They had all the attributes to make it to the top, yet the ultimate prize slipped agonisingly between their fingers. Welcome to British boxing’s heartbreak club: a group of nearly men denied their crowning moment, either by questionable judging, cruel twists of fate, or simply rotten timing.Most boxers dream of winning a world title, but most of them don’t get their hands on oneEach story is different, but every one of them is haunted by the ghost of what might have been.Here, talkSPORT.com takes a closer look at three of the best British boxers to never win a world title.Michael Watson (25-4-1) Michael Watson challenged unsuccessfully for world honours on three separate occasions, the last of which left him fighting for his life. The Londoner claimed the Commonwealth middleweight crown and Hall of Famer Nigel Benn‘s unbeaten record in 1989 to punch his ticket for a shot at Mike McCallum’s WBA title.Watson battled valiantly, but he was ultimately outgunned by one of the greatest 160lbers to ever grace the ring.After rebounding with three straight wins, Watson was given a second crack at middleweight gold against WBO champion Chris Eubank in 1991.Eubank eked a majority decision in a nip-and-tuck affair that many felt should have gone Watson’s way, and so a rematch was booked three months later for the vacant WBO super middleweight strap.Watson had built up a healthy lead on all three scorecards heading into the eleventh round when he floored his compatriot with an overhand right.Eubank made his way back to his feet to connect with a hellacious uppercut that sent Watson hurtling to the canvas in the dying embers of the round.On his way down, the back of Watson’s head struck the ropes, and while he made his way back to his corner and met the bell for the 12th and final round, Eubank closed the show moments later with a flurry of concussive blows.Michael Watson challenged unsuccessfully for world titles on three separate occasionsGettyHis career was tragically cut short by a brain injury sustained in his rematch with Chris EubankGettyAs Eubank reeled off in jubilant celebration, unbeknownst to the tragedy that was about to unfold, Watson collapsed in the ring. He spent 40 days in a coma and had six operations to remove a blood clot from his brain, marking an end to a career filled with promise.Thankfully, Watson survived the ordeal and regained his ability to talk and walk.He now serves as an inspiration to millions of traumatic brain injury survivors around the globe.Herol Graham (48-6) Herol ‘Bomber’ Graham also came up short three times for world honours in a career marred by misfortune.A product of Brendan Ingle’s legendary gym in Sheffield, Graham landed his first world title shot against McCallum in 1989, one year before the Jamaican puncher boxed Watson.Herol Graham had one of the most unlucky careers of any British boxerGettyThe fight went all the way to the wire, with Graham dropping a tight split decision that could have panned out differently were it not for his ill-discipline.Graham was docked a point in the eighth round for throwing McCallum into the turnbuckle, a needless foul that proved costly as the contest would have otherwise been scored a draw, warranting a rematch.He would next earn a shot at the vacant WBC middleweight title in 1990 against one of the hardest punchers in boxing history, ‘The Hawk’ Julian Jackson.Graham dominated early proceedings, inflicting serious damage to Jackson’s recently operated-on left eye. The start of the fourth frame was delayed as the ringside physician took a closer look at Jackson’s rapid swelling.After a thorough examination, the doctor determined that he would give ‘The Hawk’ one round to turn the fight on its head.Jackson did exactly that by detonating a dynamite right hand to render Graham unconscious with seconds remaining in the fourth stanza.Subsequent defeats to Sumbu Kalambay and Frank Grant appeared to have brought an end to his time at the top.Graham looked like he was en route to finally winning a world title at the third time of asking, but Charles Brewer came from behind to stop himAFPBut following a four-year hiatus, Graham strung together four consecutive wins, culminating in a unanimous decision victory over Vinny Paz.The upset win booked him an unlikely third world title shot against IBF super middleweight champion Charles Brewer.Grizzled veteran Graham was 10 years Brewer’s senior at 38, but he managed to give the champion an almighty scare by dropping him twice in the third round.Heading into the tenth, Graham was ahead on the scorecards and seemingly on the ascendancy as Brewer’s output lowered and exhaustion began to set in.Yet the American summoned all his strength to muster one final barrage to cruelly deny Graham once again.Jim Driscoll (56-4-7)The aptly nicknamed ‘Pearless’ Jim Driscoll is widely considered to be one of the greatest featherweights of all time, despite never winning a world title. Like fellow Welsh boxing icons Jimmy Wilde and Tommy Farr, Driscoll learnt his trade in boxing booths at carnivals up and down Britain, racking up an estimated 600 unofficial bouts before turning pro in 1901.He won the coveted British and Commonwealth featherweight titles before setting his sights on the ultimate proving ground, across the pond in the United States. Jim Driscoll was an unofficial featherweight world champion in many people’s eyesGettyThere, he met the reigning featherweight world champion Abe Attell in 1910.Driscoll dominated the fight over 10 rounds, but as a strict ‘no decision’ rule had been put in place and the Welshman was unable to knock out Attell, the American retained his title via a technicality.The fight had to have an official winner to please the punters who had lumped bets on spectacle, and the newspapers sided unanimously with Driscoll.Driscoll was offered a rematch, but he nobly turned down the opportunity as he had promised to perform at a show in Cardiff to raise money for a local orphanage.“I never break a promise,” declared Driscoll after rejecting the sequel.Driscoll returned home a hero and an unofficial world champion in many people’s eyes.But unfortunately, he would never get a chance to earn full recognition as the arrival of the First World War and a series of other roadblocks got in the way.Honourable mentions: Alan Minter, Len Harvey, Kirkland Laing, Kevin Mitchell, Henry Cooper, Owen Moran, Dave Charnley, and Nel TarletonWatch Boxing on DAZN*If you click a link in this boxout, we will earn affiliate revenueSign up to DAZN to access the definitive subscription for boxing fans.Upgrade to DAZN Ultimate from just £24.99/month, guaranteeing access to 185+ fights annually, a minimum of 12 pay-per-views at no extra cost, as well as every Lega Serie A match and other elite football access.Alternatively, DAZN Standard is just £15.99/month, with the caveat you will have to pay for pay-per-view events.Click here to sign up.