Mark E. Ortega
December 27, 2013
A number of young fighters saw their unbeaten records receive their first blemishes, while other young prospects established themselves as potential future stars of the sport. Last year, I anointed Javier Fortuna my Prospect of the Year based on his youth and impressive victories, as well as the fact he maintained an active schedule. Those are all important when it comes to deciding my Prospect of the Year. Here is my choice as well as a few others who were worthy of consideration.
2013 Prospect of the Year - Billy Joe Saunders
Sanders boxed just three times in 2013, but totaled 36 rounds in winning decisions over experienced Matthew Hall, unheralded but unbeaten Gary O'Sullivan, and a tight win over fellow prospect John Ryder to close out the year. Though Saunders just barely edged out Ryder, he's given credit for taking on another young and hungry fighter who a handful of people tabbed to beat Saunders before they met.
Though the 160 pound division features Martin Murray, Matthew Macklin, and the recently disposed of Darren Barker, Saunders proved he could be ready to become the best of the bunch in 2014. Saunders is a superb boxer who has shown he can adapt to any style and will be ready to go after a European title in 2014, maybe even challenge for a world title by the end of the year.
Runner-Up: Eddie Gomez
The Bronx's Gomez might be the best young fighter that his promoter Golden Boy Promotions hasn't put enough steam behind. Though he's only 23, he's shown early on in his career that he's got the skills to win a world title. He hasn't yet struggled as a pro, and in his biggest step up against Steve Upsher on Fox Sports 1 in August, he became the first to stop his opponent. Gomez only fought three times in 2013 as other GBP prospects like the Charlo Bros. in particular got a LOT of looks.
Gomez will meet fellow unbeaten prospect Daquan Arnett in the Jan. 30 Fox Sports 1 co-feature, and a win would set him apart from some of his contemporaries.
Honorable Mention: Eleider Alvarez
The Colombian born Alvarez is a bit advanced in age at 29 to truly be considered a "prospect", but his handlers have taken that into account in terms of the way they've moved him. In just 13 professional fights, Alvarez has climbed the rankings and is in position to challenge for a world title pretty early in 2014. First, he must get through South Africa's Thomas Oosthuizen, who himself was once considered the goods before regressing a bit in 2013.
Alvarez only fought twice in 2013, easily stopping Nicholson Poulard before having a bit of a test against Edison Miranda. Miranda, who has met a who's who between 160 and 175 pounds over the course of his career, gave Alvarez some trouble, but ultimately Alvarez prevailed. He may be the best amateur boxer to ever come out of Colombia and has erased the stigma of Colombian fighters being unskilled brawlers. Though Alvarez does get the KO, they usually come without much effort, as was the case against Poulard. He has real boxing skills that he can rely on to get the job done, and he'll be a dangerous opponent for any of the names at 175 that might be looking to bigger paydays.
Honorable Mention: Jessie Magdaleno
Junior featherweight Jessie Magdaleno mowed down his opposition in 2013, though they were mostly gimmes. Still, though it came against modest opposition, you've got to be impressed by what the younger Magdaleno brother brings to the table. Now paired with the esteemed Joel Diaz Jr., Magdaleno is only going to improve on his somewhat porous defense while hopefully maintaining the aggressiveness that has made him a joy to watch early in his career.
Magdaleno went 4-0 in 2013 with 4 stoppages, including a 3rd round TKO of the well-past it Luis Maldonado, a former title challenger in the lower weight divisions. Magdaleno may be on a bit of a slow path due to his youth and promoter Top Rank's penchant for coddling their fighters at this stage. A big opportunity may not be around the corner for Magdaleno, but when he's ready, he'll be as fun of a fighter to watch as any.
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