(Updated in November 2008)
(For the latest ranking click here)
When the 18 year old Mike Tyson brutally demolished opponents in the mid 80-s, everybody “in the know” “knew” that they witnessed the new heavyweight superstar. The young Tyson is what you can call an archetype for the young heavyweight on the rise. The boxer with that special aura and the style of a future champ written all over him. But for every young Tyson or young Cassius Clay there’s hundreds of Courage Tshabalalas and Pele Reids. Hyped prospects who don’t deliver. Most of the prospects never succeed at all.
To illustrate that, I checked my top100-list from five years ago and found at that:
About 15 % are still considered prospects. Some of them still pad their records while a few others have came back after losses or inactivity. 5 % became beltholders and about 10% became gatekeepers or fringe contenders. The rest (70%) never reached anything close to the top. So that’s the bitter context for the young ones mentioned below I guess.
So what is a prospect? In my book, a prospect is someone with qualities that haven’t been pushed to the limit, an unknown commodity. A prospect is not necessarily undefeated even if an undefeated fighter is almost per definition a prospect. If you haven’t smelled defeat your still on your way up. But if your loss has been dubious in some way or if you have showed improvement since your loss, you might be a prospect too. The things that counts are what you can do in the future. And for that reason is not the “big” beltholders or official contenders considered prospects either.
The ranking is based on (1) Level of competition (2) How you perform against the level you reached (3) Amateur credentials (4) Age.
1 (1) Alexander Povetkin
YOB: 1979
Country: Russia
H-W: 6.2-225
Record: 16-0 (12)
Prodebut: 2005
Latest: Stopped Taurus Sykes in round 5 the 19th of July
Best win: Eddie Chambers in January
Other victims: Chris Byrd, Larry Donald, David Bostice, Friday Ahunanya, Ed Mahone and Richard Bango.
Rounds: 11
Comments: As one of the most successful superheavyweights ever in the amateur ring Povetkin is the closest thing to a predestined champ in the heavyweight division since… maybe Tyson. He’s at least the undisputed number one among the new generation of heavyweights. The stocky Russian is a pressurefighter who combines power with fast hands and good defence, so it requires something extraordinary to beat him. An impressive workmanlike decision over the former number two on this list, the slick Eddie Chambers in January 2008 consolidates his position as the best prospect in the world .
2 (3) David Haye
YOB: 1980
Country: UK
H-W: 6.3-215
Records: 22-1 (21)
Latest: Stopped Monte Barrett in round 5 the 15th of November
Best win (as a heavy) Monte Barrett
Loss: Stopped by Carl Thompson in 2004
Rounds: 12
Comments: Haye is definitely an exciting newcomer to the heavyscene and he certainly got the power and speed to make it interesting. At 6.3 he also got the right size for the big boys. His weak spot and the biggest reason that he should be counted as a rather unknown commodity as a heavyweight is probably his chin. Monte Barrett didn’t test Hayes chin, but all’n all a good win for Haye in his heavyweight “debut”..
3 (4) Juan Carlos Gomez
YOB: 1973
Country: Cuba
H-W: 6.4- 230
Record: 44-1 (35)
Prodebut: 1995
Latest fight: Outboxed Wladimir Virchis the 27th of September
Best win (as a heavy): Wladimir Virchis
Loss: Stopped in round 1 by Yanqui Diaz in August 2004
Other notable victims (as a heavy): Oliver McCall, David Defiagbon, Sinan Samil Sam, Al Cole
Rounds: 12
Comments: Don’t know what is going on with Juan Carlos Gomez. His career as a heavy has been very up and down so far. He showed his class as a heavy when he outclassed Sinan Samil Sam. Inactivity followed the win and when he returned countryman Yanqui Diaz shockingly stopped him and when we all thought that he finally was on the right track with wins over David Defiagbon and Oliver McCall he became suspended when cocaine was found in his body after the win over McCall. He came back with “another” win over McCall in 2007 and outboxed the Ukrainian dangerman Virchis in September 2008 in the most important fight of Gomez’ heavyweight career so far. The erratic Cuban got all the right tools to become a successful heavyweight. He’s one of the best cruisers ever and with great handspeed, mobility good defence and decent power he has the potential to do what Holyfield did (move up from cruiser to become a heavyweightchamp). His biggest enemy is his not so disciplined behaviour outside the ring as I see it. Let’s see if he finally (as a heavy) can live up to his talent.
4 (6) Alexander Dimitrenko
YOB: 1982
Country: Ukraine
H-W: 6.7-250
Record: 29-0 (19)
Prodebut: 2001
Latest fight: Stopped Luan Krasniqi in round 3 the 15th of November
Best win: Stoppagewin over Luan Krasniqi in November 2008
Other wins: Timo Hoffmann, Malcolm Tann, Vaughn Bean, Fernely Feliz, Ross Puritty,Julius Francis, Kendrick Releford
Rounds: 12
Comments: A former junior super heavy champ who looks like a basketball-player and moves very well for a man at his size. Dimitrenko can look a little weak or thin from time to time but his combination of size, mobility and decent power is hard to match.
5 (8) Chris Arreola
YOB: 1981
Country: USA (California)
H-W: 6.3-240
Record: 25-0 (23)
Prodebut: 2003
Latest: Stopped Israel Garcia the 25th of September
Best win: Chazz Witherspoon.
Other wins: Stoppagewins over Malcolm Tann, Damian Willis, Sedreck Fields, Domonic Jenkins and Damian Norris
Rounds: 8
Comments: Chris Arreola is a classical brawler who always comes forward with fast and powerful shots. He was a successful amateur in the light heavy division, but has as a pro moved up to the heaviest division and you can see that it’s not only muscles that brought him up in weight. Impressive win over previously unbeaten Chazz Witherspoon in June.
6 (2) Eddie Chambers
YOB: 1982
Country: USA (Pittsburgh)
H-W: 6.1-220
Record: 31-1 (17)
Prodebut: 2000
Latest fight: Stopped Raphael Butler in round 6 the 20th of June
Best win: Calvin Brock in November 2007
Other notable victims: Dominic Guinn, Derrick Rossy, Domonic Jenkins, Ed Mahone, Robert Hawkins, Ross Puritty,
Loss: On points to Alexander Povetkin in January
Rounds: 12
Comments: Eddie Chambers is a rather mobile and fast American heavyweight who lacks explosional power and also might be a little bit too small at the end. But he knows his way round the ring and with his relaxed and rather elusive style, might be a nightmare for a couple of the bigger and more powerful prospects and contenders out there. He showed that he could box on even terms with Povetkin when he was “on” and the KO-win over Raphael Butler showed that the slick Eddie Chambers still wants to be in the mix.
7 (9) Odlanier Solis
YOB: 1980
Country: Cuba
H-W: 6.1-255
Record: 12-0 (8)
Prodebut: 2007
Latest: Stopped Chauncy Welliver in round 9 the 11th of October
Best win: Stopped Alex Mazikin in round 1 in June 2007
Other wins: Cisse Salif, Jeremy Bates, Aldo Colliander, Marcus McGee, Andreas Sidon
Rounds: 9
Comments: Solis is probably the most talented heavyweight in the world but he might also be the biggest waste of talent on the list. He’s absolutely the most exciting heavyweight who have turned pro from Castro’s Cuba and his first five or six opponents as a pro were the most impressive start for a newcomer since... The level of opponents has not continue to impress during his second year as a pro though.
