The greats of 2008

Adam Smith takes a look at those who hit the heights, home and abroad, in his last blog of the year.

Winners, losers, heroes and villains all thrill us again

Well we've had another action-packed year, and the good news for fight fans is that there's plenty of potential for a really high-octane 2009. The dormant heavyweight division still needs to wake up, but I'm relieved that Lennox Lewis will not be risking his standing by coming back. His new entry into the Hall of Fame may have persuaded him that - what's another $20, $30, $40million dollars between friends? Wise decision. There is though a brighter feeling in the air, with the arrival of our former Cruiserweight king David Haye in amongst the big boys. His quick fire knock-out of Enzo Maccarinelli, and exciting dismantling of Monte Barrett looks to have sealed him a shot at the universally acknowledged world number one Vitali Klitschko, in London next June. David wants Lewis on board to help out - no more ideas now, Lennox, please! Klitschko was your final encounter!! The Ukrainian giant returned from the boxing wilderness this year to reclaim his WBC belt with a classy drubbing of Sam Peter. The Klitschko brothers' dream of holding world titles at the same time has come true. Vitali's little (but still large!) bro Wladimir might have bored us all in that soporific spectacle with Sultan Ibragimov earlier in the year, but then still proved his worth with stoppage wins over Tony Thompson and Hasim Rahman. The massive 'Beast from the East' Nikolai Valuev remains literally the biggest out there, Chris Arreola, Alexander Povetkin and Kevin Johnson are waiting for their chance. Bedford's Matt Skelton came up short at world level in a brave effort against the unbeaten but inactive Ruslan Chagaev, and if he can capture the European crown out in Italy, Skelton may still be part of the mix. It might well, though, be over for Danny Williams after his surprise stoppage defeat to Albert Sosnowski - that on the back of a controversial British title defence against John McDermott. Incredibly Audley Harrison still tells us: 'Yes I can' become a world heavyweight champion. However he's 37, has lost four times in fairly mediocre class, and was recently outworked by the revved up Irishman Martin Rogan. What a year for the amiable Belfast taxi driver - who captured the inaugural Prizefighter of the new era - and then took the scalp of the former Olympic gold medallist. Certainly my Most Refreshing Story of the Year. Our top Brits have had a changing time of it, but both Joe Calzaghe and Ricky Hatton have enjoyed a very successful 2008. Pride of place at Buckingham Palace for Joe as he collected his CBE, and admitted huge nerves in front of her Majesty! A thoroughly deserved accolade.

Atmosphere

After defeating two of America's best in Bernard Hopkins (admittedly by the skin of his teeth) and Roy Jones (another quite beautiful display), Calzaghe stands undefeated in 46 fights. The only question remaining - will he fight on? The lure of a full house at the Millennium might tempt him, but I would be pleased to see Joe call it a day. Ricky Hatton doesn't need to retire yet. Having seen his dreams broken by the exceptional Floyd Mayweather at the end of last year, the Hitman's ring future looked bleak. He still, though, managed to pull in 58,000 to the City of Manchester Stadium in an unforgettable atmosphere for the 'Homecoming' against Juan Lazcano. The performance didn't quite match up to the occasion, and there were many who felt Hatton was nearing the end. A tough decision to sever ties with long-time trainer Billy Graham followed, and Ricky seemed refreshed and rejuvenated under Floyd Mayweather Snr, as he out-gunned and out-boxed Paulie Malignaggi. A quick line on younger brother Matthew who keeps gallantly plugging away. That win over the former world-class operator Ben Tackie took a few of us by surprise - expect the Hattons (at their very different levels) to produce more fabulous entertainment in 2009. The first part of 2008 was a sorry time at the summit for the other leading Brits. In quick succession Enzo Maccarinelli, Gavin Rees, Clinton Woods and Junior Witter all lost their world titles - but the year did end well. We have new world champions in Nicky Cook (albeit at the cost of Alex Arthur losing his belt) and Carl Froch, after that gritty and fantastic fight with Jean Pascal. Witter and Maccarinelli have bounced back too, and will be hoping for further cracks at world honours in 2009. Internationally, there's no question about who the stand-out man of 2008 is. Manny Pacquiao was already seen by many as the pound-for-pound king after his controversial, close victory over the excellent Juan Manuel Marquez. Personally I thought the Mexican nicked it, but Pacquiao then put on a masterclass against David Diaz, as he stepped up to win the world lightweight title in some style. Having started at flyweight, Pacquiao had mastered four-weight divisions, but most of us believed he was taking on mission impossible by jumping up to face Oscar De La Hoya - who had collected belts all the way up to middleweight. How wrong we were! Boxing to a superb tactical plan laid out by astute trainer Freddie Roach, Pacquiao was nothing short of sensational, as he bamboozled and out-sped De La Hoya from start to finish. It was a surprising and pretty astonishingly performance.

