BBN list their Top 10 British boxing prospects of 2015
To celebrate the current success of British boxing as we near the end of the season, BBN have reviewed all of the British boxing talent out there right now and rated them in order of our top prospects. To qualify for the list, candidates have to be no more than 20 fights into their career, not be in possession of a world title, and be under five years as a pro. Here’s our selection below:
Lloyd Ellett (17-0) Light-middleweight
A three-time Masters champion, Ellett has spent his entire pro career appearing on small hall shows until recently signing with Frank Warren. His Box Nation debut successfully out of the way in March this year, the ‘Lightning Bolt’ is looking for a British title shot next. The Brighton boxer regularly spars with Chris Eubank Jr. being from the same area. @lightningbolt07
Mitchell Smith (12-0) Super-featherweight
Raised by his father, young Smith first sought solace in the boxing gym as a six-year-old after being bullied at school. However, today the 21-year-old ‘Baby-faced Assassin’ from Harrow Weald oozes swagger and spite in equal measure. Though short and compact, he has the arsenal and timing to offset his shortcomings, plus a vicious instinct to execute a wounded opponent. He defends his recently attained WBO Inter-Continental strap at Wembley Arena this month. @MitchellSmith92
Tommy Martin (12-0) Light-welterweight
Previously on the books of League One side Peterborough FC, he turned down a goalkeeping scholarship and chance to become a professional footballer. Most said he was crazy at the time but after becoming the youngest man in history to lift the English title, it looks like the gamble is paying off thus far. At just 21-years-old, if he can continue to progress as he has been, then there’s probably very little that he won’t be able to achieve in the sport. @Tommy_DaGun
Callum Johnson (13-0) Light-heavyweight
The Commonwealth Games 2010 gold medalist had a frustratingly slow start to his pro career fighting just six times in the first three years. Since joining Joe Gallagher, he has now enjoyed seven fights in 13 months with five of those coming inside the distance, getting his career firmly back on track. @CallumTheOne
Tommy Langford (13-0) Middleweight
The former England captain enjoyed victories over Commonwealth Games heroes, Callum Smith and Anthony Fowler in the amateurs. As a pro, he has won every round of his 12 fights to date and recently picked up his first title in the WBO Inter-Continental middleweight belt. His last performance along with recent sparring sessions with Chris Eubank Jr. and Callum Smith has established that the Box Nation star is ready for top level fights. @Tommy_Langford1
Bradley Saunders (12-0) Light-welterweight
Slightly further down the list than expected due to inactivity, the heavy-handed Northerner has managed to injure both hands as a pro, stalling his career somewhat but is due to return in September. After jumping ships from Frank Warren to Eddie Hearn’s stable, he is likely to be fast-tracked to a world title fight in the next 12 months. @bradsaunders86
Khalid Yafai (15-0) Super-flyweight
Likened to the legendary Roy Jones by Sky pundit and former World Champion Johnny Nelson, Kal is back in action after a long period out through injury. Another Matchroom fighter, Yafai had a glittering amateur background to his game. However, he seems better suited to the pro game where his power is maturing with a record of 10 KOs from 15 wins to date, and in the process he has picked up a Commonwealth title. @iam_yafai
Luke Campbell (11-0) Lightweight
The Olympic Gold medallist has cut through his opposition under Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom banner, stopping nine of his 11 opponents. The 27-year-old’s next fight will be his toughest test yet against local hero, ‘Boom Boom’ Tommy Coyle in Hull next month for the vacant WBC International lightweight title. @luke11campbell
Callum Smith (17-0) Super-middleweight
The big punching former GB rep is part of the Smith brother dynasty who has taken British boxing by storm. Winning the English title in just his eighth contest the Liverpool lad who is trained by Joe Gallagher believes he will be ready for a world title shot at some point in 2015. Currently ranked at number three in the WBC rankings and collecting the WBC Silver title just last month, he is likely to get his world title shot imminently. Next stop on the Smith train is Rocky Fielding for vacant British super-mid strap in September. @CallumSmith23
Anthony Joshua (13-0) Heavyweight
Seen by many as the ‘saviour’ of the heavyweight division, the Olympic Gold medal owner currently possesses a one hundred percent knockout ratio, stopping all of his opponents in under three rounds. His biggest test came just recently with a KO of ‘The Kingpin’ Kevin Johnson, previously not stopped before in 36 bouts. AJ now faces bitter rival, Dillian ‘The Villain’ Whyte for the British title later on this year. @anthonyfjoshua
Honourable Mentions: Dillian Whyte (14-0) Heavyweight; Jack Catterall (12-0) Light-welterweight; Martin Joseph Ward (11-0-2) Super-featherweight; Joe Selkirk (12-0) Light-middleweight; Liam Williams (12-0-1) Light-middleweight; Josh Leather (7-0) Light-welterweight; Tom Baker (11-0) Super-middleweight; Tom Doran (15-0) Middleweight; Ryan Burnett (10-0) Bantamweight; Johnny Coyle (10-0) Light-welterweight