Boxing Predictions for 2022: Manny Pacquiao Returns to Competition as Tyson Fury Goes to the Top

After a bleak 2020, boxing returned in revenge in 2021. In several divisions the champions achieved an undisputed status, as well as many super fights eventually ended. One of the biggest surprises, however, may be that Manny Pacquiao is officially retiring from the sport after losing to Yordenis Ugas. Moreover, a year after Vasiliy Lomachenko became angry over joint lightweight titles, Teofimo Lopez became angry with George Kamboso, which establishes a potentially wild split of the three titles.

As we move into 2022, light weights, welterweight and heavy weights will once again be the biggest intrigue with the stars wanting to make a name for themselves. With that in mind, our experts came up with some predictions of what might happen in the new year.

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Manny Pacquiao returns to the active elite

At the age of 43, was it a bad decision for Pacquiao to accept such a difficult last-minute opponent in July for WBA welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas? From a stylistic point of view, the answer can only be affirmative, as Pacquiao arrived empty-handed by a narrow decision before retiring after the defeat. But to imagine that this is really the last battle of the iconic 26-year-old professional career of the Philippine icon would be to look at his passion for the sport, including everything from competition to training. Pacquiao is running for president in his hometown, but is not a favorite to win the election. If it falls short, it seems inevitable to return to the fighting game. Even Errol Spence Jr. The late alternate champion lost to Ugas who lost to Ugas and the rusty ring shown by Pacquiao after a two-year release has kept up the speed and explosion that had long been his calling. card. With the right balance, including a possible weight loss, Pacquiao could still compete at the world title level if he becomes active again. And knowing the boxing history of so many great fighters who hang out too long until the sport is effectively retired, it’s good to believe that Pacquiao will reconnect them. – Brian Campbell

Vasiliy Lomachenko will finish 2022 as a lightweight champion

The lightweight division is in full swing right now, full of youngsters who want to be the future of the sport. And yet, it’s the old neighbor who can end the year as the undisputed champion. Teofimo Lopez laid an egg against George Kambosos Jr. in November, leaving three of the four world championships recognized by Kanbosos at 135 pounds. The WBC has also suggested that Kambosos deserves to be recognized as an undisputed champion, despite the fact that his champion, Devin Haney, is a WBC champion and has been described as “the pride of the WBC”. This means everything, politics promises everything in boxing. Gervonta Davis will not travel to Australia to face Cambodia. Haney maybe. But Lomachenko, still probably the most skilled man in the division, will make all the necessary moves to ensure the great struggles he needs. Lomachenko is also unlikely to overcome a split like Haney or continue to collect secondary titles that will be promoted by promoters and announcers as legitimate world titles. Lomachenko has every chance of scoring the next wave for another year, because he is the man with the most chances to play ball. – Brent Brookhouse

‘Retires’ from Tyson Fury

Never question what this man is capable of. The WBC heavyweight champion has often given his voice away from the sport after several fights to return those comments the next day. But there seems to be a consensus this summer or fall with the winners of Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk – and if it continues to be great – if he is able to win this summer or fall, there is nothing left. to fulfill it. He will overcome the biggest challenges at his disposal (Wladimir Klitschko, Deontay Wilder twice and a joint champion) until he is united at two different points and reaches an indisputable situation. Fury seems to be in a better place than before the three-year hiatus due to alcohol and mental health issues, and a big win could leave him spending more time with his family. – Brandon Wise