By Gav Duthie: Over the last few years Matchroom has undoubtedly taken over as boxing promotions leader in the UK. A lot of Queensbury’s (Warren) best boxers have jumped across and clever initiatives like Prizefighter and the deal with Sky Sports have placed them in a great position.
The victory from Kell Brook over Shawn Porter has dipped Matchrooms toes in the world level pool. Of their 26 listed boxers they only have 3 current World Champions and they will have to at least double this if they are to become a major player.
Current Champions
Carl Froch
Kell Brook
Scott Quigg
Carl Froch has one, maybe two fights left in him which will shortly see the end of Matchroom’s main cash cow. Brook (Welterweight) and Quigg (Super Bantamweight) have big fights to look forward too both domestically and overseas. They are both fighting in very hot divisions though and will do well to hold on to their titles long term if they face Khan, Mayweather or Frampton and Rigondaux respectively.
Former challengers or champions
Kevin Mitchell
Ricky Burns
Brian Rose
Lee Purdy
Tony Bellew
Nathan Cleverly
Burns and Cleverly are both former world champions but with the Scots fading powers and Clev’s surprising move up to Cruiserweight I don’t see either winning a world title again. Kevin Mitchell continues to chase a title shot with Miguel Vasquez but the Mexican is a great technician and it is unlikely that the Londoner would win this.
Top Prospects
Josh Warrington
James Degale
Anthony Joshua
Luke Campbell
Tommy Coyle
Lee Selby
Anthony Crolla
Rocky Fielding
Calum Smith
John Ryder
Paul Smith
This is probably the most exciting list for Eddie Hearn. There is a lot of potential and title shots for some of them are forthcoming. Getting a shot and being a champion are two very different things though. James Degale is probably the closest and Eddie Hearn would probably be quite keen for Froch to pass the torch to him in another big British fight next year. Joshua looks a great prospect but he still has a couple of years to go. By the time he is at world level Klitschko will likely be gone with many titles up for grabs. Lee Selby looks very close to a shot but maybe lacks power at the highest level. I also quite like Calum Smith but Super Middleweight is a strong division and although I rate him higher than Rocky Fielding he is not in Degale’s class.
Youngsters
Kal Yafai
Ricky Boylan
Scott Cardle
Martin Ward
At the moment the Yafai brothers both look like decent prospects but with any of these guys it is too hard to tell. These youngsters all have different styles and are still undefeated but the plan is bound to be British-Commomnwealth-European level before stepping up if they can jump these hurdles.
Journeyman
Wadi Camacho
Eric Ochieng
Obviously these are the guys that prop up the cards at short notice. They are not going to win any titles but are essential in promoting big events and always entertain.
Best Chances
James Degale 8/10 – Good chance against Froch or Abraham
Anthony Joshua 7/10 – Next two fights v Airich and Bahktov will tell us a lot
Lee Selby 7/10 – IBF eliminator against undefeated Joel Brunker if he gets past that he faces undefeated champion Evgeny Gradovich its a big ask.
Kevin Mitchell 6/10 – High up on the list with the IBF but as long as Miguel Vasquez is champion I can’t see Mitchell beating him.
Paul Smith 5/10 – Has a shot against Arthur Abraham next month but although I see Abraham fading Smith is not at his level.
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