By Mark Vester
After many years of being away from the world spotlight, British boxing made a huge impact in 2008. Joe Calzaghe, Carl Froch, Ricky Hatton and David Haye led the way. Often viewed as second-tier fighters when compared to their American counterparts - the Brits came out swinging in 2008.
Joe Calzaghe finally fought in America, winning a close decision over Bernard Hopkins in April and dominating Roy Jones Jr. in November. Regarded as the best light heavyweight in the world, Calzaghe says that he's probably going to retire. At the same time, every major name from 160 to 175 is calling him out for a fight and enough dollar signs may force him to stick around a little longer.
Returning from the first loss of his career, Ricky Hatton won a lopsided decision over Juan Lazcano and stopped Paulie Malignaggi in November to make himself the top dog at junior welterweight. The two wins repositioned Hatton as a major player, and he now finds himself involved in what may become the biggest fight of 2009 when he clashes with Manny Pacquiao on May 2.
Undefeated Carl Froch finally broke away from the shadow of UK rival Calzaghe. He won a fight of the year pitched battle over previously unbeaten Jean Pascal to capture the vacant WBC super middleweight title. He goes into 2009 as a big name at 168. Fights against Mikkel Kessler and Jermain Taylor are being mentioned in the new year.
No other fighter made more noise [with his mouth] in 2008 than David Haye. Haye became an instant hit with boxing fans around the world with his trash talking nature and public confrontations with Wladimir Klitschko. After knocking out countryman Enzo Maccarinelli to unify the cruiserweight division in the early part of the year, he moved up to heavyweight to crush veteran Monte Barrett in November. Haye's big mouth, wild antics and quick fisted power has put him in line for a June fight with the most dangerous heavyweight in the division, WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko.
Even with the upset defeats of Junior Witter and Amir Khan, the Brits made their presence felt.
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