Initially we got a lightning fast, mobile and hard to hit heavyweight with decent power. Now we got a heavy who have balooned up from 200 lbs four years ago to over 250 lbs today, with improved power but declined speed and mobilty. To me it seems that the big problem for Solis is the people around him. Solis is rumoured to be a partyanimal outside the ring and his disciplin has been questionized more than once, but his promoter doesn’t seem to care. He just keep screaming about his “Cuban Tyson” who’s going to knock everybody out, and that’s a pity cause Solis is not just another “toughman” with power, he has the potential to be an all time great IF he remember what his real skills are (speed, mobilty and defense). A 250 lbs Solis who doesn’t dance and only searching the knockout will not be a champ.
8 (10) Kevin Johnson
YOB: 1979
Country: USA (New Jersey)
H-W: 6.3- 240
Record: 21-0-1 (8)
Prodebut: 2003
Latest: Stopped Matthew greer in round 3 the 7th of November
Best win: Bruce Seldon
Other wins: Terry Smith, Damian Willis, Robert Hawkins, Robert Wiggins
Draw: Timur Ibraghimov
Rounds: 10
Comments: Johnson might have the best jab on the list and he’s also a rather fast boxer with good allroundskills. But he seems to be a fighter who do just enough to win and he looks a little lacklustre and lazy at times which cost him the victory against Timur Ibraghimov for example. Johnsons opponents was unusual tough at the early stages of his career, but it seems that his matchmaking (like his style) has been more careful now. It seems that he doesn’t wants to mix it up if he’s not forced to, so it would make sense to put him against a good pressurefighter next.
9 (18) Denis Boytsov
YOB: 1986
Country: Russia
H-W: 6.1-220
Record: 23-0 (18)
Prodebut: 2004
Latest: Outboxed Vinny Maddalone the 15th of November
Best win: Robert Hawkins
Other wins: Ondrej Pala in 2006
Rounds: 10
Comments: An offensiveminded and powerful boxer with good allroundskills. He became junior world amateurchamp with only KO-wins in 2004 and he certainly looks a little bit like a young Tyson in style. He can look a little listless if his opponent doesn’t fall down from his brutal shots, but he’s got good basic skills. I hope he can refine those skills so he doesn’t become a onedimensinal knockoutboxer. He finally stepped up a little in class when he beat tough journeyman Robert Hawkins in April. Even if Boytsov hasn’t lived up to our huge expectations yet, he still got time on his side and is absolutely someone to keep an eye on.
10 (12) Malik Scott
YOB: 1980
Country: USA (Philadelphia)
H-W: 6.4-250
Record: 31-0 (11)
Prodebut: 2000
Latest fight: Stopped Arthur Cook in round 7 the 18th of July
Best win: Charles Shufford in May 2007
Other notable victims: Kendrick Releford, Damian Norris
Rounds: 10
Comments: Scott was an amateurstandout and got a good jab and fine movements. He’s what you call a safety-first fighter. He likes to outbox his opponents rather than mix it up and after seven years as a pro he hasn’t really stepped it up so it’s not only his style that is “safety-first”.
11 (-) Cedric Boswell
YOB: 1969
Country: USA
H-W: 6.3-225
Record: 28-0 (22)
Prodebut: 1994
Latest fight: Stopped Roman Greenberg in round 2 the 29th of August
Best win: Roman Greenberg
Rounds: 10
Comments: Boswell was mentioned as one of the brightest prospects on the horizon in the late 90:s and at the early 2000. In 2003 he was stopped by Jameel McCline in the 10th and final round in a fight that Boswell was winning handily until then. He has been rather inactive since, but showed when he “exposed” Roman Greenberg that he, despite his age, might be someone to keep in mind.
12 (21) Travis Walker
YOB: 1979
Country: USA (Houston)
H-W: 6.4-240
Record: 28-1-1 (22)
Prodebut: 2004
Latest: Stopped Wallace McDaniels in round 1 the 4th of September
Best win: Stopped T J Wilson in February
Other wins: Jason Estrada
Drew: Against fellow prospect Jason Gavern in September 2005
Loss: TJ Wilson in 2007
Rounds: 10
Comments: Walker a former topamateur with a win at the national Golden Gloves 2003 as the peak is a big guy with a big punch and decent skills. He surprised a lot of us when he won on points against the usually very fast and mobile Jason Estrada. The loss to TJ Wilson was of course a setback but it was a rather premature stoppage and in the rematch a much sharper Walker showed that the first fight was some kind of fluke.
13 (20) Jason Estrada
YOB: 1980
Country: USA (Rhode Island)
H-W: 6.1-240
Record: 14-1 (3)
Prodebut: 2004
Latest fight: Outpointed Domonic Jenkins the 29th of August
Best win: Lance Whitaker in April
Other wins: Charles Shufford in 2007
Loss: A close decision to Travis Walker in 2006
Rounds: 10
Comments: Estrada was heavily criticized for his lame performance in Athens 2004, but don’t forget that Estrada is probably the most successful American heavyweight since Riddick Bowe. He has also been matched rather tough so far too silence his critics, which also resulted in a close loss to fellow prospect Travis Walker. But he seems to have lost some weight since then and is faster in both hands and feet than most other heavyweights, so if you add his lack of power he might try to follow the footsteps of Chris Byrd. Frustrate your opponents with elusiveness and counterpunch them with fast and accurate punches. I doubt that Estrada can really match Byrds reflexes and upperbody movement, so Estradas key is to use his feet to become a elusive target.
14 (-) Ondrej Pala
YOB: 1984
Country: Czech
H-W: 6.3-235
Record: 20-2 (16)
Prodebut: 2005
Latest: Outpointed Henry Akinwande the 4th of July
Best win: Henry Akinwande
Other wins: Arthur Cook
Losses: Rene Dettweiler (very controversial) and Denis Boytsov on cuts in 2006
Rounds: 8
Comments: Pala is a decent allroundboxer who both can box and slug. Gave Boytsov his toughest fight so far until the fight was stopped on cuts and he has been doing some fine results since then with the decission over “Huggin’ Henry” as the peak. Pala might be a “sleeper” on the european scene.
15 (40) Darrel Madison
YOB: 1977
Country: USA (New York)
H-W: 6.2-245
Record: 11-1 (3)
Prodebut: 2006
Latest: Outpointed Elfair McKnight the 26th of September
Loss: On dsq (not a dsq that hurt a young prospects career)
Best win: Outpointed Zuri Lawrence in May.
Rounds: 8
Comments: Madison is a stocky heavyweight who became top5 in USA and a New York Golden Gloves-winner as an amateur. He’s a southpaw who has moved down in weight and has become both sharper and slicker the last year. His only loss was a questionable disqualification in a fight he was winning and he stepped up alot in competition when he beat the tricky veteran Zuri Lawrence.
16 (28) Steffen Kretschmann
YOB: 1980
Country: Germany
H-W: 6.5-235
Record: 12-0 (11)
Prodebut: 2006
Latest: Stopped Otis Tisdale in round 5 the 12th of September
Best win: Outpointed Corey Sanders in October 2007
Rounds: 8
Comments: Kretschman was a good amateur with a WC-bronze 2003 on his record for example. He’s a good technical boxer with decent power.
17 (93) Alexander Ustinov
YOB: 1976
Country: Ukraine
H-W: 6.8-300
Record: 13-0 (11)
Prodebut: 2005
Latest: Stopped Julius Long in round 1 the 11th of October
Best win: Outpointed Rudolf Abramyan in May
Rounds: 8
Comments: A huge powerpuncher who arrived from the K1-scene and looks a little like a rawer and wilder version of Vitali Klitschko.
