2012 was a mixed year for Britain's elite professional boxers. Carl Froch regained a world title belt with a long-awaited career defining performance. In an utterly unexpected dismantling of unbeaten Lucian Bute, Carl found himself once more on top of the world.
At the other end of the achievement scale Amir Khan was on the receiving end of a third career defeat as he struggled to reach the stratospheric targets which he has set himself. The continual shortcomings of Khan were systematically and brutally exposed in a knockout loss to Danny Garcia. The first steps on the road to recovery were taken with a victory over Carlos Molina last month, but that win still left more questions than answers.
As we head into 2013 the two other British world title holders are in almost identical positions to those in which they found themselves twelve months ago. Ricky Burns fought twice last year. He picked up a wide points win over the durable if uninspiring Paulus Moses in March. The real high point for Ricky was his four round destruction of Dagenham's Kevin Mitchell in September.
Last, and by some distance, when it comes to memorable years for Britain’s world kings is Nathan Cleverly. One-sided victories over Tommy Karpency and Shaun Hawk leave Cleverly stagnating in a way that his ability does not merit.
that his ability does not merit. So what will 2013 have in store for out talented quartet? The undoubted jewel in British boxing's crown is Carl Froch. Reports claim that a deal has almost been finalised for a rematch against Mikkel Kessler. The fight would be staged in the UK and would net both fighters in the region of $2 million each. A fight against Kessler makes the most sense for Froch. There had been talk of a rematch against
What's Next For
Britain's Big Guns
George Ogier takes a look and what could be in store over the next twelve months for Carl Froch, Nathan Cleverly, Amir Khan and Ricky Burns
Will we see Froch take on
Kessler in a rematch?
18 the nuthouse