1930
In the Flyweight division a young Japanese appears to be an up and coming superstar. Tetsuhiko Watanabe has impressed with a string of six victories (five by knockout). Pep Rivera from Mexico and Eddie Avery are showing well in North America with Fred Bruce from the Dem. Republic of Congo leading the African contingent. No clear favourite has emerged in Europe, although Robin Hogg seems to be the odds on man to break out in 1931.
In the Bantamweight division, there is no clear favourite. Aussie Brendan Tierney looks solid as does Canadian George Dixon. Linhart Rehberg of Germany also bears watching along with Arturo Garcia of Argentina.
Magnus Ostgerg of Denmark and Wilson Garcia of Mexico made impressive debuts in the Featherweight division. The hype about American Mark Burch was derailed when he was disqualified in his first fight. Five victories followed to reinstate his reputation.
Lightweights to watch include Harry Gilmore of Canada, Gustaw Honigman of Poland and Tkuro Yagi of Japan. A large contingent of American fighters beat up on each other through the year with no particular standouts yet.
There is a plethora of talent among the early Welterweights. Mysterious Billy Smith of Canada and Tommy Ryan from the US both look formidable. American Charles Kemmick and Tewodros Haki from Cameroon also appear to have what it takes to contend in the future.
Jim Pettengell is the early man to beat in the Middleweight division. The Kiwi has an unblemished record after seven bouts as does both American Keith Cochran and the Scot Jay MacIntosh. The pundits are however keeping a careful eye on an Irishman, Jack Dempsey who has only fought twice to date.
Thirteen Light-Heavyweights are undefeated after the first year of bouts. American Larry Temple has sprinted out to an impressive 8-0-0 (5) record. Other notables in the group are Shimei Sano of Japan, Sang-Hyun O of South Korea, Brit Bob Fitzsimmons and Americans Joe Choynski and Philadelphia Jack O’Brien.
The Heavyweights have a number of interesting contenders led by unknown Mexican Arturo Ferreira, Egyptian Adnan bin Qutuz and American Carlton Hodges. All of the other unbeatens are obscure in reputation except for the Englishman, Tom Sayers.