Rounding Up Boxing’s Brightest Prospects

• Vergil Ortiz Jr. (18-0-0, 18 KOs)

It feels like forever that Vergil Ortiz Jr. has been on lists like this. He was The Ring magazine’s Prospect of the Year a whole three years ago. With a 100 percent knockout-to-win ratio, it’s evident why the champions are not lining up to fight him. He’s booked as a big favorite against David Avanesyan later this summer in what could finally be his ticket to a title shot.

• Jaron Ennis (29-0-0, 27 KOs)

It’s crazy to think that Jaron Ennis has a lot more knockouts in his professional career (27) than his age (24). Arguably the hardest puncher at welterweight, Ennis is tied with Ortiz Jr. as the most promising prospect at 147 pounds. But unlike Ortiz Jr., he could be getting a title shot as soon as his next bout.

• Conor Benn (21-0-0, 14 KOs)

And rounding out the welterweights is this Briton who has been sitting on his WBA Continental belt for over four years. He owns wins over some notable boxers like Chris Algieri and Adrian Granados. He’s set to box again in September and unless it’s for a future title shot, Benn should be another sizable favorite on the sportsbook.

• Jared Anderson (11-0-0, 11 KOs)

We need all the prospects at heavyweight and the 22-year-old Jared Anderson could be the best one. The two-time U.S. national champion is the Junior NABF champion and has ended all 11 of his opponents. He’s been in some big events and has shined in them, so expect him to be hollering for a belt any time soon.

• Joshua Buatsi (16-0-0, 13 KOs)

Joshua Buatsi is another hot prospect out of the United Kingdom and a light heavyweight. The two-time English national champion also took home bronze in the 2016 Summer Olympics and, most recently, beat former title challenger Craig Richards. Under the tutelage of Virgil Hunter, Andre Ward’s former trainer, expect big things for Buatsi in the near future.

• Edgar Berlanga (20-0-0, 16 KOs)

At one point, Edgar Berlanga had a 100 percent knockout-to-win ratio. But since the competition has stepped up, he’s won by decision. He’s still one of the best unbeaten prospects in the sport. Mike Tyson-like antics aside, Berlanga was impressive against two-time title challenger Roamer Alexis Angulo. A shot at a super middleweight belt is nearing.

• Caroline Dubois (2-0-0, 1 KO)

The sister of WBA (regular) heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois, Caroline could be the next star out of British women’s boxing. She’s only started her professional career but has already looked impressive as she earned a first-round stoppage win in her second bout. With a 37-3 amateur record, Dubois also earned the gold medal in the 2018 Youth Olympics.

• Keyshawn Davis (5-0-0, 4 KOs)

It won’t be long before betting online on Keyshawn Davis will be one of the most fun things to do. The American lightweight finished with a silver medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, but was a fan favorite with his crowd-pleasing style. He’s still got a ways to go in the shark tank of a division, but give him a year or two and he’ll be on everyone’s radar.