Hello lads, need a favour for a Uni project I'm doing. All I need to know is how many British World Champions there are now, compared to say a year, or two years ago. Basically, whenever there was the most recently - I'm pretty sure there was a time when Gavin Rees, Alex Arthur, Dave Haye, Enzo, Joe, Hatton etc were champions at the same time, I'd just like a list if any of you have one. Also, anyone got any specific opinions on British boxing at the moment, in terms of where it's at, and where it's going? Cheers if anyone can help.
Currently from the various organizations: Ricky Hatton (the Ring, IBO) Nicky Cook (WBO) Carl Froch (WBC) ....;O) Over the last few years with Hatton, Haye, Calzaghe, Enzo etc. British boxing has been at a bit of high point at world level. We're now back to a more realistic level where the number of world titles held by British boxers is concerned. I'd say as far as the future is concerned theres no one really exceptional at world class coming through and I can't see the "numbers" situation improving drastically other than the odd blip either way.
There has been a downwards trend since last year. This was always likely, though. Rees, Maccarinelli, Woods etc were always going to be beltholders rather than long-term champions. Witter too, to a certain extent.
This is a bit of a negative response which doesn't tell the whole story as its not so bad. Bare in mind that Haye dropped 3 belts to move up to Heavyweight, and has an up and coming fight to gain a couple of belts. Also, that Enzo is going to be fighting in a WBO eliminator/title fight next. Khan is fighting a faded Barrera which many say may be a WBO eliminator. Witter is reported to be part of a series of fights that may end up in a title fight (tenuous one that one admittedly) I think Jennings is about to fight for the WBO (he won't win though) Skelton and Thaxton have picked up European belts. ALSO: We have a crop of new professionals graduated from amateur level that may see 1 or 2 contending for belts in 5 years. Kell Brook could be up amongst the title fights in a year or so.
So at world level we have Kell Brook and an Olympian to look forward to in the next 5 years? The situation isn't bleak, its just returned to some normality. Over the few years we've had more world titlists than usual.
It's not negative, its reality. None of those fighters had the capability to be long-term champs, or to unify the division. Maccarinelli wasn't a huge loss since he lost to another Brit, and can come again. The situation is not good looking forward. Calzaghe's already gone, Hatton won't have too many left him. Froch is not going to last long on the world stage. Haye could have his moment, but its not going to be a long one. Kell Brook will not be a world champ. Britain is relying a group of amateurs.
Thats hard to argue with, Hatton has what 2 more fights , maybe ? Froch and Haye are unlikely to be around for more than 3 more years i would reckon ( if that ! ) and Amir has a lot to prove things good look pretty thin come 2012 ! Swings and roundabouts tho , the only real downside is having to listen to the occasional idiot american bang on about the number of belts held.
My boxing knowledge is not up to yours so im not going to argue, but do you really think its that bad? I'm not talking about linear champs but just belt holders - if khan can get in the reckoning for the WBO (forget about the legitimacy) surely brook isnt an impossibility. Also, acknowledging the amateur game doesnt bare that much comparison to the pro, our olympic crop (there must be about 5 of them incl irish) plus tyson fury and frankie gavin - they were pretty successful so surely 1 or 2 will reach world level? in the meantime we should have 4 or 5 of the current world level fighters in and around the belts for a few more years. If we're talking linear champs I agree that we havent got much in the way of future champs - though we still could feasibly see Haye dominate the heavies which would surely be one of the biggest feats in british boxing for a while and usurp calzaghe and hattons achievements?
If Haye beat both Klitschko's and mopped up the other belt it probably would. My thoughts are he MIGHT, and I still make Wlad a favourite, might pull a rabbit of the hat in this one due to Wlad's weaknesses. Beyond that I don't see him beating the older brother, and there is always a risk he could be knocked out by any live heavyweight. I don't see great odds in him achieving that, but hopefully he will pick up a belt or two and he'll be able to call himself a two weight world champion. I really don't see Kell Brook as world class talent. Andre Berto has had so many struggles with guys like Rivera and Collazo, and Berto looks a noticeably better talent. Brook has his chin in the air too much, little thought of defence, his chin is unproven, his power unproven against durable opposition, and his speed is not blazing. I think he'll fall apart under pressure. I think he'll make the grade at European level. Fury looks a reasonable talent if he can improve his conditioning and power. And a couple of the amateurs could do something. Maybe long term Brit prospects are not too bad, pending a bit of luck with these very untested fighters. Short-medium term I see some damage. Haye knocked out sooner rather than later, Froch losing his title, Khan knocked out again at any point, I think Hatton's gonna lose and consider retirement, but either way he'll be near the end.