18 (16) Oleg Platov
YOB: 1983
Country: Ukraine
W: 220
Record: 26-1 (22)
Prodebut: 2001
Latest: A NC against Danny Williams the 8th of December
Best win: Henry Akinwande
Loss: Ludomir Mace in 2002 (which he avenged)
Rounds: 12
Comments: Platov is more unknown than a couple of his friends from the east, but he’s been began to make some noise lately even if not much is written about him. He’s more of a puncher than a boxer and someone called him an Ukrainian Samuel Peter. His victory (even if it was close) over Akinwande can’t be denied and he also stopped Canadian Stephane Tessier, one of the few who have last the distance against Povetkin. Platovs 2007 hasn’t been so successful as 2006 and the NC against Danny Williams was a rather flattering result for Platov, cause he was in big trouble when the doctor stopped it.
19 (34) Carlos Takam
YOB: 1980
Country: Cameroon
H-W: 6.2-235
Record: 17-0 (13)
Prodebut: 2005
Latest: Stopped Humberto Evora in round 2 the 18th of December
Best Win: Stopped Daniel Bispo in June
Rounds: 6
Comments: Takam represented Cameroon in Athens 2004 where he lost to finalist Mohamed Aly. He also became the African amateurchamp in 2003 and 2004. Also impressive to beat the previously unbeaten Zinidine Benmakhouf in his debut in December 2005. Takam is a technical sound heavyweight with good allroundskills who needs to step up the competition a little. It seems that all heavyweight boxers in France suffers from lack of decent competition.
20 (23) Sebastian Kober
YOB: 1979
Country: Germany
H-W: 6.3-235
Record: 16-0 (11)
Prodebut: 2006
Latest: Outpointed Viktor Szalai the 27th of September
Rounds: 8
Comments: Kober is a good allroundboxer who was among the best amateurs in the world for a couple of years until he turned pro. His chin might be his weak spot as he showed some times at the amateurs.
21 (24) Evans Quinn
YOB: 1983
Country: Nicaragua
W: 215
Record: 16-2 (14)
Prodebut: 2004
Latest: Outpointed Andrew Greeley the 21st of June
Best wins: Stopped JJ Macallister in round 1 in July 2007
Rounds: 10
Losses: Two early losses
Comments: Fought his first 10 fights home in Nicaragua and his record after that (8-2) was not especially impressive for someone with ambitions, but after he left home he got 7 straight KO-wins with 6 in the 1st round and after his impressive US-debut this summer his name began to mentions with respect. Quinn is a very mobile boxer who combines speed and power in a way that is very unusual for a heavyweight. The question is how far he has developed since his early days in Nicaragua.
22 (31) Bowie Tupou
YOB: 1982
Country: Tonga
H-W: 6.3-260
Record: 15-0 (11)
Prodebut: 2006
Latest: Stopped Otis Tisdale in round 2 the 7th of June
Best win: Stopped normally tough Jason Bergman in November 2007
Rounds: 6
Comments: Probably the biggest hope from “down under”. Tupou is at the moment situated in USA and is described as a bigger version of David Tua. The thing is that one of Tuas biggest assets is his chin or ability to take a good shot and move on and only time will tell if Tupou can live up to that, but he sure got power in his fists.
23 (25) Bermane Stiverne
YOB: 1977
Country: Canada
H-W: 6.2- 240
Record: 15-1 (15)
Prodebut: 2005
Latest: Stopped Brad Gregory in round 1 the 11th of July
Best win: Knockoutwin over Harold Sconiers in 2007
Loss: Stopped by Demetrice King in July
Rounds: 4
Comments: A rather successful amateur who just missed the plane to Athens 2004. Stivernes relaxed and powerful style might be better suited for the proring, even if the loss to Demetrice King indicated that he seems to lack a plan B if the opponent doesn’t fall down. It seems that he underrates his own skills, cause I think he got more skills than just brutal power. He knows how to box. The thing is that he must learn when its time to use his boxingskills instead of searching for the knockout .
24 (48) Nagy Aguilera
YOB: 1986
Country: Dominican republic
H-W: 6.3- 230
Record: 10-0 (6)
Prodebut: 2007
Latest: Outpointed Douglas Robertson the 11th of October
Rounds: 8
Comments: A good amateur who’s situated in New York and been praised a lot by sparringpartner Lou Savarese who thinks that Aguilera’s combination of craftiness, speed and toughness will bring him to the top.
25 (30) Kertson Manswell
YOB: 1976
Country: Trinidad&Tobago
H-W: 6.4-240
Record: 16-0 (13)
Prodebut: 2004
Latest: Outpointed Earl Ladson the 2nd of August
Best win: Won on points over Corey Sanders in October 2006
Rounds: 10
Comments: One of Americas (beside Cuba and USA) best amateurs a couple of years ago. Stepped up a little in class when he in 06 defeated journeymen Monaco and Sanders, but became rather inactive after that. He’s not the youngest on the list, so he can’t take it to slow.
26 (32) Johnnie White
YOB: 1984
Country: USA (Louisiana)
H-W: 6.4-230
Record: 20-0 (17)
Prodebut: 2005
Latest: stopped Timothy Burden in round 1 the 10th of October
Rounds: 8
Comments: White might be a dark horse. His name doesn’t pop up so often when new blood among new heavies are discussed. But on the amateurscene (where he was known as Alfred White) he was seen as one of those with potential to reach the Olympic games 2008, when he suddenly turned pro. He’s described as a fast and powerful young man, so put him in your hat and wait.
27 (29) Mariusz Wach
YOB: 1979
Country: Poland
H-W: 6.7- 260
Record: 18-0 (8)
Prodebut: 2005
Latest: Outpointed Daniel Peret the 7th of August
Best win: Stopped Arthur Cook in June 2006
Rounds: 9
Comments: A big man with a lot of good amateurwins on his record. Was mentioned as one the best heavyweights who didn’t make it to Athens 2004.
28 (74) Derek Chisora
YOB: 1983
Country: UK
H-W: 6.2-250
Record: 7-0 (4)
Prodebut: 2007
Latest: Stopped Lee Swaby in round 3 the 26th of September
Best win: Stopped fellow prospect Sam Sexton in June
Rounds: 6
Comments: Chisora was a good amateur on UK level and has been rather succesful so far as a pro. Especialy the win over fellow prospect Sexton impresses.
29 (26) Carl Davis Drumond
YOB: 1975
Country: Costa Rica
W: 225
Record: 26-0 (20)
Prodebut: 2005
Latest: Stopped Alejandro Agustin Alvarez the 30th of June
Best win: Kelvin Davis
Other wins: Ramon Hayes, Sedreck Fields
Rounds: 10
Comments: Has stepped up in class lately with decent wins over journeymen like Ramon Hayes and Sedreck Fields and the former cruiser contender Kelvin Davis. Its been talk about a central American clash between him and Evans Quinn, which would be interesting.
30 (38) Gbenga Oloukun
YOB: 1983
Country: Nigeria
H-W: 6.1-220
Record 16-0 (10)
Prodebut: 2005
Latest: Stopped Petr Sedlak in round 2 the 10th of May
Rounds: 8
Comments: Nigerias man in the superheavydivision in Athens where he almost stopped (was outboxed until then) highly touted Roberto Cammarelle. He’s strong and tough but not the most technical out there.
31 (36) Solomon Haumono
YOB: 1975
Country: Australia
H-W: 6.2-235
Record: 15-0 (14)
Prodebut: 2000
Latest fight: Outpointed Cliff Couser the 27th of August
Rounds: 8
Comments: A former rugbyplayer in the footsteps of Anthony Mundine who after a couple of years in the ring went back to the rugbyfield, but now has made the decision to give boxing another try. Haumono is a real powerman who got some natural talent for boxing. The questionmark according to those who know is if he got the right dedication, but it is said that he’s on his way to USA for some training under the guidance of Roy Jones sr so maybe that’s an incentive.
