Looking back on a brilliant year for British boxing there has been many highs and lows to discuss. From the crowning of world champions to defeat and to an extent the over shadowing of controversial decisions on foreign soil there have been many issues to iron out. However with the high potential of future world show downs and a current crop of decent domestic fighters and up and coming youngsters the sport has the opportunity to demonstrate how British boxing has the potential to attract a new audience of viewers many of which were lost to the withdrawal of mainstream viewing. Below is a list purely based on opinion of my current pound for pound British prize-fighters:
1. Carl Froch
Next Opponent: TBA
Year of boxing:
In the current most dominant division in the whole of boxing the Super Middleweights, former two time champion Carl Froch has demonstrated why he is one of the most looked up to model professionals and a true British boxing hero. In the past twelve months the Cobra has fought in the ShowTime super six world boxing tournament, demonstrating an unorthodox rigid boxing style, power in both hands and a granite chin. Carl began the year with a vacant title fight against Arthur Abraham a tough hard hitting German with a peek-a-boo defence, demonstrating a consistent jab and a disciplined game plan he outpointed the German to the amazement of critics. In the second fight the semi final of the super six tournament he fought the road warrior Glen Johnson in a tough humid battle in Atlantic city in an expected win for the champion Carl demonstrated resilience and an absorbing chin to out point the challenger. In his last fight of the year Carl fought Andre Ward the American champ in a unification fight and more significantly the final of the tournament. Unable to match the 2004 Olympic champion for speed and skill Carl dropped a large point’s decision to the more superior fighter. Other than his recent upset Carl deserved to be top of the tree due to his historical chain of elite fights and his never say die ability in the ring. His next potential fight may be against IBF champion Lucian Bute or a rematch with Danish foe Mikkel Kessler.
2. Amir Khan
Next Opponent: TBA
Year of boxing:
In a year of highs and lows for the former Olympic silver medallist, Amir Khan has demonstrated the star potential he has always had and the bravado demons still haunting him from his previous lone loss. In the past twelve months Bolton star King Khan has shone across the United States in an effort to promote his pay per view status alongside Pacquiao and Mayweather. However along his path there has been frustration and doubt over previous weaknesses. 2011 began with a voluntary defensive of his world title against proud Irishman Paul McCloskey, this was fought as a homecoming in Manchester England for Khan. Khan began the bout slowly showing signs of hesitation from his previous encounter with Maidana however slowly adapting to McCloskeys awkward style started to take control of the bout. However due to an accidental clash the fight was called off as McCloskey was deemed to have a severe cut in the 6th giving Khan the technical Decision. In his second fight of the year Khan fought Zab Judah in a unification bout for the light welterweight crown, in a highly anticipated fight Khan from the first round won the battle of the jabs eventually dominating speed and producing a 5th round KO with a body shot on the belt line. In the final fight of the year Khan fought Lamont Peterson the IBF mandatory challenger in his hometown of Washington DC. Khan dropped a decision point’s loss to the determined American after having him down in the first, however he was deducted two points for pushing which is deemed controversial and still being discussed now. Next for Khan should be a definite rematch against Peterson or a move to the more lucrative welterweight division with a home coming fight.
3. Ricky Burns
Titles: Interim WBO Lightweight Title
Next Opponent: TBA
Year of boxing:
In an eventful year for the Coatbridge fighter, Ricky Burns the once seen as domestic at best boxer has reached the pinnacle of boxing by beginning the year having already won the world title and making a solitary defence. 2011 was a year that the Scottish boxer built on his success by defending his titles by going 3-0. The first fight of 2011 saw Ricky square off with slugger Joseph Laryea, not boasting a great CV but having a danger about him with the scalp of domestic Scottish rival Paul Appleby, Laryea came at Ricky from the opening bell. Fighting behind the jab and a tight defensive Ricky gradually began to out point the Ghanaian, with the fight beginning to be dominated by Ricky through strong uppercuts, the Ghanaian team pulled their fighter out with a supposed broken right hand at the end of the 7th. The second fight can only be described as one of the worst world title fights ever, unfortunately for Ricky his opponent Nicky Cook begin the fight near enough immediately holding his back, leading to being knocked down three times. Later it was announced Cook had suffered a slipped disc. In his final fight of the year Ricky vacated his super featherweight crown in pursuit of a showdown with Michael Kadsidis at lightweight. In a tremendous fight a pumped up Burns outpointed the puncher from down under to win the interim WBO lightweight title. The future for Burns could be a showdown with domestic rival Kevin Mitchell or a shot at lineal champion Juan Manuel Marquez.
