Part 1 - [url]http://www.eastsideboxing.com/forum/showthread.php?t=244491[/url] Billy Joe Saunders Middleweight 6-0 (3KO's) Frank Warren Promotions Along with DeGale and Frankie Gavin, Billy Joe Suanders turned pro under "The Olympians" tag with Frank Warren. On there debuts he impressed most. He was seen as the best prospect as many felt he had the most natural style to fit the pro game. Since there debuts DeGale and Gavin have stepped up the opposition, rounds and performance, Saunders has yet to step up the levels and there hasn't been a dramatic improvment in his performance, failing to stop his last 3 opponents that has all been stopped before and since. He is the youngest of the 6 Olympians, and his progress has been hampered by hand injurys in 2010, only fighting once so far with nothing scheduled for the new season. Another concern from most fans is his weight and conditioning. He fought at 152lbs as an amateur, and many expected him to be in the Light Middlweight division. He seems to have settled at Middlweight, where most opponents will be naturally bigger than he is, meaning his agressive style is less effective. Most would like to see him settle at Light Middleweight. However, you can see the class, he picks his shots very well and has bundles on natural talent. With top class trainer Jimmy Tibb's in his corner, big things are still expected from Saunders, who has time on his side. I currently rank him 8th in line for a British title, mainly due to the middleweight division being weak. A southern area title would be a nice way to end the year, ready to make a push for bigger titles in 2011. Frankie Gavin Light Welterweight 7-0 (6KO's) Frank Warren Promotions Although he never participated in the Olympic games due to weight difficulties, Britains only ever World Amateur champion has got off to a good start as a pro. Many thought his style would give him problems when turning over, but he seems to have addapted better than anyone else under the watchful eye of trainer Arnie Farnell. He has beaten everyone he is supposed to beat and hasn't lost a round so far, steadily stepping up his opposition and rounds each time beating 3-4 guys around the top 20 mark in Britain. Theres no mjaor concerns, although he seems susceptible to cuts, so the man who saved Ricky Hattons career a few times Mick Williamson would be a great addition next to Farnell and Dean Powell in the corner. Some of his 6 knockouts could also go to the dubious stoppages commitee. His next fight is for the Irish title, although opponent Michael Kelly does not match the prestigusness of the belt, its another step in the right direction. Theres rumours of another title with a better opponent before the end of 2010, Lenny Daws (British), Nigel Wright (English) or a vacant Commonwealth title shot have all been mentioned. Gavin would be be expected to win those fights, but wouldn't be the overwhelming favourite at this stage. Many beleive Gavin will excell at Championship level, it will be intresting to see where he is in the 18 months. I currently rank him 9th in line for a British title. Joe Murray Featherweight 7-0 (3KO's) Hatton Promotions Murray has the lowest profile of the 6 olympions, being the only one to never be shown live on tv. He signed with Hatton promotions, which seems a smart idea as they can build a fan base in the North West where the majority of shows take place. His agressive style will remind many of his promoter, Manchesters boxing hero Ricky Hatton. He has impressed most who watched him without paticularly standing out, racking up wins agaisnt ok opposition, with a step up in class in his last fight agasint Yuriy Voronion, one of the better opponents faced by the Olympians so far. Many felt he lacked power after his first 3 fights when the distance, but he has stopped 3 of his last 4, with the standout being the 1st round knockout of the usually durable Delroy Spencer. He has only boxed twice this year which is suprising considering the number of TV dates allocated to Hatton Promotions by Sky. You would expect him to fight 2-3 more times this year, although a title fight will be unlikley, 2011 will be the year he pushes for domestic belts, a fight with former amateur team mate and stand out prospect Stephen Smith would excite British boxing fans. I currently rank him 4th in line for the British title, although this is mainly due to the division being the weakest in the country, and Martin Lindsay (British) and John Simpson (Commonwealth) would be a step to soon for at least a year.
I actually like Saunders the least of all of them, other than Price (who I'd be shocked if he ever amounts to much). He just doesn't seem as physically talented as the others, and his propensity to fight rather than box could come to bite him in the ass if he doesn't really make strides with his defense. Similar class to Jeffries IMO.
i agree with most that saunders needs to be down at light middle, though im sorry to keep critisizing jeffries, but saunders could give him a stone and beat him out of sight.:good
not a chance Jeffries too big an strong bar price Jeffries pound for pound biggest puncher out the Olympians an I have watched this first hand for many years, Jeffries struggled in his last fight but he will be back an I'm sure he will put right wat needs to be adjusted
