BRITISH Boxing suffered a lot in 2021, with world champions such as Anthony Joshua, Josh Warrington and Terri Harper losing their titles.
A few stars, however, like Maxi Hughes, Savannah Marshall and Leigh Wood, have made a splash with their great performances and victories.
The fight of the century was Tyson Fury's victory over Deontay wilder in Trilogy.
Some of the best fights do not always include a world title, an impeccable performance, or even a packed arena.
Every weekend, there are spectacular bouts for area titles and British honors.
We have seen journeymen rise to the occasion, underdogs become heroes, sparring partners are stars, and far corners achieve the desired result.
Some of the most memorable bouts are almost without a result. Sometimes, the valiant loser walks away with equal credit or respect.
Both men have been covered in blood and glory from chess matches as well as all-out-wars.
Although it was difficult, SunSport managed to select the top 2021 performers.
Deontay Wilder vs Tyson Fury 3 - Oct 9 in Las Vegas
This was a wonderful throwback to the glory days of Rumbles In Jungles, Thrillas Manillas, and Brawls at Montreal.
Both men were tied at 2 for trips to the canvas. They somehow managed to drag their massive and broken bodies to their feet 4 times total.
The Gypsy King then went back to the well to save Wilder, retain his WBC crown, and confirm his place at the top of the pile.
Wilder was able to redeem himself. Sugar Hill Stewart's amazing cornerwork came as an added bonus and everyone was reminded why these men, the heavyweight champions in the world, are at the top of their sport.
Troy Williamson vs Ted Cheeseman, Oct 9 - Liverpool
Bermondsey braveheart Cheeseman, now 26 years old, leaves behind a remarkable body of work that any fighter would be proud to have done. He has a beautiful family and a variety of businesses to enjoy.
Tony Sims-trained, the ace experienced back-to-back battles with Asinia byfield, Sergio Garcia and Kieron Conway. Scott Fitzgerald, Sam Eggington. JJ Metcalf. Finally, Williamson. All this happened in three incredible years.
The record of his amazing run is WLDLWWL, but it's worth watching every video again.
This was round seven of the barnstormer. Both men received barrages of punishment, but they remained upright.
Williamson, however, bravely went to Cheeseman's promotion broadcaster and knocked Cheeseman out violently in round 10.
Joe Joyce vs Carlos Takam - July 24 - London
Juggernaut, 36 years old, was supposed to have a good tune-up fight with the teak-tough slugger after he had lost to Derek Chisora and Anthony Joshua. But it turned out to be a horrible affair.
Joyce's famedly granite chin was tested numerous times during the five rounds of the opening round before he unloaded and won a contested stoppage.
Although it lacked the drama of Fury and Wilder 3, and the bloody chess match between Williamson and Cheeseman in the Copper Box, the Copper Box was full of gasps as the Brit's supporters worried that he would blow his high ranking rankings in a spectacular upset.
The ice-cold Putney giant assured everyone that everything was under control.
Sam Eggington vs Bilal Jikitou - Sept 10, Coventry
This stunning Midlands ruck wouldn't have looked out of place at Madison Square Garden, or the MGM Las Vegas.
Mick Hennessy performed a riveting headliner that was so well-received, it was offered at a local cinema soon after.
Eggington, who is still just 28 years old, already has three fight-of the-year contenders in his career. He also went to war with an unknown Frenchman.
After 12 rounds of intense middleweight action, the Brummie won a split decision.
It was a reminder of how Hennessy, who is often third fiddle to Eddie Hearn or Frank Warren, can still put on an amazing show if he has the right dance partners.
Anyone who saw the first clash would support Channel 5's rerun in 2022.
Jack Cullen vs Avni Yildrim - July 31 - Essex
Turkey's middleweight had a lot of experience after previous defeats to Chris Eubank Jr. and Canelo alvarez. He was therefore the heavy favourite to travel to England and beat the Englishman.
Little Lever's Meat Cleaver, the man who had the North Face tattoo placed on his shoulder from a drunken bet, was not there.
Cullen's family and friends paid PS750 per ticket to support their local legend.
He repaid them by a stunning performance that won wide on all three of his cards.
The 28-year old beanpole is one Britain's most important boxers. He has been in spectacular fights with John Harding Jr., Felix Cash and Zak Chelli as well as John Docherty, John Docherty, Yildrim, John Docherty, John Docherty, John Docherty, and Zak Chelli.
Joseph Parker vs Derek Chisora - Dec 18 - Manchester
Few people wanted to watch these two middle-aged millionaires squabble and exchange punches after the May 1st instalment.
The 37-year-old British ring legend Chisora displayed incredible courage, surviving three counts and still ending the fight on his feet.
Parker, 29 years old, weighed 10lbs more than the first clash and landed a hat trick of sickening uppercuts Del Boy couldn't handle.
The Finchley Ace was lowered to his knees by one of the men, and Howard Foster gave him eight seconds for recovery.
Parker is not closer to a title world title. Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk are tying them up for at least a few years.
It was a great example of fighting pride between the men.
The Zimbabwean-born soldier will be missed when he retires. It is unlikely that we will ever see him again.
Katie Taylor vs Natasha Jonas - May 1 - Manchester
Nine years after these two pioneers lit up London 2012 Olympics with Taylor, an Irish icon, taking the gold medal, the pros have met again.
Taylor placed her four lightweight world titles as well as undisputed status on the line, while Liverpool's Jonas sought revenge.
We saw over ten rounds of brilliant action - unfortunately only two minutes in the women's codes - and constant nip-and-tuck action.
Jonas was able to land the biggest shots and Taylor scored the most precise points.
The judges in the strangely empty arena eventually gave it the scores of 96-94 and 96–95, respectively.
It wasn't elite female boxing; it was just elite boxing.