Heavy-legged

The Golden Boy didn't win a round - he looked dreadful back at the welterweight limit - having somehow only put two pounds on from the weigh-in. De La Hoya was heavy-legged, slow, static and just couldn't get off. It was very sad to see. Personally - and having been a huge admirer of Oscar's for many, many years, I think he should say 'no mas' for good. His ring achievements and boxing superstar status are etched in history. He owes us nothing. My gut feeling, however, is that he won't want to walk away like that. Too much pride. De La Hoya may look at business partner Bernard Hopkins for inspiration. 'The Executioner' executed one of the finest performances of the year by completely out-boxing and out-foxing the previously-unbeaten Kelly Pavlik. He just goes on and on - and he's almost 44! Another '0 to go' was that of Miguel Cotto, who was out-toughed and out-lasted by a terrific Antonio Margarito in an upset that doubled up as a candidate for fight of the year. It was breathless and both had their moments; but Margarito's iron will (ask Kermit Cintron about that!) was just too much for the Puerto Rican star. But as one light dims a touch on that beautiful Caribbean island, another brightens: Juan Manuel Lopez is surely the find of the year. The cold, calculating southpaw puncher has racked up three first-round world title demolitions. Lopez is unbeaten in 24, has stopped 22 foes, and looks Boxing's Next Star in the making. Or will that be Floridian puncher Andre Berto who graduated with world honours this year? Could it be the new light-heavyweight threat Chad Dawson? Or the tall, hard-hitting, weight-fluctuating Paul Williams? (unless the wiry southpaw finds himself in the 'who needs him club?') It's also possible that the surprise package may be the unheralded but quality Arthur Abraham, from Germany. There's also Edwin Valero, the frightening banger who has knocked out everybody he's faced, and the unbeaten Jorge Linares, the classy Venezuelan based in Japan. At light-welterweight, Timothy Bradley and Kendall Holt have both had good years and a unification would be very interesting. Celestino Caballero's super-bantamweight unification stoppage of the excellent Canadian Steve Molitor slipped under the radar, but was a really good win. Vic Darchinyan unified titles at super-flyweight and now tackles Mexican cult character Jorge Arce.

Wayward

The little light-flyweight sensation Ivan Caldron hasn't lost in 32, but is in a difficult division to market, and Chris John's long unbeaten record continues - but he badly needs the big fights and must surely travel from his nest of Indonesia to get them. The older brigade continue to rumble along. Nate Campbell ascended the lightweight division, and he's a grandfather! What a shame that his match with the talented, undefeated but wayward Joan Guzman didn't happen because of Guzman's weight. The 9st 9lbs (along with the 10st 7lbs welterweight) is probably the hottest in boxing. It was a good 2008 for Juan Manuel Marquez - one of my truly favourite current fighters - who was desperately unlucky against Pacquiao, but had a wonderful win over Joel Casamayor. Marquez looks set for a potential cracker with Juan Diaz early in the New Year, while his brother Rafael may yet go back in with Israel Vazquez for an incredible fourth time. Many believe the third meeting was the best fight, not only of their trilogy, but of the whole of 2008. Shane Mosley's looking a faded force, but still managed that stunning last second knockout of Ricardo Mayorga, and now goes in with one of the fighters of 2008, Antonio Margarito. The winner looks set for a showdown with Miguel Cotto in the summer. Gerry Penalosa deserves a little mention. A lovely story for a vastly-experienced professional at 36, and after 61 fights, to remain on top of the bantamweight world. Proof that there is more than one great fighter in the Philippines! But it is Manny Pacquiao who for me is undoubtedly the Worldwide Fighter of the Year. He is currently in the middle of a huge party season, before he meets Ricky Hatton or a returning Floyd Mayweather in 2009. For now, Manny enjoy your success; you've proved yourself an outstanding fighter, and are a nice guy to boot. As regards the Worldwide Fight of the Year, Cotto-Margarito was great, Casamayor-Katsidis thrilling, but for sheer excitement, the relentless Vazquez-Marquez III has to be the pick.

