It’s common for all young prospects to be hyped by their management as “The Next Big Thing,” but it’ll often take years before fans find out if these young fighters are real contenders or just over-hyped pretenders. However, some talents stand out so far ahead of the pack that experts give them “can’t miss” status.
These fighters aren’t household names just yet, but they are about as close to sure-things as possible in boxing. Skilled, ambitious, and mature beyond their years? Here’s a look at tomorrow’s superstars:
Ismayl Sillakh, Light Heavyweight (16-0, 13 KOs)
The California-based light heavyweight prospect may have been born in the Ukraine, but his style is pure American stylist. A highly-decorated amateur, with a record of 302-16, the 26-year-old has already beaten veterans Daniel Judah and Rayco Saunders, as well as Cuban prospect, Yordanis Despaigne, in his three-year professional career.
Rakhim Chakhkiev, Cruiserweight (10-0, 8 KOs)
The 2008 Olympic Olympic gold medalist in the heavyweight division has settled in as a cruiserweight in the pros. The southpaw, Chakhkiev, is strong, aggressive, and disciplined. Nicknamed, “The Machine,” this undefeated prospect is being brought along slowly, but has performed extremely well against limited opposition.
Mercito Gesta, Jr. Welterweight (21-0-1, 17 KOs)
The San Diego-based Filipino prospect has gotten a reputation as one of the sport’s most promising stars. The 23-year-old jr. welterweight recently signed a multi-year contract with Top Rank, so expect more exposure for this rising star.
Mike Perez, Heavyweight (16-0, 12 KOs)
The 25-year-old heavyweight prospect has one of the most interesting back-stories in boxing. A Cuban amateur star, who defected to Ireland in 2007, Perez is a supremely aggressive and entertaining star-in-the making. He recently won the Prizefighter heavyweight tournament in the UK by scoring a first round TKO against Tye Fields in the finals.
Jose Benavidez Jr., Jr. Welterweight (11-0, 10 KOs)
The 19-year-old Benavidez is a well-rounded blue-chip prospect with a maturity and skill-set well-beyond his age. Solid in all areas, the Los Angeles native just needs seasoning and experience to reach his full potential. The 5′ 11″ jr. welterweight will have plenty of potential opposition from 140 to 154 lbs. and could legitimately develop into one of the sport’s biggest stars.
Kell Brook, Welterweight (23-0, 16 KOs)
The UK’s future star has the skill and charisma to make it to the top of boxing’s glamorous welterweight division. Brook has already captured national and regional belts and is set to face former jr. welterweight world titlist, Lovemore N’dou later in the month. The biggest name on Brook’s resume to date is former world title challenger, Michael Jennings.
Luis Cruz, Super Featherweight (18-0, 14 KOs)
The Puerto Rican blue-chipper is a tall, sharp, and talented boxer-puncher with power in both hands. Promoted by Miguel Cotto’s new promotional company, the 25-year-old just scored the biggest victory of his young career by winning a one-sided unanimous decision over veteran Martin Honorio.
Paul Magno is a licensed official in the state of Michoacan, Mexico and a close follower of the sport for more than thirty years. His work can also be found on Fox Sports and The Boxing Tribune. In the past, Paul has done work for Inside Fights, The Queensberry Rules, and Eastside Boxing.
