Although a very subjective topic, we here at TibsNews felt it only right to have a British Pound for Pound top 10 list. Not taking weight into account, we have chosen who we believe are the current top 10 fighters in Britain.
If you agree or disagree that’s fine, rarely are two lists the same so let the talking begin!
1. Carl Froch – Super-Middleweight (29-2,21KOs) IBF champion
Comfortably the best fighter in Britain right now, Froch has ducked nobody and fought the best consistently for several years. Despite losing a massive unification fight with elite fighter Andre Ward, ‘the Cobra’ bounced back to stop the previously undefeated IBF champ Lucian Bute and return to the summit of the sport.
2. David Haye – Heavyweight (26-2,24KOs)
With fierce power and speed in either hand, Haye remains a dangerous opponent for any one of boxing’s glamour division. Since beating Dereck Chisora at Upton Park via 5th round KO, the ‘Hayemaker’ has signalled his intention to go after a fight with WBC champ Vitali Klitschko in early 2013 and try to once again become world champion since falling to Vitali’s little bro, Wladimir in 2011.
3. Ricky Burns – Lightweight (35-2,10KOs) WBO champion
A man that gets better with every fight, Scotland’s Burns destroyed another highly rated Brit Kevin Mitchell in September and must now be looking for a super-fight in the USA against Adrien Broner.
4. Kell Brook – Welterweight (29-0,19KOs)
Now the IBF’s no.1 challenger to Devon Alexanders belt, Brook certainly looked elite this weekend against Hector Saldivia. A huge UK clash is also on the horizon for ‘Special K’ against long-time rival, Amir Khan.
5. Amir Khan – Light-Welterweight (26-3,18KOs)
Khan is in career rebuild mode currently after suffering back-to-back losses to Lamont Peterson and Danny Garcia. There is no doubting the super speed and skill he possesses but a perceived ‘glass chin’ leaves him with more doubters than ever. He returns with new trainer Vigil hunter against feather fisted Carlos Molina this December.
6. Carl Frampton – Super-Bantamweight (15-0,10KOs)
Maybe a surprise to see him so high but the man from Belfast has seriously impressed of late capping off a great year with an annihilation of former world champ Steve Molitor. Barry McGuigan has made the promises, can ‘the Jackal’ now deliver?
7. Nathan Cleverly – Light-Heavyweight (24-0,11KOs) WBO champion
Currently World champion Cleverly is still a young man whose best fight to date came against a man who has just missed out on selection for this list, Tony Bellew. Frank Warren appears to be treading carefully with Cleverly although he has got a big title defence in America coming up this November vs Ryan Coyne.
8. David Price – Heavyweight (14-0,12KOs)
The name on everyone’s lips currently is David Price. His brutal demolition job on Audley Harrison this month has showcased his tremendous power. Although still a novice in terms of fights had, the former Olympic bronze medallist oozes class and will surely be the heir to the Klitschko’s throne.
9. Mathew Macklin – Middleweight (29-4,20KOs)
Despite four losses Macklin has been operating at world level and perhaps should’ve been given the decision against Felix Sturm. He also boxed very smart against Middleweight champion Sergio Martinez before being stopped in the 11th round and just maybe, his dreams of being a world champion will be realised.
10. George Groves – Super-Middleweight (15-0,12KOs)
Since defeating current European champ and great rival James DeGale last year, Groves’ career has stagnated. He has won two fights since then but suffered bad luck with injuries. His next fight against high class opponent Glen Johnson should tell us just how good this guy is.
By Jimi Chialoufas
