MIDDLEWEIGHT UK & IRELAND

[Autobarn]

Was just thinking how much the middleweight division has come on since Hopkins and Taylor were dethroned.

Pavlik, knocking out Miranda and Taylor. And while Sturm and Abraham don't seem to be doing much in Germany, sooner or later fighters like Andy Lee, Darren Barker, John Duddy, Matthew Macklin and Gary Lockett are going to be gunning for them.

I hope Lockett/Warren aren't just eyeing up a vacant WBO belt. Hope they go all out to get Pavlik. Lockett seems a competent enough fighter.

Duddy is always mentioned alongside Pavlik and I suppose this one could be very one sided against Duddy.

But Barker and Macklin have shown some real boxing ability of late and who knows, in a year or two they could be giving some of the title holders/champs nightmares.

Andy Lee looks a hot prospect as well. Like it that he fighting in the US, Ireland AND Germany (on Wlad undercards). He seems to be extremely talented and hard hitting. Lee could be the fighter to force the hand of the Germans and make Sturm/AA actually fight someone.

Has anyone else got high hopes for the middles that are coming through?

[ciscokid]

Has anyone else got high hopes for the middles that are coming through?

If Eastman couldn't do it, then no current middleweight will be able to make a mark on the world scene.

[DavidPayne]

Andy Lee is the pick for me.

[Max Molyneux]

Has anyone else got high hopes for the middles that are coming through?

If Eastman couldn't do it, then no current middleweight will be able to make a mark on the world scene.

Why?

[matko]

martin murray only had 2 pro fights but should become a contender in the near future lots of fights scheduled got plenty of talent also paul smith great boxer, heard lots of things about kevin conception unfortunately not had chance to see him box

[Autobarn]

Has anyone else got high hopes for the middles that are coming through?

If Eastman couldn't do it, then no current middleweight will be able to make a mark on the world scene.

Why?

VERY good question.

eastman has always been a letdown above European level. i have a feeling some of the fighters i mentioned - especially Lee and Barker - will suprass Euro level.

[stujones]

I want to see more of Darren McDermmott.

What about that other American based, Irishman - James Moore. At the moment a light middle - but looks good from what I have seen of him.