The Autumn Season Approaches – What can we expect? Part Two.

In my previous article documenting the coming season, I focused on the fights happening at world level but; what of the British scene? If you just include the four main belts, we currently have five world champions: Johnny Nelson, Clinton Woods, Joe Calzaghe, Ricky Hatton and Scott Harrison. So what of their future? Who are their main domestic rivals? Who of the up-and-coming bunch can make the step to European or even world level? At the moment, current world champions Johnny Nelson and Ricky Hatton are riding high in their respective divisions. Johnny Nelson who has been WBO champion at cruiserweight for six years seems likely to fight domestic rival Enzo Maccarinelli. I like the look of Enzo and this bout will definitely be the old guard versus the new guard. The Welshman has only one defeat in twenty-one fights and can really bang. It is a great clash of styles too with the puncher meeting the boxer. I really hope Frank Warren can bring these guys together. The cruiserweight division needs it. Also at cruiserweight, David Haye could still come again after his loss to Carl Thompson. Haye vs. Thompson II anyone?

Ricky Hatton is currently the king of the light welterweights. The win over Kostya Tszyu gave him that. The talk now is of Mayweather, Corrales and Maussa but a great match-up here would be against Junior Witter. Witter for a long time has been complaining that Ricky has been ducking him. He even challenged Ricky after “The Hitman” won the British title in 2000. Again, this is a clash of styles and Witter has already proven he is world class. In June 2000 as a late substitute, he stepped in against Zab Judah and took him the full twelve rounds. Only this year he also went to the States and defeated Lovemore N’dou over twelve rounds. Junior can also hit and a big domestic match-up against Manchester’s world champion would be a massive box office attraction. Fingers crossed.

We also have many fighters at British, Commonwealth and European level who look ready to make the step. Carl Froch at super middleweight for example looks the business. He’s not short of confidence having already called out Joe Calzaghe. He’s already caught the eye of Oscar de la Hoya and a fight in the next twelve months for a belt is not entirely out of the question especially with those whose attention he’s catching. For Joe Calzaghe the immediate future for him is his defense against Ashira and then hopefully the big one against Jeff Lacy.

In a tale of if you don’t succeed, try again, Clinton Woods at the fourth time of asking bagged the light heavyweight crown. He has a tricky defense coming up against former WBO king Julio Gonzalez. I hope Clinton comes through this because if anyone deserves a big money fight, he does. Hopefully, if he comes through this defense he will have a ringside seat for the rubber match between Tarver and Jones. The winner perhaps?

Our final world champion Scott Harrison who is certainly ready for the big guns. A two- time world champion, he looked devastating in his last defense against Michael Brodie. From a personal point of view, I would love to see him against In Jin Chi the WBC champion. Both men are big featherweights and I think it would be a war. First, he has an October 1 defense to negotiate. Also at domestic level, Nicky Cook the British, European and Commonwealth champion is going well. Unbeaten in twenty-five fights the future looks bright.

Another potential Harrison opponent is Alex Arthur. Two years ago, Arthur seemed to have the world at his feet. Unbeaten and a former young fighter of the year, he faced Michael Gomez. In a contender for fight of the year anywhere, Arthur lost his title. He has since rebuilt his career and is British, European and Commonwealth champion. He looked very impressive in his last European title defense and a match-up with fellow Scot Harrison at 130-pounds is a natural down the line. Although boxing is a sport it is also abusiness and this match would be big box office in Scotland.

All in all, the entire domestic scene is looking pretty healthy. In addition to the fighters mentioned we have Matt Skelton at heavyweight and Jamie Moore at light middleweight. Both men are British champions. Skelton who as we know had a fight with Danny Williams fall through could just overtake Audley Harrison to a world title fight. Skelton, a former kick boxer, realizes that at thirty-seven, he doesn’t have time on his side so he will want the big fights quickly. Jamie Moore from Salford, Manchester, although beaten three times is always great entertainment and anyone who saw his bouts with Liverpudlian Michael Jones will agree. And with Amir Khan looking devastating in his professional debut there’s plenty to look forward to here in good old Blighty.

It’s looking very healthy indeed from this side of the pond.