Seven contenders for 2017

Errol Spence

Artur Beterbiev

The Russian has delivered in his ascent up the professional ranks, destroying decent opposition. He looks (in my opinion) ready to beat anyone from Adonis Stevenson to Sergey Kovalev or even Andre Ward.

Callum Smith

The Liverpool super-middleweight looks good even when he looks bad. Luke Blackledge was making for an awkward and unengaging fight last time out, until Smith levelled him with a spectacular one punch knockout last time out. Heโ€™s show power, precision and technical skills. He must have world title shot in 2017.

Andrew Selby

With only seven pro fights to his name, you could consider Andrew Selby a prospect still. But heโ€™s already a British champion, is elusive but likes to entertain with showboating. Heโ€™s got fast hands quick reactions and, if heโ€™s got the stamina to maintain concentration for 12 rounds, he could compete with world class.

Luke Campbell

Suffered a loss in 2015 but rebuilt last year with good wins over Argenis Mendez and a spectacular demolition of Derry Mathews. Hugely popular in his Hull hometown the Olympic gold medallist is inching closer to a world title fight.

Katie Taylor

While Katie Taylor is only 2-0 (1), after winning an Olympic gold medal, five World championships gold medals and six European championship gold medals she can surely expect a Lomachenko-like trajectory for her professional career.

Sergiy Derevyanchenko

Itโ€™s hard to make headway at middleweight, the world titles have coalesced around Gennady Golovkin, while Billy Joe Saunders has the WBO title. But Derevyanchenko is strong, technically gifted and at 31 will want to make his move soon.

Errol Spence

Spence has looked the business as heโ€™s risen to prominence. Heโ€™s got speed, skill and power. As a welterweight there are also great opponents for him. He could become an American favourite this year.

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