Potential there to get back on track in ring

BOXING THE past 12 months have been a hit and miss year for the region’s boxing, but 2018 has the potential to be a real knockout.

Tyson Fury has finally been cleared to fight again after a lengthy battle with UK Anti-Doping, with the former undisputed heavyweight world champion just needing a license from the British Boxing Board of Control, but that seems to be a formality at this stage.

Once successful, the 29-year-old from Manchester is expected to return in the spring, before potential major fights with domestic rivals Tony Bellew and Anthony Joshua.

Following back-to-back losses to Jorge Linares, Anthony Crolla bounced back with a win over Ricky Burns in October, and arguably remains the biggest draw in Manchester boxing with packed crowds attending the Manchester Arena for all of his recent fights.

The 31-year-old has been linked to a fight with Luke Campbell, but is also keen to win back a world title as he enters the latter stage of his career.

A fight between Crolla and fellow Mancunian Terry Flanagan was also touted for a while, but that appears to be off the agenda now that Flanagan has stepped up in weight.

After relocating to America to train with Freddie Roach, Scott Quigg won both of his fights in 2017, and now finds himself in a booming featherweight division.

Former foe Carl Frampton, who now trains with Jamie Moore in Manchester, is also part of the featherweight division and the two could potentially meet again in a rematch in 2018.

Hughie Fury hopes to get back on track after his unsuccessful attempt for the WBO heavyweight title in September.