, golf instructor, dwarf mascot and sometimes stars like Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and era starlets."
These days your status is less about the size of the entourage and more about who is in it. You don't really matter unlessย Justin Bieber has bothered to accompany you to the ring.
F Is for Fury
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Tyson Fury put an end to Wladimir Klitschko's 11-year unbeaten run with a shocking points win over the undisputed heavyweight champion in Dusseldorf, Germany.
Fury bemused his opponent in the buildupโincluding dressing up as Batman for a press conferenceโand then befuddled him in the ring, using feints and head movement to upset Klitschko's rhythm.
The fighter from Manchester, England, now holds the WBA and WBO titles. He also had the IBF belt, but the organisation stripped him of it.
A self-promoter who loves to break out into a song, Fury has had a great year in the ring. Just don't ask him his opinion on any other subject but boxing.
G Is for GGG
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In a post-Floyd Mayweather Jr. boxing world (and with Manny Pacquiao on his way toward the exit), Gennady Golovkin can rival Saul Alvarez as the sport's biggest superstar.
The 33-year-old from Kazakhstan is 34-0 (31 KOs) after recording three victories in 2015, all of them by TKO.
Now, he needs a really big name on his lengthy list of victimsโaย fight with Alvarez at middleweight is what everyone wants to see in 2016.
According to Dan Rafael of ESPN.com, it could be on the cards for the autumn, though don't get too carried away until everything is signed and sealed.
H Is for Heavyweights
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After being in the doldrums for nearly a decade, the heavyweights are suddenly interesting again.
The long reign of Wladimir Klitschko came to an end at the hands of Tyson Fury, while Deontay Wilderโholder of the WBC beltโand interim WBA championย Luis Ortiz have got the Americans buzzing about big men again.
When you add in the emergence of Anthony Joshua in Britain, plus the return of David Haye, the division looks alive and kicking.ย
Now, everyone needs to make sure boxing politics doesn't keep the major players apart in 2016.
I Is for Instagram
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Social media plays a pivotal role in modern sport. It is a way of sharing information and providing updates.
It is also a way to goad opponents and bring you closer to fans of the sport, though that is not always a good thing. You really know you've made it as a fighter when you're attracting Twitter trolls.
Instagram is more than just a chance to pop up a nice picture, too.
Boxers use it to flaunt the rewards of their success, none more so than Floyd Mayweather Jr. (who has over 10 million followers).
Adrien Broner is also someone who occasionally creates controversy with his Instagram posts. It's "about billions," according to his profile.
J Is for Jones Jr.
10 of 26Roy Jones Jr. was once regarded as the best boxer on the planet. Now, though, he is a faded fighter in danger of doing himself serious damage by carrying on.
Junior had won eight bouts on the spin (albeit against a low standard of opposition) before coming up against Enzo Maccarinelli in Moscow in December.
The American lost inside four rounds, yet it was the manner of the finishโas seen in the footage aboveโthat led to cries for Jones Jr. to hang up his gloves.ย
Sadly, though, the 46-year-oldโwho is now a Russian citizen after being handed his passport by President Vladimir Putinโmay yet opt to carry on.
Per Luke Furman of BoxingScene.com, Jones Jr. said: "I want to hold a rematch. I hate to lose. I have no fear. I am willing to fight any boxer. But it all depends on my family and on my health."
Roy, it's done. You were fantastic. However, notice the use of the past tense in that sentence.
K Is for Knockouts
11 of 26Knockouts are one of the main reasons anyone watches boxing.
Sure, it is always enjoyable to see a fighter show off his skills. Whether it is great footwork, rapid combinations or a watertight defence, there are many different talents to admire.
However, nothing quite beats a KO.ย Whether it is a culmination of several shots or a one-punch stunner, the knockout is a thing of beauty.
Unless, of course, you're on the wrong end of one.
L Is for Last Hurrah
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Floyd Mayweather Jr. let everyone know that his 49th fight with Andre Berto in September would also be his last.
So far, Money has strayed true to his word and has remained out of the ring.
His 48th career victory was over Manny Pacquiao, who is now letting everyone know that he too intends to have one last hurrah before hanging up the gloves.
So, who will Pacquiao face? It won't be Amir Khan, according to Matchroom Sports' Eddie Hearn. Adrien Broner has said on Twitter (Warning: Tweet contains language NSFW) he is also off the list of possible opponents.
M Is for Money Mayweather
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Love him or hate him (and there are plenty in both camps), the loss of Floyd Mayweather Jr. is a blow to the sport.
