By Lee Collier
Manchester trainer Lee Beard had some recent success when he guided American Tim Coleman to the USBA light-welterweight title in December. Only a month before this success Beard’s other top-level fighter, Matthew Hatton, came close to winning the IBO welterweight title when his fight with champion Lovemore N’Dou ended in a controversial draw.
Alongside his two main prizefighters, Beard also has the promising Adrian Gonzalez, Alfonso Vieyra and Kieran Maher, all of whom Beard has high hopes for. Boxingscene.com caught up with Beard to discuss some of the brightest prospects he feels will break through to the world scene in the next few years.
“One of the top prospects is Scott Quigg who fights under Brian Hughes,” revealed Beard. “Quigg should be ready and fighting for titles soon. We will see whether he is ready for that level as he could be fighting quality guys like Jason Booth and Rendall Munroe.”
Beard then turned his attention to an Olympian who trains just three miles down the road form Beard’s own Hyde-based camp. “Joe Murray has bags of potential,” stated Beard. “I didn’t see Joe in the amateurs but watching him in the pro’s you can see that he has taken to it like a fish in water. He got the rounds done early on but is stopping a few guys, he is a big guy for the weight and has a lot of potential. Give Joe another year and like Joe Gallagher [Murray’s trainer] said he will be looking for a title.”
Beard then turned his attention to two of Frank Warren’s Olympians. “Frankie Gavin is a cracking little fighter with tons of speed who will go far,” stated Beard.
“James Degale has had a couple of good performances,” continued Beard. “James has been a bit off and on but I know when he was in Las Vegas training that he impressed Roger [Mayweather]. Roger told me that Degale was the truth and that he was beating quality sparring partners up. Roger is a straight talking guy and said Degale will go all the way to the top.”
Beard then finished off by mentioning the fighter he believes has most promise. “A fighter I really like though is Stephen Smith from Liverpool. Smith has is off and on days but when he is on form he can certainly fight,” stated Beard.
“Stephen’s body punching is awesome and he is a kid who could really come through in the next couple of years. Whether he does is down to his discipline but if I had to pick one then Stephen Smith is the one who I think will really come through and make an impact.”
