Is the golden era for British boxing coming to an end?

While the legacy of Nathan Cleverly’s achievements will understandably linger for generations, I’m sure at some point some new stars will emerge from his shadow.

 

Lewis, Hatton and Calzaghe was the true golden age in the early to mid 2000's.

This is a decent era mostly because of AJ and Fury but I don't think it's even as good as the 90's when we had Naz, Benn, Eubank, Lewis and Bruno.

 

We had the most world titles in the world back in 2016 - I think it was 13 at one stage. I cannot see us hitting this number for a very long time.

 

Without wanting to be too much of a Classic geek, if British boxing had a specific golden era it would probably be the 1910s -Wilde, Lewis, Driscoll, Welsh and Moran were all pound for pound talents (if such a thing existed at the time), although admittedly not necessarily prime at the same time.

For the most part though, British boxing has been pretty consistent - at any given time one or two elite fighters, a handful or so at alphabet level, and a decent spread of top 10 fighters across the weight classes. There aren't too many periods off the top of my head that buck this trend one way or the other.

 

It's cyclical. Definitely helps that there's Brits excelling at the moment though to inspire the next generation. Whilst there's still large sums being poured into the amateur game and a thriving professional circuit then it's reasonable to expect new stars to emerge, although whether they're truly world class is always up in the air. Maybe Josh Taylor by the end of this WBSS series will be the new British superstar in boxing?

 

In terms of having big fights in the UK yes

 

On paper it sounds worse than it is but when you look at it another way.

Joshua and Fury genuine superstars.

Joshua Taylor on the verge of greatness. Callum Smith is right there too knocking on the door.

Billy Joe Saunders one of the best in the world just needs to get his act together.

Josh Warrington right up there with the best in the division.

All above are in their prime at 28/29 (Fury 30)

Then you’ve got younger lads like Edwards and Yafai world champions,

Ryan Burnett former unified world champion.

Catterall, Andrew Selby, Fowler, Kelly and Buatsi who are all possibly good enough to win a world title.

Could maybe make a case for Gorman/Dubois/Hughie Fury as all so young.

 

Yeah it's almost like british boxing has a decent infrastructure that regularly produces good talent!
I wouldnt class this as a golden era as such, there has definitely been alot of smoke and mirrors, but surely there hasn't been a time where boxings reach has been greater in the UK?

 

Eubank Jr?

 

Just when Scissors had put us all on a high about British boxing someone has to go and mention the E word.

 

has

 

Probably down to how poor the US scene is.

If anything, the Eastern European scene has been going through a bit of a “golden age” over the last 10 years.

 

No need to worry . We've got Anthony Yarde.

 

I think so, despite there being plenty of great prospects and solid champions. Not meaning to subvert or derail the thread topic, but I think the appeal of MMA to the younger generation is going to increasingly diminish talent pool at home and abroad and is a worthy point to add. Along with making the sport increasingly niche and with a hardcore following - although obviously some stars will always exist, and every generation will have their p4p that the public consciousness is familiar with.

I have no interest in MMA at all (and no issue with those that do enjoy it), but I'm basing this on friends and accomplices (edit: I meant acquaintances ) I know that follow it, and a few that participate competitively. These are people that would have been watching or participating in boxing 10 years ago and I'm sure the pattern is similar everwhere, having a detrimental effect on boxing.