Incredible

Vazquez-Marquez Round 12 was up for the Worldwide Round of the Year, but for me the first and only session of the second Kendall Holt-Ricardo Torres fight wins the day. Holt was down with one of the first punches of the contest, then was floored again, and when Torres went in for the finish, he was caught himself - and left cold on the ropes. All within a minute. Incredible! A third meeting in 2009 is inevitable. Back home and our World British Fighter of the Year has to be Joe Calzaghe. CBE. 46-0. Enough said. Underneath world level - there is no doubt who our Domestic Fighter of the Year is. Leicester's likeable bin-man Rendall Munroe leaped from English to European level when he boxed beautifully to nullify feared Spanish puncher Kiko Martinez. It's a great story as Rendall has consolidated his position in European class through 2008. Just an aside, but he was so delighted to be our guest at the British Boxing Writer's dinner. Ian 'Dappa' Napa is another of our success stories. A few years ago he was in 'a very bad place' and through boxing has regrouped to dominate in domestic class before he captured the European bantamweight crown in a charged up York Hall this Autumn. What about Jon Thaxton? Hat's off to the Norwich stayer, he has had a roller-coaster career, and talk about saving one of the sweetest shots for last, as his right hand detonated on poor Juan Carlos Diaz Melero! Jon turned professional way back in 1992. Enjoy your European belt; there are few more deserving British fighters to grab hold of one. Colin Lynes lost his European title out in Italy. He has been another feel-good British story in recent times but he made it too close to call in a country where it's notoriously tough to even get a draw! Colin then had to make do with a late change in opponent a couple of weeks back, and was out-manoeuvred by the very impressive Irishman Paul McCloskey. Keep your eye out for him in 2009! We've had another year of really good, decent, honest and competitive British title fights that have seen crowns change hands, youngsters really begin to emerge, and the old campaigners proving how much the Lonsdale belt still means to all of our fighters. The dust-up between Kevin Mitchell and Carl Johanneson epitomised just that. It was an intense, brutal and courageous battle, which while not quite as good as the Jamie Moore-Matthew Macklin classic of 2006, was still fabulous and Domestic Fight of the Year. Mitchell's unbeaten in 27, and we'll be looking for big things from the Dagenham super-featherweight in 2009. What about the hundreds and hundreds of punches dished out by Matthew Marsh and Rocky Dean - this pair will never reach the heights of many of these mentioned here, but they could not have given any more of themselves, and their commitment's proof of how alive our sport is. The ding-dong between Andy Bell and Chris Edwards was another really tasty low-key scrap.

Frustrating

It was good to see a clutch of thirty-somethings come back: Rob Norton finally won a British title at 36, Dean Francis is 34 now, and he still managed to come from behind in a corker to stop Tony Oakey; and Brian Magee will be having an enjoyable festive season back in Belfast after capturing a British title at 33, and after almost a decade in the sport. The long-time frustrating talent that's David Barnes managed to turn the clock back to become a domestic champion at two weights, and at 32, Ryan Rhodes regained the British light-middleweight title an astonishing 12 years after the Sheffield Spice Boy first won it. The night against Gary Woolcombe was one of the picks of the year, and how nice it was to see Naseem Hamed cheering his old pal on from ringside. Speaking of the Sheffield switch-hitters, is the leading young force in British boxing a young man by the name of Kel Brook? What a statement he made in a blistering knockout win to retain his British welterweight title in Scotland against the decent former champion Kevin McIntyre. It felt like we were watching something a little bit special that night. Naz was Kel's idol (even though he says he's better looking than Mr Hamed!) and I tell you what, this kid can fight. There is more new blood. The two featherweight Paul's - Appleby and Truscott - have come of age early. The Scotsman has been buoyed by being voted the Young Boxer of the Year, while 'Trussy' is a great tale of what can be achieved from the social problems that surround Middlesbrough's tough South bank estate. Welsh wizard Nathan Cleverly's on the fast track too. The university student is proving he is as intelligent in the ring as he is out of it. Don Broadhurst is maturing quickly as well and should figure prominently next year. Meanwhile Darren Barker is showing everyone his strength of character as well as his super skills. After the tragic death of his younger brother Gary, Darren may just be the one champion on our shores to look out for in 2009. I've long liked Barker's chances of going all the way, and still think he may. Let's not forget the 'Boy Wonder' who may just have become a man in 2008. Amir Khan has had the most public year of any British fighter. There has been more talk about the Bolton hopeful, than probably anyone else after his early promise seemed distinguished by the furious 54-second assault from Colombia's Breidis Prescott. How British critics build them up, and then relish the fall. Yes his chin remains a worry, of course it does, but I am firmly of the belief that Khan will build right back up. The early signs are good. Having relocated to Hollywood under Freddie Roach, Khan sizzled against Oisin Fagan in what could have been a tough psychological test. It was anything but. Khan has the talent and attitude to prove a lot of people wrong. A British/Commonwealth lightweight match between Khan and John Murray would be a sizzler. I really enjoyed the display by Murray to capture the Lonsdale belt against the ever-eager Lee Meager in the summer.

