THE NUMBERS GAME

Journeymen are the lifeblood of British boxing and some have contributed more than others

1. PETER BUCKLEY

Defensive maestro Buckley was known as “The Professor” and for good reason, too. Composed under pressure, the Birmingham man went on to have 300 pro fights in a 19-year career and educated countless prospects in the process.

2. KRISTIAN LAIGHT

A recent addition to the 300 club, Laight boxed a staggering 18 times in the first seven months of 2018 and was stopped only five times in a 15-year pro career.

3. JASON NESBITT

Another tough Midlander, Nesbitt boxed 213 times in his 16-year pro career and was still active at the age of 42. He tucked up, usually had a go, and 198 defeats hardly tell a true story.

4. DELROY SPENCER

Spencer, also from the Midlands, racked up 173 pro fights in 17 years and won four of his first nine. The one knockout of his career arrived in 2000 and Ankar Miah was the man on the receiving end.

5. BRIAN COLEMAN

Brummie Coleman boxed professionally from 1991 to 2005 and accumulated 172 fights during that period. After drawing the first two fights of his career, he went on to draw five more and win 24.

6. TONY BOOTH

Booth boxed professionally for 18 years and boasted 166 fights when calling it a day in 2008. He won the final two fights of his career, despite losing a total of 105, and famously upset undefeated American and future world title challenger Omar Sheika in 1998.

7. KARL TAYLOR

Known as “Plug”, Birmingham’s Karl Taylor won four of his first six pro fights, having turned over in 1987, but went on to lose 142 of 165.

8. IBRAR RIYAZ

Reading’s Riyaz boxed 21 times last year and 163 times in total. The man who goes by the name of “Smokin” has been stopped just three times and usually guarantees a competitive fight.

9. ERNIE SMITH

“Gypsy Boy” Ernie Smith recorded 161 fights in an 11-year pro career and was known for his toughness and physical strength. He had his licence withdrawn in 2009 and tragically passed away the following year.

10. BILLY SMITH

Billy Smith, twin brother of Ernie, was considered the more dedicated of the two but the lesser talent. Active for 13 years, he also had 161 fights before sadly taking his own life in 2013.