By Simon Hirst: As usual, at the start of the year, expectations were high with many great fights touted. We’ve seen some great fights and quite a few upsets along the way, with a few fighters having to rethink their route to a world title. So with most recognised fighters having fought this year, what are the expectations of the second year? Here are a few fights I would like to see in the latter part of 2011.

David Haye v Vitali Klitschko

Now I know this is very dependant on Haye winning next week. If he doesn’t, then he can kiss goodbye to this match. If he wins, I can’t see Vitali backing out out Adamek. Which would then leave it up to Haye if he would want to take the fight for December time. He would have most the titles, so would have a fair bit of negotiating power. I see the fight taking place in England in a football stadium as Haye’s farewell fight. We can wish, can’t we? That said, I do think he’s a good chance to win, but my wish is more for negotiations to be as simple as that.

Tarvoris Cloud v Jean Pascal

This would be a great fight. Cloud is an aggressive fighter who would bring the fight to Pascal. It would be a great measure for both fighters, either to see how far the pack are behind Pascal, Hopkins and Dawson, or how good Cloud is. I’d hate to pick a winner, but for me, it would depend on how much Pascal learnt from his Hopkins defeat. Cloud is there to be hit and his chin would be tested.

Mikkel Kessler v Lucian Bute

A good fight. Kessler looked phenomenal in his last fight, albeit a comeback fight. Bute has looked very good recently, but lets not forget he can be hurt and was lucky to keep his title against Librado Andrade, although he did stop him in a rematch. Bute, surprisingly considered the best SMW by some, has never been in the ring with a guy of Kessler’s level. I’d favour Kessler for his experience in a thriller.

Paul Williams v Saul Alvarez

I’m somewhat surprised this fight hasn’t been suggested before, if it has, I haven’t heard! Williams would be a real stern test for Alvarez and would step Alvarez from world class to elite if he won. Williams is known for his punch output and would really test the defence of Alvarez. Despite a stunning KO loss in his last fight, I think this would be a real 12 round fight, very close and could go either way.

Kell Brook v Mike Jones

This fight has been touted for sometime. Two unbeatens in a real battle of USA v UK. Now people are talking of Jones being the real deal and possibly an opponent for Pacquaio. But, maybe I’m being too statistical, or there was an error, but his last opponent (Raul Munoz) is ranked 142 in America in the welterweight division and 730 in the world. Jesus Karass Soto is ranked 24 and gave Jones a tough ride twice. Brook dominated a tough opponent in Boxrec #57 Lovemore N’dou. My point of highlighting these points is I think Jones would be favourite, but in reality, it is a very close fight. One I would like to see.

Lucas Matthysse v Marcos Rene Maidana

A lot of people would rather see Khan Bradley, but I think it wouldn’t be a great fight. Bradely is strong and dominant, Khan is flashy and quick, but for me, I’d want to see possibly the two most fun fighters. Matthysse v Maidana. Both are huge punchers, not the best of boxers, both from same country, who wouldn’t want to see this? IF your looking for technical Mayweather-esque boxing, this wouldn’t be for you, if you want to see 50-50, all action, this would be for you. Maidana would start favourite, but we’ve seen Maidana down in high profile fights so I wonder…

Adrien Broner v Roman Martinez

A great stoppage win over Litzau means that Broner is unofficially the best of the super featherweights at the moment. A lot of people still hold Martinez in high regard despite his loss to Ricky Burns, with some suggesting an off night for the Puerto Rican. Martinez has great power, would be better prepared as he knows Broner’s style more than he would have known Burns’ and would prove to be a stern test for Broner. I’d expect a Broner win, but not without its sticky moments.

Yuriokis Gamboa v Chris John

How Gamboa cannot be the number one in this division is a mystery to me because he has recently beaten his closest competitor in Salido. John is unbeaten, but is one of them fighters who can’t claim to be the best because he doesn’t fight the hardest competition. Very rarely fights out of Indonesia, which struggles to make him a worldwide star. Given the roll Gamboa is on, I would predict a mid-fight stoppage for him. John is a good boxer, but the young and upcoming is the flavour of then division.

Toshiaki Nishioka v Guillermo Rigondeaux

One is the best in the division and proven with some great dominating wins, the other is on the way up, shows immense class and looks to be a cut above the other challengers at the moment. I think this would be a super fight. Both are excellent boxers and I think there styles would mix nicely.

Other fights

James DeGale v Kelly Pavlik

Marco Huck v Steve Cunnigham

Miguel Cotto v Antonio Margarito II

Devon Alexander v Mike Alvarado

Brandon Rios v Robert Guerrero

Amir Khan v Timothy Bradley

David Price v Deontay Wilder