BATB Rookie of the Year -- 2010!

We start our look back at 2010 with the Rookie of the Year. Unlike 2009, where we had a solid class of 24 rookies, 2010 saw only 10 make appearances for the first time as pros, and most of them only had one bout. What was good for this year was that the four top rookies would probably have challenged for this designation in just about any year.

Digital's Choice for Beltway Boxing Rookie of the Year is:

Nick Kisner (6-0, four KO's), heavyweight, Ferndale, MD. The 19-year-old's much anticipated first year as a pro lived up to expectations as the highly-touted amateur rocketed to six wins against tough competition. Kisner started his year with a four-round majority decision over Francois Ambang on January 11 in Fort Washington, MD. That was Kisner's only bout at cruiserweight. The rest of 2010 saw Kisner compete at heavyweight where he scored knockouts in four of his remaining five bouts. One of the interesting questions of 2011 is where will Kisner finally find his optimum weight class. Some pundits outside the Beltway say Kisner may be the best at light heavyweight. One thing is for sure, the talent Kisner has will be comparable no matter what weight class he competes in.

Others Deserving Consideration:

Brandon Quarles (3-0, one KO), middleweight, Alexandria, VA. The 24-year-old middleweight is quickly becoming a fan favorite by winning two close unanimous decisions against Vincent Batteast and Lawrence Jones. A very exciting boxer who will be fun to watch in 2011.

Tori Nelson (2-0-1), middleweight, Ashburn, VA. We don't know how long Nelson will be a pro, but she will be exciting to watch. After a successful amateur career, Nelson has won two bouts over middleweight prospects Shelly Seivert and Rachel Clark. One of the new breed of female boxers who have actually trained as an amateur in the sport and that training is already paying dividends.

Alantez Fox (3-0, two KO's), welterweight, Fort Washington, MD. Already signed by TKO Promotions, the 18-year-old Fox has only boxed six rounds in his short pro career, but the tall welterweight has definitely shown promise. It will be interesting to see how his career goes in 2011.