December 31 is fast approaching, which means it's time to look back and reflect on the year that was. For boxing fans, that's not the most pleasant of tasks. That's because 2014 kind of sucked. After a tremendous 2013 that saw the HBO vs. Showtime war push both stations to stage numerous huge, exciting fights, everything this year fell flat. Gone was Danny Garcia vs. Lucas Matthysse in a battle of the division's most exciting fighters, instead replaced by Danny Garcia vs. Rod Salka in an embarrassment of a mismatch. And sadly, Garcia vs. Salka was the norm this year, not the exception.
Still, this is the sport of kings, and even when it's bad, there's still much to enjoy. And so, without further ado, here is a look at the positives of boxing in 2014 - the 5 most exciting fighters of the year. No, that's not necessarily the "best" fighters of the year - it's the ones who, for one reason or another, most reminded us why we love this sport. Let's take a look:
5. Terence Crawford - My #2 pick for fighter of the year, Crawford is clearly the biggest breakout fighter of 2014. His big year was anchored by the incredible, star-making epic clash with Yuriorkis Gamboa, easily one of the year's best. Crawford showed nice development this year, adding more of a willingness to brawl next to his technical skills. The combination both propelled him to great heights and made him more of a must watch fighter. The sky is the limit for Crawford, and it will be interesting to see what is next.
4. Miguel Cotto - On the complete other end of the spectrum from Crawford, you have this list's most accomplished veteran. Fights fans have been thrilled by the performances of Miguel Cotto for many years, but back to back losses to Floyd Mayweather and Austin Trout made many question just how much was left in the Cotto tank. Then he teamed up with Freddie Roach, won a bounce back fight, and then completely dominated Sergio Martinez to take the true Middleweight crown. Cotto in 2014 is to hardcore boxing fans what Robbie Lawler is to the MMA community. Now there's talk of Cotto vs. Canelo next year, to which I say - take my money now.
3. Tie: Lucas Matthysse / John Molina - Why these two? Simple. They put on the best fight of 2014. Their April war was one for the ages with multiple knockdowns back and forth and a war of attrition the likes of which no one could top this year. It may not have been much hyped before the opening bell rang, but it certainly won't be forgotten. Of course, in typical 2014 fashion, neither man followed it up with anything of note, but that should not take away from the magic of that night.
2. Vasyl Lomachenko - Consider this: Olympic great Vasyl Lomachenko walked into 2014 with a record of 1-0 as a professional. He was them beaten by the lowblows of Orlando Salido (and accompanying incompetence of referee Laurence Cole). And yet he ends the year not only a world champion, but a world champion who many feel is the future of boxing. That's because of the insane level of technical skill Lomachenko brings to the ring. In a class that includes the likes of Erislandy Lara and Guillermo Rigondeaux, Lomachenko stands out as arguably the best pure technician lacing up the gloves today. He is sublime to watch. And he's only 4 fights in to his career. Believe the hype.
1. Gennady Golovkin - A no brainer choice for the #1 spot, GGG is, quite simply, boxing's biggest must watch fighter right now. 3 fights in 2014, 3 KOs, never a moment looking even the least bit in danger. Golovkin is a machine who is bringing fans exactly what they want in this sport - action. The one and only downside to this amazing force that is GGG? Few are foolish enough to fight him. Let's hope 2015 sees a Cotto, a Canelo, a Lemieux, a Quillin, or even the ignominious Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. step up to the plate and get in there with GGG. Golovkin is ready. Fans are ready. Let the Golovkin era begin.
Sound off BE faithful - who's on your list?