UK fighters world title chances in the next 12 months Part 1

[robpalmer135]

At the begining of the year I made a thread about UK boxers and there chances of fighting for, and winning a world title in 2010. Thought I would do an update and look at the chances for our guys in the next. No fighters listed then have had world title fights, but many of them are closer than ever before and theres some new names to add to the list.

Heavyweight

Audley Harrison - WBC No.15

When I mentioned Audley in this thread 6 months ago I was laughed at, and rightfully so. Since then, the rumours of his European title shot came true, and after losing 11 rounds to Michael Sprott, he gained revenge on a prior defeat in the final minute with he pulled out a left hook pulled by the powers inside the earth to score the knock out that would save his fledging pro career.

Due to everything that Audley brings to the table with the name, the gold medal, the talk plus having the EBU title around his waste (since vacated), he has managed to get himself a ranking with the WBC. Despite his potential challange being laughed of by Vitali Klitscko (WBC) and former best friend David Haye (WBA) he still remains one of the most financially viable option for both, and money talks. If he doesn't get a title fight this year, its likley he will challange for the European title once more agaisnt the winner of Dimitrenko vs Bakhtov. Win that and he will be top 10 with all governing bodys and closer than ever to reaching his goal.

Chances of a title shot - 20%
Chances of winning - 5%


Cruiserweight

Herbie Hide - WBC No.1, WBO No.6

Former WBO Heavyweight champion Herbie Hide has been ranked highly by the WBC for some time. After pulling out of Prizefighter with a cut, he is now set for a full WBC eliminator with german based Cuban Fransico Palacious. If he wins that he would be guarenteed a shot at Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (WBC). Its a tough ask for Hide, who is closing in on 40. But he is undefeated at Cruiserweight and still has the power to knock anyone out.

Chances of a title shot - 50%
Chances of winning - 25%

Enzo Macceranelli - WBC No.8, WBA No.10, IBF No.9

After a disasterous 2 years where he lost 3 major fights, former WBO champion Enzo has rebounded with a 1st round knock out win in Russia agaisnt undefeated Alexander Kotlobay for the European title. The russian was seen as a top prospect and had a high ranking with the Alphabets. Due to the dominant win, his previous achievments and holding the the EBU belt, Enzo finds himself in the top 10 rankings for the other 3 titles he never held.

His next fight is agaisnt another undefeated european prospect, Alexander Frenkal, who is ranked in the top 10 by all four governing bodies. A win over Frenkel will truly mean Enzo is back, and due to his popularity and powerful promoters, along with the rankings boost, he would be in line for a shot at one of the four champions Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (WBC), Firat Arslan (WBA), Steve Cunningham (IBF) or Marco Huck (WBO). They are all fights you would give an in form Enzo a chance of winning.

There could also be a place in the rumoured Cruiserweight Super Six, which would be an attractive option for the event organisers Sauerland if Frank ****** is able to get Sky TV involved.

Chances of a title shot - 40%
Chances of winning - 40%

Ola Alafoabi - IBF No.12, WBO No.13

Why British promoters are not trying to snap this guy up is beyond me. He clearly has potential and if managed properly could still do some damage at world level. He is a tricky opponent for anyone, as we saw when he stopped Enzo Macceranelli and had a close loss to Marco Huck (WBO).

If a title fight for Hide or Macceranelli fail to come of, a fight with Ola may be a logical option, and if he wins it, he takes there rankings and chance of a World title fight with him.

Chances of a title shot - 10%
Chances of winning - 40%


Light Heavyweight

Nathan Cleverly - WBC No.5, IBF No.3, WBO No.3

For the 22 year old British and European champion its simple, he has a WBO final eliminator on September 18th. In his way is stands german Karo Murat. He is by far the best opponent Cleverly will have faced so far. Murat would be in most peoples Light Heavyweight top 10, undefeated and he is tough, expirienced and durable, has done the full 12 rounds three more times than cleverly. We will learn allot about Cleverly in whats a true 50-50 fight.

If he comes through that, the now full time pro will become the mandatory challanger for another german Jurgen Braehmer (WBO). Braehmer is simular to Murat, but with a bigger punch. Cleverly's defence can be leaky and he will need to tighten it up as he won't be able to take Braehmers bombs for 12 rounds. Theres also just as much chance of Braehmer getting sent down, as there is off Cleverly meeting him in the ring.

Chances of a title shot - 50%
Chances of winning - 50%




Later this month.......Carl Froch, Brain Magee, Paul Smith, Matthew Macklin, Darren Barker, Ryan Rhodes, Kell Brook, Michael Jennings, Matthew Hatton, Junior Witter, Ajose Oleguseun, Paul McCloskey, John Murray, Kevin Mitchell, Ricky Burns, Rendall Munroe, Jason Booth and Lee Haskins.

[HairyHighlander]

Rob Palmer : You come up with some strange thoughts/opinions (as we all do) at times but your efforts are fucking relentless, fair play to ya.

Anyways

[robpalmer135]

Originally Posted by HairyHighlander

Rob Palmer : You come up with some strange thoughts/opinions (as we all do) at times but your efforts are fucking relentless, fair play to ya.

Anyways

I have only really been following boxing properly for 3-4 years. When it comes to actual fight analysis I don't think I am very good, so try to contribute in other ways.