The “Boxer of the Year” vote is a combination of reader and jury decision. This is what the BOXSPORT jury experts have to say about the 2024 winners!
Regina Halmich, Hall-of-Famer:
It was a close race between Nina Meinke and Tina Rupprecht. Both can be very proud of their performances this year. They present German women’s boxing in a positive and exemplary way. And with Agit Kabayel we finally have another hopeful. That puts us in a good mood!
Axel Schulz, boxing idol:
For me, Agit Kabayel’s selection as “Boxer of the Year” is absolutely justified. Anyone who has had such a successful year in the world’s top heavyweight division deserves to win the BOXSPORT vote. On the other hand, it was a close race between Nina Meinke and Tina Rupprecht, both of whom put in strong performances. Meinke ahead of Rupprecht – the result could have gone either way. In Nina’s favor is the fact that she put up a historic fight over twelve laps of three minutes each.
Eik Galley, sports commentator:
Agit Kabayel is the clear number one in German professional boxing. With his knockout victory over Sanchez, he has once again improved his knockout record. Anyone who is allowed to box for the third time in Riyadh with a big purse has worldwide appeal. Nina Meinke is a worthy title holder. She never backs down and faced Serrano in her native Puerto Rico. It was a shame that the fight was canceled due to Serrano’s withdrawal. All the more impressive that she won the world championship in Hamburg. For the first time in Europe over twelve times three rounds. But Tina Rupprecht would also have been a worthy “Boxer of the Year”. Her victory in the unification fight against the Japanese fighter Matsuda is also German boxing history. Nelvie Tiafack is just as undisputed as a medal winner in Paris as Olympic participant Maxi Klötzer.
Andreas von Thien, RTL sports presenter:
Boxing “Made in Germany 2024” was really impressive. This was mainly due to the winners, who also got my vote. The strength of will of Nina Meinke, who fought her way to the world title covered in blood, was outstanding. I take my hat off to this power woman, who doesn’t let setbacks (the scandal surrounding her failed fight against Amanda Serrano) discourage her. Agit Kabayel’s performance is also world class. He is doggedly pursuing his mission to become world heavyweight champion. I wish him every success in becoming a popular champion. That’s what Nelvie Tiafack, our Olympic Sunnyboy, wants too. This Cologne boy is strong, down-to-earth and likeable. Good luck with the pros. And respect to Maxi Klötzer. She’s the only German boxer to make it to Paris. Great, Maxi!
Ulli Wegner, coaching legend:
Agit Kabayel proved with his dominant performance that he is rightly the number one in German professional boxing. For me, the top three places are aptly occupied by Kabayel, Zachenhuber and Baraou in that order. In the women’s category, I think Nina Meinke is a deserved winner. She is a real role model, because Nina not only impresses in the ring, but also with her personality. I also have great respect for Tina Rupprecht’s performance, who won three titles in her limit at the end of last year.
Bertram Job, boxing expert:
With Kabayel and Meinke, the two most internationally renowned names have once again prevailed among the professionals. But I dare to predict that Sarah Bormann will be able to box her way to the top. Then it could get tighter … And which Olympic boxers should be chosen if not two of the three German athletes who competed in Paris 2024? Nelvie Tiafack’s bronze medal was worth its weight in gold for the DBV. You can take that literally.