Boxing may not be at the dawn of its next golden age as we head into 2004. But neither is it on a terminal slide.
While the sport's blue-riband heavyweight division is riddled with uncertainty, a band of elite lower-weight fighters are leading the battle for back-page headlines.
And a combination of luck and integrity between money-chasing promoters can realise some exhilarating match-ups.
Even at heavyweight, the portents are not all bad.
The likelihood of Lennox Lewis ever donning his gloves again in anger is receding by the day, but the Klitschko brothers still have something to offer.
And American eyes are focused keenly on aging middleweight legends Roy Jones Jr and James Toney as they look to end their brilliant careers with big wins at the top weight.
British fight fans are spoiled for quality at heavyweight.
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Frustratingly, they are being starved of meaningful action as Lewis ponders his future and Audley Harrison, Danny Williams and Herbie Hide circle each other with caution.
Domestic hope may rest instead on the smaller frames of Englishman Ricky Hatton, Welsh wonder Joe Calzaghe, Scotland's Scott Harrison and a pair of Irish Magees, all of whom are on the verge of significant title shots.
On the world stage, purists can continue to marvel at the skills of American duo Bernard Hopkins - one of the best middleweights of all time - and lightweight Floyd Mayweather.
And the fight fraternity will be hoping for a follow-up to Shane Mosley v Oscar de la Hoya - one of the most controversial fights of 2003.
At featherweight, it remains to be seen whether the great Marco Antonio Barrera will fight on after his shock defeat to Manny Pacquiao, while Erik Morales lurks, serving up the prospect of some tantalising match-ups.
Moreover, new welterweight king Cory Spinks and the wild-talking Ricardo Mayorga look likely to share a ring again in 2004 - a prospect to make the mouth water.
In August, we will have the chance to spot stars for the future when the Olympic Games arrives in Athens.
That showpiece already lists Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard among past champions.
Boxing will be in for a treat if any of the class of 2004 show even a flash of their brilliance.
MMIX
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