Best of British: 10 domestic crackers to enjoy in the absence of live boxing

As the COVID-19 global health pandemic forces Britain into self-isolation and we prepare for an extended period without live boxing, BBTV has searched archives for some of the best domestic dust-ups in recent history.

Gomez derails Arthur in Scotland

Amidst a backdrop of a blistering atmosphere in Scotland, Michael Gomez turned back the years and overcame the odds to capture the Lonsdale belt from the highly touted ‘Amazing’ Alex Arthur.

The unmistakable Manchester fighter was relentless in his attacks, halting any fight back from Arthur with a cluster of fierce shots to the head and body.

In spite of him showcasing desire and heart in abundance, the sheer intensity of Gomez’s attacks eventually saw the contest come to a dramatic conclusion in round five, as a collection of left hooks led to a brutal knockout.

Macklin and Moore go to war

A middleweight fight that felt years in the making, Jamie Moore and Matthew Macklin engaged in one of the best British title bouts in modern boxing.

Two fighters that embodied the perfect balance of toughness and skill, it was simply unavoidable that this one would live up to the hype.

After Macklin set a blistering early pace, the tide turned in the second half of the fight and Moore managed to wilt the warrior like workrate of his opponent, sending him to the canvas with a cynical straight combination in round 10.

The Hayemaker makes his mark

As short as it was spectacular, David Haye’s meeting with Enzo Maccarinelli marked a collision of two of Britain’s most explosive fighters.

Prior to his conquests in the heavyweight division, ‘The Hayemaker’ was one of Britain’s most accomplished cruiserweights and his demolition of undefeated Welsh banger Maccarinelli was undoubtedly one of his best performances in the division.

The Hitman comes of age

A significant cut in the opening round forced Manchester’s Ricky Hatton into top gear against the game Jon Thaxton.

The Hitman was sinister in his pursuit of his rugged Norwich opponent, as he wore him down with the body shots he would eventually become synonymous for.

The dominant performance cemented Hatton’s status as one of Britain’s future stars, as he showed patience and power in abundance, earning a decision victory over Thaxton, who once again showed he is as tough as they come.

A rivalry for the ages

In a fight that defined one of British boxing’s most engaging rivalries, ‘The Dark Destroyer’ Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank went toe-to-toe in a back and forth contest that had the nation on its feet.

Although their disdain for each other was unquestionable, the two middleweights brought the best out of each other and provided fight fans with one of the best domestic bouts in British boxing history.

Harrison battles Brodie in Manchester

Underlining why he will go down as one of Scotland’s finest fighters, Scott Harrison marched into enemy territory to take on the much adored Manchester fighter Michael Brodie.

In a turbulent tear-up, as he did so often in his career Brodie battled back from adversity and pushed the defending world champion Harrison to the very limit.

In an electric atmosphere, the pair exchanged heavy leather and took it in turns to take the ascendancy, until a vicious body shot abruptly ended Brodie’s valiant efforts in round four.

Brodie celebrates British title glory in Manchester

On a list of domestic classics, Michael Brodie could feature a plethora of times, on this list he features twice and in his second entry he enjoyed a better outcome, stopping Neil Swain to take the British title.

As with almost every Brodie fight this was a war whilst it lasted, compact and composed the Mancunian marched forward against the resilient Swain, who refused to retreat and fought fire with fire.

The ferociousness and accuracy of Brodie took its toll on the tough Welshman as he was knocked him out in round 10.

Mitchell comes back from the brink to beat Murray

‘Styles make fights’ is the old cliche and boxing, but this was proven right when Kevin Mitchell and John Murray in 2011.

Following a tough loss to Michael Katsidis and questions over his professionalism many were speculating how much Mitchell had left when he stepped in with the previously undefeated Murray.

These doubts lingered in the opening half of the fight as Murray seemed to work his way into the lead on the judges’ scorecards, however when Mitchell utilised his boxing he managed to inflict the first defeat on the record of the 26 year old.

Alexander ends Takaloo rivalry with explosive left hook

In what felt like the last chance saloon for both men, Merdud Takaloo and Wayne Alexander collided amidst a backdrop or real animosity.

Unlikely blemishes on the record of the pair didn’t dwindle the allure for a fight that many within the trade feared would never happen, as two of the best domestic operators of the time battled for the WBU Light-Middleweight title.

York Hall provided a fitting venue for the fight, which brought together two fighters who seemingly had no intentions of going the distance.

The Cat has too much for brave Eubank

Seeking to become a three-weight world champion, Chris Eubank ran into the bigger, more powerful Carl ‘The Cat’ Thompson in Manchester.

Not fazed by the significant size advantage of his opponent, Eubank wore the same strut and assurance he had become known for throughout his glittering career.

The undeniable desperation to not only leave as world champion, but also elevate their legacy in the sport, led to a thrilling encounter between two of the best British fighters in modern memory.

In just the second session, Eubank underlined he still carried his power at the cruiserweight and the fight simmered into a spectacular spectacle.

Thompson showcased his heart and spirit, that endeared him to British fight fans, as he rose from the canvas and utilised his thunderous power to stamp his authority on his brave Brighton opponent.

On what many believed would be a relatively straightforward first defence of his title, the Mancunian had to be at the top of his game, only slowing his flamboyant opponent with the regular unleashing of his debilitating right hand.