The best boxing newcomers to look out for in 2022
The best boxing newcomers to look out for in 2022
By Oli Dickson-Jefford
It’s been a stellar year in the ring with fights for the ages taking place throughout 2021 and the sport buoyed by the return of fans to witness it all.
The likes of Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, Vasiliy Lomachenko and Katie Taylor have all starred over the past 12 months and will likely shine again in the new year.
But a new crop of exciting talent will be looking to steal the spotlight as they embark on their pro careers, hoping to one day eclipse the sport’s big names and become world champions.
Here are the five newcomers to look out for in 2022:
Galal Yafai
With older brothers Kal and Gamal already forging hugely successful careers, Galal Yafai will hope to follow in their footsteps when his own pro career begins.
The 29-year-old flyweight has been a name on many people’s lips for a while now after a strong amateur career which peaked this summer.
Yafai claimed Olympic gold in Tokyo, beating Filipino Carlo Palaam in the final, and revealed his aim to turn pro after his incredible success at the Games.
There were rumours that the Brummie would make his pro debut in October or November this year but that never materialised, with Yafai yet to officially sign a pro contract.
However, expect that move to come soon and for him to start immediately making waves.
Caroline Dubois
The likes of Katie Taylor, Natasha Jonas and Claressa Shields have defined the latest era of women’s boxing, with fellow Caroline Dubois set to follow in the pioneering Olympians’ footsteps.
The 20-year-old was frustrated with a quarter-final exit in Tokyo but is still considered one of the best boxing talents of her generation.
Dubois, younger sister of Daniel, has had an incredibly successful amateur career and has shown all the signs of someone who will be contesting for world titles in the future.
The 2019 Young Sports Personality of the Year winner was meant to make her pro debut in November, but unfortunately had to pull out of her maiden fight due to illness.
But it won’t be long until she is finally able to step in the ring, and expect her to quickly rise through the ranks.
Skye Nicolson
Australian Skye Nicolson will be making her professional debut in 2022 after signing with Matchroom Boxing the week before Christmas.
Nicolson has paved the way for amateur boxing in her home country, winning a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games on home soil in 2018 and representing Australia in Tokyo this summer.
The featherweight narrowly missed out on reaching the medal rounds but is considered a supreme talent and will be one to watch in 2022.
The southpaw will most likely make her pro debut on UK soil in February or March and has the skills and experience to forge a hugely successful professional career.
David Nyika
Unlike Yafai, Dubois and Nicolson, David Nyika has already contested his first professional bouts.
However, the New Zealander is only two fights into his career and will likely start attracting a lot more attention across the next 12 months.
Nyika has made quick work of his opponents, beating Jesse Maio in just 29 seconds in his February professional debut, on home soil in Auckland, before winning Olympic bronze in Tokyo.
His second pro fight also marked his debut on British soil and barely outlasted the first. The 26-year-old defeated Anthony Carpin in just three minutes on the undercard when his compatriot—and fellow heavyweight—Joseph Parker faced Derek Chisora.
Nkiya has the potential to follow in his Kiwi pro predecessor’s footsteps and one day be world champion.
Eumir Marcial
The Philippines produced one of the greatest boxers of all time in Manny Pacquiao, and his countryman Eumir Marcial is tipped by the eight-division world champion to one day achieve global domination.
Like the rest of this list, Marcial became an Olympian in Tokyo this summer, winning a bronze medal in the middleweight division.
Despite not winning gold, Marcial is considered one of the best future middleweights in men’s boxing and was unsurprisingly offered a pro contract after a stellar amateur career.
The 26-year-old won his pro debut in LA a couple of weeks back and will be someone to watch out for in 2022.
Photo Credits: Getty Images