1) Leigh Wood
Given the run Wood has been on since 2021, it would be almost impossible to consider anyone else more exciting than him at this point. Wins against Can Xu and Michael Conlan were as dramatic as they come, and then two wars with Maurico Lara, followed by another turnaround against Josh Warrington, merely cemented what we already knew.
Leigh Wood lands a right on Mauricio Lara during their May 2023 rematch (Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
2) Sam Eggington
A real example of perseverance and dedication, Eggington has gone through numerous ups and downs in his pro career but has always remained consistent as far as providing entertainment. Recently he has scored excellent wins against Bilel Jkitou, Przemyslaw Zysk and Joe Pigford.
Sam Eggington in a fight against Dennis Hogan at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre on October 8, 2022 in Newcastle, Australia. (Peter Lorimer/Getty Images)
3) Josh Taylor
Though his form has been patchy in the last couple of years, it shouldn’t be forgotten just how exciting Taylor has been at a world-class level. Fights against Regis Prograis, Ivan Baranchyk and Jose Carlos Ramirez were all good to watch, and there have been plenty of others too.
Josh Taylor goes to war with Regis Prograis in London
4) Joe Joyce
Joyce, in many ways, gives you everything you would want from a heavyweight. He comes forward, he eats punches, and he possesses a gas tank which allows him to continue throwing until – as was the case against Zhilei Zhang last year – he is unplugged and taken off his feet.
Joe Joyce nails Joseph Parker during their September 24 fight in Manchester (Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
5) Jordan Gill
While in his early days Gill was not known to have a particularly exciting style, his fights against Karim Guerfi and Michael Conlan were both full of drama and momentum shifts. Now settled, it seems, on a more aggressive approach, “The Thrill” is starting to more than live up to his nickname.
Jordan Gill knocks out Karim Guerfi at The O2 Arena on February 27, 2022 (James Chance/Getty Images)
6) Nick Ball
Very much a pocket rocket, Ball has been compared favourably to Gervonta Davis among others. And while those comparisons may be a bit much at this stage, Ball’s all-action style is certainly pleasing on the eye and his most recent win, against Isaac Dogboe, proved his style can be successful at a higher level.
Nick Ball chases after Isaac Dogboe ( Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
7) Reece Bellotti
A new addition to a list like this, Bellotti has come to the fore having won a couple of domestic title fights: a Commonwealth title win against Aqib Fiaz and a British title win against Liam Dillon. Both were full of drama and both saw Bellotti ruin the unbeaten record of his opponent.
Reece Bellotti celebrates beating Liam Dillon by decision (Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing)
8) Josh Warrington
Rough and ready, Warrington has gone through a few styles over the years but has always appeared to be most comfortable and successful when planting his head on an opponent’s chest and whaling away. He is, by nature, a busy brawler never better than when spurred on by his Leeds faithful.
Josh Warrington lands his right hand on Leigh Wood during their fight at Utilita Arena Sheffield on October 7, 2023 in Sheffield, England (James Chance/Getty Images)
9) Chris Billam-Smith
All heart, determination and work-rate, Billam-Smith makes up for any technical deficiencies by ensuring he does more than his opponent in each of the rounds they share. His 2022 fight with Isaac Chamberlain was a real standout that calendar year and rarely is he in a bad one.
Chris Billam-Smith and Isaac Chamberlain go to war in Bournemouth (Pic: Lawrence Lustig)
10) Anthony Joshua
It’s easy to ignore Joshua’s contribution to entertainment when there has been the odd stinker along the way (most notably, that rematch against Andy Ruiz Jnr), but Joshua more often than not delivers. His 2017 fight against Wladimir Klitschko was a modern classic, let’s not forget.
Anthony Joshua lands an uppercut on Wladimir Klitschko in the 11th round of their heavyweight title fight at Wembley Stadium on April 29, 2017 (Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
