By Adam Fillingham: In this article I will showcase my boxing expertise and show you my boxing predictions for the Brits in 2010 and forward. Let’s take a look weight by weight.
Super Bantamweight
The super bantamweight division seems to have a large pool of talent growing in the UK. Rendall Munroe is hot on the heals of a world title shot and will get it if he defeats Mexican Victor Terrazas. In my opinion Rendall will win the WBC world title by the end of 2010. Hot on Munroe’s heals is British and Commonwealth champion Jason Booth. Booth has defended his British title three times since winning it in April 2009. In my opinion Booth will fight for the European title once Munroe vacates it. Finally Scott Quigg is about ready for a British title shot after staying undefeated for 17 fights. Scott has not faced anyone of any class yet though and on my opinion would not defeat Jason Booth.
Featherweight
The only man of any note in the division is Martin Lindsay. The British champion is 16 fights undefeated and should now be heading towards a commonwealth title shot. That will be Lindsay’s limit in my opinion. British and Commonwealth. He may challenge for a European crown in the future but I doubt he will succeed. But let’s wait and see shall we. Also one to watch is young Joe Murray. Six undefeated now and going strong. Watch this lad get an English title shot by the end of the year.
Super Featherweight
Ricky Burns has quietly gained a world title against Nicky Cook conqueror, Roman Martinez. Burns is somehow ranked number one by the WBO and has gained the shot. I suppose his placement is due to his three defences of his Commonwealth crown. My prediction is that Burns will not win this one. He will always be a great domestic fighter but just like Alex Arthur and Nicky Cook in the past. The world title is just too far for them.
Lightweight
The lightweight division is looking great for talent in the UK. John Murray the British champion will win the European crown this year and go on to world honours next year. Whether he will win in a world title shot is debatable. Kevin Mitchell will be fighting for the WBO world title in May in a long awaited title shot for the WBO inter-continental champion. This fight is also 50/50. For the Future look out for John Watson. He will become the British champion once John Murray vacates.
Light Welterweight
The light Welterweight division probably has the biggest pool of talent than any other weight division. Ricky Hatton is obviously up there at the top but it is debatable whether he will go on. My prediction is that he will have one more fight before retiring. Amir Khan is the WBA world champion, will be taking on the feather fisted Pauli Malignaggi. Khan will easily defeat him with a wide unanimous decision. After this he has many options including, Devon Alexander, Timothy Bradley and maybe even Ricky Hatton. Paul McCloskey is the European champion but how long he will hold the belt is debatable. I think Paul will be more of a Commonwealth and British champion. Also lower down is Lenny Daws and ex world champions Gavin Rees and Junior Witter. The two ex world champions in my opinion will not win there titles back especially the latter.
Welterweight
Kell Brook seems to me the only Welterweight with any major talent for Britain. I tip this man to win a world title by the end of the year, being that he is the mandatory for Manny Pac man’s WBO title. He won’t fight Pac man but he will fight for a title before 2011 and win. Matthew Hatton is also high up with his European title win but I doubt he will win a world title along with John O’Donnell who I think will just make a good domestic fighter.
Light Middleweight
In the light Middleweight division there are two fighters better than the rest. Ryan Rhodes the European champion and Anthony Small the British and Commonwealth champion. I think Smalls limit will be the European crown once Rhodes vacates to fight for world honours. Rhodes will fight one last world title fight and lose in my opinion, then retire finally after a great, great career. The only thing that will elude him is the World title belt.
Middleweight
In the Middleweight division we have three stars ready to break through. Matthew Macklin is the European champion although it appears he has vacated his title. Matthew seems very close to a world title shot and whoever he fights (with the exception of Pavlik) I think he would defeat. Jamie Moore has moved up to the Middleweight division due to having weight problems. He should go on to win British and Commonwealth honours this year. And finally Darren Barker who is fighting for the European title this year. Hopefully 2011 can be his year to shine for world honours.
Super Middleweight
Obviously in the super middleweight division we have WBC world champion Carl Froch. Froch will fight Mikkel Kessler in April and will most likely fight Arthur Abraham late this year. Carl will defeat Mikkel by a wide unanimous decision but will not conquer German Abraham in the Super Six tournament. Brian Magee in the European champion and will most likely defend it a few times this year. A world title fight is on the cards for 2011 but I doubt he would win it.
Light Heavyweight
Nathan Cleverly is the name on everyone’s lips at the moment. He has some high rankings to hold up and will fight for a world title by the end of the year or maybe early 2011. One defence of his European title first though. The only other man to look out for is Tony Jefferies who is now five undefeated. Look for a British shot in 2011.
Cruiserweight
Herbie Hide is too old. Ola Afolabi’s chance has been and gone. Enzo Maccarinelli is just not good enough.
Look out for Tony Conquest though.
Heavyweight
David Haye is the main man in the heavyweights. He goes up against John Ruiz next week which should be a win for the “hayemaker”. If David fights the Klitschkos he will win, especially Vitali who is way to slow. Against Wladimir it is 50/50. The rest of the division have no hope but will make for great domestic match ups. Tyson Fury, Sam Sexton, Larry Olubamiwo, David Price, Derek Chisora and Martin Rogan will all be tussling for the British belt.
Tips for worlds 2010-2011
Kell Brook
Nathan Cleverly
Rendall Munroe
David Haye
Amir Khan
Matthew Macklin
So there we have it. There is the British scene dissected. If you have any questions or comments I would love to hear them. Thank you.
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