FOUR BRITISH PROSPECTS TO FOLLOW IN 2026
It was a year to remember for British boxing in 2025, and 2026 looks set to be even bigger and even better.
As we do each year, we give you some prospects to follow over the next 12 months who we are predicting big things from. This year, we’ve picked out four.
Don’t forget, if you think someone should be added to the list, drop us a message on any of our social channels!
Tiah Mai Ayton
A world-champion kickboxer as a kid and an elite-level Muay Thai fighter, this is a young lady who was quite literally born to fight.
Undefeated as an amateur, she won gold at the U19 World Championships last year before deciding to turn professional in early 2025.
She’s pretty much obliterated everyone in her path so far after four fights, and with women’s boxing lacking the depth that the men’s side has, it’ll be no surprise to see her in the mix for a world title in 12 months’ time, despite the fact she will only be 20 years old.
The greatest female boxer of all time, Katie Taylor, is already a big admirer of Tiah’s, and it’s easy to see why. Known for carrying dynamite in both hands, she’s a breath of fresh air for women’s boxing, and it’ll come as no surprise if she goes on to win multiple world titles at multiple weights and achieve greatness.
Definitely keep a close eye on her this year as she looks to stay active and start to pick up titles.
John Joe Carrigan
A stellar amateur, John Joe Carrigan won 70 of his 74 bouts in the unpaid ranks, including a 59-fight win streak, before taking the plunge and turning professional earlier this year.
It didn’t take him long to get the job done on his professional debut in October as he powered through the tough Pole Dawid Przybylski to secure the first-round stoppage.
Currently fighting at super-welterweight, he’s still very young and, as he fills out, he’ll likely move through the weights and will probably end up a light-heavyweight at some point down the line.
2025 will mainly be about gaining valuable experience and getting rounds in the bag, but do not be surprised if we ultimately see him knocking on the door for an Area title at the end of 2026.
Conner Tudsbury
A GB Podium Squad member, Conner Tudsbury was unlucky to miss out on a place at the Olympics due to injury, but since turning over, he has more than excelled.
With a style always better suited to the professional ranks rather than the amateurs, it took him two rounds to get rid of Sadaam Caetano in February.
Now 3-0 with two stoppages on his record, it’s going to be all about gaining momentum. Minor injuries have been a problem throughout his career, but if he can manage an injury-free 2026, he’ll be right in the mix in a light-heavyweight division stacked full of domestic talent.
Trained by Jamie Moore and Nigel Travis, he’s a fun watch and, as he continues to go through the gears as a professional, his fanbase will undoubtedly build fairly rapidly.
Hamza Uddin
Our final fighter to watch out for — and the most experienced of the four — is Walsall’s very own Hamza Uddin.
Currently 6-0 as a pro, he picked up the English flyweight title in his last fight as he secured the fifth-round stoppage victory over Paul Roberts.
You could argue he’s now a contender and not a prospect, but this is a young man who may well, very shortly, have the world at his feet.
Impeccable skills inside and outside of the ring, it’s easy to see why he is already drawing comparisons to the great Prince Naseem Hamed.
There will only ever be one Prince Naz; however, we may be saying “there will only be one Hamza Uddin” in 20 years’ time.
With incredible hand speed combined with insane footwork, he’s starting to sit down on his punches a lot more now — hence why he’s stopped his last two opponents.
The British flyweight title is currently vacant, so expect him to pick that up in the near future before looking to secure a world ranking before the end of the year.
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