by James Slater: Boxing always needs fresh talent. Superstars don’t last forever, and sooner or later some new blood is required to take over at the top. New talent means new interest, and in this article I list five prospects that figure to garner a lot of interest in the coming 12 months. There may be other young sensations out there – in fact, there certainly are – but the following five young fighters are the ones this writer has had his eye on the most just lately..
In no particular order, here they are.
1. Ray Robinson.
No, this is not a misprint. “The New” Ray Robinson is a 21-year-old welterweight from Philadelphia. The name is his original one, by the way, and not a name taken for promotional use. Currently 6-0(2) the flashy southpaw is an exceptionally gifted boxer. A huge fan of the original Robinson, the youngster also lists Ray Leonard and Muhammad Ali as his heroes. It’s still early days, obviously, but the prospect from Philly is looking to emulate the legends that inspire him. Definitely one to look out for if you have not yet seen him box. Robinson last fought in December.
2. Peter Quillin.
Another talented fighter on the way up who shares his name with an all-time great. In this case, however, Quillin’s shared name IS a nickname. Going by the nickname of “Kid Chocolate” due top his facial likeness to the Cuban great from the 1920s and ’30’s, 24-year-old Quillin, who was brought up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a superbly gifted middleweight. Half-Cuban on his father’s side, Quillin is currently 16-0(13) and certainly one to watch in the new year. As well as looking like the original Chocolate facially, Quillin has some of his ring moves too. He is next scheduled to box in late February.
3. Devin Vargas.
A young heavyweight with an impressive amateur background, 26-year-old Vargas is currently 14-0(6) as a pro. Having represented his country at the Sydney Olympics in 2004, the Toledo native has obvious talent. Neither a huge heavyweight, or a big puncher, Devin instead relies on his speed and activity. Time is on Vargas’ side but he needs to make his move soon. Look for him to do so in the coming 12 months. A fast heavyweight who enjoys fighting, Vargas just might prove to be something the heavyweight division needs. He last fought this past December.
4. Ronald Hearns.
We all know this guy. Due, it must be said, to his all-time great father’s accomplishments, Ronald Hearns has been getting his share of attention for some time now. Still being carefully matched as we speak, Hearns must step up in class this year. For his part, the 17-0(13) middleweight who now goes by the nickname of “The Chosen One” has said 2008 will be the year in which he makes his move. Both fast and powerful, the 29-year-old has inherited his dad’s physique and many of his ring movements. It remains to be seen, however, if Ronald has inherited his pop’s chin. Ronald is next scheduled to fight on the 16th of February.
5. Amir Khan.
The U.K’s number one boxing prospect. Still just 21-years-of age, Khan has been moved up in quality ever so slowly. Currently 15-0(12) Amir is now the Commonwealth lightweight champ. His last fight, a 1st round destruction of the experienced Graham Earl, in which he defended his title for the third time, was nothing short of spectacular. Yes, Earl was somewhat shop-worn, but for the 21-year-old to have dispatched him in less than 90 seconds sure was impressive. Suffering from criticism from those people who feel he should be moved much quicker into world level, Khan simply carries on improving. It is possible, though, that some form of world title fight will be his in 2008. Khan next fights on February 2nd.