By Gav Duthie: The United States is not the boxing powerhouse it once was. For big events Las Vegas will always be the mecca of fighting but where are the next American boxing superstars? Floyd Mayweather Jr is close to retirement, Andre Ward rarely fights and Andre Dirrell has disappeared completely.
Of an article published in 2013 detailing 10 American prospects, 4 of them have now lost in Edwin Rodriguez to (Andre Ward), Diego Magdaleno (Roman Martinez) Gary Russel Jnr (Vasyl Lomachenko) and Adrien Broner (Marcos Maidana). Most of the others have yet to step up to world level. Terrence Crawford looks the part and its possible that Deontay Wilder can wrestle the Heavyweight division back from Eastern Europe but who else should we look out for in 2015?
1. Tony Harrison 18-0 (15)
Age 23
Middleweight
Amateur Record: 75-12
Harrison was one of the final prodigy’s of legendary trainer Emmanuel Steward before he passed in 2012. Harrison draws many similarities with the legendary Thomas ‘The Hitman’ Hearns. Both men hail from Detroit and tower over most opponents at 6″1. Their styles are also similar as Harrison also uses his long reach to keep opponents at bay and has a destructive right hand. His ability to finish off opponents is also impressive. To date his biggest win came against aging former WBO 154 lb champion Bronko McKart with a 1st round stoppage.
His amateur record isn’t spectacular with his best achievement at that level reaching the semi final of the National Golden Gloves championships. Harrison told (fightsaga) that the professional ranks suit his style much better.
“I lost a lot of fights I wasn’t supposed to lose. I feel like all the guys I lost to in the amateurs, if I fought them as pros I’d probably knock them out,” Harrison said to Fightsaga.com. “I’ve always had a professional style, I like to pick my shots. Id rather throw a hundred good ones than a thousand [expletive] punches.”
You can find action of Harrison sparring Golovkin on YouTube. Although fought at a slow pace it seems he could cause GGG problems. He has talked of getting a title shot when he hits 20-0. If he steps up a bit in his next two fights I think he could be a genuine contender for Cotto, Quillin or the winner of Jacobs-Fletcher. This guy can certainly punch like Tommy Hearns and if he has a bit more stamina and a better chin then there is no doubt he will be a world champion.
2. Errol Spence Jnr 13-0 (10)
Age 24
Welterweight
Amateur Record: 135-12
The American alias ‘The Truth’ is an exciting prospect. Despite having an outstanding amateur record Spence disappointed at The 2012 London Olympics in only reaching the quarter finals. He turned professional immediately after and has amassed 13 straight victories. Although not fighting any top opposition as of yet he looks dangerous. Like Harrison he is probably more suited to professional game as his best shot is his left to the body. He seems happy to trade and uses his jab mainly to set up bigger punches and switches well between body and head.
He was rumored to have knocked out American sensation Adrien Broner in a sparring session. The humble Spence Jnr was quick to refute this claim rather than add hype to his name. It will be refreshing to see a fighter doing the walk rather than the talk. If his ability matches his personality he could make a name for himself in what is probably the best division in boxing.
3. Jessie Magdaleno 18-0 (14)
Age 22
Super Bantamweight
Amateur Record: 120-16
Older brother Diego Magdaleno was one of the big prospects in 2013 when he lost to Roman Martinez. By all accounts Jessie is the more talented fighter. He boasts an outstanding amateur record and was a national golden gloves champion. He is already talking up a fight between himself and Guillermo Rigondeaux which bodes well for his confidence. Jessie is also a southpaw fighter. He has very fast hands and a good jab. His best punch is said to be the right hook but he has a sharp and crisp straight left also. Not since the days of Morales, Barrera, McKinney and Junior Jones has the 122 lb division been so exciting. At the moment there is a huge step up between where he is now and Rigondeaux with the likes of Leo Santa Cruz, Carl Frampon, Kiko Martinez and Scott Quigg sandwiched in between.
Overall boxing is becoming a world sport with talent emerging from everywhere and it is unlikely that America will ever become a single dominant nation but they certainly have a solid stream of talent coming through. It will be interesting to see how they all develop.
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