Meet Britain's worst boxers – 5 UK journeymen with almost 700 defeats between them

While the likes of Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali will be remembered for their incredible boxing records, these fighters have been on the wrong end of results for their entire careers

Names like Mike Tyson, Muhammad Ali and Floyd Mayweather Jr are known globally, even to those who aren't boxing enthusiasts.

After all, these prize-fighters have made their mark both inside and outside the ring. Mayweather secured his place in history with an impeccable 50-0 record, while Mike Tyson was recognised as a boxing prodigy from a young age, renowned for his fierce aggression and knockout power.

Ali, on the other hand, captivated the world with his speed and footwork in the ring, as well as his intelligence and activism outside of it. While these men have enjoyed the financial rewards of one of the world's leading sports over the years, and basked in the fame that comes with being a champion, there are many others whose dreams of such prestige have been shattered by tarnished records from the start.

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No fighter wants to lose, and many experienced boxers will retire when they hit a losing streak. However, the following boxers have chosen to continue fighting as journeymen a decision that requires true courage and commitment.

In essence, journeymen like the ones mentioned below play a crucial role in professional boxing. They help introduce new fighters, make fights incredibly thrilling when there is little anticipation surrounding them, and step in at short notice when another boxer withdraws, reports the Mirror.

While the highs of championship level boxing can be incredibly challenging to attain, it's undeniable that a journeyman's career is far more mentally and physically demanding. Without further ado, Wales Online delves into some of the most lopsided records in British boxing history....

MJ Hall - Record of 3-122-3

Super-welterweight battler MJ Hall has only savoured victory three times throughout his extensive boxing career. With a record of 0-18-1 at the time, he defeated Terry Maughan in October 2019 on points, before triumphing over Carl Chadwick the same month by the same method.

And while spectators may have thought that Hall was about to miraculously turn his career around thanks to his two fight winning streak, Hall ultimately didn't experience victory for another three years, defeating Declan Cairns in October 2022 due to the judges' decision.

Fast forward to 2024, Hall remains an incredibly active fighter at 32 despite currently enduring 34 fights without a win. His most recent defeat came at the hands of Jake Goodwin on points in July. Despite holding an overall record of 3-122-3, Hall has only been knocked out eight times proving that he has a sturdy chin.

In a candid interview with Boxing News Online, Hall shared his stance on being a journeyman: "There are some lads who are 6-0, 7-0, 8-0 who shouldn't be fighting me. I get that. They shouldn't be pumped up like that. On the other hand, there are lads who are 1-0, 2-0 or who need to get back on track. They need me."

Naeem Ali - Record of 3-131-1

Naeem Ali's tale is quite stark in comparison to the illustrious name he shares. The Blackburn-based welterweight has been through a jaw-dropping 135 fights, managing to win just three against Leo Fanthome, Darren Townley and Lee Williams.

Despite this record, the determined 29-year-old fighter clinched TKO victories over Fanthome and Townley, while winning on points against Williams. Currently enduring a streak of seven losses, Ali holds a record of 3-131-1. Nevertheless, he's lined up for more action, preparing to face 1-0 Josh Paladino come November and then square off against 3-0 Dylan Clift in December.

While reflecting on his boxing journey with Punchout Boxing, Ali shared insights on his unique path in the sport: "Someone messaged me one day on Facebook saying 'why don't you just be a journeyman' and 'don't let go of boxing because you're quite good... you can make good money out of it'.

"So I had a look into it and looked at all of the other journeyman boxers and thought, 'well, I can do this'." He also explained that he got his licence approved on a Thursday, and was already fighting just two days later.

Darryl Sharp - Record of 8-123-1

Manchester's own Darryl Sharp, with a professional boxing record of 8-123-1, has certainly faced his share of challenges in the ring. The light-heavyweight fighter boasts eight wins, one by knockout, but it's difficult to overlook his staggering 123 losses.

His most recent triumph was a points decision over Ben Thomas last September, yet he's currently on an eight-fight streak without a win, including a knockout defeat at the hands of Callum Johnson last December. Sharp has been out of action since a points loss to Marvin Tomlinson in February and, as per BoxRec, there are no upcoming fights on his schedule.

Reflecting on his career during a 2020 interview with Pro Boxing Fans, Sharp said: "It's a really good experience to be a journeyman, I think it's one of the best jobs you can do really. I don't really look into it but if the phone rang I'll be there if anyone needs me really."

On the topic of whether his record impacts him, he continued: "No, no, it did at the beginning because I didn't really understand it, but now I understand it, if it makes money it makes sense doesn't it. If I can come home to my kids it makes sense to me. I've got two kids, but the main reason I do it is obviously for the money, but I've got a big love for fighting anyway."

Jordan Grannum - Record of 11-145-5

Also in the ranks of boxers with notable records is Jordan Grannum, who stands at 11-145-5. The Islington-based super-middleweight began his boxing journey on a high note, securing a victory against William Warburton on points during his first bout in October 2015. The 31-year-old then continued his winning streak to 2-0 with a triumph over Ali Wyatt the following April.

However, Grannum's career took an unexpected turn as he subsequently suffered 26 defeats before savouring another win. As of 2024, his record stands at 11-145-5, with three knockouts among those losses. Despite his recent loss to Owen Anderton, Grannum remains undaunted and has lined up three upcoming fights.

He is set to go toe-to-toe with Ted Jackson, who holds a 1-0 record, and Leon Musson, currently at 3-0, this month. In December, he'll square off against Meshack Quailey, who has a 0-0-1 record.

In a conversation with Boxing Now last year, Grannum shared insights into his approach: "A good journeyman comes up against a good prospect, and the prospect's really sharp, journeyman's probably gonna go in his shell and make sure he survives. He's fighting next week, you know how it is. But I think there'll be a lot more tests along the way, so these prospects, they gotta stay ready."

Fonz Alexander - Record of 9-167-1

Fonz Alexander, with a record of 9-167-1, also started his boxing career on a positive note. At 36-years-old, the Newark fighter initially showed promise when he defeated Harjinder Gill in March 2014, but the euphoria of that early success was short-lived.

Despite a promising comeback when Alexander triumphed over Marvin Greaves in May 2014, improving his standings to 2-1, he subsequently faced a downturn with an eight-fight skid that dashed his aspirations of emerging as Britain's next star in the welterweight class.

Come 2024, Alexanders statistics stand at 9-167-1. The last victory he clinched was against Declan Cairns this April, and he's currently trapped in a six-bout losing streak. After a knockout defeat to Giorgio Isaila last month, he lacks any upcoming fights listed on BoxRec.

Last year, in a conversation with Punchout Boxing, Alexander shared his ambitions: "My goal is probably to get to about 200 fights and then see how I end up around that area - see if I want to retire or not. If not I'll keep going - see if I can beat the 300 record.

"I enjoy boxing mate, I love fighting. I'm quite old now so I can't go like I used to, but just being able to get in the ring and give the kid a good go and some experience is worth it. A bit of pocket money as well."