Up and Coming Prospects From Each Area of the UK and also Rep of Ireland

[David McAllister]

I'd like this thread to be about all of the up and coming boxers that are not known around the whole of the UK or Republic of Ireland but could make waves at Domestic level and above.

I will split it up into countries so Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland.

Rules: All boxers should be up and coming boxers that should not have fought above Final British Eliminator level, had a Commonwealth Eliminator or had more than 20 bouts. I am not wanting to put an age limit in place because there could easily be a top amateur that turned over late that could be classed as an up and comer.

I will start by giving my opinion on boxers I have seen or know something about, this will be mostly Scottish lads but please if you are posting about a boxer please try give some more information than just his name i.e. any amateur background and how far you see them going in the future.

Scotland:

Joe Ham: Joe is a very talented boxer that boxed internationally basically his whole amateur career and finished his amateur career after the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. He has an A class engine, decent power and loves to dig in body shots. He has really took to professional boxing and I see him challenging for titles in the near future. I personally see him reaching minimum of Euro Level and if matched correctly could well be a World Champion!

Josh Taylor: Josh is another boxer that boxed most of his Amateur career in the Scottish Vest, culminating in a Gold medal the Glasgow Games. He has linked up with Shane McGuigan and imo is one of the most talented boxers in the UK at the minute. I see Josh going all the way.

Charlie Flynn: Charlie is another who got Gold at the Glasgow Games, he is a very talented boxer and his style has adapted well. He trains with Peter Harrison so we all know he has a great coach that knows the game inside out. He has been dropped on more than 1 occasion as an Amateur though and I hope that doesn't mean he will struggle against the punchers at Lightweight. i can see him winning the British Title but think he may struggle beyond that.

Lewis Paulin: Lewis' style was always made for the Professional Sport, he is tough as nails, can punch and has a great engine! Dropped Charlie Flynn heavily at the Scottish Championships and was unlucky that the official rang the bell early or Charlie Flynn might not have a Gold Medal. British level at least and i can't wait for when him and Charlie get it on further down the line hopefully for the British Title!

Mike Towell: Mike didn't have the best amateur career but he has an exciting style that if you haven't seen is well worth a watch! He boxes Robert Dixon from Newcastle in an Eliminator for the British so that will show us where he stands going forward but I do fear that he might struggle with the top dogs at Welterweight. But I guarantee that anyone who faces him will know they have been in a fight!!

Lewis Benson: Lewis was another top amateur, he had all the skill in the world and if he can sit down on his punches to stop people coming forward then he could easily reach British level and maybe more.

Stephen Tiffany: A team mate of Lewis benson at Lochend and a boxer that has impressed me since he was a kid, he can switch stance effortlessly, is strong, has a high workrate and has pushed Joe Ham close on a few occasions at the Scottish Championships. Stephen vs Joe is another fight that I can't wait to get made and hopefully it is for a British Title or at least a Final Eliminator for the British.

Jason Easton: Billy Nelson has managed to snap him up on a manager contract and he might have a cracking boxer on his hands. Jason is similar to Lewis Benson but can punch slightly harder and is probably more spiteful in his boxing. He has been stopped a couple of times though but I think his skills will help overcome any frailties and I can see him at British level quite easily and it wouldn't surprise me if he did better.

This is just a few of the boxers that are impressing me at the minute in Scotland, there are others but i would like others to get a shot in naming them and letting us know about them. I also haven't put an opinion on any of the boxers I work with because that would be a conflict of Interest!! haha

Northern Ireland:

Anthony Cacace: Really impressed me when he boxed Ronnie Clark, he is a massive Super Featherweight, can box and has good power! Imo he can reach the top of the sport if brought along correctly

Tommy McCarthy: A really strong looking Cruiserweight that looked impressive against Courtney Fry. Looks like he could make waves at British Level but maybe you can tell me more.

James Tennyson: Was due to face Darren Traynor in a Final Eliminator in February, was impressive against Kris Hughes and looks destined to fight for the British sooner rather than later. I haven't seen that much of him tbh and would like to know if he is rated highly in other circles but imo if he can carry his power as he goes up in class he will be challenging at Euro level.

Wales:

Andrew Selby: World class amateur and imo he will go all of the way, could be boxing for British Honours within 10 fights and possible higher!

England:

There is bound to be so much talent that i don't know that I would love to hear about them from the posters on here that are in the know!!

Lewis Ritson: I have spoke to Billy Nelson on many occasions and he reckons lewis will go all the way, I am yet to see him personally but anyone who is willing to up sticks and move to another city to train with a coach they think will get the best of him is deserving of all they can get!

