As 2024 comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on the year’s most unforgettable moments in the squared circle. The Official OTH Year-End Awards celebrate the fighters, fights, and events that defined the year, shining a spotlight on the sport’s finest achievements and biggest surprises.
Here are the winners of this year’s prestigious awards and why they stood above the rest.
Upset of the Year
Bruno Surace KO6 Jaime Munguia
Every year, boxing delivers shocks that remind us why it’s the most unpredictable sport in the world—and none were bigger than Bruno Surace’s stunning knockout of Jaime Munguia. Entering the fight as a massive underdog with seemingly no hope, Surace defied all expectations by landing a devastating one-punch KO on one of the top super middleweights in the division.
It wasn’t just the result that shocked fans but the manner in which it happened. Munguia, previously known for his durability, had never been taken out in such brutal fashion. This upset wasn’t just surprising—it was unforgettable. Hats off to Bruno Surace for delivering the shock of the year.
Fight of the Year
Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury I
When the undisputed heavyweight championship was on the line, Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury delivered a battle worthy of its stakes. This was a fight that kept fans on the edge of their seats, with momentum swinging back and forth and round 9 delivering unforgettable drama.
In a year filled with action-packed fights, Usyk vs Fury I stood out for its blend of technical brilliance and historical significance. The heavyweight division hasn’t seen a fight of this magnitude in years, and it more than lived up to the hype. It’s no surprise this clash edged out the competition to claim Fight of the Year honours.
Prospect of the Year
Moses Itauma
The heavyweight division may soon have a new star, and his name is Moses Itauma. At just 20 years old, Itauma stormed through 2024 with four emphatic victories, each one showcasing his incredible power, speed, and composure.
In less than ten minutes of total ring time, Itauma solidified his reputation as one of the most exciting prospects in the sport. Beyond his knockout power, he demonstrated a sharp boxing brain that suggests he’s more than just a heavy hitter. With the heavyweight landscape poised for a new era, Itauma seems destined to lead the charge.
Fighter of the Year
Oleksandr Usyk
If there was any doubt about Oleksandr Usyk’s greatness, 2024 put it to rest. Usyk’s accomplishments this year are nothing short of historic. Defeating Tyson Fury twice—first to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era and then defending his throne—Usyk left no questions about who reigns supreme in the heavyweight division.
His victories weren’t just about the results; they were about the manner in which he achieved them. The skill, heart, and determination he displayed in both fights cemented his legacy as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time. Winning Fighter of the Year is just another accolade in a career full of them.
Looking Ahead
The 2024 Official OTH Year-End Awards captured the stories that defined this year in boxing, from shocking upsets to legendary performances. Congratulations to all the winners, and a huge thank you to everyone who voted and kept the debates lively!”