The lure of going 50-0 failed to tempt him to carry on. As an undefeated five-weight world champion, he had little left to prove.
So far, retirement seems to be suiting Money well.ย He still looks in good shape, however, so you can never be certain that he is completely done and dusted with boxing just yet.
He certainly doesn't need to come back to top up the coffers, even with his lavish spending.
Perย Vadim Pushkin of BoxingScene.com, Mayweather madeย $300 million from his win over Manny Pacquiao alone.
N Is for Nicaragua
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Nicaragua is the homeland of Roman Gonzalez, a little man who leaves a big impression every time he steps between the ropes.
Chocolatito is 44-0 as a professional. He has delivered 38 of his career wins by knockout, an astonishingly high number of early finishes considering he has campaigned at light fly and flyweight.
The reigning WBC champion at the 112-pound flyweight limit, the 28-year-old is rated as the best pound-for-pound fighter by theย Ring.
O Is for Omaha
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Omaha in Nebraska has never been seen as a boxing hotbed.ย However, Terence Crawford is putting his hometown on the map.
The WBO super lightweight champion defended his crown in his own backyard against Dierry Jean in October. After dropping his opponent in Rounds 1 and 9, he finished the job in the 10th.
Before the bout, he talked to Bleacher Report's Jonathan Snowdenย about his promise to bring big fights to Omaha:ย "I felt like my city deserves it. I've been boxing since I was seven years old, and I always said I was going to bring big things to Omaha. And that's what I've done."
P Is for Premier Boxing Champions
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Premier Boxing Champions has altered the boxing landscape.
Backed by some wealthy investors, Al Haymon has helped put big fights back on free-to-air television in the United States.
The company's official website says: "PBC takes boxing back to its roots. This is boxing, pure and simple, where whatโs brought to the fight, mentally and physically, is what determines who goes home the winner, and who just goes home."
It is a work in progress for Haymon and his backers, and early losses were expected as part of their long-term plan.
Fighters have embraced the arrival of PBC. Even British boxers are looking to cash in on the opportunity to fight for sizable purses on American soil.
Q Is for Quigg (and Frampton)
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Super bantamweights Scott Quigg and Carl Frampton are longtime rivals who will finally get to meet in the ring in 2016.
Negotiations between the two camps have never run smoothly, but they agreed on a deal for a unification contest at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England, on February 27.
Quiggโthe reigning WBA champion who is from nearby Buryโwill have the home advantage. He marked his return from injury in July with a stunning TKO win over Kiko Martinez in Round 2.
However, IBF titleholder Frampton will not lack for supporters inside a venue that was sold out in a matter of minutes, per the Belfast Telegraph.
The three-city press tour proved that there is genuine animosity between not just the two fighters but also their respective camps.ย If the first bout is a close one, expect a rematch later in the year.
R Is for Retirement
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Floyd Mayweather Jr. wasn't the only big name to announce his retirement in 2015.
Carl Froch confirmed in July he was calling time on a career that saw him twice reign as a world champion at super middleweight.
The Cobra told Sky Sports News (h/t the Guardian): "I just feel like that fighting machine that I love so much and that I need to be to compete at the top level, I feel like itโs been put away for too long, and I donโt know if I can get hold of him again and go one more time. I really donโt think I could."
Denmark's Mikkel Kesslerโone of only two men to beat Froch (Andre Ward was the other)โhad already hung up his gloves in February.
Great champions and good friends, Froch and Kessler wisely knew the time was right to call it a day.
S Is for Smiths
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Liam Smith was the first of the four fighting brothers from Liverpool, England, to claim a world title.
However, Beefyโwho became the new WBO super welterweight champion by stopping American John Thompson in Octoberโmay not have bragging rights over all his siblings for much longer.
Stephenโthe second-oldest of the quartetโis next in line for a shot at the IBF super featherweight title.
Meanwhile, Callum is also making waves at super middleweight. The baby of the bunch, Mundo is the current British champion after knocking out local rival Rocky Fielding in Round 1.
The eldest of the lot is Paul, who has twice fallen short in attempts to dethrone WBO super middleweight champion Arthur Abraham on German soil.
T Is for Travelling Man
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Billy Joe Saunders put the frustration of two postponements to the back of his mind when he faced WBO middleweight champion Andy Lee in December.
The southpawโwho spoke to Paul Gibson for a special Bleacher Report feature about his life as a Travellerโknocked down Irishman Lee on his way to winning the title on points.
