Though the boxing world currently sits on standby amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a vast array of talent patiently awaits the chance to explode onto the global stage. Here’s five young contenders who look destined for superstardom in the near future.
ERICKSON LUBIN
Although his first crack at a world title ended rather ignominously in October 2017, Lubin’s heavy hands and hand speed means he must be regarded as one of the most talented contenders in the light-middleweight scene; especially considering the fact that this is a division where titles seem to be frequently changing hands in recent times. Lubin has rebounded with four straight wins since his devastating knockout loss to Jermell Charlo in the opening round of his WBC title challenge a little over two years ago, and his offensive creativity coupled with his punch variety from the southpaw stance, mean he is likely to be one of those positioned at the summit of the division in the near future.
VERGIL ORTIZ JR.
Ortiz virtually hasn’t put a foot wrong in compiling an unblemished record of 15-0 with 15 knockouts, and at the tender age of 21 he is surely destined for greatness in the welterweight division. The Dallas native captured everybody’s attention last May with his chilling third-round stoppage of seasoned veteran Mauricio Herrera. Subsequent stoppage victories over Antonio Orozco and Brad Solomon have only served to intensify the hype surrounding the Texan, who is equally adept fighting tall as he is fighting in a phone-booth, and operates with a general assuredness and maturity that belies his young years.
JARON ENNIS
Another promising player of the rich welterweight tapestry, Ennis boasts a highly impressive record of 25-0 with 23 knockouts. Seemingly poised to become one of Philadelphia’s next boxing greats, Ennis is an athletic, explosive fighter who no-one will likely be eager to face, and is expected to rule the division alongside his counterpart Ortiz Junior within the next couple of years.
RYAN GARCIA
What more needs to be said? Lightweight hopeful Ryan Garcia has already been compared in certain quarters to his legendary promoter Oscar de la Hoya, and it is easy to see – even at this stage in his career – why such comparisons are being made. The Californian is tall, patient, composed, flashy with his combinations, and patently capable of ending a fight with a single punch. Having joined forces with Eddy Reynoso, the man responsible for guiding Canelo Alvarez to greatness, expect the seemingly inexorable road to the world title shot to open up even sooner than we all expect it to.
DANIEL DUBOIS
If there is a word or phrase that characterises Dubois’ approach it would be no-nonsense. Although only 22, a relative baby in prizefighting terms, Dubois already has the look of an experienced ring general and this is something that is underlined in his invariably clinical displays. You would be hard-pressed to find a single round he has lost in his fourteen fights and even with his highly-anticipated domestic showdown with Nathan Gorman – a fight regarded by some as a 50-50 affair – Dubois swiftly and ruthlessly dispelled any doubts by dispatching of the Nantwich native inside five rounds. A hard-hitting, well-balanced heavyweight predator, there is a reason why Daniel Dubois is the name that generates the most excitement among British boxing fans.
Article by: Navi Singh
Follow Navi on Twitter at: @DarkMan________