By Steve Gallegos

Juan Francisco Estrada– This man was fun to watch in 2013 as he picked up a pair of world titles by defeating Brian Viloria in a very exciting war and followed it up with an impressive title defense against Phillipino Milan Milendo. Both fights were in Macau, China which were televised on HBO 2 giving the young flyweight champion some great exposure. A very good boxer who can punch and once you see him fight, you’re gonna want to see him fight again and again. Next fight: TBA

 

Miguel “Mikey” Garcia– Did this man have an exciting 2013 or what? Around this time last year, he destroyed Orlando Salido, winning his first world title. He then followed it with two impressive KO performances against Juan Manuel Lopez and Roman “Rocky” Martinez. All 3 wins last year were against top level opposition and he all he does is fight the best. He returns 01/25/14 in which he faces possibly his toughest test to date in Juan Carlos Burgos. Next fight: 01/25/14 against Burgos

 

Keith “One Time” Thurman– This man defines “explosiveness”. Always comes ready to fight, always in top shape and always gives the fans their money’s worth. The “WBA” welterweight champion is one of the hottest young champions in the sport and Golden Boy Promotions plans to invest heavily in this young, rising star. Expect big things from Thurman in 2014. Next fight: TBA

 

Ruslan Provodikov-This man made a name for himself on ESPN 2’s Friday Night Fights before graduating to HBO in 2013. He was very impressive in his war with Timothy Bradley last spring despite losing a close unanimous decision. He then went in Mike Alvarado’s back yard of Denver and stopped Alvarado in the 10th round in impressive fashion. A come forward puncher who has “Knockout” in mind with every punch he throws. Expect to see him more on HBO in 2014. Next fight: TBA

 

Gennady Golovkin– “GGG” had four fights in 2013 and won them all by KO against top level opposition. He fights hard, fights often and always impresses. The WBO and IBO middleweight champion has the total package of speed, skill and power and is a favorite amongst fight fans. Expect him to have another huge year. Next fight:  02/01/14 against Osumanu Adama

 

Sergey Kovalev– The young champion from Russia was showcased on NBC Sports Network’s Fight Night before moving onto HBO. The WBO light heavyweight champion wastes no time in the ring as his last seven fights haven’t gone past the seventh round. An explosive puncher with 21 KO’s in 23 wins who is seeking a matchup with fellow light heavyweight champion Adonis Stevenson; in one of the most demanded matchups right now. Next fight: TBA

 

Adonis Stevenson– This man came out of nowhere in 2013 by knocking out “The” light heavyweight champion Chad Dawson with one punch. He followed it up with two impressive knockout performances against Tavoris Cloud and Tony Bellew. An all around fighter that can both box and punch. A unification fight with Sergey Kovalev could be on the horizon. Next fight: TBA