The pair had been due to face each other in September, only for Lee to be laid low by a virus. A rearranged date for October then had to be shelved once Saunders suffered an eye injury in sparring.
However, the wait proved to be worth it for the unbeaten Saunders, who has talked about realising a dream by facing Miguel Cotto in 2016.
U Is for Upset Results
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The wonderful thing about boxing is that an upset is always possible.
While in team sports favourites can often fall behind, there is still time for them to recover and rally. In the ring, however, one punch can completely change a fight.
Tyson Fury didn't knock out Wladimir Klitschko with a solitary blow in November, but he did cause a shock by beating the Ukrainian on points.
Krzysztofย Glowacki, however, did spring a surprise with a knockout finish. The Pole flattened Marco Huck in Round 11 to become the new WBO cruiserweight champion in stunning fashion.
Luke Campbell and Mitchell Smithโtwo British boxers with serious hopes of making it all the way to the world levelโalso saw their undefeated records come to an earlier-than-expected end in the month of December.
Upset results are needed to maintain interest levels. If you know the outcome every time, why bother watching?
V Is for Violence
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It should never be forgotten that boxing is a violent sport.ย Every fighter who steps between the ropes risks his life, and sometimes things go wrong.
Hamzah Aljahmi died in December after making his professional debut in Detroit. He collapsed after Round 4 and later passed away in the hospital, per Dan Good of the New York Daily News.
Back in March, Australian Braydon Smith also died after a 10-round featherweight bout.
They are not the only fighters to have lost their lives over the past year, but the deaths ofย Aljahmi and Smith serve as a reminder to the dangers of donning a pair of gloves.
W Is for Welterweights
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The welterweight division packs a punch, even with Floyd Mayweather Jr. gone and Manny Pacquiao on his way out.
Per the Ring'sย ratings, Kell Brook is top of the list.ย However, also in the top 10 are Amir Khan, Timothy Bradley, Keith Thurman, Shawn Porter, Danny Garcia and Errol Spence Jr.
That is a fine collection of names.
Pick any two and put them in a ring in 2016, and there would be a high level of interest.
The Super Six tournament for the super middleweights didn't quite pan out as planned, but the welterweights could do with something similar to work out who is the best of the lot.
X Is for X-Factor
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Some boxers just have the X-factor (and that has nothing to do with singing on the talent show).
Wins are great, but what helps boost a fighter's earning potential is the ability to create media interest and sell tickets. Putting bums on seats, whether at home or in an arena, leads to bigger paydays.
Anthony Joshua, for example, seems to have the X-factor. The British heavyweight does two really things well: smiling and smashing up opponents.
His fight against rival Dillian Whyte for the British title in December sold out in less than six hours, per Sky Sports. That was before anyone was confirmed for the undercard, too.
However, you don't have to be loved to be a major draw.
Unlike pantomime season, a boxing villain can find work throughout the year. Just ask Chris Eubank Sr., who revelled in being a boxer that people loved to hate.
Y Is for Yawning After the Main Event
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The money-spinning bout between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao received so much hype beforehand that it was doomed to struggle to live up to expectations.
What should really have warned everyone about the level of entertainment in store was that one fighter was a master of defence (Mayweather Jr.), while the other was past his prime (Pacquiao).
It was still an intriguing fight to the experts. But, to casual fans it was a major disappointment, particularly as they had to pay for the privilege of watching it.
Former heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson was certainly not impressed with what he saw, as he tweeted: "We waited 5 years for that... #underwhelmed #MayPac"
In the end, Mayweather Jr. won on points (as most expected), and both men made a lot of money.
Z Is for Zolani (Tete)
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Nobody knew too much about Zolani Tete before he took on IBF super flyweight championย Paul Butler in Liverpool, England, in March.
After eight rounds, it became clear the southpaw from South Africa was one of boxing's best-kept secrets. Tete knocked out his opponent with a vicious uppercut in Round 8 to take the title.
He has since vacated it, but Tete is targeting more fights for major belts. To help his cause, the 27-year-old has joined forces with Frank Warren.
The promoter said of his new signing, per Boxing News: "There are big plans for him next year, he could still fight at super-flyweight and there are also exciting options for him at bantamweight, heโll soon be fighting for world titles."
Tete has the height (he stands atย 5โฒ9") and the power (a 72 per cent knockout ratio) to make a real name for himself in 2016.
Think of something better for one of the letters? Send us in your suggestions via the comments section.
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