Boxing Schedule 2022

Every year provides us with a thrilling calendar of boxing and 2022 is no exception. There are some huge title fights on the line with a sensational start in February. Grudge fights and rematches highlight the next 12 months so let’s get straight on and see who is ready to line up in the ring.

A Long Wait

Many fights are settled in advance of the New Year while others seem to remain in the pipeline for an eternity. In the case of Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk, a rematch clause was triggered almost as soon as the initial fight was complete.

Joshua v Usyk 2 is on but getting a confirmed date takes much longer. In the meantime, proposed battles such as AJ v Tyson Fury have to be put on hold. This can mean that there is a longer wait for definite fixtures than we see in most other sports.

It can be frustrating, but those fights are worth the wait and any delays that do occur only serve to heighten the anticipation.

Kell Brook v Amir Khan

At the age of 36, Amir Khan is attempting another comeback as he takes on Kell Brook on February 19. This catchweight battle is being billed as a British Grudge Match and pre-fight talk confirms there is no love lost between these two.

Khan comes into this contest after an extended break from the ring while Brook has fought more recently. The tale of the tape shows that both men have similar records and, with discussion surrounding who can take the better punch, this should be a classic.

Gonzalez v Martinez

The first big world title fight of 2022 comes along on March 6th when Nicaragua’s Roman Gonzalez takes on his Mexican rival Julio Cesar Martinez. The WBA Super Flyweight title is on the line when these two men step into the ring. Once again, the professional records of these two fighters suggest that we should be in for a close and thrilling contest.

Still to Confirm

The biggest fight of 2022 looks set to take place in April when Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua engage in their long-awaited rematch. Back in September 2021, Joshua put four title belts on the line when he first took on his opponent at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

AJ was the favourite to come through, but fight fans knew that Usyk was a dangerous opponent and the Ukrainian eventually took those titles by a unanimous decision. Joshua had other options in the wake of his second professional defeat, but he chose to trigger that rematch clause.

The boxing world also awaits confirmation of Tyson Fury’s next fight. The Gypsy King is due to take on Dillian Whyte and all we know at this stage is that the battle will take place some time in 2022.

The futures of Fury and Joshua are linked with both men seemingly desperate to step into the ring with each other. Had AJ beaten Usyk back in September, it’s likely that a date for Joshua v Fury would already be inked in.

As it is, they and the rest of the boxing world will have to wait for a potential match up which may just take place later this year.

Best of the Rest

The 2022 boxing schedule will continue to fill up as the year unfolds but there some other key contests that have already been confirmed. Another all-British fight is down to take place as Scotland’s Josh Taylor and England’s Jack Catterall face off on March 5th with Super Lightweight titles up for grabs.

Women’s boxing continues to enjoy a boom period and Ireland’s Katie Taylor has done much to advance that growth. On April 30th, Taylor takes on Puerto Rico’s Amanda Serrano with lightweight titles on the line.

Markets Open

Boxing is a popular option for sports fans and it’s also one that is embraced by the wider betting community. With many high-profile fights taking place every year, the biggest events tend to see the serious bettor joined by many casual punters.

Those who do like to take place a bet on a boxing match will find a host of betting markets online for all professional fights. At any given weekend, there will be a busy set of cards somewhere in the world.

Amateur boxing can also come under the radar whenever World Championships or Summer Olympics appear on the horizon. There are even markets for fights that have yet to be fully confirmed. In early 2022, it’s possible to stake on Joshua v Usyk while some sportsbooks will also offer odds on hypothetical battles such as AJ v Tyson Fury.

Market Options

Boxing is a sport that captures the imagination in so many ways and there are plenty of betting options to consider. The most popular of these is on the winner of the fight with odds published for each boxer, plus a third market for the draw.

Sportsbooks will also issue options for a selection of side markets. These could include Method of Victory, Total Number of Rounds and whether or not the fight will go the distance. There are more options than you might expect, and this is another reason why boxing remains firmly in the public’s consciousness.

Every year brings a new round of top title fights and there are some colossal matchups in the pipeline across the whole of 2022.