Overprotected? 3 British fighters we want to see step up right now

You don’t want to rush prospects, lest they take on a tough challenge before they are ready and lose not just their unbeaten record, but their confidence as a result. A disheartening defeat can put a career on hold or even ruin it before it’s really begun. That said, there is a world of difference before sticking a fighter in a nonsensical 50-50 during their apprenticeship and allowing them to learn against opponents who, while beatable, come to win and offer different looks. With that in mind, here are three undefeated British fighters I would like to see step up sooner rather than later. The criteria is that they must have the requisite skill-set and experience and that they have not yet had their acid test.

Lyndon Arthur
Light-heavyweight
15-0 (12)
Opponents with winning records: 3
The 6ft 2in Pat Barrett-trained Manchester man is an undoubted talent, slick and powerful. He had a limited amateur career so caution in matching him is understandable, but “King” Arthur appears to have all the tools and at 28 is surely around his physical peak. Some may suggest his vacant Commonwealth title fight on October 12 (Warrington vs Takoucht bill) represents such a step up but while the title is coveted, opponent Emmanuel Anim of Ghana has not even won his own domestic belt.

Mark Little
Cruiserweight
12-0 (4)
Opponents with winning records: 0
The Romford man is usually in entertaining fights but is no spring chicken at 31 and has never been in a fight scheduled beyond six rounds. Steve Goodwin is of course looking after his ticket-seller but Little is ambitious and must surely want to know just how good he can be. Coming from an unlicensed background, Little will develop at a more rapid rate against improved opposition.

Chris Kongo
Welterweight
11-0 (6)
Opponents with winning records: 2
Like Little, Kongo does not have a TV promoter behind him but the 26-year-old Bermondsey man is a genuine talent. The former GB amateur rep is a 6ft welter and, judging by his social media accounts, burning with desire to progress. Kongo has moved around trainers and was due to meet former British champ Tyrone Nurse in May before the latter pulled out.

Some who nearly made the list: Jack Massey; Danny Dignum; Hamed Ghaz; Raza Hamza