By Matthew J. Hunter: Is the recent explosion of elite or at least championship quality British Boxing a trend that will continue? With the number of champions at 12 it looks to be better than ever. Looking at the breakdown of champions by region, it becomes clear that Europe, with the help of the rise of British boxing, has skyrocketed.
Central America and the Caribbean, which includes historic boxing hotbeds Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba and the Dominican Republic, have the second most champions at 25. Several questions arise at this, is this trend purely a trend? Will the fact that big money boxing is usually in America hinder the progression of European champions? Is the connotation that boxing in America is the highest level put doubt on the credibility of these British and European champions?
Tyson Fury, James Degale, Liam Smith, Kell Brook, Anthony Crolla, Terry Flanagan, Lee Selby, Scott Quigg, Carl Frampton, Lee Haskins, Jamie McDonnell, and Andy Lee all represent the UK and Ireland going forward.