~ The next generation of Middleweight talents - Golovkin crowned, Barker out ~

I'm not even sure Korobov is the best Russian on the list. He's a good mover but he's quite basic. Not that its a bad thing at this stage, but Pirog has caught my eye more fighting better opposition and he looks more varied. He can fight inside or out, works the body as well as the head, moves his upper body and is generally more unpredictable.

Korobov is lighter on his feet though, if Pirog could move like Korobov that would be the best of both worlds :yep

 

I'd like to see some of these young guns fight either Zuniga or David Lopez. They are probably the true gate keepers of the division right now.

 

id like to see korobov vs midnight stalker walker

 

I also think Matvey cracks harder than Pirog

 

I strongly disagree. These guys won't simpy be "contenders", i think a couple of them will end up being better/beating Pavlik & Williams.

Korobov, Golovkin, N'Jikam, Pirog, Lara all have the potential to be Superb Top Middleweights. I imagine 1 or 2 won't reach their top potential but out of the bunch there will be several top guys.

Kirkland could perhaps be a top guy too.

I think Jacobs will always be just one step behind the top 2 or 3 guys.

Haven't seen guerrero so can't comment.

In 2 or 3 years i'm anticipating that it'll be a true golden middleweight era with maybe 4or5 guys who are all good enough to be THE MAN so to speak but due to the depth of the division it'll be constant competition.

If these guys, more so their promoters, are willing to fight eachother i really think it could be an epic era for the division.

 

Great list, JMW and MW have tons of upcoming talent. This is why Pavlik needs clean up the division, and fast if he wants to establish his legacy as one of the best Middleweights of all time.

 

All the guys coming up also provide some incentive for KP to stay at 160 rather than move up. Although out growing 160 may be unavoidable.

 

I am not so sure,vysotsky! Pirog has scored some impressive ko victories in the pro business.
I very much liked the way he beat Jantuah black and blue in one of his last fights.

 

Disagree all you want. Time will tell. These guys are way behind Pav, in my opinion. And Paul is also improving each fight, and is a real student of the sport with the willingness to keep improving. And he is only a couple of years oler than most of these guys.

Like I said, in three to four years, none of these guys will be able to whip Pav or Paul, but they will be more than just "prospects". I ain't trying to **** on anyone's potential, as no one knows who will do what. But I just don't see them making much noise for a while.

 

I like the look of Danny Jacobs. He started off knocking guys out left right and centre. In a similar way to how Hopkins started out. In his last few fights he seems to have settled down and is taking his time. Waiting for the opportunities to come along. He still has alot to learn but he is definitely going to be a top contender. Next year should be a big year for him. Sink or swim time.

Lara is another very impressive fighter but I don't see him moving to middle for a few years yet. He should win a title at Light Middle before moving up.

 

N'Dam N'Jikam is definetely may favorite now after watching him.

 

It would be awesome if ESPN or Verses would take any 8 of the guys named on this thread and put on a tournament. Not some Contender BS, but a real tourney. Just show fights and some good fighter profiles, and maybe a bit of training. Last man standing gets $500K and a shot at the reigning middleweight champ.

 

Wishful thinking but nice idea.

 

I'm sure Dirrell is thinking differently about that. :-(

 

I'm all about Hassan N'Dam N'Jikam. That's my man