Best Six Boxers You've Never Heard Of

SI Staff | Feb 1, 2007

Best Six Boxers You've Never Heard Of /

Best Six Boxers You've Never Heard Of

Andy Lee

Emanuel Steward's latest prodigy is an Irishman (by way of London) cut out of the same mold as Mickey Ward. The 2004 Olympian won the bronze medal at the 2004 European Amateur Boxing Championships in Pula, Croatia. Lee (yellow trunks) is scheduled to fight next in March at Madison Square Garden.

Gary Stark Jr.

Well credentialed (he won the Golden Gloves in two weight classes), Stark (red/white trunks) recently captured the New York Super Bantamweight title. Next test comes against undefeated Mike Oliver on February 16.

Dmitriy Salita

The 2001 Golden Gloves champion has been brought along slowly by promoter Lou DiBella. A practicing Orthodox Jew, Salita does not fight on the Sabbath or Jewish holidays.

Lamont Peterson

Peterson came up the hard way; lived on the streets in Washington, D.C., with his brother, Anthony, before being spotted by boxing coach Barry Hunter. "He hasn't fought anyone great," says veteran trainer Teddy Atlas. "But he has answered a lot of questions."

Anthony Peterson

The younger Peterson claimed his first major title in January when he KO'd Juan Garza for the NABO Lightweight title. More of a power-puncher than brother Lamont, Peterson is rising fast in the division.

Andre Berto

Berto has yet to have a fight go longer than six rounds. He won a bronze medal for the U.S. at the 2003 World Championships, then competed for his native Haiti in the '04 Olympics. Next test comes February 17 against veteran Ben Tackie.

Published Feb 1, 2007

SI STAFF