JOHN RYDER
What a career heโs had, he dominated for so long at such a high level against good opposition. It was a pleasure to box on one of his undercards. Who will take over is a tough one. On the British scene weโve got people like Felix Cash and Denzel Bentley who are all in line, especially Bentley after the Janibek performance. Thereโs also Eubank and Conor Benn who might meet at middleweight so thereโs potential for Britain to lead the way at the weight for sure.
CHRIS LLOYD
There are a few guys who look pretty good. For raw talent, Ammo Williams. The hardest to beat, currently Alimkhanuly. But one man Iโm quietly high on is Hamzah Sheeraz. Heโs a 6ft 3ins wrecking ball with a steel jab, an elastic right hand and he puts his shots together with effortless rhythm. Heโll end up at 168 eventually, but at 24 he should have some good years ahead at middleweight. He already had huge potential, but the move to Ten Goose and Ricky Funez – whoโs worked with tall, rangy punchers like Michael Nunn and Diego Corrales – was what made me think he could go all the way.
TUNDE AJAYI
Like most divisions at the moment, until the fighters fight each and challenge themselves itโs going to be extremely hard to tell. Obviously the stand out right now is Janibek but I really like the look of Carlos Adames and obviously we canโt forget undefeated Jermall Charlo. You also have Austin Williams hanging around there although Iโm not sure of his ability to mentally hang with the tops boys though.
ANDY LEE
Thereโs not a lot coming through at middleweight, itโs quite open. Chris Eubank is highly ranked and I liked the improvements he showed in beating Liam Smith. A bit earlier on in his career, thereโs Aaron McKenna who is one to watch out for. On the world stage, Janibek Alimkhanuly is probably the best and I think he will clean up the division given the chance. I also like the look of American southpaw Elijah Garcia. Heโs very good and is a sharp puncher so definitely one to watch.