Rising Stars: The Top 5 Prospects In Boxing Today

By Agustin Perez

Boxing is full of established stars and plenty of up and coming fighters shooting for the top spot. The following list (in no particular order) highlights the top 5 prospects in the sport today. Only fighters with less than 20 professional fights and zero world title bouts made the list.

Felix Verdejo (Lightweight)

Age: 22 / Record: 17-0, 13 KO’s

Many believe Verdejo to be the heir apparent to Miguel Cotto. However, it is another great Puerto Rican fighter, Felix Trinidad, whose style Verdejo most closely resembles. Verdejo is a gifted athlete with speed and power to match. He has a large frame and is tall (5′ 9) for the lightweight division. He has the potential to win titles in different weight classes. I can see him growing into a full-fledged welterweight in a few years and dominating the division. Outside of the ring, Verdejo is characterized as a mild-mannered kid with a tremendous respect for the sport and an understanding of what is needed to make it to the top. Verdejo’s upside is that of someone who will not only sell tickets but become a pay-per-view attraction.

Oscar Valdez (Featherweight)

Age: 24 / Record: 15-0, 14 KO’s

Two-time Mexican Olympian Oscar Valdez is among a promising group of young fighters in the Top Rank stable, including California light welterweight Jose Ramirez and Puerto Rican lightweight Felix Verdejo. Valdez failed to medal in Beijing (2008) and London (2012); however, at the time, many believed that his style was better suited for the pro game and so far he has not disappointed. Valdez is a hellacious body puncher and carrying on in the Mexican tradition, throws a mean left hook to the liver. Valdez has a fan friendly style and has shown flashes of brilliance. The featherweight division is loaded with talented fighters which might delay Valdez’s rise to the top. For now, Valdez is still at least a year away from making real noise in the division.

Errol Spence, JR.(Welterweight)

Age: 25 / Record: 16-0, 13 KO’s

Spence, the best prospect from the 2012 U.S. Olympic team, is a very well rounded fighter who in 16 professional fights has shown tremendous poise and maturity. I don’t think Spence, a southpaw, is great at anything but he is certainly very good at everything. He has a solid jab, good footwork, excellent hand speed and power in both hands. There are rumors that Spence gave Floyd Mayweather hell in sparring a couple of years ago and also that he knocked out Adrien Broner in sparring session of their own. By all accounts, Spence is humble and hardworking, far from brash so it’s not surprising that he has not confirmed those rumors. Spence is close to being a polished fighter, I’d like to see him in with tougher opposition this year and in title contention next year.

Anthony Joshua:(Heavyweight)

Age: 25 / Record: 12-0, 12 KO’s

Olympic gold medalist, Anthony Joshua is perfect in his professional campaign with all 12 of his wins coming by knockout. Joshua at 6′ 6″, 250 pounds is built like a tank. He has the look of a champion and the skills to match. Joshua has devastating power but more than that, he can box. He has shown good boxing acumen and so far has delivered as the UK’s next big thing. Joshua has received high praise from many in the boxing world including heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko who has sparred with Joshua and believes he will be a world champion one day. Joshua is certainly on the fast track there.

Artur Beterbiev: light heavyweight

Age: 30 / Record: 8-0, 8 KO’s

Beterbiev is a unique type of “prospect”. Although he is 30 years old, his professional experience is limited. He turned pro 2 years ago after an extensive amateur career, representing Russia in both the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. Beterbiev is scary good and already has knockout wins over 2 former world champions, Gabriel Campillo and Tavoris Cloud. Beterbiev is a predator in the ring with a ‘seek and destroy’ style; his brute strength alone is enough to give anyone problems. But Beterbiev is more than just heavy handed, he can box and is an excellent technician. He is able to control range/distance very well and cuts off the ring with the best of them. Beterbiev should fight for a world title this year.

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