Which young prospects should boxing fans keep an eye on for the future?
Boxing has entered a new golden age. With Riyadh season well and truly underway, the biggest fighters on the planet are finally meeting each other in the ring, thanks to the draw His Excellency Turki Alalshikh provides.
It’s created a new opportunity for fighters, and we are starting to see the next generation of champions coming through.
The future looks bright for Great Britain and Ireland with a number of young prospects catching the eye of fans and pundits alike.
Here, BBN takes a look at five of the top British and Irish boxing prospects to keep an eye on during 2024.
Moses Itauma
Moses Itauma is one of the most exciting up-and-coming heavyweight prospects on the planet.
The 19-year-old first turned professional in January 2023 after holding his own in sparring sessions with Lawrence Okolie when he was still in school. He recalls running to the gym straight after school and getting changed out of his school uniform to spar pro boxers. He went 22-0 as an amateur and won nationals, European and World golds.
Signed to Frank Warren, the Chatham combatant has since racked up an impressive record of 9-0. Perhaps even more impressive than his undefeated status, is the devastating manner in which the Kent-raised boxer dispatches his opponents. Itauma boasts seven stoppages, with six of those coming within the first round.
His most recent outing saw him take on Ilja Mezencev on the undercard of Fury-Usyk. Sticking to the script, it took Itauma just two rounds to find a stoppage. He landed a looping lead right hand before following up with a lethal three-piece combination – something that has become a staple part of the young fighter’s toolkit – sending the German crashing to the canvas.
There is currently no word as to when Itauma will next lace up, however, based on his activity – nine bouts in 16 months – it won’t be long until we see the heavy-handed teen step back between the ropes and continue his meteoric rise.
Callum Walsh
US-based ‘King’ Callum Walsh has developed somewhat of a cult following since turning professional in 2021. The Irishman trains under Freddie Roach at the Wildcard gym in California.
Walsh first made headlines as the first boxer signed under UFC CEO Dana White. Walsh has been extremely active, with eleven fights already under his belt in just three and a half years as a professional.
The 23-year-old had a glittering amateur career. Fighting 120 times, with six Irish titles and a European gold medal to his name.
The super welterweight has broken into the mainstream as of late, ranked in the top 15 by both the WBC and the IBF.
The Cork fighter’s last outing saw him take on Carlos Ortiz Cervantes on June 7. Walsh found a quick stoppage, knocking his opponent down three times before the fight was waived off in the second.
Walsh is likely only a couple of fights away from a title shot, so it will soon be seen whether the Irishman has the skills to back up the monumental hype surrounding him.
Leli Buttigieg
A slightly lesser-known name than others on the list, Emmanuel Buttigieg is still at the very beginning of his professional career. The middleweight prospect has a record standing at 4-0, with one stoppage to his name.
The 19-year-old from Newham, London only turned professional in December, stopping Mario Olivieria in the first round of his debut match.
While Buttigieg may not have one-punch knockout power, his expertise at creating angles and weaving in and out of danger has allowed him to cruise through his first four matchups. Buttigieg is yet to lose a round in his professional career, racking up three completely one-sided decision victories since his debut stoppage win.
Buttigieg is due to fight again on July 6 at the Copper Box Arena, though an opponent has not yet been named for the rising star.
Cameron Vuong
Cameron Vuong has gained some media traction recently, due to his upcoming bout with Oxford here Jordan Flynn.
Flynn will be moving up to lightweight to challenge ‘The One’ on June 22 after the fight was postponed due to injury.
Vuong entered the professional ranks in October 2023, taking out Engel Gomez in four rounds in his debut performance.
The 21-year-old’s most recent outing was perhaps his toughest challenge to date. The rising star locked horns with Ishmael Ellis, a fighter who once held the same prospect status Vuong holds now.
It took Voung till the sixth round to find a stoppage, though he looked comfortable throughout, cruising through the first five rounds and building a strong lead on the scorecards.
The Brit’s next fight will truly prove whether Vuong has what it takes to rise to the top. The lightweight has yet to fight anyone of real calibre, facing off against a fellow undefeated prospect will act as a rite of passage for ‘The One’ if he can carve a route to victory.
Ben Whittaker
Perhaps the best-known name on this list, Ben Whittaker was already famous before he ever stepped foot in the ring as a professional. Backed by AJ as an amateur, Whittaker went on to win silver at the Tokyo Olympics.
‘The Surgeon’ joined the professional ranks in 2022, and now boasts a 7-0 undefeated record. The 27-year-old’s last outing saw him taking on local star Leon Willings in what was his toughest fight to date.
Willings showed heart and landed some solid shots on the former Olympian, however, he was ultimately outclassed as Whittaker utilised his unusual footwork and shot selection to pick the 23-year-old apart and cruise to a one-decision victory.
The light-heavyweight prospect is due to fight for the WBA Gold strap on June 15 at Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace.
Whittaker will take on fellow undefeated prospect Eworitse Ezra Arenyeka, though will be a heavy favourite heading into the bout.
His tricky footwork and arrogant style have made him a fan favourite, drawing comparisons to ‘Prince’ Naseem Hamed and even ‘The Drunken Master’ Emanuel Augustus.
A win next weekend will prove that he can walk the walk and put him one step closer to challenging those at the top of the division.