Why British Boxing Fans Have Plenty to be Excited About in 2012

After a disappointing end to the year for British fight fans, as Carl Froch and Amir Khan both lost their world titles, there is still plenty to look forward to in 2012.

The 'Cobra' will inevitably come back even stronger and may target a showdown with undefeated IBF super-middlewight champion Lucian Bute, while Khan is hoping to gain instant revenge against Lamont Peterson after a controversial points loss in December.

With these two former world champions already established at the very pinnacle, Sportsvibe have decided to list the Top 10 British and Irish fighters to watch out for this year. From current world champion Ricky Burns to amateur prospect Anthony Joshua, these are the boxers hoping to impress in 2012.

10. Anthony Joshua

He may still be an amateur but this year is massive for Joshua. The super heavyweight will represent Great Britain at the Olympics in his hometown of London as he looks to emulate the success of Audley Harrison. Should he manage to medal then the likes of Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren will surely scramble for his signature.

9. Chris Eubank Jr

When your dad is one of the most charismatic British boxers of all time you would think it would be difficult to step out of his rather considerable shadow. However, Eubank Jr has already earned a reputation as one of the most exciting prospects in the sport. He may have had just one professional fight but he has already spent time training with Floyd Mayweather Sr and will look to keep busy throughout the next twelve months.

8. David Price

After the retirement of David Haye there is a huge void to fill in the heavyweight division. Dereck Chisora has a massive opportunity against Wladamir Klitschko, while Tyson Fury is also hoping to make inroads on the world stage. However, perhaps the most devastating puncher on the domestic scene is the 6ft 8" Price. His KO of Tom Dallas was one of the punches of the year and he will hope to win the British heavyweight title in January when he takes on John McDermott.

7. Billy Joe Saunders

The former Olympian received perhaps the least attention when he was signed by Frank Warren in 2008 but after recovering from a string of hand injuries has proved his talent. Saunders has blistering hand speed, combined with knock-out power and is hoping to establish himself as the best middleweight on the domestic scene.

6. Andy Lee

The Irishman may not gain as much attention as his British counterparts, but Lee is a supreme talent who could impress this year. Trained by Hall of Famer Emmanuel Stewart, Lee is considered one of the classiest boxers in the division and is targeting a world title opportunity against either WBC holder Julio Cesar Chavez Jr or IBF champ Daniel Geale.

5. Matthew Macklin

Macklin was left devastated when he was not awarded the decision against WBA middleweight champion Felix Sturm and is now determined to take on the very best. Having moved to America to train, the 28-year-old is set to box pound-for-pound great Sergio Martinez in Madison Square Gardens in-front of a supportive and sure to be vocal crowd on St. Patricks Day. A huge opportunity for the 29-year-old.

4. Nathan Cleverly

The young Welsh fighter is already the WBO Light-Heavyweight champion and is ready to secure his status as the best in the division in 2012. Rumours of a showdown with the vastly experienced, and dangerous, Bernard Hopkins have been mentioned, while both Jean Pascal and Chad Dawson are also on the radar. Cleverly will also dream of a mouth watering clash with fellow Brit Carl Froch, should the Nottingham man make the step up from Super-Middlewight.

3. Ricky Burns

The 28-year-old Scot shocked the world of boxing in 2010 when he upset Roman Martinez to claim the WBO Super Featherweight title in-front of a raucous Glasgow crowd. After moving up to the Lightweight division, Burns impressed as he outboxed Michael Katsidis and he now has his sights set on winning another world title. After seeing Brandon Rios stripped on his WBA title, Burns will hope to challenge for the belt later this year.

2. George Groves

2011 was a massive year for the 'Saint' as he beat long-term rival James DeGale in an enthralling twelve round clash at the O2 arena. His demolition of former British champion Paul Smith proved his ability to finish a fight with one punch and his decision to join Frank Warren showed he is ready to fast track his career. At just 23-years-old he still has much to learn but under the tutelage of Adam Booth he will hope to emulate former stable mate David Haye.

1. Kell Brook.

After making his American debut on the undercard of Froch vs Ward, there are increasingly high hopes that this is the year that Brook can establish himself as one of the best welterweights in the world. With a perfect 26-0 record, it is time for the Sheffield fighter to make the step up in class. Brook will certainly keep a close eye on proceedings in February as Andre Berto hopes to avenge his defeat to Victor Ortiz.

If you have any thoughts on who should have made the list then feel free to comment below...