Ranking 5 England vs. US Fights That Could Yet Happen in 2015
You can't beat a bit of international competition.
There have been some classic bouts involving fighters from England and the United States down the years, even if the nations are on friendly terms.
Lennox Lewis may have represented Canada in the Olympics, but the London-born heavyweight was the pride of his homeland when he toppled the legendary pair of Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield.
Fellow heavyweight Henry Cooper, however, did not have the best of luck against the big American names.
Our 'Enry was beaten by both Floyd Patterson and the great Muhammad Ali (twice) during his career.
They are just a couple of examples of the cross-Atlantic battles that have happened in the ring down the years.
Looking to the future, there is the possibility of some cracking Anglo-American bouts happening in 2015.
Here are five clashes that could yet take place over the coming months—as well as a prediction over the likelihood of them being made.
Have we missed out a bout you would love to see? Have your say via the comments section.
Honourable Mentions
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There are plenty of speculative fights that did not make the final list.
If we stretch the rules slightly, Scott Quigg versus Guillermo Rigondeaux is an enthralling clash at super-bantamweight.
However, while Rigondeaux is now based in Florida, he was born in Cuba.
George Groves could face WBC super-middleweight champion Anthony Dirrell, though, the latter is first due to defend the belt against Badou Jack in April.
Terence Crawford became the WBO lightweight champion by defeating Scotsman Ricky Burns, so what are the chances he returns to Britain to take on Londoner Kevin Mitchell later in the year?
In truth, though, these bouts are all pie in the sky right now.
5. Kell Brook vs. Keith Thurman
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Kell Brook can expect to be targeted now he is a world champion.
Keith Thurman has already spoken of his interest in fighting the Sheffield-born boxer according to promoter Oscar De La Hoya (h/t HatmanStrikesBack on YouTube), even if that means having to come to England.
Brook will defend his IBF welterweight title in his own back yard when he takes on Romanian Jo Jo Dan on Mar. 28 at the Motorpoint Arena.
His career suffered a setback when he was stabbed while on holiday in Tenerife, though, he is now thankfully back to full health and fit to fight again.
Brook will hope to see off Dan to set up a money-spinning clash against one of the big names in the division later in the year.
He has talked about taking on Amir Khan, according to The Telegraph's Gareth A. Davies, while there have also been rumours about a potential bout against Mexican legend Juan Manuel Marquez, per BoxingNews24's Scott Gilfoid.
However, a bout with Thurman, who takes on the experienced Robert Guerrero in March, would make for a mouth-watering clash between two unbeaten fighters.
Will it happen? Not yet, no. Thurman is a real talent but probably not top of Brook's list of potential opponents right now.
4. Carl Froch vs. Bernard Hopkins
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The future for Carl Froch still remains unclear.
The super-middleweight has surrendered the IBF title, but that does not mean his career is done and dusted just yet.
Froch has talked at length about wanting to fight in Las Vegas before hanging up his gloves, but a showdown with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. had to be shelved due to an elbow injury.
The Mexican has long been mentioned by Froch as a potential opponent, though, Bernard Hopkins has thrown his name into the ring (not literally) as another option.
The 50-year-old—who lost to Sergey Kovalev last November—branded the Nottingham fighter a "coward" in an interview with Sky Sports, after hearing Froch say a fight against him would be a "lose-lose situation."
Will it happen? Not likely, despite Hopkins' best efforts to stir the pot.
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3. Amir Khan vs. Floyd Mayweather
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Amir Khan made it clear when he spoke to BT Sport's Boxing Tonight (h/t MailOnline's Richard Arrowsmith): He wants to take on either Floyd Mayweather or Manny Pacquiao.
The problem is, though, that they have now finally come to an agreement to meet themselves (which you'll have read plenty about, unless you've been living under a rock for the past month or so).
Khan used to work with trainer Freddie Roach, the same man who has helped Pacquiao become one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.
If Pac-Man were to face the Bolton boxer, much would be made of the sparring sessions the pair have had in the past, even if the Brit has developed his skills since then.
The opportunity to take on Mayweather, however, seems to be the bout that Khan favours.
Many feel his speed could trouble the American, who still boasts a perfect record ahead of his long-awaited, and money-spinning, showdown with Pacquiao.
Will it happen? Possibly. But Khan is now playing a waiting game.
2. Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder
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Heavyweights Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder have seemingly been on a collision course for some time.
When asked for his thoughts about the American, Fury said, per the Daily Mail: "I don't like Deontay Wilder and he doesn't like me. I think he's a big hype job."
Wilder now has the WBC belt in his possession after out-pointing Bermane Stiverne at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in January.
Fury—who was born in Manchester but has also represented Ireland during his boxing career—is currently sitting in the mandatory challenger position to Wladimir Klitschko.
He is taking on Christian Hammer next in what Fury will hope is another stepping stone towards a world title shot before the year is out.
Will it happen? Good chance. Talk is cheap, but these two seem destined to get it on eventually
1. James DeGale vs. Andre Dirrell
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James DeGale had hoped he would be next in line for Carl Froch, seen as he was mandatory challenger for the IBF title.
However, with his fellow Brit's having now surrendered the belt, DeGale will get the chance to fight for the vacant super-middleweight strap.
Andre Dirrell seems certain to be his next opponent, with the Michigan fighter even admitting, per Sky Sports' Richard Damerell, that he would be willing to travel for the fight.
The 31-year-old has fought once before in England, losing on points to Carl Froch in Nottingham back in 2009. It is the only blemish on his professional record.
DeGale has also lost once in his professional career; he was beaten by longtime rival George Groves in 2011 but has won 10 on the spin since then.
Will it happen? Yes. Mandatory purse bids are scheduled for Mar. 10, per BoxingScene.com, to decide where and when.
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