Trent Pusey, Inside Fights
Year after year we look for the diamond in the rough, that
can’t miss prospect that will be the star of the future.
With an eye on the future, let’s look ahead to four
boxers that have all the tools and all the potential to be future
stars of the squared circle.
Devon Alexander: 19-0 (12 KOs)
Devon Alexander became a world champion at just 22 years old
when he defeated Junior Witter last year for the WBC title.
Fighting in a stacked light welterweight division,
Alexander’s future is ripe with opportunity. His ascent to
the top of the division, a spot currently held by Tim Bradley,
could be had sooner rather than later.
Alexander is scheduled to face IBF champion Juan Urango in
March. A win would place Alexander in the upper echelon of the
division and perhaps line himself up for unification bouts with
Amir Khan or even Bradley. Alexander, a quick southpaw, presents
matchup difficulties for whomever lies in his future.
Tavoris Cloud: 20-0 (18 KOs)
Tavoris Cloud just may be the breath of fresh air needed in
the light heavyweight division. Forty-somethings Bernard Hopkins,
Antonio Tarver, Glen Johnson, and Roy Jones Jr have held the
spotlight at 175 lbs for years. Fellow American Chad Dawson was
able to breakthrough with two wins over both Tarver and Johnson,
but the time is near for the 28-year-old.
Cloud captured the IBF title last year with a unanimous
decision over Clinton Woods. He’s a heavy-handed puncher with
a knack for the knockout. As the old guard makes its way out of the
division, Cloud has his sights set solely on Dawson. Until that
fight materializes, Cloud is happy to use the rest of the light
heavyweight division as his launching pad.
Daniel Jacobs: 18-0 (15 KOs)
Daniel Jacobs is a boxing prodigy. Jacobs, 22, picked up the
sport late in his youth yet was remarkably successful as an
amateur. With the backing of both Golden Boy Promotions and HBO,
Jacobs has all the resources to make a name for himself in the
middleweight ranks. Hand injuries have slowed his progression, but
the middleweight division is wide open right now.
Jacobs is a strong puncher that likes to work behind his
thudding jab. Those close to him constantly praise his maturity and
poise. He also possesses a toughness that is vital for success in
boxing. There is no doubt that Jacobs will have plenty of
opportunities to capitalize on his unlimited potential in 2010.
Guillermo Rigondeaux: 4-0 (3 KOs)
Guillermo Rigondeaux is one of the most accomplished amateur
boxers of all-time. He won gold at the 2000 and 2004 Olympics.
Rigondeaux would have been favored to win gold at the 2008 Olympics
but he was kicked off of the Cuban team when he attempted to defect
to Germany in 2007. Rigondeaux turned professional last year but is
on an accelerated career path because of his lengthy amateur
career. He fought former world title contender Giovanni Andrade in
just his third professional fight, scoring a third round TKO.
Rigondeaux has teamed up with trainer Freddie Roach in a
partnership that has undoubtedly put the super bantamweight
division on notice. Rigondeaux is a speedy, counter-punching
southpaw and don’t expect the 29 year-old to be brought along
slowly. He expects to be challenging for a world title before his
10th professional fight.
