British fighter of the year 2008

This is my list of the top 10 British fighters this year, please forgive me for missing out any obvious fighters that should be in the list!

1. Ryan Rhodes - Captured the British title early in the year, defended it and then won the WBC International title and could well be set for a world title tilt if he gets past Anthony Small.

2. David Haye - Destroyed Enzo Mac inside of 2 rounds to unify the cruiserweight division and stepped up to heavyweight and stopped experienced campaigner Monte Barrett in 5 rounds.

3. Rendall Munroe - In a fantastic year for the 'bin-man' he won the European championship from the heavily favoured Kiko Martinez and defended the title 3 times in the year. He may never go beyond european level but no one can deny he has had a fantastic year.

4. Joe Calzaghe - Defeated two modern legends of the sport in 2008. Firstly he won a split-decision against Bernard Hopkins who proved he was not past it against Pavlik, then defeated a 'past it' Roy Jones Jr comfortably.

5. Kell Brook - Defeated Barrie Jones for the British title and then defended it in impressive fashion by knocking out the previous holder of the title, Kevin McIntyre, in the first round. Could prove to be a big 2009 for him...or not with him being with Frank Warren.

6. Carl Froch - Fought an unknown earlier in the year (with people pulling out of the fight) but treated us to a great fight against the talented Jean Pascal where he captured the WBC title with a points victory. If he has a successful 2009, he could very well be the best British fighter of 2009.

7. Ian Napa - Defended his British title earlier in the year, then scooped up the European title as the underdog by defeating Ballone in a closely contested fight. No one will begrudge the 'Dappa' Napa of Receiving some decent pay-days in 2009 by defending the Euro title and possibly going for a world title.

8. Nathan Cleverly - Continuing to show why he is one of British boxing's best prospects, picked up the commonwealth title with a decision over Tony Oakey and defended the title by showing he has some power to go with his skills by knocking out Otieno.

9. Kevin Mitchell - Fought and won against two credible opponents in 2008, which were Johanneson and Estrada, and was in arguably the best British fight of 2008 with Johanneson. Possible WBO title fight next year if Cook loses the title.

10. Ricky Hatton - Was disappointing in his 'homecoming' fight against Juan Lazcano, but proved the critics wrong by dismantling Paulie Malignaggi, who was the number 2 in the division at the time. Massive year in store for Hatton.

Just missed out - Jon Thaxton, Herbie Hide, Matt Skelton, Nicky Cook, Martin Lindsay, John Murray, Paul Appleby

 

Yeah it was close between David Haye and Ryan Rhodes for top spot.

Reasons for me putting Rhodes in number 1 spot is that he was very much a forgotten fighter at the start of the year, yet has ended the year as the European champion with a realistic chance of a world title opportunity.

This is why i disagree that Haye's stock has risen higher than anybody else in 2008, I mean he was already world champion in 2007.

 

To be honest we do not know whether Pascal stands in world class territory (although i believe he is).

 

atsch I knew i forgot someone, i even forgot to put him on the just missed out list.

 

Thanks, although sadly (and embarrassingly) i have not even seen Barker fight so i could not, based solely on my opinion, place him on the list, however i will make sure to check him out this year.