32 (59) Jonte Willis
YOB: 1983
Country: USA (Washington)
H-W: 5.11-215
Record: 4-0 (2)
Prodebut: 2007
Rounds: 4
Latest: Outboxed Clarence Tillman the 20th of June
Comments: Willis is a small but fast heavyweight with good allroundskills and one of the best American amateurs post 2004. His opponents has also been rather tough so far for someone who just started his procareer.
33 (64) Francesco Pianeta
YOB: 1984
Country: Italy
H-W: 6.5- 245
Record: 17-0 (10)
Prodebut: 2005
Latest: Stopped Scott Gammer (injury) in round 8 the 29th of August
Best win: Michael Marrone in May
Rounds: 8
Comments: An Italian heavyweight who fights for Sauerland in Germany. Impressed in his win over previously unbeaten Michael Marrone.
34 (70) Kasim Howard
YOB: 1982
Country: USA (Florida)
W: 6.3-215
Record: 7-0 (4)
Prodebut: 2007
Latest: Outboxed Harvey Jolly the 11th of April
Comments: Howard, a fasthanded heavyweight, was a decent amateur who became nr 1 in Florida and reached the top10 in USA. He’s now praised by a lot of observers as one of the best heavyweight prospects from USA
35 (-) Mike Perez
YOB: 1985
Country: Cuba
W: 6.1-225
Record: 6-0 (5)
Latest: Stopped Luis Oscar Ricail in round 1 the 26th of October
Rounds: 6
Comments: Perez is a fasthanded southpaw who became the junior world champ as a light heavyweight in 2004 and was ranked number two among the Cuban heavyweights when he turned pro in Ireland earlier this year. He also seems to have the right backup as a pro, with cuban trainer Nicholas Cruz in his corner.
36 (35) Devin Vargas
YOB: 1981
Country: USA (Ohio)
H-W: 6.2-215
Record: 15-0 (7)
Prodebut: 2004
Latest: Stopped Dave Brunelli the 9th of May
Rounds: 8
Comments: USA:s heavyweight in Athens where he lost to Viktar Zuev. Likes to see himself as a boxer-kind of brawler and has been rather un-hyped as a pro so far.
37 (-) Manuel Quezada
YOB: 1977
Country: USA
H-W: 6.2-225
Record: 24-4 (15)
Prodebut: 2001
Latest: Outpointed Andrew Greeley the 21st of August
Losses: Last loss in 2005
Rounds: 10
Comments: Kind of a “latebloomer” who has improved a lot the last couple of years. A good bodypuncher, who knows his way around the ring. Hasn’t lost since 2005 and has beaten much better fighters during the time, than the boxers he lost to in his early days.
38 (49) Andrzej Wawrzyk
YOB: 1987
Country: Poland
H-W: 6.5-225
Record: 12-0 (8)
Prodebut: 2006
Latest: Stopped Harry Duiven jr in round 8 the 18th of October.
Rounds: 8
Comments: A young pole that got the size and the amateurcred. Wawrzyk was one of the best juniors among the amateur super heavies when he turned pro.
39 (46) Travis Kauffman
YOB: 1985
Country: USA (Pennsylvania)
H-W: 6.3-240
Record: 13-0 (7)
Prodebut: 2006
Latest: Stopped Josh Gutcher in round 1 the 13th of September
Rounds: 8
Comments: An amateur star with a lot of praisers behind him. He’s got quick and powerful hands. Has been inactive for more than a year because of some issues outside the ring, but is now back on track.
40 (72) Ashanti Jordan
YOB: 1977
Country: USA (Louisiana)
H-W: 6.3-230
Record: 6-0 (5)
Prodebut: 2007
Latest: Outpointed John Clark the 26th of september
Rounds: 6
Comments: Jordan was a top5-amateur in USA when he turned pro and might be some kind of sleeper among the “young” americans.
41 (55) Eugene Hill
YOB: 1978
Country: USA (Texas)
H-W: 5.11-250
Record: 14-0 (12)
Prodebut: 2006
Latest: Stopped Joe Fuller in round 2 the 11th of October
Rounds: 8
Comments: Like many others on the list was Hill a top10-amateur in USA when he turned pro, but unlike many of the others is Hills style much more proish than amateurish. He’s a stocky pressure-fighter with lots of power in his fists.
42 (61) Wilmer Vasquez
YOB: 1981
Country: Venezuela
H-W: 6.4-275
Record: 7-0 (4)
Prodebut: 2006
Latest: Outpointed Charles Davis the 11th of October
Rounds: 6
Comments: A muscled boxer with power who competed in the Olympic games 2004, but has like his nemesis from Athens, Solis gained a lot of weight since.
43 (43) Donnell Holmes
YOB: 1973
Country: USA (North Carolina)
W: 220
Record: 29-0-2 (25)
Prodebut: 2003
Latest: Stopped Benito Fernandez in round 2 the 27th of June
Best win: Stopped Stacy Frazier in 2005
Draw: Against Mark Doku and Earl Ladson
Rounds: 8
Comments: Has been mentioned as someone to look out for. But he definitely needs to step up in competition. Still fighting “recordpadders” is not a good sign.
44 (77) Keith Spencer
H-W: 6.6-260
Country: USA (California)
Record: 5-0 (4)
Prodebut: 2006
Latest: Stopped Hermann Binek in round 1 the 25th of July
Best win: Stopped fellow prospect Theron Johnson in June
Rounds: 4
Comments: Spencer is a big man who also was a good (but not great) amateur. Among the best, but not top3 in USA. A man at Spencer size might be better suited for a pro-ring, so might be worth the check.
45 (-) Tor Hamer
YOB: 1983
Country: USA (New York)
H-W: 6.2–225
Record: 1-0
Latest: Stopped Joseph Rabotte in round 2 the 22nd of October
Comments: Hamer established himself as one of the best american amateurs in a very short time with the victory in the Golden Gloves as the peak. His style can be described as a powerful and mobile bodypuncher.
46 (73) Andrey Fedosov
YOB: 1986
Country: Russia
H-W: 6.1-215
Record: 18-1 (14)
Prodebut: 2003
Latest: Stopped Harold Sconiers in round 4 the 29th of August
Loss: To Alexander Mileiko in 2004
Comments: Fedosov is a young fighter who’s described as more powerful than skilful.
47 (50) J D Chapman
YOB: 1983
Country: USA (Arkansas)
H-W: 6.6-245
Record: 29-0 (26)
Prodebut: 2002
Latest: Stopped Rick Boruff in round 2 the 8th of February
Rounds: 10
Comments: He has been given a lot of attention at least in Boxrecs forum where he’s discussed as much as the top stars in the sport. Aside of that he seems to be just a little overprotected.
48 (45) David Rodriguez
YOB: 1977
Country: USA (Texas)
W: 6.5-245
Record: 28-0 (26)
Prodebut: 1998
Latest fight: Stopped Andy Sample in round 1 the 27th of September
Rounds: 8
Comments: Has some kind of following in New Mexico, but seems to be very overprotected. Needs to fight someone half decent before we can judge him. One of his latest victim Brian Robinson was (0-6) when Rodriguez (17-0) fought him for example. And when he was (19-0) he fought (0-1) Brandon Quigley . Quigleys only fight prior to Rodriguez was a 1st round KO-loss to Travis Fulton who… etc… Rodriguez is a good exemple when a “good” record turns into bad record when you looks closer at it.
49 (-) Victor Bisbal
YOB: 1980
Country: Puerto Rico
H-W: 6.4- 240
Record: 13-1 (11)
Prodebut: 2005
Latest: Stopped Ronald Bellamy in round 4 the 1st of November
Loss: Stopped by spoiler Domonic Jenkins in april 2006
Comments: Bisbal was a successful amateur who competed in the Olympic games 2004 and was after that followed by a lot of hype in his first fights in the proring, when he two years ago all of a sudden was stopped by the prospectspoiler Domonic Jenkins. He’s now with a couple of lowprofile wins back on track again.