Republic of Ireland:

I am maybe being ignorant but I really can't think of anyone in Rep of Ireland, that being said I think they have a great amateur set up and i'm sure the Irish posters on here will be able to educate me on any up and coming talent.


I really want this thread to be about the boxers and it would be great to hear from anyone who knows of a boxer that they think could make waves! I would hope we could all give meaningful posts and I hope that it doesn't end the way loads of other threads do on here and become a slanging match or childish threats etc!

Let's hear about the best up and comers from where you are and i hope we can all educate each other!

[sammy95]

A few additions to the English and Irish sections, and there are many other names that I could have also included:

England:

Hughie Fury - Part of the Fury camp, quality sparring for years and currently being managed superbly by Peter Fury / Hennessy. I expect him to be World Champ and reign for a long time (alongside Tyson).

Johnny Coyle - Prizefighter winner who has gone under the radar a bit since then, still unbeaten and with the right backing could be a dark horse to go all the way.


Republic of Ireland:

Jason Quigley - Amateur experience outstanding - Silver in the Worlds in 2013 and Gold in the Europeans in 2013. Signed to GoldenBoy and looks to have some serious power in the middleweight division. Could be the standout star of the outstanding Irish amateur crop of the last few years, and will 100% go on to win a world title.

Jono Carroll - Part of the Collins gym in Ireland, looked quality on the Fury undercard. Boxes very well and clearly lives for the sport - many predicting that he will go all the way.

JJ Nevin - Turned over after the 2012 Olympics (Silver medal), and then suffered a horror injury. Seems to have got himself sorted out over in the States the last year or so, but 'apparently' has a few personal problems behind the scenes.

Declan Geraghty - Only loss so far is to Jono Carroll (see above), in a DQ decision in Dublin. Boxes very well and looks to be getting well-schooled over at the MGM, so is well backed. Boxes clean but I think he carries underrated KO power.

Luke Keeler - Rumours he will fight Conrad Cummings on the CF-SQ undercard, which would be a cracking all Irish Middleweight fight. Carries decent power, and is definitely one to watch out for.

[reggaereggae]

Every talks a lot about Andrew Selby as a potential superstar. Is he that good?

[PredatorHayds]

Every talks a lot about Andrew Selby as a potential superstar. Is he that good?

Yes. Had a fantastic amateur career with a style that looks suited for the pros.
I'd expect him to be European champion by the end of 2016 maybe even sooner.

[Deno1986]

Phil Sutcliffe Jr is another Irish prospect worth mentioning. Comes from a boxing family with excellent amateur pedigree.

[WelshJack]

Every talks a lot about Andrew Selby as a potential superstar. Is he that good?

He is just off a Lomachenko and Rigo level. Should be fighting for a world title within 10 fights not sure they can make it happen though.

[mickey1975]

Every talks a lot about Andrew Selby as a potential superstar. Is he that good?

He is just off a Lomachenko and Rigo level. Should be fighting for a world title within 10 fights not sure they can make it happen though.

He is not just off their level. They are two of the greatest ever amateurs.

[Energizer]

Jason Quigley (Rep Of Ireland)
Andrew Selby (Wales)
Josh Taylor (Scotland)
Charlie Flynn (Scotland)
Anthony Cacace ( Northern Ireland)

(England)
Robbie Davies Jnr
Martin J Ward
Hughie Fury
Ted Cheeseman
Johnny Coyle
Reece Bellotti
Antonio Counihan
Joe Costello
Charlie Edwards

[Energizer]

Also Looking forward to seeing Scott Fitzgerald ( England) and Fred Evans ( Wales) making their pro debuts soon, I think Fitzgerland is made for the pros.

and I've heard good things about Isaac Mccleod (England) though have yet to see him

[JamieM]

Scotland
Connor Law - for me this boy can do it all, box on back foot, can punch and is just out classing everyone and he can punch and take a punch. Think he may be moving up to high in weight and possibly should do middleweight as heard he's at super middle. Has all the skills to do well

Joe Ham- Not seen much of Joe apart from his finishes but he seems to work well from head to body and he is fairly big for the weight. Can see him fighting for a British though. My one worry is he's managed by Morrison who is famous for keeping them in with journeymen to long and no challenge . He needs stepped up, good amateurs don't need 10-20 fights against journeymen it hinders them.

