British boxing is going through a challenging period. Pay-per-view (PPV) stars Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury are in the twilight of their careers, with injuries and potential retirement casting uncertainty over their futures. The number of British world champions has dropped significantly, with only Nick Ball, Daniel Dubois, and Anthony Cacace holding world titles in 2025—a stark contrast to 2016, when Britain boasted 14 male world champions. This decline shows little sign of immediate reversal.
In recent weeks, two of Britain’s most promising contenders, Hamzah Sheeraz and Jack Catterall, suffered major setbacks in their world title pursuits, losing to Carlos Adames and Arnold Barboza Jr, respectively. So, where will the next male British world champions come from?
Near Future Contenders
Callum Smith
Callum Smith currently holds the WBO interim light heavyweight title after his victory over Joshua Buatsi on February 22nd. His chances of becoming a two-weight world champion depend largely on the outcome of the ongoing Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol saga.
- If Bivol wins, he may vacate the belts and move up to cruiserweight, opening the door for Smith to claim a full world title.
- If Beterbiev wins, a potential trilogy fight with Bivol could push the 40-year-old champion toward retirement, leading to a dispersal of the belts.
Either scenario puts Smith in prime position for a world title shot soon.
Galal Yafai
The Olympic gold medallist and WBC interim flyweight champion is another top contender. His recent bout with Sunny Edwards proved he belongs at the world level, and he is in line to challenge full champion Kenshiro Teraji. However, he must wait for the March 13th unification bout between Teraji and WBA champion Seigo Yuri Akui. The winner will likely be ordered to face Yafai next.
Fabio Wardley
A less conventional pick, but his path to a world title is more viable than it seems. With Oleksandr Usyk stating he has only two fights left—one likely being a rematch with Daniel Dubois—the heavyweight division could soon see a major shake-up. If the belts become fragmented post-Usyk, and with AJ/Fury destined to fight each other, fighters like Joseph Parker, Agit Kabayel, and Wardley could find themselves in world title contention. Having already defeated British-level opponents like Frazer Clarke, David Adeleye, and Nathan Gorman, Wardley is due for a step up to world-level competition.
Distant Future Prospects
Moses Itauma
Perhaps the most exciting prospect in British boxing, Itauma is making waves in the heavyweight division. His recent knockouts of Mariusz Wach and Demsey McKean have showcased his devastating power and speed. At just 20 years old, careful matchmaking will be crucial in his development. Potential matchups with the likes of Joe Joyce, Jarrell Miller, and Jermaine Franklin could provide him with the necessary experience before stepping up to world level.
Pat McCormack
The highly decorated amateur and Olympic silver medallist has transitioned smoothly into the pro ranks. Fighting behind a razor-sharp jab, McCormack’s powerful right hand has caused opponents significant problems, most recently Robbie Davies Jr. A logical next step would be a British title fight against Conah Walker, a challenge he is expected to overcome. With Ben Davison guiding his career, McCormack is firmly on the path to world honours in the coming years.
Giorgio Visioli
At just 21 years old, lightweight prospect Giorgio Visioli has made an impressive start to his professional career. A two-time ABA champion at different weights, Visioli has knocked out five of his first six opponents. His transition to the pro ranks has been seamless, and his combination of fast feet and newfound punching power makes him one to watch. Under the management of Sunny Edwards and the promotional backing of Eddie Hearn, Visioli has all the tools to develop into a future world champion.
Final Thoughts
While British boxing is in a transitional phase, the future still holds promise. In the near term, Callum Smith and Galal Yafai are in strong positions to challenge for world titles, while Fabio Wardley’s heavyweight ambitions depend on the post-Usyk landscape. Looking further ahead, Moses Itauma, Pat McCormack, and Giorgio Visioli represent the next generation of British boxing talent. Though the golden era of 2016 is a distant memory, the foundations are in place for a resurgence in the coming years.
SebonSport 
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