50 (-) Grzegorz Kielsa
YOB: 1979
Country: Poland
H-W: 6.4-230
Record: 7-0 (3)
Prodebut: 2006
Latest: Outpointed Jerry Butler the 29th of August
Rounds: 8
Comments: This pole was a good amateur who’s going on with his procareer in Canada at the moment. He was inactive for awhile, but is now back on track.
51 (-) Nate James
YOB: 1981
Country: USA
H-W: 6.5-260
Record: 1-0
Latest: Outpointed Timo Schwarm the 12th of July
Comments: A long powerful southpaw who was one of the best amateurs in USA for the last couple of years. He won the Golden Gloves in 2007 for exemple.
52 (92) Gregory Tony
YOB: 1978
Country: France
H-W: 6.5- 240
Record: 8-0 (8)
Prodebut: 2007
Latest: Stopped Daniel Peret in round 4 the 5th of June
Comments: A former K1-fighter who had started his boxingcareer with only ko-wins. And the things that I’ve seen of him as a kickboxer is that he’s more of a “boxer” than a “kicker”, so why not ...
53 (53) Ian Millarvie
YOB: 1980
Country: Scotland
H-W: 6.6-240
Record: 7-0 (5)
Prodebut: 2005
Latest: Stopped Jevgenis Stamburskis in round 2 the 5th of November
Rounds: 6
Comments: A successful amateur who was a rather talked about newcomer on the UK heavyweight scene when he turned pro. Rather inactive at the moment.
54 (42) Faruq Saleem
YOB: 1973
Country: USA (New Jersey)
H-W: 6.7-250
Record: 37-0 (32)
Prodebut: 1998
Latest fight: Outpointed Willie Perryman the 14th of November
Rounds: 10
Comments: Saleem is a big, powerful guy who has been matched very careful. The fact that a close 6-rounds win over Sedreck Fields counts as his best win after ten years as a pro. probably says it all.
55 (60) Martin Rogan
YOB: 1971
Country: Northern Ireland
W: 6.3- 225
Record: 10-0 (5)
Prodebut: 2004
Latest fight: Won the “Prizefighter tournament” the 11th of April (Won over David Dolan in the final)
Best win: Won the “Prizefighter tournament” the 11th of April
Rounds: 6
Comments: A toughman who started to box just a couple of years ago and developed into a top amateur before he turned pro.
56 (-) Manuel Charr
Country: Germany (Lebanon)
YOB: 1984
W: 6.4- 250
Record: 9-0 (4)
Prodebut: 2005
Latest: Outpointed Adnan Serin the 31st of May
Best win: Pedro Carrion in 2006
Rounds: 8
Comments: After beating the amateur star Carrion in 2006, he had some legal problems, but it seems that he’s back now.
57 (68) Maksym Pedyura
Country: Ukraine
H: 6.5- 235
Record: 11-0 (10)
Prodebut: 2006
Latest: Stopped Ergin Solmaz in round 2 the 12th of September
Rounds: 6
Comments: Read that he’s mentioned as a prospect and a heavyhitter but that’s all I found about him.
58 (-) Murad Khalidov
YOB: 1988
Country: Russia
Record: 3-0 (1)
Latest: Stopped Vadim Zangiev the 21st of June
H-W: 6.3-220
Comments: In 2007 he became the junior heavyweight champ as an amateur in Russia, so he must have something in his pocket.
59 (-) Robert Helenius
YOB: 1984
Country: Finland
H-W: 6.6-230
Record: 4-0 (1)
Latest: Outpointed Nikola Vujasinovic the 8th of November
Comments: A decent amateur on european level, with a silvermedal in EC 2006 as a peak so far
60 (56) Vladimir Tereshkin
YOB: 1988
Country: Russia
H-W: 6.5-235
Record: 9-0-1 (5)
Prodebut: 2007
Latest: Outpointed Daniel Peret the 1st of November
Rounds: 8
Comments: He was a good Russian amateur and with the right size and only 20 years old one to keep in mind for the future.
61 (-) Yakup Saglam
YOB: 1977
Country: Turkey
H-W: 6.4- 225
Record: 16-0 (15)
Prodebut: 2006
Latest: Stopped Attila Mameth in round 1 the 23rd of August
Comments: A rather unknown turkish boxer who has arrived in the shadows of his more known cuban stablemates (Solis …)
62 (-) Bogdan Dinu
YOB: 1986
Country: Romania
H-W: 230
Record: 2-0
Latest: Outpointed Sean McClain the 1st of August
Comments: Dinu was a good amateur on european level and fighting tough Stepahne Tessier in a debut is a rather unusual tough start for a beginner.
63 (62) Sam Sexton
YOB: 1984
Country: UK
H-W: 6.4-240
Record: 10-1 (3)
Prodebut: 2005
Latest: Stopped Chris Burton in the Prizefighter-final the 12th of September.
Loss: To Derek Chisora in June 2008
Rounds: 6
Comments: Sexton is a good allroundboxer with a decent amateurbackground. He came back fine after the loss to fellow prospect Chisora, with an impressive victory in the Prizefighter-tournament.
64 (-) Volodia Lazebnik
YOB: 1980
Country: Ukraine
H-W: 6.2-235
Record: 14-0 (8)
Prodebut: 2004
Latest: Outpointed Vladimer Chanturia the 15th of November
Rounds: 8
Comments: Was the top amateur in Ukraine the years just after the Klitschkos turned pro. Another Ukrainian hopeful for the future?
65 (-) Neven Pajkic
YOB: 1977
Country: Canada/Serbia
W: 6.3-230
Record: 8-0 (4)
Prodebut: 2005
Latest: Outpointed Shane Andreesen the 27th of September
Rounds: 8
Comments: A Serb/Canadian who is a decent allroundboxer and has began to make some noise on the Canadian scene lately.
66 (-) Magomed Abdusalamov
YOB: 1981
H-W: 6.4 -260
Country: Russia
Record: 1-0
Latest: Stopped Epiphanie Pipi in round 1 the 6th of September
Comments: Won the Russian championship in 2005 and 2006, but competed for Belarus most of the time as an amateur. Abdusalamov is a real puncher and got a lot of ko:s on his amateurrecord.
67 (66) Kelvin Price
YOB: 1975
Country: USA (Florida)
H-W: 6.8- 250
Record: 4-0 (4)
Prodebut: 2007
Latest: Stopped Melvin Lumzy in round 1 the 15th of March
Comments: Even if Price is a former basketballplayer there’s a couple things that separates him from the usual big tough athlete who tries to make an impact in boxing. The first thing is that he’s actually been training boxing almost every day for five years. He wanted to learn the basics from the ground. The other thing is that his teacher during the years has been Roy Jones sr who’s very impressed by the progress of his his adept. He believes that Prices combination of size, power, speed and agility will make him a future heavyweight champ. So I’m a little curious about his future.
68 (-) Seth Mitchell
YOB: 1983
H-W: 6.2- 240
Country: USA (Maryland)
Record: 8-0-1 (4)
Latest: Stopped Dan Whetzel in round 1 the 7th of November
Draw: With Alvaro Morales(!) in March
Rounds: 6
Comments: A latestarter who started to box as an amateur not long ago and has devoloped a lot since the start. Both fast and powerful
69 (65) Lenroy Thomas
YOB: 1985
Country: Jamaica
W: 6.4 -230
Record: 10-1 (7)
Prodebut: 2006
Latest: Outpointed Andrew Greeley the 7th of November
Rounds: 4
Comments: Thomas competed successfully in USA as an amateur and he was ranked among the best when he turned pro. He lost his debut to Ruben Rivera but has came back good after that.
