"Welsh boxing is in great condition, it's enjoying a renaissance," said boxing promoter Frank Warren at the end of 2003. Now, the words of a man trying to sell a fight can often be taken with a handful of salt, but in this case there is substance behind the hype.
Joe Calzaghe has carried the flag for Welsh pugilist fans for many years.
And while the super-middleweight king continues to blaze a trail on the world stage he now has a strong supporting cast for the undercards of his Cardiff show-stoppers.
In 2003, Enzo Maccarinelli made a breathtaking assault on the cruiserweight division and plundered the WBU title.
We can expect more of the same in the new year as the heavy-hitting Bonymaen bruiser seeks to draw out WBO king Johnny Nelson.
Wales' other alphabet champ is IBO lightweight belt-holder Jason Cook.
 | BIG FIGHTS TO HOPE FOR: Calzaghe v Tarver (USA) Maccarinelli v Haye (Eng) Rees v Arthur (Sco) |
His title may be lightly regarded, but the controversial Maesteg man is top of the domestic rankings and well set for a crack at one of the bigger belts.
Unbeaten and untested Newbridge featherweight Gavin Rees is straining at the leash and looking to make a name for himself in 2004.
And Jamie Arthur and Tony Doherty look set to continue their impressive progress.
Doherty has had a relatively easy ride so far, but has the talent and personality to outstrip even Calzaghe as the biggest name in Welsh boxing.
King of the ring: Calzaghe has either swept the leading super-middleweights aside or been unable to persuade them that sharing a ring with him would be a sensible career move.
A thrilling Byron Mitchell fight aside, 2003 was a wasted year.
But after a warm-up fight in February, expect Calzaghe to leave the frustrations of the 12-stone division behind and move up to light-heavy.
A title shot at Julio Gonzalez beckons and from there the long-sought super-fights could finally become a reality.
 Arthur has improved his physique |
One to watch: Maccarinelli, Rees or Doherty would fit the bill, but the vote goes to Arthur for his determination. After a shaky start, Arthur has faced up to the physical demands of the pro game and is beginning to look like the prospect we all hoped he might be.
Since overhauling his style and changing trainers, he has had three stoppage wins and a victory over the aggressive Jus Wallie and is eager to move up in class.
The way he handles the challenge will be fascinating.
Fading star: Wales' leading lights have youth on their side, but time may just be running out for Cwmbran middleweight Gary Lockett.
His career has been off the rails since June's controversial points win over Michael Monaghan, after which he apologised to his fans, saying he simply had to improve.
At 27 Lockett is young enough, and talented enough, to come again, but he has worrying inner demons to overcome.
MMIX
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