This year had many high-level fights with excellent warriors and several candidates for fighter of the year. One of the most mediatic and eye-catching awards will be tightly contested in 2021 and the World Boxing Association (WBA) wants to know the opinion of the sport’s fans through their participation in public surveys. 

“Canelo” Alvarez is a logical candidate because of the excellent year he had. The Mexican fighter set out to be very active and fought three times with the goal of becoming the undisputed super middleweight champion. In February he easily defeated Avni Yildirim to defend his WBA and WBC crowns, then in May he faced then WBO champion Billy Joe Saunders to take that belt and in November he completed his goal with a victory over Caleb Plant, who held the IBF belt.

George Kambosos is also a candidate for fighter of the year. The Australian of Greek origin was down in the betting against Teofimo Lopez and managed to defeat him last November 27 in a dramatic fight and candidate for the best of the year to become undisputed lightweight champion.

Cuban Yordenis Ugas another candidate after defeating legend Manny Pacquiao last August 14, in Las Vegas. He became the WBA’s super welterweight champion against all odds and had the best year of his career.

It is impossible to talk about the most outstanding fighters of the year without naming Oleksandr Usyk, who moved up to heavyweight in 2019 and in just three fights became WBA, WBO and IBF Unified champion. After two bouts to test himself in the category, the Ukrainian fought Anthony Joshua on September 25, 2021 and dictated a lecture in front of a bigger opponent to keep it all. 

The WBA hopes that the fans can nominate other fighters who also deserve the award and we will consider their opinions in the coming days.