Controversial

The new Prizefighter series is a breath of fresh air - something different - and might well be appealing to a wider audience. I think it's working really well. The format of a good bunch of characters and fringe contenders, with different but mostly crowd-pleasing styles going hammer and tong for three three-minute rounds, is good entertainment. Add to that the fact that there are seven fights that all follow on, and it's an enjoyable night all round. Moreover the boxers are loving it - making good friends, having the chance to earn much bigger money than usual, and giving it their all. Martin Rogan won the first one: a heavyweight tear-up tournament that was great; Sam Sexton was technical and tactical in taking the second; Michael Lomax came through a more controversial evening of welterweight stories, and Martin Murray won a tight middleweight event. Murray was in the best fight so far the final ith the real hero of that night, the irrepressible and ever so brave Cello Renda. The second round of Prizefighter: The Middleweights final was Domestic Round of the Year. Promoter Barry Hearn said it was possibly the best three minutes he'd ever seen live. Emerging prospects to keep an eye on are indeed that Prizefighter xhampion Murray, the heavyweight winner Sam Sexton, one of the other Prizefighter's, David Dolan, who's now at cruiserweight, the much publicised young Tyson Fury, the outgoing and explosive Tony Bellew, the bright and bubbly Akaash Bhatia, Bury puncher Scott Quigg, the strong Welshman Ricky Owen, Liverpool's Mark Moran, and unbeaten Leeds hope Danny Reynolds. Two British boxing families to follow are the exciting and well-supported Walsh brothers from Norfolk, and the Scouse Smiths, led of course by the talented under-achiever Paul, and the one I like the look of already is Stephen. There's a whole crop from the British Olympic team in Beijing ready to turn over. Gold medallist James DeGale leads the way, and I am really intrigued to see how he adapts. Billy Joe Saunders too. Frankie Gavin may be the best talent, Tony Jeffries's interesting, and I've heard John Murray's brother Joe is about to go pro too. My Prospect of 2009, though, is Swindon southpaw Jamie Cox. I'm really pleased with what what I see in Cox - a well-schooled boxer who was a successful amateur, and who moves like a good professional fighter already. Power and timing are encouraging. I'm excited by him. We're never sure when fighters really retire, but it seems that Graham Earl and Richard Williams have called it a day. Wayne Alexander continues to hover around the scene, but I think he's just a big fan now! Ojay Abrahams is 100 and out, and Peter Buckley an amazing 300 and out. I think Tony Booth might also be at the end of his hard-fought career. Wonderful stalwarts. Good luck to them all. Boxers on the comeback include Michael Hunter, armed with his new teeth, having been 'dragged from the streets' by Neil Fannan again; Jason Booth's errant younger brother Nicky is still being rumoured to return; Scott Harrison says he will (but then he has his own troubles), and last time I saw Michael Brodie, he said he'd definitely box on.

Amazing

Fights to look forward to include Jamie Moore - who's had such a quiet 2008 - going for the European title against Michele Piccirillo, a host more interesting British title clashes like Nathan Cleverly against Dean Francis, and hopeful world title shots for British boxers, including the unlikely but amazing opportunity for Chorley's Michael Jennings against the great Cotto. Boxing sadly lost some lovely people in 2008. Kevin Finnegan, the former British middleweight champion was one of the more high-profile names; Frank Black, the lovely cuts man and trainer died just the other week. Personally, I felt a great sense of sadness when I heard the news of Oscar Suarez passing at such a young age. Oscar was one of the friendliest guys in the sport and helped mould two great punchers of the modern era in Naseem Hamed and Acelino Freitas. So it's been some year... have a very Happy Christmas and let's hope for a superb New Year of boxing on both sides of the pond.