By John Clifford – With the retirement of Joe Calzaghe and with questions still surrounding the future of Rick Hatton it may be time for a new superstar to emerge from the British Isles. Despite only having one world champion currently Carl Froch the talent within Britain’s ranks is still rich, so I ask which of the current crop of prospects can push themselves to the front of the queue in the long line of would be superstars?
Firstly there is Amir Khan who many may already see as a superstar, although Khan somewhat polarizes opinion he possesses all the tools to become a superstar as long as he can avoid having his chin checked again like he did on that devastating night in Manchester when fighting Breidis Presscott. The 22 year old already sells out arenas, has fast hands, knock out power and within a few weeks could be a world champion in one of the hottest divisions in world boxing. So if all goes right for the Bolton native he could be and probably is the odds on favourite to become Britain’s next superstar.
Another Candidate is the former British and Commonwealth Super Featherweight champion Kevin Mitchell, who unlike Khan has not been fast tracked and made a name for himself by beating some of Britain’s best. The Dagenham born Mitchell holds a 28-0-0 record and if all goes to plan could be challenging Roman Martinez for the WBO’s version of a world title very soon. The 24 year old like Khan can dig and possesses fast hands, however unlike Khan his chin is made of sturdier stuff, so if this young man can continue his progress could he be the next superstar?
Two other up and comers who are receiving rave reviews are welterweight Kell Brook 19-0-0 and Light heavyweight Nathan Cleverly 16-0-0. The Ingle trained Brook has looked particularly impressive cutting a swath through the British welterwight scene and looks set to challenge for European honours in the near future. While Cleverly is really growing into the role of Wale’s leading hope for future world titles, the youngster’s power and silky skills have been on show in his recent defences of his Commonwealth title. However have these two got enough to go all the way and become Britain’s next Hatton or Calzaghe only time will tell?
Other future candidates are the Olympic trio of James Degale, Billy Joe Saunders and Frankie Gavin who have made somewhat predictable but lively starts to their careers. While in Ireland there is possibly the best Olympic prospect in Darren Sutherland who at 27 is being moved along rather quicker than his counterparts.
While these few boxers are some of my tips, feel free to weigh in on the subject of who you feel will be Britain’s next superstar?