By Tom Berridge: From The Dark Destroyer to Prince Naseem Hamed, British boxing has had a fantastic history and is full of character and personality.
The UK not only invented the sport but is currently flying the flag for the sport of boxing. With current world champions and a clear and present danger of taking over the sport with multiple Olympic gold medalists such as James Degale, Anthony Joshua and Luke Campbell, the UK is clearly at the forefront of all things great about the future of boxing.
With endless current and former world champions from Frank Bruno to Chris Eubank, you cannot deny the character of the British contingent in the history of the sport. Britain is truly a dominant force in the sport of boxing, considering it’s size and lack of investment in the sport, the UK clearly proves it has an immense toughness when it comes to boxing.
Take Carl the Cobra Froch for an example. What a warrior he really is, he is not considered the most technical boxer, but if you look at his achievements, it is truly remarkable, he is what make the average fan and boxing enthusiast believe anything is possible, he is a true inspiration to the sport and belongs in the hall of fame.
If we compare our closest rival (the USA) from my personal generation, which is post 1994, here is the most memorable champions from the UK and the USA. UK –
LEWIS / NASEEM / BRUNO / BENN / EUBANK / HATTON / FROCH and CALZAGHE. usa – MAYWEATHER / HOPKINS / JONES JR / TYSON / HOLYFIELD / WARD and D.GARCIA.
If we compare these champions on all round results, here is what I get –
BOXING SKILL – USA
ENTERTAINMENT – UK
KNOCKOUT PERCENTAGE – UK (just)
MEMORABILITY – USA
OVERALL – (UK) in my opinion
My point being if we consider the size of the USA and UK, the UK is truly a credit and an inspiration to the sport of boxing and deserves so much credit for not only inventing the sport but also leading the way in the true character of the sport.
I personally live in Texas and have taken an independent view on this topic and have passionately given my purest of opinion.
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