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What is a British title worth?
Okay, so I was thinking this morning about the British title, and what kind of boxers are currently holding the titles. As many fighters have won the Lonsdale belt, I was kind of thinking about which of our British champions are likely to do the same, which ones are at their peak having won the title, and who can make the step up (for some, making the step up again), to challenge for European or world title honours.
Here's my breakdown, champ by champ:
Martin Power – Bantamweight – Two defeats on the bounce against the freakishly tall Tshifiwa Munyai has been a big setback for Power, who is scheduled to defend against comebacking Jason Booth in a couple of weeks. Since getting the British titles, he has been the bigger man in the three bouts against Dale Robinson, Ian Napa and Isaac Ward, but when Munyai comprehensively beat him twice, I think that was the bell tolling on greater achievements for Power.
Esham Pickering – Super Bantamweight – In one of the hot divisions in world boxing, the experienced Pickering claimed the belt beating Marc Callaghan back in March. Having lost previous fights for British, European and WBO belts, it was good to see him pick up a belt at the fifth time of asking, but I believe he would struggle above British level.
John Simpson – Featherweight – Another unheralded fighter who, although only 23, has already lost four out of his six fights where a title has been on the line. With a number of defeats, it was surprising when he claimed the title against Andy Morris back in December when the referee stopped the fight on cuts. He was fairly narrowly beaten by Derry Matthews for the WBU title in March, before his recent stoppage of Amir Khan victim Ryan Barrett. All in all, it's hard to see that Simpson will rise far above the current station of British champion.
Carl Johanneson – Super Featherweight - This one pretty much explains itself, as Johanneson is making the step up in his next outing against Leva Kirakosyan for his European title. Kirakosyan already has a first-round KO over Johanneson from back in 2004, but the Leeds man is undefeated since. He's got lots of power, and proved in his last outing over 12 against Ricky Burns, that he has 12-round stamina, so I wouldn't be surprised to see Johanneson win the Euro belt.
Jonothan Thaxton – Lightweight – This is one of the most exciting British divisions at the moment, with Amir Khan, Willie Limond and Graham Earl all staking their claims for the top British fighter, but Thaxton is another big hitter who surprised many to comprehensively beat Lee Meager for the title. Undefeated in five years, big punching and a reasonable boxer...he could well be lining up for an European shot in the near future.
Colin Lynes – Light Welterweight – Another of the buzzing divisions in British boxing at the moment, and Lynes was impressive in beating Barry Morrison for the British title recently. Lynes showed his engine and boxing skills with a good win, but the title is seen as the culmination for him. Although not packing a punch, the victory could be the spur for him to get his career rolling, and I'd think it'd be a good clash if he went in with Ted Bami.
Kevin Anderson – Welterweight – Kevin got things back on track recently after his shocking loss to Ali Nuumbembe, with a good win over the durable Eamonn Magee. He also put Magee down for the first time in his career, if I recall correctly, which is also a big achievement. He's young and still has plenty of developing to do, and I can see Anderson improving to bigger honours over coming years.
Jamie Moore – Light Middleweight – Probably the one with the biggest chance of making it on to world stage in my opinion, Moore has a reputation as an all-action fighter and all-round nice guy which can only come together to help sell tickets. His next outing will be for the WBC's International title against Vincent Vuma in a couple of weeks, before a scheduled mandatory in October against Andrew Facey. No doubt will challenge for bigger titles than his British belt, and could well vacate if he impresses against Vuma.
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#534 for some great insight there.
Originally Posted by bzkfn
But I agree that Lynes could get it. The Froch and Moore picks are obviously the stand-out ones, but I'm looking forward to seeing what Johanneson and Anderson can do over the coming few years too.
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