The Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) has named Oleksandr Usyk “Boxer of the Year”. This is the second time the Ukrainian has received the award.
Oleksandr Usyk made boxing history in 2024. With two victories over Tyson Fury, the Ukrainian was crowned the best heavyweight boxer in the world. The Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) has now named him “Boxer of the Year” once again for his performance last year. In addition to this prestigious honor, his first fight against Fury also wins the “Fight of the Year” award. This cements Usyk’s place as one of the greatest boxers of our time.
Oleksandr Usyk dominates the heavyweight division
The Ukrainian secured his status as undisputed world champion in 2024. He defeated Tyson Fury twice and unified all four titles. In May, he won by split decision, followed by a unanimous points victory in December. This made him the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era – even though he relinquished the IBF belt shortly afterwards.
The BWAA already honored Usyk as “Boxer of the Year” in 2018. Back then, he dominated the cruiserweight division, unified all titles and won the World Boxing Super Series tournament. His knockout victory over Tony Bellew was the crowning glory.
Further awards
In addition to Usyk, Artur Beterbiev, Daniel Dubois, Gilberto Ramirez and Jesse Rodriguez were also nominated for “Boxer of the Year”. While the BWAA honored Egis Klimas as “Manager of the Year”, the title “Trainer of the Year” went to Robert Garcia. The Robert Garcia Boxing Academy can look back on a successful year. Jesse Rodriguez wins the WBC super flyweight title. He defeated Juan Francisco Estrada by knockout. Raymond Muratalla won three fights. Jose Valenzuela won the WBA semi-welterweight belt. He beat Isaac Cruz on points. Vergil Ortiz returned after a break due to illness. He won three times, twice by knockout in round one. And in August he won the interim WBC world title against Serhii Bohachuk.
Honors for outstanding personalities
In addition to those already mentioned, the BWAA also honored other boxing personalities. Gabriella Fundora received the Christy Martin Female Fighter of the Year Award. The fight between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano received the “Female Fight of the Year” award. The Barney Nagler Award for longstanding service went to Brad “Abdul” Goodman. In addition, Thomas Gerbasi received the Nat Fleischer Award for his journalistic work. The John McCain-Bill Crawford Courage Award was presented to Prichard Colon and his family. Finally, Marv Albert received the Sam Taub Award for broadcast journalism. Bruce Silverglade was presented with the Marvin Kohn Good Guy Award. Prichard Colon was also honored for his tireless fight after a serious injury.
Big celebration planned
The winners will be honored at the 100th BWAA Gala in spring 2025. The location and date of the event are not yet known.
Text: Andreas Ohlberger
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