Josh Taylor- although I think he may well win a British I'm not solely sold on saying he will be a world champion yet. Still has to win me over. The boy has a lot of ability though. Lightning hands and seems to whack although his fight v mate he was huge and mate looked like a super feather. He seems to have the strongest chance due to his camp and the opportunities he gets. Really needs to sell in Edinburgh though.


Mike Towell- I put mike in because I believe no matter who he fights it's gonna be fun, and he will always have a chance as he's relentless and can finish fights or just wear his oppononts down. My only worry Iv ever had about Mike is it looks like he can be outboxed. Fight v Robert Dixon answer a few questions .

Lewis Benson- people think cause I know him is the reason I rate him. Iv been to his fights and honestly rate him, never seen the chinny side of him of course but his jab is one of the best Iv seen and when he doubled it up and adds big back hand it will stop fights. He's sharp and has good skills which his pedigree suggests. My fear for Lewis is he's same weight as josh and of course being same camp will never fight, I fear josh will take all the opportunities with his platform. Hopefully MGM can change that for Lewis.

Stephen Tiffany- another really exciting fighter at featherweight. Is all gonna depend on how he does the weight. He's a great fighter and switch hitter which is a nightmare to deal with, away sparring frampton this week so will be good for him. Big fight against Joe ham may happen.

England

Jack Caterall- jack came up to dundee for sparring about 5 years ago maybe when he was 18 and it was obvious he would go far. He's a real big talent and does everything good. Takes good tough fights and will win a world title in my eyes.

Mitchell Smith- if he does featherweight and learns his lesson his potential is there. He's strong and very tidy boxer. Just needs to screw his head on.

Josh Leather- going the old fashioned way of accepting any fight that will come. Think he's under rated and will do well in big fights. He's strong and a very neat boxer. Good amateur pedigree and has a very knowledgable guy in imran in his corner.

Jamie cox- this guy is a monster and beats all the current super middles even c smith. He's a great amateur pedigree and when he punches you it's game over.

Joe Costello- a smaller version of jamie cox, unfortunately has had injury problems I think but
Get him fit he wins British at lightweight, stops cardle.

Hughie fury- really awkward style, just a boxing purist, keeps learning he beats AJ

Wales

Liam Williams-This guy is gonna clear up at light middle and stops Liam Smith. He's different gravy!!

Andrew Selby- not a stacked division and think he's made for the pros. Will win a world title within 12 months.

Ireland

Jason Quigley- has great team around him with high hopes. If he's built the right way he can do great things in the sport.

Anthony Cacace- seen him fight Ronnie Clark and was surprised in his skills, very big at SF and it's worrying how much bigger he is on night. Wouldn't say he's a 1 punch ko puncher as Ronnie took massive shots throughout fight that dented but they accumulate. For me he beats all these prospects at moment like Martin j ward etc and Steven smith. Only Liam Walsh in U.K. Beats him.

[Energizer]

Scotland
Connor Law - for me this boy can do it all, box on back foot, can punch and is just out classing everyone and he can punch and take a punch. Think he may be moving up to high in weight and possibly should do middleweight as heard he's at super middle. Has all the skills to do well


Lewis Benson- people think cause I know him is the reason I rate him. Iv been to his fights and honestly rate him, never seen the chinny side of him of course but his jab is one of the best Iv seen and when he doubled it up and adds big back hand it will stop fights. He's sharp and has good skills which his pedigree suggests. My fear for Lewis is he's same weight as josh and of course being same camp will never fight, I fear josh will take all the opportunities with his platform. Hopefully MGM can change that for Lewis.



Anthony Cacace- seen him fight Ronnie Clark and was surprised in his skills, very big at SF and it's worrying how much bigger he is on night. Wouldn't say he's a 1 punch ko puncher as Ronnie took massive shots throughout fight that dented but they accumulate. For me he beats all these prospects at moment like Martin j ward etc and Steven smith. Only Liam Walsh in U.K. Beats him.

I agreew with you about Cox, Williams, Selby, Quigley

How far dyou think this guy Connor Law can go? you think he;s a better prosecpt than Josh Taylor? haven't watched Law yet but every person I speak to rates him highly it seems Ill have to check him out.

Honestly Ive seen Benson twice and from what Ive seen he'll win a Celtic title max. He didn't do much of note as an amateur... ..Don;t see anything in him to suggest he'll do much.

Big Call to say Cacace would beat Stephen Smith! Smith has improved loads recently.. he's a solid all rounder.