4. Nathan Cleverly
Titles: WBO Light Heavyweight Champion
Next Opponent: TBA
Year of boxing:
As Britain only remaining world champion Nathan Cleverly will enter 2012 with the weight of expectation and support from the British fans. Having balanced boxing with study Cleverly entered 2011 with his degree complete and cleaning up domestically, the welsh kid had one thing on his mind bringing that world title back to Wales. As being the next big thing out of Wales since Calzaghe and an unbeaten record, Cleverly was given the opportunity to fight for the WBO light heavyweight champion Juergen Braehmer. In a disgraceful act claiming an eye injury Braehmer pulled out of the fight within the week of the contest. Braehmer was stripped of his title so Cleverly fought Aleksy Kuziemski for the vacant title. Seen as an easy fight for Cleverly he was caught by a shot that wobbled him slightly, however he went on to stop the pole fighter in the 4th to be crowned champion. In his first defence Cleverly fought domestic rival and good prospect Liverpolian Tony Bellew in a highly anticipated fight that had much tension and a war of words. However on fight night the boxing public were not disappointed as both fighters showed tremendous heart and put on a great display, Cleverly took a split decision. The future for Cleverly looks bright a potential showdown with hall of famer Bernard Hopkins is a possibility or a domestic clash with Enzo Maccarinelli would be an explosive fight.
5. Kell Brook
Titles: WBA Inter-Continental Welterweight Title
Next Opponent: TBA
Year of boxing:
Entering 2012 Kell Brook is the name on everyone’s lips, being a stand out domestic fighter winning the Britain's young boxer of the year by the Boxing Writer's club and wining the Lonsdale Belt outright Kell Brook has high potential amongst writers and fans being touted the best talent since Lloyd Honeyghan. However many critics argue the Sheffield based fighter has hardly been challenged. A slick welterweight with dynamite in both hands Kell entered 2011 with a WBA Intercontinental title fight against the seasoned veteran Lovemore N’dou. In a cagey opening Brook gradually took control of the bout with devastating uppercuts that nearly stopped the unstoppable Ghanaian however he was unable and eventually won a wide points decision. In his second contest of the year Kell stopped the rugged Pole Rafal Jackiewicz by tko in the 6th although it was seen as a premature stop the pole wasn’t seen to offering much back. In his final fight of the year Kell made his US debut stopping Luis Galarza from Puerto Rico in 5th rounds, although Kell wasn’t at his best he still managed to stop the tough Puerto Rican explaining he was nervous at fighting his first fight out of England. The future for Kell is definitely that world title shot possibly against American contender Mike Jones or Ukrainian WBA champ Senchenko, however a domestic clash with Matthew Hatton is a possibility first.
6. Tyson Fury
Titles: BBBofC British Heavyweight title
Commonwealth (British Empire) Heavyweight title
Next Opponent: TBA
Year of boxing:
Tyson Fury over the last twelve months has really started to demonstrate the hype that surrounds him and why people pay to see this giant due to exciting fights and that vulnerability factor as well. The fighter from Manchester with proud traveller heritage has been a fighter since birth, with pedigree of fighting in his blood Tyson epitomises what we expect from heavyweight boxing. 2011 has been a busy year for the youngster at only 23 and at a monstrous height of 6’9 this heavyweight has huge potential. His first fight of the year was seen as a tune up fight against Marcelo Luiz Nascimento which lasted five rounds before he knocked him out. His next fight was against champion Dereck Chisora seen as the best British heavyweight behind David Haye. In a grudge match Fury took a points decision over the out of shape British and commonwealth champion on the first heavyweight fight in many years to be broadcast on mainstream television. In his 3rd and 4th fight of the year Tyson knocked out Nicolai Firtha in five rounds and Neven Pajkic in three rounds however Tyson was flashed knocked down by the Canadian Pajkic only to demonstrate heart to get up and deliver a knockout soon after. The future for Tyson would potentially be to gain experience at a European level and fight a few of the American contenders, however he may be thrown into a fight against a Klitschko soon.
7. Matthew Macklin
Next Opponent: 17th March 2012 v Sergio Martinez (48-2-2 (27 ko))
Year of boxing:
Matthew Macklin although having fought once this year and losing is purely on this list due to his tremendous display against German WBA Super Middleweight Champion Felix Sturm which has been one of the most highly controversy decisions of the year. Having built his career back up since his domestic defeat to Jamie Moore in 2006, Mack the Knife has been on a successful string of wins at a European level which eventually earned him a title shot against champion Felix Sturm. Going into the bout Sturm was favourite as he was seen as the superior fighter; however Macklin soon demonstrated why boxing fans love an underdog. In the first 6 rounds Matthew had unbelievable heart and never stopped punching the tough German, in the latter rounds Sturm made a slight comeback however Macklin was still wining the occasional round. At the end of the contest Strum was gifted a decision to the amazement of Sturm and the crowd. Next for Macklin is a shot at Sergio Martinez the elite fighter in the division which should be a very tough fight, however if he shows the heart and belief like in his last fight nothing is a certainty in boxing.
