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Arise, sir! The boxers in line for a knighthood as David Beckham earns top honour
David Beckham looks set to finally be elevated to a knigthood this month, with the former England captain in line to be feted in the 2025 Birthday Honours by Charles III.
The ex-Manchester United midfielder has long been tipped for the top gong, thanks to his contributions both on-and-off the field throughout a busy career in the public eye.
Sir David Beckham, as he will be expected to be called, follows in the footsteps of more than a dozen other footballers - yet few boxers have been afforded the privilege.
In the history of the sport, just one man - Sir Henry Cooper - has been knighted for his services to the sport, with the former world heavyweight challenger a much-loved figure.
As the clamour grows to see more recognition for fighters both old and new, DAZN News takes a look at five stars who could be in line for a knighthood over the coming years.
Anthony Joshua
Few British boxers have traced the path that the former Olympic hero-turned-unified heavyweight champion has, emerging as one of Britain's modern-day sports superstars.
Joshua, a gold-medal winner at London 2012 in the super-heavyweight category, made the seamless transition to the professional ranks as a major bankable attraction for fans.
His achievements in the ring - a two-time reign as king of the world - have not been overshadowed either by controversies outside of it, unlike major rival Tyson Fury.
Alongside his multiple stints with major straps, Joshua founded the Clean Hearts Community in Watford, and was appointed an OBE in the 2018 Birthday Honours.
Lennox Lewis
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Arguably the greatest British heavyweight boxer of them all, the former undisputed kingpin has already been recognised for his career with a CBE in the 2002 New Year Honours.
But few men arguably deserve the elevation to knighthood in the sport like Lewis, who reigned three times between 1992 and 2003 as world champion with one belt or another.
Like Joshua, he parlayed Olympic success with a gold medal at Seoul 1988 into a highly successful professional career, defeating Evander Holyfield in 1999 to go undisputed.
Since he hung up his gloves, the fighter - who also holds Canadian citizenship and is a member of the Order of Canada - has also become renown for his charitable efforts too.
Joe Calzaghe
Widely considered one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters to ever come out of Europe, the Welshman's pedigree is befitting that of a champion who deserves recognition.
Calzaghe reigned for ten years - a full decade - as super-middleweight world champion, unifying the WBA, WBC and WBO titles in 2007 against Mikkel Kessler in Cardiff.
A subseqeunt move to light-heavyweight for two last fights yielded The Ring's title against Bernard Hopkins, before a successful defence against Roy Jones Jr. in 2008.
Having previously been an MBE, he was elevated the same year to CBE in the 2008 Birthday Honours list - and alongside Lewis, seems the likeliest candidate to be knighted.
Ricky Hatton
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Few fighters below the heavyweight division quite captured the public imagination like The Hitman did in his prime, pulling stadium crowds to follow him in his ascent.
One of the most accomplished light-welterweight stars of his generation, Hatton became a folk hero across the United Kingdom, particularly near his native Manchester.
Since hanging up his gloves, the star has served as a mentor to a whole new generation of boxers across the city and region, helping to make it a hotbed of rising talent.
He was awarded the MBE in the 2007 New Year Honours list, arguably at the peak of his powers - and many of his admirers would love to see him elevated all the way.
Frank Bruno
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One of the most popular British fighters of the late eighties through mid-nineties, True Brit tapped into a groundswell of support to emerge as a popular fighter beside Lewis.
A bridesmaid on three occasions, he finally became heavyweight world champion with his fourth challenge for a major strap, winning the WBC crown against Oliver McCall.
His victory in 1995 was followed by a second loss to Mike Tyson and retirement the following year, but Bruno has since devoted himself tirelessly to numerous charitable causes.
He was appointed an MBE in 1990, and it seems almost ridiculous he has not been recognised further since, with his advocacy for male mental health well-noted and celebrated
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