Anthony Joshua, Carl Frampton and Gennady Golovkin... five fights we want to see in 2017
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While 2016 delivered several long-awaited fights, plenty of fans have been left wanting more.
Unfortunately, politics plays a big part in the making of fights and some sadly slip by the wayside.
But Mirror Sport has chosen to ignore the gloom and pull on its promoter's hat and pick the five fights we want to see in 2017.
It is by no means an exhaustive list, so leave your must-see fights in the comments section below.
Anthony Joshua vs David Haye
While the British world champion's clash with Wladimir Klitschko in April will be a huge event, it is not the test he needs. The Ukrainian will be 41 and was a shadow of his former self in defeat by Tyson Fury; there is little to suggest he can turn back the clock, even in front of 90,000 at Wembley.
And while it is dangerous to assume Haye has retained his speed after his hiatus, he remains the biggest danger to Joshua, and the biggest draw. Both will make millions if a summer clash can be agreed.
(Photo: David Haye/Facebook)
Carl Frampton vs Gary Russell Jr
Widely honoured as 2016's Fighter of the Year, Frampton enjoyed stellar victories over long-time rival Scott Quigg and featherweight dangerman Leo Santa Cruz. And assuming the Northern Irishman comes through his rematch with the Mexican, there are a number of exciting fights to be made. One is with fellow world champion Lee Selby who has been treading water somewhat since winning his title, but the one that gets the juices flowing is a clash with Russell Jr.
His only defeat came against the imperious Vasyl Lomachenko more than two years ago and he has returned from injury with back-to-back KO wins. Assuming he avoids a slip-up against Oscar Escandon, the 28-year-old WBC champ could be next for Frampton.
(Photo: Irish Mirror/Presseye)
Andre Ward vs Sergey Kovalev II
Play it again, Sam. Kovalev was left devastated by the judges' ruling in the pair's first meeting in November having had Ward on the canvas in the second round. The Russian is desperate for a rematch and it is difficult to see where else his American rival can go, apart from retirement.
The light-heavyweight division is hardly bursting with talent and with Adonis Stevenson tied up with his mandatory challenger, the rematch is the only fight that makes sense.
(Photo: Getty)
Oleksandr Usyk vs Murat Gassiev
The names might not roll off the tongue, but the cruiserweight division is packed with talent. Tony Bellew might consider himself the best but he is busy preparing for his sojourn at heavyweight with David Haye. Both Usky and Gassiev recently recorded career-defining victories against Krzysztof Glowacki and Denis Lebedev respectably and look destined to meet sooner rather than later.
By the time they do, Usyk will likely be in the limelight as he attempts to conquer the American market, starting with his appearance on the undercard of Gennady Golovkin's clash with Danny Jacobs in March.
(Photo: USA Today Sports)
Gennady Golovkin vs Saul Alvarez
Speaking of the loveable yet fearsome puncher from Kazakhstan, Golovkin's wait for his own career-defining night goes on. Jacobs, who also holds a version of the WBA's middleweight crown, will provide stern opposition but it will likely be September until we see GGG in a 'pick-em' fight, assuming Alvarez and his team prove fair negotiators. There is talk of the flame-haired Mexican warming up for that with a fight against our own Billy Joe Saunders in what would be his first test at 160lb.