BoxRec

Terrible year so far for British and Irish boxing.

Eastman loses to Hopkins

Williams is destroyed

McCullough loses to Larios

Gomez is stopped

Calzaghe shows no ambition for big fights

Harrison is exposed and lucky to hold onto his title and probably won't hold it for much longer if he really does land the big fight he's after.

Hatton is likely to be beaten by Tszyu.

After looking like it was about to step forward is British boxing about to take 2 steps back? After the names that are listed there seems to be no one coming up from behind who shows world class potential. Unless Harrison develops something more or Hatton beats Tszyu then it looks like this year will put a big rubber stamp on British fighters as nearly men.

The only ones I can see possibly coming up to the world stage in the next few years are Kevin Mitchell and Amir Khan. Khan is untested as a pro but could reach world class level and Mitchell I feel will be protected for 35 odd fights and then maybe finally be tested at the elite level and be destroyed. Oh well.

You can add Colin Lynes being lucky to that list - might not be on the world scene (although a world title was on the line) - the fact of another home down decision is leaving a very negative taste in my mouth about UK Boxing - probably worse than all of those defeats you mentioned.

It will be nice to see how Eamomn Magee does at Welterweight.

I thought while Wayne McCullough lost, his reputation was enhanced and is now in the mix - I think more postives came with that.

While, I'm on the subject of Irish fighters - my prospect to look out for is the Irish/Welshman Tony Doherty. I think he is class, as good as Ricky was at this stage.

Not all doom and gloom.

I would prefer to see all our world class fighters losing in the ring against the very best rather than marking time in Calzaghe type matches. At least the rest of our better guys are stepping up to the plate. Even remaining undefeated Sicknote has to be moving down peoples British P4P lists - he is for me anyway.

I'd have Hatton, Witter, Eastman, Harrison above him at the moment and Woods if he wins. The old slapper needs to turn it around and quickly.

Aurther v Docherty will be a cracker, although admittedly I'm not too sure either will reach the very top on the international scene.

Gary Young, too, I've seen a few times and looks very good. I can't help but feel though...how long until Aurther and Young will be holding the prestigious WBU titles after all their hard work.