Matthew Macklin although having fought once this year and losing is purely on this list due to his tremendous display against German WBA Super Middleweight Champion Felix Sturm which has been one of the most highly controversy decisions of the year. Having built his career back up since his domestic defeat to Jamie Moore in 2006, Mack the Knife has been on a successful string of wins at a European level which eventually earned him a title shot against champion Felix Sturm. Going into the bout Sturm was favourite as he was seen as the superior fighter; however Macklin soon demonstrated why boxing fans love an underdog. In the first 6 rounds Matthew had unbelievable heart and never stopped punching the tough German, in the latter rounds Sturm made a slight comeback however Macklin was still wining the occasional round. At the end of the contest Strum was gifted a decision to the amazement of Sturm and the crowd. Next for Macklin is a shot at Sergio Martinez the elite fighter in the division which should be a very tough fight, however if he shows the heart and belief like in his last fight nothing is a certainty in boxing.
8. Darren Barker
Next Opponent: TBA
Year of boxing:
Previously unbeaten Darren Barker has had a great year despite his first defeat of his professional career. Unable to win his first world title Dazzling Darren has demonstrated his potential to mix it at world level if he can produce a similar performance to his previous fight. In the first of two fights in 2011 Barker fought tough Italian opposition Domenico Spada for the vacant EBU Middleweight title, in the opening rounds Barker demonstrated great skill at picking them punches and scoring well. However as the later rounds commenced Spada produced a resilience fight back although landing never managed to hurt the Barnet man. Barker was given a unanimous decision and earned a shot at Diamond champion Sergio Martinez. In October Barker faced the feared champion in Atlantic City in front of a sold out crowd, going into the fight Sergio was a massive favourite even Michael buffer pronounced this unknown Barnet fighter wrong saying baker. However in the first half of the fight Barker displayed an extraordinary will to go out and box the champ, unfortunately the champion eventually changed gear and displayed his exciting punch power by delivering a one punch knockout. The future for Barker could be a domestic show down with Martin Murray or a crack at another belt holder.
9. Keven Mitchell
Titles: WBO Inter- Continental Lightweight title
Next Opponent: TBA
Year of boxing:
In 2010 the Dagenham born lad Kevin Mitchell fought the warrior Michael Kadsidis at Upton Park East London for the chance to be recognised as one of the best lightweights on the planet. However the fairytale came to an end in a devastating fashion when Mitchell was knocked out within three rounds. Over the rest of the year Mitchell was inactive for fourteen months due to family problems. However when he decided to return to the ring The Hammer seemed to have the problems behind him and fought unbeaten Mancunian John Murray an excellent domestic fighter. This was sanctioned as a world title eliminator and was one of the most anticipated British fights of 2011. In the British Fight of the Year both fighters gave it their all but Mitchell delivered a sudden burst of punches in the 8th to stop the unbeaten fighter. Next up for Mitchell should be a fight against Mexican Champion Brandon Rios or a domestic show down with Coatbridge’s Ricky Burns.
10. George Groves
Titles: BBBofC British Super Middleweight title
Commonwealth (British Empire) Super Middleweight title
Next Opponent: TBA
Year of boxing:
To conclude the British top 10 pound for pound boxers of 2011 it has to be this young lad from West London George Groves. Having been a stand out amateur Groves missed out on a place at the 2008 Olympics to long term rival James Degale even though he beat him as an amateur. Groves turned professional in an effort to prove he had what it took to reach the top, however in 2011 Groves finally got the chance to face his rival once again. At the beginning of 2011 the Saint fought Daniel Allotey in a warm up fight for the rumoured Degale fight, George dispatched of Allotey in four rounds. Finally it was announced that the Groves v Degale fight was official. In the build up to the fight Degale demonstrated his cocky attitude as the fight seller where as George was more humble and just wanted the fight to happen. When the fight eventually took place it turned out to be a very tactical chess like affair with both boxers boxing well with Groves emerging majority decision winner. In his final fight of the year Groves fought tough Scouser Paul Smith, although being rocked in the first George scored a near perfect right to halt Smith. Next up for George in a tough division would be to chase that European title however he is still young so world title fights may be well off.
Just missed out: Martin Murray, Paul McCloskey, Dereck Chisora, James Degale, Tony Bellew
Potential P4P future entries: Ashley Theophane, Lee Selby, Scott Quigg, David Price, Frankie Gavin
By Martin Prout
