Top 10 promising fighters from "The New Wave" at 168

The SMW division has been my favourite division for years since the Leonard/Hearns rematch.
I always watch the new talent coming through.
The Groves/DeGale match up was well promoted in the UK and a great boxing match.

There are some fighters who are slipping under the radar like
Balzsay 24 (KO 17) + lost 2 (KO 1), Balzsay is a former WBO SMW champ and now WBA regular SMW champ

 

Fair enough.
The fighter that I think has the potential to go the furthest is DeGale, though I did make the right guess when I put my money on Groves at the bookies.
I think DeGale can become a top world contender but will struggle with certain styles. I dont think he will like it when he gets in with physically strong rough fighters, but could well prove me wrong. DeGale has fast hands and looks good when throwing combinations. He seems a bit flat footed but with great hand speed. James has a European title shot that he looks favoured to win, if he does he will be well in the mix.

Oosthuizen seems to have a real inner toughness from the times I have seen him. He seems very upright and open to straight shots. I think he will be a fighter who has moments but falls a bit short, like V Oganov. I hate saying this about any up and coming fighter, but I think Oostuizen will be beaten by good boxers.

A Dirrells comp has been poor for a fighter that has had so many bouts especially if you look at fighters like Groves/DeGale even Oosthuizen, but he does look like he has some power. The thing that does look bad about A Dirrell is that he seems to swing wide with his punches that I think will become a problem if not rectified before he steps up.

Estrada looks a big SMW. Too early to really get a feel for him and havent seen much other than a couple of quick blow outs. Not sure.

Groves. Has ability and can box well when he wants. He was very good against DeGale, but I am not sure he can go as far as James. I think he will get into brawls that will shorten his career. Hope im wrong. If he stays focused he could do well. I think he will have to be moved fast to reach his potential, he seems frindge world class now.

 

I wouldnt feel comfy trying to put them in an order at this time as I feel all can do something, but would say I think DeGale can go furthest, but would have to rate Groves above for his win over DeGale.
James did play into Groves and I think the hype got to James more than Groves in hindsight.
James is going for a European title shot so I think he is willing. I dont at this point doubt his heart.
Dirrell does look to have a punch but his opposition is low and I dont like how he swings so wide.

 

Is Direll, Direll's bother?

 

For a newer division it has done well to elevate its status. I forgot Hearns SSRL was at SMW . . . I do not think I or anyone else really cared, besides wasn't it a catch-weight fight or something like that? SRL won on the cards but even he admitted that tommy should have got the nod. I think Tommy could no longer make the catch weight so a third fight never happened. SMW division was never much really until todays current crop of fighters, who built on the backs of fighters like Joe C. But remember when Lalonde won the belt I was like what is this foolishness? Most people in my crowd thought the weight was a joke even with fighters like tommy, toney and RJJ using it a s pit stop to LHW . . . it is a pit stop no more.

 

Been Following Estrada, Dirrell, DeGale, Rodriguez and Periban I agree they all have much potential. I also just saw Oostuizen for the first time against Pryor Jr. and I was impressed and am now am a fan!