By James Slater – Right now in the U.S, a bunch of exciting, promising young heavyweights well worth keeping an eye on are closing in on, if not the world title, then a major fight. Comprising of the unbeaten Seth Mitchell, the tall and athletic Skipp Scott, the “smallish” Bryant Jennings, the hard-hitting Joe Hanks, former Olympian Deontay Wilder and the genetically-gifted George “Monk” Foreman III, these six prospects/contenders may all be in reach of a title shot or big make-or-break fight in the coming months.
Let’s take a look at the six shining stars here. In no particular order, here are my six picks for the most promising young American heavies on the scene today:
Seth Mitchell. The highest-ranked of the bunch at present, the 29-year-old all-round athlete from Maryland is currently 24-0-1(17) and Mitchell is being looked at by some as America’s most promising young heavy. Set to face Chazz Witherspoon next (April 28th), “Mayhem” has already earned attention with wins over capable journeymen such as Zack Page (WU8), Taurus Sykes (KO5) and Evans Quinn (KO1) and, last time out contender Timur Ibragimov (TKO2)..
Well conditioned and possessing good punching power, Mitchell has a number of fans referring to him as a future champion.
Joe Hanks. Nicknamed “The Future,” 29-year-old Hanks of Newark, New Jersey is currently 19-0(13) and the athletic fighter has looked good in his somewhat slow-paced pro career. In need of a step up and knowing it, Hanks has said he plans to make his move this year. Thus far, Hanks’ best wins have come against the unbeaten Ashanti Jordan (WU6) and journeymen Cliff Couser (KO1) and Terrell Nelson (WRTD4).
Next up for Hanks will be another journeyman in Marcus Rhode, on April 27th (by the time you read this, Hanks will have likely scored another quick KO victory)
Skipp Scott. Known as “Strictly Business,” 33-year-old Scott of Houston, Texas got a late start in boxing. A former accomplished kick boxer, the 6’8” giant has packed in the work in the gym, sparring a number of top names. Priding himself on his ability to be able to fight on the outside with his long jab, as well as on the inside with his dangerous uppercut, Scott is arguably the fastest fighter of the six written about here. As with Hanks, Scott both needs and wants a step up in class. This is scheduled to come this summer.
So far, Scott has picked up some useful wins, over the unbeaten Curtis Tate (KO1) and the experienced Dennis McKinney (TKO4). Scott, a big ticket seller in Houston, is set to return against a TBA on May 24th.
Bryant Jennings. A self-proclaimed Philly warrior, 27-year-old Jennings is currently 13-0(6) yet he has already been in with and beaten a former WBO champion in Siarhei Liakhovich (WRTD9) back in March. Standing just 6’2,” Jennings, known as “By-By,” may not be the biggest heavyweight out there, but he has power, speed and technique.
Next up for Jennings will be once-beaten Steve Collins, on June 16th.
George Foreman III. “Monk” has the mixture of fortune and added pressure of being the son of a heavyweight legend. The 29-year-old from Humble in Texas has been moved slowly and carefully in compiling his 15-0(14) pro record, but Foreman III has shown he has inherited at least some of his father’s awesome power. Yet to be taken past the 6th-round, the 6’5” approx 245-pounder has proven a hit in Texas.
“Monk” has beaten a number of fighters who had losing records, yet he knows he has time on his side. Foreman Senior will allow his son to make his move and step it up when he alone sees fit.
Deontay Wilder: Amazingly America’s sole medal winner in boxing at the last Olympics in 2008, 26-year-old Wilder has already packed in 21 fights, all wins, all by KO. Known as “The Bronze Bomber,” due to his winning the medal for third place in the 2008 games, the man from Alabama has shown speed and power.
Wins over recognisable journeymen and trial horses Dominique Alexander (TKO2), Damon Reed (KO2) and Harold Sconiers (a 4th-round TKO win that came after Wilder suffered a flash knockdown) have allowed Wilder to showcase his skills.
All in all, an exciting, promising collection of young American heavyweights. Maybe one day, a number of them will be matched against one another. We can expect some real excitement from all six big guys listed above!