70 (-) Kevin Burnett
YOB: 1982
Country: USA (Georgia)
H-W: 6.7-265
Record: 13-1-1 (8)
Latest: Outpointed Horace Ray Grant the 20th of June
Loss: Stopped by Willie Walker in 2006
Rounds: 8
Comments: Burnett was trained by Don Turner before, but I don’t know how it is right now. Described as fasthanded and powerful though. Was in deep trouble in the last round against Horace Ray Grant in a fight he won quite easy until then.
71 (95) Johann Duhaupas
YOB: 1981
Country: France
H-W: 6.5-235
Record: 17-0 (10)
Prodebut: 2004
Latest: Stopped Radoslav Milutinovic in round 1 the 20th of June
Rounds: 6
Comments: One of the best amateur heavies in France when he turned pro, but he hasn’t really stepped up in class yet.
72 (-) Deontay Wilder
YOB: 1985
Country: USA
H-W: 6.7-210
Record: 1-0
Latest: Stopped Ethan Cox in round 2 the 15th of November
Comments: USA:s only (boxing)medalist in Beijing. He’s still quite raw, but can be a force when he starts to use his size.
73 (-) Tom Dallas
YOB: 1985
Country: UK
H-W: 6.6-230
Record: 2-0
Latest: Stopped Howard Daley in round 2 the 15th of November
Comments: A top3 ranked super heavyweight in UK as an amateur.
74 (-) Rashad Minor
YOB: 1977
Country: USA
H-W: 6.3-290
Record: 1-0
Latest: Stopped Joel Colon in round 1 the 6th of September
Comments: Became the National Junior Olympic heavyweight champion in the mid-90:s and was seen as one of the brightest talents of young heavyweights in USA. But he disappeared and turned into basketball instead. He’s now after a couple of years in prison back in the ring, and he got his share of believers behind him. A little overweight but fast and powerful.
75 (-) Jeremiah Graziano
YOB: 1987
Country: USA
H-W: 6.1-200
Record: 1-0
Latest: Stopped Roger Ingram in round 1 the 29th of October
Comments: The young Graziano has with impressive victorys in a couple of national tournaments taken the amateur scene in USA by storm. He also got the name and style that smells of history. A stylish reminder of a young Mike Tyson, Graziano got an unusual high percent of KO:s on his record, so I got a feeling that we will hear a lot more about this young kid when he now walks into the proring. The big question is if he’s going to compete in the heavyweight or cruiserweight division.
76 (54) Chris Burton
YOB: 1981
Country: UK
H-W: 6.5-230
Record: 12-1 (6)
Prodebut: 2005
Latest: Lost the final to Sam Sexton in the Prizefighter-tournament the 12th of September
Best win: Stopped Matthew Ellis in February
Other wins: Franklin Egobe
Rounds: 8
Comments: Burton was a decent amateur on UK-level and is calm and fasthanded. Stepped up in class when he easily dominated Matthew Ellis. Lost to Sam Sexton in the Prizefighter-final, but not a “normal” loss, so he’s still on the list.
77 (-) Eric Martel
YOB: 1981
Country: Canada
H-W: 6.3-240
Record: 1-0
Latest: Outpointed Stephane Tessier the 24th of October
Comments: A rather fast heavyweight who was among the best amateurs in Canada.
78 (82) Andrey Rudenko
YOB: 1983
Country: Ukraine
W: 240
Record: 11-0 (4)
Prodebut: 2006
Latest: Outpointed Ivor Marinchev the 14th of June
Rounds: 6
Comments: Rudenko has represented the Ukrainian national team a couple of times.
79 (81) Joe Hanks
YOB: 1983
Country: USA (New Jersey)
H-W: 240
Record: 3-0 (2)
Prodebut: 2007
Latest: Stopped Ali Malik in round 2 the 17th of May
Comments: Hanks nickname is “The future” and with a decent amateur career behind him, he might be just that. He reached the semifinal in this years Golden Gloves and he has also been a popular sparringpartner for boxers like Wladimir Klitschko and Chris Byrd.
80 (-) Beka Lobzhanidze
YOB: 1981
Country: Georgia
H-W: 6.4- 230
Record: 1-0
Latest: Stopped Vaclav Cihlar in round 2 the 31st of May
Comments: Ranked among the 10-15 best amateurs in Europe when he turned pro
81 (-) Guru Singh
YOB: 1977
Country: India
W: 6.3-220
Record: 19-0 (11)
Prodebut: 2001
Latest fight: Stopped Colin Kenna in round 4 the 27th of September
Rounds: 10
Comments: Singh competed as a light heavy for India in the Olympics but has now moved up a little in weight. Took a couple of years off but is now back in the saddle.
82 (85) Henry Fuentes
YOB: 1976
Country: Cuba
H-W: 6.2-240
Record: 7-0 (4)
Prodebut: 2007
Latest: Outponted Willie Perryman the 26th of September
Comments: Fuentes is a former wrestler who took up boxing when he came to USA a year ago. Reports says that he has improved a lot so …
83 (-) Larry Olubamiwo
YOB: 1978
Country: UK
H-W: 6.4-260
Record: 2-0
Latest: Stopped David Ingleby in round 2 the 15th of November
Comments: Described as a huge heavyhitter who’s remarkable agile for someone at his size.
84 (-) Andres Taylor
YOB: 1979
Country: USA (Pennsylvania)
W: 205
Record: 2-0-1 (0)
Latest: Drewed with Jason Freeman the 21st of September
Comments: Was a top5 heavyweight among american amateurs when he turned pro.
85 (-) Alexis Mejias
YOB: 1978
Country: Puerto Rico
H-W: 6.4-230
Record: 8-1 (3)
Prodebut: 2000
Latest fight: Stopped Bernard Brown in round 2 the 7th of November.
Lost: To Patrick Nwanu in 2004.
Rounds: 4
Comments: Mejias was mentioned as someone to follow in the early 2000, but after a surprising loss to tricky Nwanu he suddenly disappeared. After four inactive years is Mejias now back in the saddle.
86 (91) Skyler Anderson
YOB: 1986
Country: USA (Washington)
H-W: 6.7- 240
Record: 10-1-1 (5)
Prodebut: 2005
Latest: Outboxed Joe Stofle the 4th of July
Rounds: 8
Comments: A young guy with some raw talent who improves in every fight according to those in the know.
87 (-) Yuri Budanov
YOB: 1986
Country: Russia
W: 220
Record: 8-0 (8)
Latest: Stopped Vladimir Danilovich the 22nd of October
Comments: Sounds like another young russian heavyhitter.
88 (99) Justin Jones
YOB: 1982
Country: USA (Houston)
W: 235
Record: 3-0-1 (2)
Prodebut: 2007
Latest: Drewed with Homero Fonseca the 18th of July
Comments: Jones was a decent amateur and won the Western Trials and became the Texas Golden Gloves champ for super heavies in 2007 for exemple.
89 (89) Dieter Roth
YOB: 1983
Country: Germany
H-W: 6.3-220
Record: 19-0 (12)
Prodebut: 2005
Latest: Outpointed Edgar Kalnas the 13th of September
Rounds: 8
Comments: The little brother of retired? Egon Roth. Dieter is a better “boxer” than his brother, but who on the list isn’t.
90 (-) Dwayne McRae
YOB: 1980
Country: USA
W: 245
Record: 1-0
Latest: Stopped Hannibal Otey in round 4 the 5th of September
Comments: A Lennox Lewis-lookalike with a decent variety of punches in his arsenal.
