A boxing fan’s Christmas Wish List for 2013

With the close of each fight year, fans start thinking of which fights they would hope to see in the upcoming year. I have spoken with several friends and fight fans, and everyone has their wish lists. With 2012 ending in a bang after Pacquiao-Marquez IV; let’s just start there. Pacquiao fans would like for the two to fight again. Myself, I would watch but don’t necessarily want to see them beat the hell out of each other again. I would rather see Manny Pacquiao rematch Tim Bradley and settle that score and get his just deserts.

For Marquez, I have heard Brandon Rios’ name come up. What an action fight that would be. Young lion versus old lion; that fight would surely not let anyone down or maybe in the aftermath of settling the score against Pacquaio we would see Marquez age in the ring and a new fan favorite emerge in Rios. In regard to Rios, I have also heard wishes for Adrien Broner or Lucas Matthysse. Really, there is no shortage of interesting opponents for Rios. I would even take a rematch with Mike Alvarado after the show they gave is in 2012.

Other match-ups I have heard some chirps for include a rematch between Victor Ortiz and Josesito Lopez. That may actually be the most interesting fight for both guys right now. Victor has not fought since his loss and broken jaw to Lopez in 2012, and Lopez is coming off the devastating loss to Canelo Alvarez in which he was undersized and overmatched. Ortiz can’t overlook Lopez twice given a second loss may just remove him for good from boxing mainstream. A win and maybe he gets a rematch to the cheap shot he took against Floyd Mayweather in 2011. Golden Boy could call that card “Unfinished Business.”

Another interesting rematch, particularly after this past weekend, would be between Amir Khan and Danny Garcia. Khan proved he is still notable and eager to get back into the ring against anyone, including Garcia, who stopped Khan earlier in 2012 in a fight Khan was controlling. Will his new trainer, Virgil Hunter, be enough for Khan and his chin to hold up in a rematch with the rising star in Garcia? I say it does.

How about some little fellas? I would really like to see a battle between Abner Mares and Nonito Donaire. Can Mares’ punch volume overtake one of boxing P4P’s best? Some writers and fans question the power of Mares and if it can man up to maybe the CLEANEST fighter in boxing in Donaire. No PED’s here.

What about the rest of the P4P list of boxing for 2013: Sergio Martinez, Canelo Alvarez, Andre Ward, and Floyd Mayweather. Obviously, I saved these for last. Martinez is recovering from knee surgery but claims to be recovering very well. I know he would love to get a fight with Mayweather at a catch weight; but how about a fight with Andre Ward at a catch weight, which I think has a better chance of happening. Or, given the record numbers in attendance at the Thomas and Mack Center in September for Martinez and Chavez Jr. (I heard he likes to hang out in Colorado these days), why not a rematch between Mexico and Argentina in May or September 2013. If Chavez Jr. could redeem himself, maybe we could see a super bout in the future (maybe 2014) with Canelo Alvarez. Viva Mexico! I got Canelo.

Batter up; Canelo Alvarez versus Floyd Mayweather. Although I think both have at least one fight in between what would be my biggest Christmas wish for 2013; I as well as other boxing friends and writers feel September would be perfect timing. Canelo, stay away from ringside for Mayweather’s first fight back since getting out of jail. You want to be the first to beat him. Some might say Canelo is not ready for Mayweather, but I say now or never. Mayweather is not getting any younger and what better way for him to finish up but against a young and promising fighter who is not on the tail end of his career.

As a boxing fan, I could go on and on with some wishful matchups for 2013 as can all of you. So, feel free to chime in and put your wish list out there. There are several matchups I have not mentioned or have not thought of, but some of these are the closest to my heart and pen and paper at this time.

Merry Christmas to everyone who follows myboxingfans.com, and also to those who have supported and read my column since I joined the team this year.

On a serious note, please send your thoughts and prayers to those who lost loved ones in 2012, in particular: Newtown, Connecticut; Portland, Oregon; and Aurora, Colorado. If you see someone reaching out, talk to them. By offering an ear or friendship, you might just be saving a life.

In loving memory of a true fight fan; I love you grandpa (Edward Chavez; March 20, 1930-March 23, 2012).