Saluting Some of Britain’s Greatest Ever Boxers

These days, British boxing has well and truly been put on the map. Boasting a number of reigning world champions across numerous weight classes, fighters from England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales have represented the nation extremely well over the years. It’s the legends that came before the modern-day athletes that helped pave the way, though. 

So last night 35 years ago Mike Tyson & I had our first fight it was an amazing atmosphere but the better man won on the night but I rocked him! Seems like yesterday where were you watching it? Someone once asked me where I was when Mike Tyson fought Frank Bruno and he was really… pic.twitter.com/4p11HdhE5V

— Frank Bruno MBE 🇬🇧 (@frankbrunoboxer) February 26, 2024

Anthony Joshua Is One of the Nation’s Biggest Stars

A fighter who certainly respects many of the professionals from yesteryear, Anthony Joshua will go down as one of British boxing’s greatest fighters when he does eventually decide to hang up his gloves. Joshua is currently experiencing somewhat of a revival, with boxing fans assessing Joshua vs Dubois odds and backing the Watford-born boxer to beat Dubois, given odds of 1/5 for the big puncher to do so. 

Joshua has shown that he’s more than capable of seeing off anyone in the heavyweight division, but Dubois is a dangerous opponent. Many fans are expecting a tight encounter, although enticing odds of Joshua winning the fight in Round 1-3 by Paddy Power boxing isn’t out of the question given the two-time former unified world heavyweight champion’s new-found belief. 

Under Ben Davison, Joshua is a formidable opponent once again, with Tyson Fury’s ex-coach bringing the very best out of one of Britain’s best ever fighters. Joshua isn’t the only British boxing icon, though. In fact, there are some notable heroes who deserve some further recognition. 

Frank Bruno

Bruno was not only an infectious laugh but a brilliant boxer. The London-born heavyweight was a knockout specialist, winning the likes of the European Heavyweight title in the process. Bruno also went on to win the WBC World Title, although he has openly spoken about his regret at never managing to triumph over Mike Tyson on two occasions.

Should Bruno have beaten both Tyson and Lennox Lewis in another world title shot, then his career would have been hard to fault. Still, when looking at some of British boxing’s biggest-ever stars, Frank Bruno is right up there. 

John Conteh

Not many modern-day boxing fans will be aware of John Conteh, but his exploits in the ring speak for themselves. The Liverpudlian was a likable character, although you certainly wouldn’t mess with him. Conteh beat Jorge Victor Ahumada to win the WBC Light Heavyweight Championship in 1974, while his record of 34-4-1 is impressive given his behaviour in between fights. Conteh was a unique character who clearly possessed an abundance of talent. 

Naseem Hamed

24 years ago, Naseem Hamed defeated Augie Sanchez by KO in round 4 of 12 to retain the WBO featherweight title. This being Hamed's fifteenth consecutive title defense. pic.twitter.com/T7pUAMOM4z

— 𝑲𝒏𝒐𝒄𝒌𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝑱𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒔 (@KOJournals) August 19, 2024

For many British boxing fanatics, Naseem Hamed is the greatest fighter to have come from this part of the world. A born entertainer, Naseem Hamed possessed immense skill in the ring. A true supporter of the sweet science, Hamed had an unorthodox style that was tough to combat. His clear ability saw Naseem Hamed win the WBO featherweight title, although his first and only loss against Marco Antonio Barrera still probably hurts the fierce competitor. Overall, though, Naseem Hamed is easily one of Britain’s greatest ever boxers. 

Joe Calzaghe

With one of the smoothest techniques you’ll ever see, Joe Calzaghe was a joy to watch. Also a tough nut to crack, ‘The Pride of Wales’ left the sport as an undefeated world champion. A fighter people outside the UK respect immensely, the former super-middleweight and light-heavyweight champion moved well, his punches were devastating, and he simply loved to go to war. Retiring with a career record of 46-0 (32 KO’s), Calzaghe’s a true legend of British boxing.