91 (-) Elijah McCall
YOB: 1988
Country: USA
H-W: 6.2-220
Record: 1-0 (1)
Latest: Stopped Darrion Moss in round 1 the 21st of June
Comments: The son of “Ironman” Oliver McCall at least makes an interesting story.
92 (-) Jesse Peterson
YOB: 1988
Country: USA (Tennessee)
W: 250
Record: 2-0 (1)
Latest: Stopped Ricardo Clayton in round 2 the 27th of September
Comments: A good amateur on US level
93 (-) Jens Krull
YOB: 1989
Country: Germany
W: 6.9- 285
Record: 3-0 (3)
Latest: Stopped Peter Simko in round 2 the 10th of October.
Comments: A huge young german with ambitions
94 (80) Alexey Soloviev
YOB: 1973
Country: Russia
H-W: 6.3-220
Record: 15-0 (10)
Prodebut: 2004
Latest: Stopped Raymond Ochieng in round 3 the 10th of May
Rounds: 11
Comments: Nothing much is known about this Russian boxer, but he continues to climbs up the ranking.
95 (-) Kaspars Kambala
YOB: 1979
Country: Latvia (Nevada)
H-W: 6.9-270
Record: 3-0-1 (2)
Latest: Stopped Ronnie Weaver the 8th of July
Draw: Against Alvaro Morales in January
Comments: A former basketballpalyer who has turned pro under the wings of Richard Steele. Hasn’t really impressed so far.
96 (88) Tyler Hinkey
YOB: 1982
Country: USA (Nevada)
H-W: 6.1-245
Record: 4-0-1 (3)
Prodebut: 2007
Latest: Stopped Mike Finney in round 1 the 13th of June
Draw: Against Alvaro Morales in October 2007
Comments: He was a decent amateur and he’s described as powerful.
97 (-) Tim Skolnik
YOB: 1981
Country: USA
W: 6.1-215
Record: 1-0
Latest: Stopped Sean McLain in round 4 the 6th of March
Comments: He was the alternate for Jason Estrada in the olympic games in Athen 2004.
98 (86) Richard Carmack
YOB: 1988
Country: USA (Kansas City)
W: 270
Record: 5-0 (5)
Prodebut: 2006
Latest: Stopped Nick Tindle in round 1 the 1st of December
Rounds: 2
Comments: Carmack was a good amateur at jr level and is also one of the youngest on the list, so he at least got a lot of time on his side.
99 (96) Edmund Gerber
YOB: 1988
Country: Germany
H-W: 6.3- 220
Record: 5-0 (1)
Latest: Outpointed Stanislav Lukyanchikov the 7th of June
Comments: A German kid who was a successful amateur on junior level
100 (-) Skuli Armannsson
YOB: 1983
Country: Iceland
H-W: 6.4-250
Record: 1-0 (1)
Latest: Stopped Caleb Nelson in round 2 the 7th of June
Comments: Boxers from Iceland are rarities so why not take the the chance to follow this heavyweight who was a decent amateur on european level.
AMATEURSCOUTING
And who are the most interesting amateur heavyweights? The list below is not an objective ranking about who’s the best amateur right now and so on, it’s a highly subjective ranking about potential to be a succesful professional heavyweight.
(1) Roberto Cammarelle
YOB: 1980
H-W: 6.3-SH
Country: Italy
He took the goldmedal in Beijing and won the WC in 2007, so his merits speaks for itself. Cammarelle is a fantastic boxer who's fast, hits hard and show up good reflexes. But I heard that he’s quite happy with his amateurlife and not so enthusiastic about turning pro, but with the two golds in the pocket, he surely is a hot name for the proscene and people have changed their mind before… Let’s hope that Cammarelle turns pro, cause I’m rather sure that he will be a succesful and an exciting one.
(2) Oleksandr Usyk
YOB: 1987
H-W: 6.3-H
Country: Ukraine
Usyk has the last year transformed from a good middleweight to a very good heavyweight. A technical southpawboxer who relies a lot on speed and reflexes. Lost to Clemente Russo in the qurterfinal in Beijing, but that was amateurboxing. Im rather sure that Usyk will get his revenge if they meet again in a proring. He moved down to light heavy in EC 2008 so I guess it’s rather unlikely that he will turn pro as a heavyweight.
3) Islam Timurziev
YOB: 1983
H-W: 6.2-SH
Country: Russia
Timurziev surprisingly lost to UK David Price in Beijing, but to me it looked like a very premature stoppage so I still rate him as one of the hottest amateurs in the world. And like his predecessor, Alexander Povetkin, the 25-year-old Russian Timurziev got a style that really should be better suited for the proscene. He moves economically, without being flatfooted. Add to this an impressive knockoutpower and you have a rather complete proboxer. The big questionmark is his health. He seems to be rather injury proned. Rumours about retirement are floating around at the moment.
(4) Michael Hunter
YOB: 1988
H-W: 6.2-SH
Country: USA
Although Hunter did not even got to the Olympics I rate him as one of the most interesting names for the proscene. The young American missed the ticket with the narrowest of margins three times in a row. Hunter is an unusually fast heavyweight. He is both fast in hands, feet and mind. In addition, he has good reflexes which makes him very hard to hit. He might lack a little in the power department though and I also think that his lack of experience showed in the Olympic qualifier against Robert Alfonso. But Hunter might be the biggest american talent in the heavyweight division since Riddick Bowe.
(5) Tyson Fury
YOB: 1988
H-W: 6.7-SH
Country: UK
Fury is a young big man who outclassed all opposition in the last ABA championships. Fury got the personality and is very mobile for such a big man, so I can imagine that British promoters are on a waiting list the day Fury hints about a career as a pro. He was scheduled to turn pro in September, but he cancelled that and it seems that he continues as an amateur a little longer instead.
(6) Vyacheslav Glazkov
YOB: 1984
H-W: 6.2-SH
Country: Ukraine
The silvermedalist from WC 2007 took a bronzemedal in Beijing. Glazkov is a good allroundboxer who might be more succesful as a pro than his predecessor Mazikin.
(7) Rakhim Chakhiyev
YOB: 1983
H-W: 6.0-H
Country: Russia
He won the heavyweight gold in Beijing and he’s more of a puncher than a “boxer”.
(8) Maxim Babanin
YOB: 1987?
H-W: SH
Country: Russia
The best junior super heavy in the world during 2007, is expected to take over the Russian mantle after Timurziev.
(9) Zhang Zhilei
YOB: 1983
H-W: 6.8-SH
Country: China
A huge chinese who’s rather mobile and smooth for someone at his size. Took the silver in Beijing, but was outclassed by Cammarelle in the final.
(10) Oscar Rivas
YOB: 1987
H-W: 6.1-SH
Country: Colombia
A tough youngster who lost to Cammarelle in Beijing. He got a rather professional style and might be the best super heavyweight south of Cuba.
(11) Robert Alfonso
YOB: 1986
H-W: 6.4-SH
Country: Cuba
The young Alfonso was mentioned as the best olympic super heavy from Cuba since the late Roberto Balado, but he didn’t show anything of that in Beijing…
(12) David Price
YOB: 1983
H-W: 6.8-SH
Country: UK
Took the bronzemedal in Beijing where he “stopped” Timurziev on the way. But it was a premature stoppage and he was rather brutalized by Cammarelle in the semi. Price is a big man with a good jab and power, but he’s also rather stiff.
(13) Didier Bence
YOB: 1987
H-W: 6.1-SH
Country: Canada
Has been wounded during the last year, which hurted his chances to qualify for Beijing. But he’s got a powerful style who might be well suited for the proring.
(14) Kubrat Pulev
YOB: 1981
H-W: 6.4-SH
Country: Bulgaria
Skilled bulgar who have been around for a while, with a lot of success.
