The year 2023 has been a significant one for Australian men’s boxing, with multiple boxers making their mark on both the local and international stage. Two new world champions have emerged, while others have continued to climb the world rankings. Here is a review of some of the standout performances from Australian boxers in 2023.
Tim Tszyu, the unbeaten super welterweight, was expected to face American Jermell Charlo for his four world title belts in 2023. However, Charlo opted to fight Mexican superstar Saul “Canelo” Alvarez instead, leaving Tszyu without the opportunity to unify the division. Tszyu eventually claimed the WBO world title through a comfortable points win against Brian Mendoza and remains eager for a potential showdown with Charlo in 2024.
Jai Opetaia, the IBF world cruiserweight champion, successfully defended his title by stopping British challenger Jordan Thompson in the fourth round at Wembley Arena. He then vacated his title after securing a lucrative payday in a fight against Ellis Zorro in Saudi Arabia.
In the bantamweight division, Jason Moloney won his first world title belt with a majority decision over Filipino Vincent Astrolabio. He is set to defend his title against American Saul Sanchez in Canada.
George Kambosos, who lost his lightweight world titles to Devin Haney, is expected to take on Ukrainian Vasyl Lomachenko for the vacant IBF title belt.
In the super featherweight category, Liam Wilson narrowly missed out on winning the WBO world title in a fight against Emanual Navarrete. He has since won two fights and is looking to challenge George Kambosos in 2024.
Liam Paro, an unbeaten super lightweight, secured an impressive sixth-round KO of American Montana Love in 2023. He is now a top contender for potential world title shots.
Other Australian fighters on the rise include super welterweight Nikita Tszyu, heavyweight Justis Huni, and light heavyweight Paulo Aokuso, all of whom maintained their unbeaten records in 2023.
With more Australian world title fights on the horizon, 2024 promises to be another thrilling year for men’s boxing Down Under.