BoxRec

If you look at some British fighters that have won world titles, you may think "how the F*ck did he win a title" but there's a few names that haven't won titles how could've or should've.

Kevin Mitchell is one of the first names that comes to mind. He had 4? attempts at a world title. When Mitchell first appeared on the scene many thought he would eventually go on to win a world title. I thought when he went up against Michael Katsidis he would've won the WBO title, but failed.

Herol Graham and Michael Watson could be possible mentions as well - surprised neither of them collected a world title. Maybe Watson would've won a title if that terrible night didn't occur.

What other British fighters can you think of that never won a world title?

I'm surprised Murray never won. He was always just fringe world level but lesser fighters than he held Middleweight titles.

tigermoth87 wrote:I'm surprised Murray never won. He was always just fringe world level but lesser fighters than he held Middleweight titles.

Yeah I forgot about Murray, he came close when he faced Sturm!

I thought he might cause an upset against AA.

Paul and Stephen Smith have had a few attempts

Ruthless-RKO wrote:Paul and Stephen Smith have had a few attempts

Paul has four more written into his contract.

Kirkland Laing

Alan Rudkin

Pat cowdel ....

Michael Brodie

I always thought Adrian Dodson would win a title. Colin Jones came close too. Sammy Reeson, Macklin ...

It's funny there's fighters now like crolla and quigg that I don't think are better than Han say billy shcwer or Jim McDonell but are world champions .not sure if we've got better or the rest of the world worse the latter I think

fightfan95 wrote:

tigermoth87 wrote:I'm surprised Murray never won. He was always just fringe world level but lesser fighters than he held Middleweight titles.

Yeah I forgot about Murray, he came close when he faced Sturm!

I thought he might cause an upset against AA.

I do think he beat both Sturm and Martinez.

Howard Eastman

Bit leftfield but Ovill McKenzie.

He went from Journeyman, to nearly man, domestic champion then loses a razor thin world title fight in Argentina. Instead of being able to reap the rewards of his hard work injury stops him in his pomp.

Respect the Upsetter

Kirkland Laing and pat cowdell

Tuan_Jim wrote:Howard Eastman

He certainly should have been more than capable of winning a version of a world title. I was convinced at the time that Eastman had everything it took to be a genuinely top fighter, although looking back I’m not so sure. I always thought he could have gone up another gear if he had really wanted to, but perhaps I was deceived and he just never had the gear available in the first place.

Boxerbeetle wrote:

Tuan_Jim wrote:Howard Eastman

He certainly should have been more than capable of winning a version of a world title. I was convinced at the time that Eastman had everything it took to be a genuinely top fighter, although looking back I’m not so sure. I always thought he could have gone up another gear if he had really wanted to, but perhaps I was deceived and he just never had the gear available in the first place.

You sum Howard up spot on mate I was never sure whether he had another gear or not

Jamie Moore didn't even fight for one, travesty.

in the case of Marvin Hagler it could be argued that about half of Hagler's world title challengers might have won on the night if it was against anyone else. Such is the measure Hagler's greatness.

so, maybe Sibbo might have grabbed the crown???

Jock McAvoy and Len Harvey

Gary Jacobs was a decent fighter, Euro level yes not sure if he was quite world class but decent never the less, went the 12 with Sweet Pea back in the mid 90's.


Horice Notice was chugging along nicely until eye injury I believe retired him but im sure he would have only been a few fights away from a crack at a world title.

Henry Wharton is an obvious one. Billy Hardy ran Canizales close.
Holligan and Neary were decent too, as was Michael Ayers.

gb wrote:Henry Wharton is an obvious one. Billy Hardy ran Canizales close.
Holligan and Neary were decent too, as was Michael Ayers.

Technically Neary was a world champion.

Kevin Mitchell as others have stated and Danny Williams way back in the day. He had good skills, a huge punch and a decent chin. Then he randomly switch off in fights and not look interested at all. Like Joe Bugner.

Colin jones