What Could Be The Biggest Boxing Bouts of 2018?

As we approach the end of the calendar year, we will all be putting together our dream match ups for 2018. Next year has the potential to be a brilliant 12 months in boxing if the right fights are made. Here is a look at the top three bouts which would get fans of the sport excited in 2018.

Anthony Joshua v Deontay Wilder

Deontay Wilder via Twitter

American Deontay Wilder recently stopped Bermane Stiverne in the first round to defend his WBC heavyweight title and bring his record to 39 wins from 39 fights in the professional circuit. Stiverne is the only man to have taken the American to points when they met for the first time in 2015. In their rematch though, Stiverne had no answer for Wilder who called out Anthony Joshua following the victory. What would make this fight even more interesting is if all four of the major belts in the division were on the line. The winner would then obviously be the unified world heavyweight champion. WBO titleholder Joseph Parker is standing in the way of making that happen therefore either Joshua or Wilder may have to face the New Zealand boxer first to set up a winner takes all scenario in 2018.

Jeff Horn v Manny Pacquiao

When Australian Jeff Horn faced the legend of the sport, Manny Pacquiao, back in July, he produced one of the upsets of the year to claim the Philippine's WBO welterweight title. There was some controversy over the result as many pundits believed Pacquiao should have been given the decision on the judges' scorecards. One way of settling the argument would be for both men to meet again next year in what would be an interesting contest. Horn will make his first defence of his title next month when he takes on Gary Corcoran. If he comes through that contest with his belt, the latest boxing betting news will react to the defence by discussing the odds for a Horn-Pacquiao rematch sometime next year in Australia.

Conor McGregor v Paulie Malignaggi

Mirror Fighting via Twitter

UFC star Conor McGregor was involved in one of the biggest boxing events in history when he fought Floyd Mayweather earlier in the year. McGregor could be back in the boxing ring in 2018 to face Paulie Malignaggi, someone he has developed a grudge with. The pair reportedly sparred in the build-up to the Mayweather contest and McGregor has claimed he floored Malignaggi during their session. If this fight gets only half of the coverage that McGregor-Mayweather event got, it is sure to be a huge attraction. McGregor lasted much longer than many boxing pundits expected him to against one of the greatest boxers in history; therefore, he came out of the loss with some credibility. Although Malignaggi would be the favourite to prevail, he would not be as short as Mayweather was in the betting as he has suffered numerous defeats during his career. He could prevent the Irishman with an opportunity to claim his first win the sport.

Enjoy the rest of the boxing in 2017 and here's to what could be a brilliant year in 2018 in the sport.