If Boxing South Africa still bothered with naming a Prospect of the Year, chances are that young Joshua Studdard would be in the running.
The exciting junior-bantamweight ran his record to 7-0 on Sunday with his stoppage defeat of fellow prospect Sihle Jelwana on Sunday.
Studdard has already earned a reputation around town for his power game and there is little doubt he is a talent worth keeping an eye on.
“This time I was switched on,” he said in the immediate aftermath, conceding that he had been off form his previous outing because of his father’s recent death. “I got my punches flowing nicely and felt good with how I fought.”
He agreed with the view of promoters Jeff Ellis and Rodney Berman who have suggested a change in division. He is very muscle-bound and struggles to drop down to the weight, although it has no obvious effect on his power.
“His next outing will be at bantamweight or junior-feather. We’re doing the kid a disservice by fighting him lower than that. I’ve no doubt he will carry his power through,” said Berman, who will be pushing Studdard hard and fast in the next two years.
