2015 British Boxing Blog Review
- britishboxingblog
- Jan 3, 2016
- 4 min read
Despite only starting British Boxing Blog in late October, we've tried to recap 2015 with a list of noteworthy achievements and performances. There are hundreds of boxers we could have included for each category and it has taken much deliberation, and arguing, to narrow an eventful year down to these categories and boxers. Feel free to contact us if you agree (or disagree) with our thoughts.
Fighter of the Year
Jamie McDonnell – A massively underrated fighter who seems to suffer from a severe lack of exposure, even on Sky at times. McDonnell is an assured technician who has mixed with the elite of his division and come out victorious. It has been widely mentioned that he makes larger purses fighting abroad on PBC shows on Showtime than he would headlining local shows in his home country. Fair play to him for that. He is far from a student of the game, so boxes primarily to provide for his family. He is willing to match the risk against reward and has suitable confidence in his considerable ability to forego home advantage. 2 losses on his ledger mean he doesn’t need to protect a vaunted “0” or make any routine defences. More fighters could take note.
“And the new…” of the Year
James Degale – the cocky Londoner isn’t everone’s cup of tea, however this shouldn’t impact upon his wonderful achievements. “Chunky” travelled away from home to defeat the talented Andre Direll in an enthralling clash of southpaw stylists. Despite coming close to stopping the American early, Degale laboured to a points victory, often appearing to coast through rounds. His inactivity in the ring was also criticised in another decision victory over Canadian favourite Lucien Bute (again on foreign soil, this time in Montreal) but the IBF champion has begun his reign the hard way and deserves huge respect. A unification bout against WBC ruler Badou Jack or a rematch with George Groves surely await in 2016, where Degale will have a very realistic opportunity to become one of the elite fighters in boxing.
Fight of the Year
David Brophy vs Tobias Webb – A slight bias here as we were ringside to cover this event. While others will have no doubt received more media attention, or included more knockdowns, few will have been more dramatic or have seen the tide turn so frequently. Hometown favourite “Brophs” went into the Commonweath eliminator undefeated from 15 contests and late replacement Webb was well respected. All seemed to be going to plan as Brophy was the aggressor in establishing his jab early on. That all changed in the 7th when Webb landed flush and looked to have the Scot in trouble. Conditioning and heart played a big part as Brophy regrouped and rode out the final third of the bout to secure the nod.
Knockout of the Year
Enzo Maccarinelli – There were plenty of mixed emotions about this one as the Welsh former world champion dispatched Roy Jones Jr out in Russia. “Big Mac” left his opponent cold with a booming right hand to keep his hopes of another world title alive as we head into 2016. Any sentiment towards Jones needs to be put to one side to consider just what a big result this was for a popular British fighter.
Spectacle of the Year
Mayweather vs Pacquiao – Regardless of how the boxing match itself played out (highly predictably) or whether it was 5 years too late (it was) no other single event captured the imagination of the boxing, and wider sporting, public so it definitely deserves a mention in any recap of the year.
Upset of the Year
Tyson Fury – We have already declared our support for the “Gypsy King” and championed his victory over Wladimir Klitshcko. There isn’t a lot to say that hasn’t been said. He was a huge underdog in his first world title fight against a man who hadn’t come close to losing in eleven years. The rest is, and deserves to be, history.
Comeback of the Year
Anthony Crolla – Not a comeback completed over 12 rounds but over many, many months. While we voted for Fury as Sports Personality of the Year, no-one would have been more deserving than Anthony “Million Dollar” Crolla. Following a vicious attack which left him fighting for his life, not to mention with a broken leg, months of gruelling rehabilitation began. Not even Anthony himself could have believed what would lie ahead. To cruelly be denied on the scorecards in the first title challenge which was ruled a draw, Crolla was not to be denied. It would be second time lucky as he completed the most remarkable of comebacks to secure the WBA lightweight title with a devastating bodyshot reminiscent of Ricky Hatton in his pomp. Former champion Darleys Perez had no response and a new champion was born.
Prospect of the Year
Jeff Saunders – One of the many exciting fighters from the North East and one we genuinely believe could be a world champion in years to come. So far in his brief career he has amassed an impressive four stoppages from his five victories. In each outing he has looked devastating, combining speed and power to great effect. He has also showed a willingness to travel, having journeyed to South Africa for his most recent match, which demonstrated an ability to operate outside his comfort zone when necessary.
Progress of the Year
Sam Eggington – The Brummie welterweight has had quite the 2015. A man who admitted he didn’t expect to achieve much more than journeyman status when he began life in the pro ranks. He outclassed one of our local favourites, Glenn Foot, to add the British title to his Commonwealth belt. A local grudge match with former holder of both belts, Frankie Gavin, has been mooted and appears likely due to their Matchroom link. Should he come through that, European and World honours could easily be next on the agenda.
Too many honourable mentions for each of the sections to possibly include. Apologies to all who we've missed. We are also sure this list will spark much debate!
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