Jan Bergman has arguably the best left hook in the world, he’s been in the ring with some of the best boxers of his generation and he has one of the best knockout ratios in the business. But does he have what it takes to win a second world title?
That question will be answered on Saturday night when he climbs into the ring at the Huddersfield sports centre in England against a man who seems destined for bigger things. Earlier this year Bergman relinquished his World Boxing Union welterweight title after successfully defending it twice, and then unsuccessfully challenged Jawaid Khaliq for the International Boxing Organisation version. He will have his hands full come fight night.
James Hare, a former Commonwealth champion, now holds the World Boxing Foundation (which replaced the World Boxing Federation) title. He is a fiery fighter who knows only one way and that is forward. He has been well-groomed and his career steadily guided and now, with a record of 26 wins, 13 knockouts and one defeat, is on the brink of receiving world recognition. A win over the respected Bergman would go a long way towards doing just that.
It may sound strange to say that a world champion is on the point of receiving international recognition, but one must remember that the WBF is a less well-regarded world title. The organisation can, however, feel proud that two
boxers of the calibre of Bergman and Hare are contesting their crown. Such bouts will indeed contribute immensely towards the growth of the sanctioning body.
A win over Hare would likewise mean more to Bergman than the actual title itself and could well reopen doors for the ‘Toekomsrus slayer†to challenge once again the bigger names in the division. Hare is a fast-punching come-
forward fighter, who has a tendency to overwhelm his opponents with his work-rate.
It is the champion’s attacking style that on one hand will suit Bergman, but on the other hand could lead to a premature stoppage of the contest. Bergman can box with the best of them, but standing toe to toe has never been his strong point.