THERE was a time when British fighters had as much chance of winning the world heavyweight title as a holidaymaker has of enjoying a fun fortnight in North Korea.
No doubt that information will come as a surprise to the majority of the record-breaking 90,000 crowd who will be roaring Anthony Joshua to victory against Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley on Saturday night.
Because over the last quarter of a century fans have celebrated the triumphs of eight of our men who have held versions of the world championship.
Among them are superstars Lennox Lewis, Frank Bruno, David Haye and now Joshua.
But for 93 years our heavyweights were subjected to merciless ridicule and humiliation in the United States for failing to provide a world champion.
From the moment Bob ?Ruby Robert? Fitzsimmons, lost his crown to James J Jeffries, in 1899 in New York, it took almost a century before Lennox lifted the gloom of constant defeat.
