The Stars of 2008
By Kishan Nundloll
Its time for me to earn my pay and start letting the world know who I believe is going to set there division alight and along the way become very rich and gain many admirers. All it takes is that bit of luck and hard work for a boxer to be thrust into the limelight. In recent years it was Manny Pacquiao beating Marco Antonio Barrera or Joe calzaghe defeating Chris Eubank, both those men took there chance and never looked back. So it’s with careful consideration that I throw out a few names that in my opinion will have The Boxing world in the palm of their hands by the end of the year.
1.Kevin ‘The Dagenham Destroyer’ Mitchell-Super featherweight (24-0)
One of East London’s finest prospects, the young and dynamic Kevin Mitchell a former ABA champion should have a great 2008. He has speed and strength and scares opponents, his first real break will come against the British super-featherweight champion Carl Johanneson on the under card of the Haye and Macerenelli unification Fight. His record is a perfect one (24-0) 17 by way of knockout. His ambition is just as impressive as his talent, after he beats Johanneson (not an easy task), he would like to tackle a former starlet in ‘Amazing’ Alex Arthur and become Interim Champion. The sky really is the limit for a man who has no real weakness and with a bit of luck and some humility should be a World champion by the end of the year.
2.Tony Salem – Light Heavyweight (7-0)
This young boxer has the makings to be a real mainstay in Boxing. His speed is frightening and his accuracy also terrific for someone who has only had seven professional fights. Salem has only soon to be given British Citizenship and will take the British Division by storm. His rivals include Courtney Fry and Tony Oakey, both on Frank Maloney’s books, so expect those three to not be too far apart from each other. If Salem continues this form and does not let it go to his head, he has the potential to be the British Champion By the end of the year.
3. Paul ‘The Magic Man’ Malignaggi –Junior Welterweight (24-1)
This kid from New York is something else. I can’t quite say what but I know that 2008 is going to be a big year for him, with big money fights coming his way. Paulie as he is affectionately known in the boxing world has had a varied rise to the top but has showed some heart and courage to be the IBF World Junior Welterweight Champion. There is no doubt in my mind that he will fight Ricky Hatton this year, probably in New York. He has strength and fast hands, but more than anything he can dictate the pace of a fight and happily win on points. He has already fought in 2008, an unconvincing victory over the dangerous Herman Ngoudjo. The challenger had Paulie hurt, but he showed that courage to take the decision in a convincing points win. The main reason why I feel he will be someone to look out for is because he has charisma, something to rival that of Tyson or Mayweather, people either love him or hate him, but will always watch his fights. He has lost to Miguel Cotto (who is arguably one of the best fighters in the world). In that fight he sustained a broken cheek bone, broken nose and a large cut around his left eye and still went the distance and said that he would have a few fights to learn and adapt before challenging the still undefeated Miguel Cotto. A very mature approach. He is a champion and can decide who and where he fights. I think that Paulie could be the real star of 2008, if he doesn’t caught up in a war of words with his opponents and stays focused on the task.