2016 Fight of the Year

Winner

Francisco Vargas vs. Orlando Salido

Of all the year end awards none carry as much prestige as the Fight of the Year.  For 2016 that fight was the one between Francisco Vargas and Orlando Salido.  The fight took place just one day after the death of the legendary Muhammad Ali and if the night started off in a somber mood that quickly changed once the opening bell rang.  For nearly all of the fight's 12 rounds Vargas and Salido stood toe-to-toe and delivered bombs.  The body work was exceptional and both fighters appeared hurt at times but both showed tremendous amounts of heart by finishing on their feet.  One couldn't help but think that Ali would have been proud of the effort put forth by both men, effort he showed himself in fights against Joe Frazier.  This was the second year in a row that Vargas was involved in the Fight of the Year, winning the award last year with Takashi Miura.  What made this year's fight so special may have been the fact that both Vargas and Salido seemed resigned to the fact that they would each have to walk through hell in order to win this fight, and they both did.  In bouts like this each fighter leaves a piece of himself behind, and both of these Mexican warrior did just that, giving fans a fight they won't soon, or ever forget.  While the fight ended disappointingly in a draw most fans don't remember the outcome, just the amazing 12 rounds of action, especially the sixth round which was this year's runner-up for Round of the Year.


Runner-Up

Carl Frampton vs. Leo Santa Cruz

If it weren't for the terrific fight between Francisco Vargas and Orlando Salido 2016's Fight of the Year would have been the bout between Carl Frampton and Leo Santa Cruz.  In front of a raucous crowed Frampton and Santa Cruz showed skill and will over the course of their 12-round fight, the second round of which earned honorable mention for the 2016 Round of the Year.  While Frampton got the better of the action throughout the fight Santa Cruz never stopped coming forward and remained a threat until the final bell.  The action never let up in part because both fighters threw so many punches.  2016 was an especially good year for Frampton who won Big Time Boxing's 2016 Fighter of the Year and now finds himself in the runner-up fight for Fight of the Year.  Frampton and Santa Cruz put on such a tremendous show that they both signed on for an immediate rematch which will take place on January 28 and could be a very early contender for the 2017 Fight of the Year as Santa Cruz tries to avenge his loss.  


Honorable Mention

Keith Thurman vs. Shawn Porter

Another of 2016's better fights was the bout between Keith Thurman and Shawn Porter, two young, talented American fighters.  While Thurman was the more skilled fighter it was Porter who constantly pushed the action, as he always does.  That pressure from Porter really made Thurman work for the win.  Entering the fight Thurman and Porter had only one loss between them and both were in their primes which is what made this fight special.  It isn't often that two young fighters in their primes go head-to-head but fans got to see it happen between these two who never let up during the course of their 12 rounds against one another.  While no one will be calling for a rematch just yet fans will certainly tune in next time either one of them enter the ring.


In The Running

Demond Brock vs. Jesus Gutierrez

While Demon Brock and Jesus Gutierrez may lack the big names or elite skills that some of the other fighters on this list have their fight certainly belongs mentioning in the Fight of the Year category.  The best round of the fight was the sixth which earned in the running status as the 2016 Round of the Year but the entire fight was fast paced and action packed.  By the end of the fight Gutierrez was bloodied while Brock's face was swollen and both looked worse for wear.  However, during their 10 rounds together neither fighter ever stopped throwing bombs and it was the best bout to air on CBS Sports in a long time.