With 2014 quickly wrapping up, it’s time to look ahead to 2015. On the prospects to watch series, I’ll discuss 20 fighters who I believe will make, or break, their careers, in the next year. Now, I do not believe these are necessarily the 20 best prospects in boxing, just the top 20 with name recognition, ability and potential to breakout in the upcoming year.
On part 1, we’ll discuss 20-16…
#20
Frank Galarza “Notorious”
Record: 15-0-2 9 KO’s
Age: 29
154 lbs.
Dibella Entertainment
Galarza comes to us from the hard streets of Brooklyn, New York. In 2010, he captured the New York State Golden Gloves. He turned pro months later.
Galarza had a big 2014, going 4-0. He also gained a national exposure with two appearances on Shobox: The Next Generation. On January 17, he leveled the previous undefeated, John Thompson, in the 2nd round. Four months later, he defeated the undefeated Sebastian Bouchard by 8th round unanimous decision.
Galarza holds the Jr. Middleweight WBC Latino Title as well as the New York State Jr. Middleweight Title. Look for Galarza to stay busy in 2015 under Dibella Entertainment.
#19
Badou Jack “The Ripper” 
Record: 16-1 10 KO’s
Age: 31
168 lbs.
Mayweather Promotions
Jack competed at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. He represented his father’s home country of Gambia, losing in the 1st round.
Jack had an up and down 2014. In February, on Shobox, he was flattened in 1 round against Derek Edwards. He rebounded in August with a 10 round unanimous over Jason Escalara. He is scheduled to return on Dec. 12 in San Antonio, Tx on the undercard of Lara-Smith
It’s interesting to see how busy Mayweather Promotions will keep the 31 year-old Jack in 2015. Also, being only one bout removed from his devastating knockout loss, is Jack mentally over it? 2015 will be a year of answers for Jack and his fellow Mayweather prospects.
#18
Sean Monaghan “Irish Seanie” 
Record: 22-0 14 KO’s
Age: 33
175 lbs.
Top Rank
Monaghan only had 15 amateur fights before turning pro in 2009. Over the last 5 years, he’s built up a good looking resume under the watchful eye of Brad Goodman and Top Rank.
Monaghan fought three times in 2014, defeating 40+ veteran Elvir Murqui
In his last outing. He is scheduled to face Daniel Regi on the undercard of Bradley-Chavez at the Cosmopolitan Hotel on Dec. 13th.
At age 33, 2015 could be the year we find out if Monaghan is as good as the film shows. With a top heavy 175 division, the rise to a top 10/15 ranking is only a few wins away.
#17
Dominic Breazeale
Record: 12-0 11 KO’s 
Age: 29
Heavyweight
Golden Boy Promotions
Breazeale is an athletic freak, standing 6’6. Before qualifying for the 2012 Olympics, Breazeale was a quarterback for the University of Northern Colorado.
Breazeale has had a busy 2014, fighting four times with a scheduled 5th bout next week. He defeated 2004 Olympian Devin Vargas by 3rd tko on 6/21. He faces former title contender, Dominic Guinn on December 11th.
Breazeale is fighting on an average of 5 times a year. By this time next year, he can move from prospect to contender status with wins over a few recognizable names. In a weak heavyweight division, if Breazeale proves to be the goods, a title shot is right around the corner.
#16
Andy Ruiz Jr “The Destroyer” 
Record: 23-0 16 KO’s
Age: 25
Heavyweight
Top Rank
Ruiz had a stellar amateur career, amassing a record of 104-8. He barely missed out on qualifying for the 2008 Olympics.
He defeated fellow Mexican-American heavyweights, Kenny Lemos and Manuel Quezada in 2014. He faces former WBO champion, Siarhei Liakhovick on December 20th.
His resume includes one time prospect, Tor Hamer, as well as Joe Hanks, undefeated at the time. He currently holds the NABF and WBO Intercontinental Heavyweight titles.
Leave a Reply