Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder
A heavyweight unification bout for all major titles between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder could occur late 2016 with a little help. Both fighters have pronounced willingness to engage, and their respective promotional alliances could create the clash. However, a couple things are going to have to happen first.
Canelo Alvarez vs. Gennady Golovkin
According to Golden Boy Promotions, the fight between Gennady Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez is not a matter of if but rather when. The recently crowned WBC, The Ring, and lineal champion Alvarez has been ordered to fight his mandatory Gennady Golovkin next. But the likelihood of this fight occurring in the first half of 2016 is slim.
Sulaiman has stated the WBC would not allow a voluntary defence but odds are they are going to allow it, before enforcing their right to strip as long as some sort of agreement is in place.
Rumors of a double main event in May featuring both Golovkin and Alvarez on the same card sounds fantastic and would only build to a magnificent clash late summer or early fall next year.
Sergey Kovalev vs. Adonis Stevenson
The fight that should have occurred in 2013 before Adonis Stevenson was picked up by Al Haymon may finally fabricate itself over the summer of 2016. Stevenson was recently stripped of his The Ring title for failing to fight a quality opponent for two years, may need to meet Sergey Kovalev in the ring just to save face.
However, the elephant that prevented this from happening in 2013 is still in the room for 2016. Sergey Kovalev is committed to HBO, and Adonis Stevenson is linked to Showtime.
Still, with both fighters at least agreeing to make an attempt at creating the clash. This is the closest the fight has come to fruition in years.
Sergey Kovalev vs. Andre Ward
Sergey Kovalev was granted two spots on this list but his second mention is more based on his opponent than himself. 2016 could be a Phoenix rise from the ashes type of year for Andre Ward. Still regarded as one of the pound-for-pound best fighters today, his absence from the ring has caused many ranking committees to remove him from their divisional rankings.
This fight has been agreed to in principle to occur towards the end of next year. Ward will have a couple tune-ups to prepare for what will be considered his toughest opposition since his Super Six tournament win nearly five years ago against Carl Froch.
The only thing preventing this occuring is Ward himself. Undoubtedly, Kovalev and the rest of the world will be waiting.
Amir Khan vs. Kell Brook
Though highly profitable, the anticipated fight between Amir Khan and Kell Brook will not be as much for gold as it will be for national respect. British fight fans have begged for while Khan tried to entice Floyd Mayweather Jr. is on their doorstep.
Depending on the decision of Manny Pacquiao for his final opponent, this fight could occur as early as late spring. With an outdoor venue possible and an entire nation eager for the outcome, this could be one of the biggest fights in Great Britain for years to come.
Other honorable mentions that could make for an epic showdown include the entire welterweight division run by Premier Boxing Champions with fighters like Danny Garcia, Keith Thurman, and Shawn Porter.
Rigondeaux vs. Lomachenko would be an incredible matchup and whoever Manny Pacquaio chooses for his swan song would be terrific as well.
Get ready fight fans 2016 looks to be a busy year with a potential for some hefty television bills.
– Mark Hampton @calmopinto92
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