As I am writing this article, with the telly turned on , I couldn't help overhearing, as my eyes transfixed to this worldwide sensation Susan Boyle of Britain's Got Talent. Just a few weeks ago this Scottish 'never-been-kissed' Susan Boyle has taken the popularity of the show beyond the country. Susan, whose looks prompted an initial cynicism among the judges and the audiences, later captivated everyone with her heavenly voice as she performed "I dreamed a dream" from Les Miserables. The quick fame didn't last that long as she struggled to battle some controversies. The feisty media purported her as over-rated, loco spinster with fiery temper who couldn't handle the pressure of fame. Contrary to the views of her closest friends who portrayed her as generally nice person. Now, I'm becoming a bore. The media have put her into the spotlight and made her an instant celebrity, but it was the same media that demonized her, literally and figuratively. This goes to show how media can easily control our minds. The media have already pre-conditioned the minds of each and everyone of us to think of her as utterly evil. I wouldn't be surprised, if she doesn't win the finals. Meantime my all time favourite FLAWLESS is at the brink of losing it's position to the top as the dance group Diversity transformed themselves FLAWLESSly with their latest performance. Gaining a standing ovation from the judges and the audiences.
This could be in any order. Forgive me if I miss others on this list. Feel free to comment and add your favourite British fighters.
JOE CALZAGHE (Total fights 46, Wins 46 (by KO 32)
The undefeated champion of the world. Not a bad title to have. Having fought in 44 bouts during his career, he is now retired with that unbeaten record still intact. Claiming to be unsure whether he will fight again, in the end Calzaghe defeated Roy Jones Jr. at Madison Square. Calzaghe will surely be remembered for years to come, very possibly as the greatest of all time
Pictured here showing Joe Calzaghe, right, had to endure some trying moments against a determined Bernard Hopkins.
LENNOX LEWIS (Total fights 44, Wins 41 (by KO 32), Losses 2, Draws 1)
Closer to the present day, Lewis was a monstrous boxer who joined Muhammed Ali and Evander Holyfield as the only boxers ever to win the world heavyweight title three times. His reputation as one of the best in the world was tainted when the press started to doubt the quality of his competitors during his career.
Pictured here shows LennoxLewis throws a vicious punch on Mike Tyson, facing.
A true showman in the ring, Prince Naseem dazzled crowds around the world with his speed and skill. Armed with a pair of leopard-skin trunks, Sheffield-born Hamed became a star, dancing his way to the WBO and WBC championships whilst racking up a 35-fight winning streak. Marco Antonio Barrera put an end to that run, and Naseem's star began to fade.
Picture shows Naseem Stands over Steve Robinsons as he gets on his knees.
NIGEL BENN (Total fights 48, Wins 42 (by Knock Out 35), Losses 5, Draws 1)
Nicknamed 'The Dark Destroyer', Benn was a formidable contestant. Famed for his devastating power, he will be remembered as one of the hardest pound-for-pound punchers in boxing history. His rivalry with Eubank culminated in a classic contest in 1990, when the latter claimed the WBO middleweight crown. Benn (left) is sure to be remembered as one of Britain's most consistently entertaining performers at any weight.
Pictured here beating Italy's Mauro Galvano, Benn's spell at world level began in April 1990 when he stopped American Doug De Witt in Atlantic City and it included notable fights with other British fighters such as Chris Eubank, Steve Watson and the ill-fated Michael Watson.
CHRIS EUBANK (Total fights 52, Wins 45 (by KO 23), Losses 5, Draws 2)
Generally considered to be a 'gentlemen' of the sport, it's easy to forget how tough Eubank was in the boxing ring. Clinching the WBO middleweight and super-middleweight titles during his illustrious career, he certainly left his monocle in the changing room.
Picture: Eubank trades blows with Steve Collins for the W.B.O. Super-Middleweight world championship in Cork, March 1995.
BARRY MCGUIGAN (Total fights 35, Wins 32 (by KO 28), Losses 3)
Born in the Republic of Ireland, but a British citizen, McGuigan was smaller in stature than many of his peers. That proved to be insignificant, however, as he went on to win 32 of his 35 career fights, and be carried through the streets of Belfast as WBA world featherweight champion in 1985. He retired after the death of his father in 1987.
Panamanian boxer Eusebio Pedroza (right) on the way to losing a 15-round decision and his World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight title to Barry McGuigan of Ireland on June 8, 1985.
JOHN CONTEH (Total fights 39, Wins 34, Losses 4, Draws 1)
Although he won 34 of his 39 career fights, Conteh will always be remembered as a sportsman who never reached his full potential. As he became successful, he grabbed fame with both hands, and chose the playboy lifestyle over that of a professional athlete. Nevertheless, he still managed to claim the WBC light-heavyweight title in 1974.
Picture here showing John Conteh, left, and Matthew Saad Muhammad. They fought each other twice.
KEN BUCHANAN (Total fights 69, Wins 61 (by KO 27), Losses 8)
With the most fights out of anyone in this ten best, Buchanan also had the most wins. 61 out of 69 gained him hero-status in his native Scotland. The undoubted high-point of his career was his astonishing win over Laguna in Puerto Rico, 1970, with which he claimed the world lightweight title.
Picture here shows Ken Buchanan’s famous knockout of Carlos Ortiz in 1972.
RICKY 'THE HITMAN' HATTON (Total fights 47, Wins 45 (by KO 32), Losses 2)
Undefeated until recently, Hatton's rough and tumble style still worries any opponent who dares step into the ring with him. Although Floyd Mayweather gave him a lesson in Vegas and Pacquiao showed him up more recently, the hitman still has a record which stands up to the toughest of scrutiny. Let's just hope that his recent defeats don't tarnish what he has done for British boxing over the last few years.
Picture here shows Hatton displayed a straight jab to Kostya Tszyu.
FLAWLESS VS DIVERSITY (You can vote who's gonna win the BGT finals at the top bottom right corner of ANYTHING BRITON title)
An audience of 13.6 million will tune in this coming Saturday to see Flawless and Diversity perform their stunning and breath-taking dance moves. The viewing public will surely be highly divided with other talents such as Greek dance act Stavros Flatley, singers Shaheen Jafargholi of Swansea, Rugby player Shaun Smith and a youtube sensation Susan Boyle going through the finals. They are all competing for the chance to perform at the Royal Variety Show and a £100,000 cheque.
The two dance groups capture my interest lately. I do wish this could be a contest between the two. Which I know is next to impossible. If indeed the contest boils down between Flawless and Diversity, it would be a hell of a fight. However, if the British public is swayed by mere popularity of the talents then Susan Boyle wins because the latest youtube highest individual view count as of 28th of May 8:30 AM shows the following;
Susan Boyle – 62.3 million viewers
Flawless- 11.7 million viewers
Stavros Flatley 8.6 million viewers
Shaheen Jafargholi- 5.6 million viewers
Diversity- 2.8 million viewers
Shaun Smith- 1.4 million viewers
And between my two dance group favourites, Flawless garnered the biggest fans by far.
