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"Future Champions"

Our roving, ringside reporters have been traveling the globe to bring you first-hand knowledge of potential superstars and champions. We are looking for the next "Brockton Blockbuster," "Brown Bomber," "Iron Mike," and "No Doubt" Norton. We have broken down our data into 3 catagories:

1. On the Verge.
2. Just Starting.
3. Amazing Amateurs.

Here is what we have as of November 1953:


On the Verge
These are fighters that are closing in on the top 50 in the world rankings.

1. Cliff "HUGE" Hughes, USA, 15-0-0 (14). On the verge of entering the top 50, reminds experts of George Foreman because of his gargantuan size and punching power. "HUGE" Hughes, from Dallas, TX, is a right-handed slugger and stands 6'5" and weighs 260 pounds. He hits like a brick wall but has a tendency to lose endurance in the latter rounds. Needs to work on overall conditioning. Tends to struggle against smaller, quicker boxers that can land and get out of the way.

2. "Rockabye" Roosevelt Chambers, USA, 8-0-0 (7). Reminds people of Larry Holmes. A quick, boxer out of Atlanta, GA, more of a boxer than a slugger. Stands 6'3", 235 lbs. Intelligent, good handspeed and footwork, good defense and overall skills. Always comes into fights in top shape.

3. Tommy Loughran, USA, 13-0-0 (7). Amassed a terrific amateur record 113-30-12 and moved up from Light Heavyweight to Heavyweight here in the pro ranks. Felt it was easier to make weight and most of his amateur opponents have also moved up in weight class.

Just Starting
These are fighters that have entered the professional ranks this year and will start drawing the attention of the world organizations. It would be a good idea to go and watch some of their fights now, before they start becoming main event headliners.

1. Joe "The Pride of Wales" Calzaghe, UK, 5-0-0 (5). Possibly the most celebrated amateur to come out of Europe, not to mention the United Kingdom. His fights already draw sell out crowds and he is carrying the hope of an entire nation on his back.

2. I.B. Goode, USA, 5-0-0 (5). A brash and cocky boxer from Los Angeles, CA. Stands 6'2", 210 lbs. Has very good speed and skills but has drawn a lot of negative exposure from his antics and outspoken behavior. Can back up his bravado, trying to be too much like Ali? Will he have the same successful results as he moves up in class of competition?

3. Vic "The Raging Bull" Darchinyan, Australia, 6-0-0 (6). Wowing audiences with his all-out attacks and lack of self regard for getting hit. A fan-favorite because of his punching power and desire to destroy all opponents, also shows a great chin. Southpaw slugger.

4. George Stankovich, New Zealand, 2-0-0 (2). Just started his pro career but has dispatched both opponents early, showing good signs of power.

5. Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, USA, 1-0-0 (1). Made highly anticipated boxing debut with a 1st round KO. Looks like he will make a successful transition to boxing after being a champion in mixed martial arts. Very intertaining disposition and reminds some people of another prospect right now, I.B. Goode.

6. Jeff Shelburg, USA, 1-0-0 (1). Like Jackson, got rid of his first opponent by way of a 1st round KO creating a buzz in the crowd. His management team seems like they want to be careful and are taking the time to make sure they dont rush him along.

7. Julio Cesar Chavez, Mexico. On the verge of beginning his pro career after amassing an impressive 108-6-2 (87) amateur record. Signed with Aztec Promotions and has signed to make his pro debut this month.

8. Lloyd Honeyghan, UK. Another highly publicized boxer from the United Kingdom that will make his pro debut this month. Was 43-5-0 (31) as an amateur. Has signed with the UK Boxing Group and is looking to rise up the ranks will fellow countryman, Calzaghe.

9. Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini, Italy. Making his pro debut this month on the undercard of the Marciano-Balboa title bout.

Amazing Amateurs

1. Felix Savan, Cuba. Amazing amateur career, is looking like the next Teofilo Stevenson. Looks to be an eventual world champion in the making. Incredible amateur record of 387-21! Are you kidding, did he fight everyday?

2. John "The Beast" Mugabi, Uganda. A big-time puncher, getting set to start destruction in the pros.

3. Mason "The Line" Dixon, USA. Reminds people of a heavyweight version of Antonio Tarver!

4. Union Cane, USA.

5. Pearce Henry, UK.

6. Pat Killen, USA.

7. Charles Hadley, USA.

8. Jack Root, USA.

9. Gus Lesnevich, USA.

10. Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker, USA. Defensive wizard, great quickness, footwork, hand speed, boxing skills. Lacks power and some question his character outside of boxing because he hangs around the wrong crowd.

11. Thomas "Hitman" Hearns, USA. Has one-punch knockout power and his straight right is considered to be one of the most devastating punches to be seen in a long time. A tall-lanky heavyweight, may need to put on a little weight. Has the heart of a lion.

12. Manny "Pac-man" Pacquiao, Philippines. We were startled to see a heavyweight coming out of this part of the world. He is a legitimate, southpaw heavy with great punching power. This fighter could have a huge impact in the heavyweight division by being able to draw in fans from a previous market that had been untapped.

Catch these fighters while you can still afford the price of a front-row seat, because they will all soon be only affordable to the V.I.P.'s who can shell out for those $1500 ringside tickets.