[JamieM]

I think Connor will be British level at least and if he can do middle can win a European title. He's massive and I said from start he would be a solid pro. As for Lewis yeah a lot of people seem to have a like him or hate him kinda thing. I don't know I just think Lewis has a really simple skill set and he uses them well. You could be right but with his fan base he will be built right and he's very good at self promotion, for me he can be built and positioned to fight for a British, overall in my opinion josh is the stand out between the two of them, but hard work and dedication from Lewis he can do just as good, just needs to keep working hard.

Honestly Cacace come in the ring bigger than what josh Taylor was at light welter, he was massive. Smith is quite small having been at feather and has stalled lately, lucky to beat barrington brown in fight I watched. just my opinion if course but he's very good

[mickey1975]

Bit silly to say he beats Smith. Ridiculous even.

[JamieM]

My opinion, Don't believe Steven smith is that great, and think Cacace beats him, boxing is a sport full of opinions and when you see Cacace fight you will realise all his natural attributes will be a nightmare for people like smith

[Energizer]

I was surprised Conrad Cummings drew his last fight.. Maybe he isn't as good as I thought.

Ryan Burnett although he doesn't fit what you are calling a 'prospect' in this thread.... Is the real deal.. a special talent. Was disapointed and surprised he didnt stop Booth but he wil likely stop everyone else in british title fights this year with ease.

[Floyd the snake]

Darren Tetley from Bradford under the radar at the moment , very good amateur unbeaten in 9 now as a pro just needs that breakthrough fight , might get it in a Leeds in April on Josh Warringtons undercard .

[mfc_se15]

Ted Cheeseman did all of the right things in the amateurs so hopefully continues his progress now professional throughout this year. Hopefully they will have him out quite a few times, think they will as he will be a good ticket seller in London I think.

[Bodyshot3]

I still Fred Evans could cause a stir for Wales....admittedly he's been in-and-out since London with the whole WSB 'adventure' and some serious issues on the domestic front that nearly resulted in some time in chokey...but let's not forget Fred landed some big medals in the Ams and he has just signed with Chris Sanigar who is a wise, old owl and probably the sort of 'tough love' mentor Fred needs.

I liked Evans a great deal at the Olympics - and a silver at Welterweight is not to be sniffed at - but Sanigar is going to have to crack the whip with this lad and force him to take his chance.

[steve689]

Phil Sutcliffe Jr is another Irish prospect worth mentioning. Comes from a boxing family with excellent amateur pedigree.

Great prospect and a massive puncher. Has constant hand problems is the only issue.

[ILoveHowardFoster]

Wales

Liam Williams.....a big 2016 to come after the disappointments of 2015
Craig Kennedy.....British Cruiserweight Champion by end of 2016
Andrew Selby....British Champ by end of 2016. I can see him being fast-tracked further

[simonwalsh]

Ted Cheeseman did all of the right things in the amateurs so hopefully continues his progress now professional throughout this year. Hopefully they will have him out quite a few times, think they will as he will be a good ticket seller in London I think.

Bit in bold certainly true if you like paying double the face value, ALLEGEDLY.

[Looking On]

Got to admit im suprised to be seeing cox mentioned, ive not seen him box since he was lucky against the african kid, but hes now gone up 2 weight divisions, having boxed just 4 times in 4 and a half years, and against guys who are nothing much.... yet has been backed on this thread to be capable of beating Callum Smith..... am i missing something ??

As far as prospects local to me i like the look of Russ Henshaw a 6-0 Cruiserweight , Gary Mayor who is Making his long awaited pro debut at Super middleweight and Nathan McIntosh whos a 9-0 welterweight and recently stopped Georgie Keen in 2 rounds. Theres another couple i like but have worked with so wont be mentioning them to remain unbiased. Ill also give a mention to Leigh Wood, who although has already boxed for a british title, was already good but lacked top level experience at the time, hes now looking in fantastic shape and i would back him to beat mcdonnell handily if they were to ever face each other again, but Wood wont be going back down to super bantam as it was apparantly too much of a struggle to do the weight.

[mickey1975]

How old is Mayor? Didn't he get beat in the novices?

[Looking On]

How old is Mayor? Didn't he get beat in the novices?

He got to the senior aba finals in 2015 (his only senior season in aba's having had years out of the ring) and lost a slightly but not ridiculously bad decision to the defending champion, most thought gary had done enough but it wasnt one of those that left people up in arms.

Hes 40 now, so no spring chicken and will have to be moved at break neck speed, but the guy is good and will be well suited to pro boxing too, wait til he fights pro... guarantee anyone watching will be immediately convinced

[mickey1975]

Yes, I don't doubt it, he's been sparring top quality pros for years. Just had a look now, he lost in the 1/4 final, but yes, "at the finals".