(15) Osmay Acosta
YOB: 1985
H-W: 6.2-H
Country: Cuba
A good “boxer” who took a bronze in Beijing, but Acosta is not in his predecessor Odlanier Solis class.
(16) David Arshba
YOB: 1986
H-W: SH
Country: Russia
Russian wonder child as it whispered a lot about a couple of years ago. Arshba has not quite managed the praise, but is still young. He qualified for Beijing under the Azerbaijan flag, but the new passport was not quite clear so … no China for him. But with a reputation as a tough cookie, he can surely become a pro to be reckoned with.
(17) Denis Poyatsika
YOB: 1985
H-W: 6.0-H
Country: Ukraine
A short slugger who won the European title 2006, where he for exemple stopped Roman Romanchuk in the final.
(18) Joey Dawejko
YOB: 1990
H-W: 5.11-SH
Country: USA
The Youth World Champion in 2008. Dawejko is a bit chubby but surprisingly fast. Someone called him a white James Toney.
(19) Denis Sergeev
YOB: 1982
H-W: 6.4-SH
Country: Russia
Russians number two in the super heavyweight. Sergeev is a fairly traditional standup, european boxer who might be a little to “amateurish” at the end.
(20) Clemente Russo
YOB: 1982
H-W: 5.11-H
Country: Italy
A short “boxer” who’s “slap and dance”-style is tailormmade for the amateurgame. He won the WC in 2007 and took the silver in Beijing. He could probably make life difficult for any of the much bigger europeans, but realisticly is the cruiserweight his division.
(21) Erislandy Savon
YOB: 1990
H-W: H
Country: Cuba
Cuban teenager who’s described as a tall boxer with excellent skills. Became the Youth World Champ in November and has boxed on even terms with Osmay Acosta back home in Cuba a couple of times. And the fact that he’s the nephew of the great Felix Savon doesn’t make him less interesting.
(22) Egor Mekhontsev
YOB: 1984
W: H
Country: Russia
He just won the european championship
(23) Evgeny Romanov
YOB: 1984
H-W: 6.2-H
Country: Russia
Hard hitting Russian who became jr world champ among heavyweights in 2004 and knocked out the American Deontay Wilder in a duel in 2008.
(24) Keith Tapia
YOB: 1990
H-W: 6.1-H
Country: Purto Rico
Just turned 17, Tapia participated in the World Cup 2007 for Purto Rico. Many believe that he would dominate the amateur scene 2012 if he stayed as an amateur, but both himself and his people around him wants to go pro sooner rather than later. I think it would be better for him to continue to develop his skills as an amateur a couple of years than to rush into the proscene.
(25) Mike Wilson
YOB: 1983
H-W: 6.2-SH
Country: USA
Was the U.S. number one before the young Hunter came around. His selfconfidence might have been hurt a bit when Hunter took Wilsons' given 'place as the United States man in the Olympic qualification. Time will tell, but I have my doubts, even if the skills are there.
(26) Sardor Abdullayev
YOB: 1988?
H-W: SH
Country: Uzbekhistan
The silvermedalist from jr WC 2006 has also been doing fine as a senior
(27) Kimbo Bethel
YOB: 1984
H-W: 6.2-SH
Country: USA
Bethel was the olympic alternate for Michael Hunter and can be a rather tricky boxer when he wants to.
(28) Andrey Volkov
YOB: 1987
H-W: SH
Country: Russia
One of the best juniors in Russia the last couple of years.
(29) Ivan Dychko
YOB: 1990
W: H
Country: Kazakhstan
A Klitschko-lookalike who went to the final in the Youth world championships this year.
(30) Newfel Ouatah
YOB: 1985
H-W: 6.7-SH
Country: Algeria
A tall french/algerien who went to the quarterfinal in Beijing and might be an interesting name for the proscene.
(31) Jose Payares
YOB: 1986
H-W: 6.5-SH
Country: Venezuela
He beat( a sick) Michael Hunter and went to Beijing,where he lost to Ouatah in the first round.
(32) Sergey Kalchugin
YOB: 1987
H-W: H
Country: Russia
Junior world champ in 2006 and the heavyweight dominator class for several years. Has now taken the step up among the seniors.
(33) Ruslan Myrsatayev
YOB: 1985
H-W: 6.1-SH
Country: Kazakhstan
A stocky fighter with an aggressive style, who went to the quarterfinal in Beijing.
(34) Nicholas Kisner
YOB: 1991
H-W: 6.0-H
Country: USA
‘Slick Nick’ Kisner is already given the top seniors in USA a tough time. He beat Lenroy Thompson in the PAL-final 2008 for exemple. Despite his young age he fights like a tricky old veteran. The goal is primarily the gold medal in the Olympic Games 2012.
(35) Erik Brechlin
YOB: 1990
W: SH
Country: Germany
Took the silver in the Youth World Champ this year.
(36) Sergey Kuzmin
YOB: 1988?
H-W: SH
Country: Russia
Another succesful young man from Russia. He beat Maxim Babanin in June.
(37) Lenroy Thompson
YOB: 1988
H-W: 6.2-SH
Country: USA
He became the US future star champ with a style that is based on constant movement.
(38) Trevor Bryan
YOB: 1989?
H-W: 6.6-SH
Country: USA
One of the brightest super heavyweight talents in USA and picked by many as a possible Olympian in 2012.
(39) Niyaz Fayzullin
YOB: ?
H-W: SH
Country: Russia
Another Russian who has done some success at the international level this year, in the shadow of Timurziev.
(40) Warren Baister
YOB: 1986
H-W: H
Country: UK
22-year-old heavyweight who came from nowhere and dominated completely in the English ABA championships.
(41) Craig Lewis
YOB: 1985
H-W: 6.4-H
Country: USA
Golden Gloves winner of 2008 who’s a good allroundboxer.
(42) Hasim Rahman jr
YOB: 1991
H-W: 6.3-SH
Country: USA
The son of the old world champ got a lot of hype for free, but like Kisner is, of course, Rahman jr very much speculation. Like Kisner is the primary goal for ‘Lil Hasim’ the Olympics 2012.
(43) Viktar Zuyev
YOB: 1983
H-W: 6.0-H
Country: Belarus
The silvermedalist from Athen might be a crowdfavorite as a pro, but lack of size and chin? might be his downfall at the end.
(44) Paul Koon
YOB: 1986
H-W: 6.3-H
Country: USA
Has been one of the best American heavyweights for the last couple of years and lost a very close bout to Craig Lewis in the GG-final 2008.
(45) Adam Willett
YOB: 1982
H-W: 6.2-H
Country: USA
The number one heavyweight in USA 2005-2007
(46) Andres Ruiz
YOB: 1989?
H-W: 5.11-SH
Country: Mexico
A rather short and heavy youngster who combines power with some skills. Stay tuned!
(47) Ivan Bezverkhiy
YOB: 1988?
W: SH
Country: Ukraine
One of the top juniors in the superheavyweight division
(48) Garret Simon
YOB: 1991
H-W: 6.5-H
Country: USA
Simon won the National Junior Olympic Championship this year and is seen as real powerhouse. He also says that he’s going pro when he turns 18.
(49) Danny Price
YOB: 1985
H-W: 6.5-H
Country: UK
One of those who missed the plain to China with a slim marigin. Besides that has Price improved a lot duríng the last years.
(50) Modo Sallah
YOB: 1983
H-W: 6.4-SH
Country: Sweden
A good technical Swede in the same style as Attila Levin. Is suspended right now, but might be someone for the proscene IF he can be disciplined enough.
Do you miss someone or do you have any other comments? Feel free to contact me at Karlof68@hotmail.com
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