I doubt any promotional move employing themes and connections from the Rocky series is likely to surprise anyone in 2007 given the success of the latest installment and the fact it offers leverage with editors and casual fans for bored publicists and promoters. Announcing Shannon Briggs will defend his title in Moscow against Sultan Ibragimov didn’t surprise me, and though the Russian’s presumably worked hard to secure home advantage Briggs is brash and confident enough to see the upside of travelling.
Archive for March, 2007|Monthly archive page
The Reach of The Rocky Franchise
In Boxing, Sports on March 21, 2007 at 4:58 pmPR: Caballero Looks To Unification
In Boxing, Sports on March 21, 2007 at 10:08 am
20-03-07
Fresh off his seventh consecutive victory, four of which have come in world title fights, WBA Super Bantamweight Champion, Celestino Caballero is hunting for some bigger game at 122 pounds as he looks to unify the World Title. Read the rest of this entry »
PR: Thaxton Signs Long-Term Deal with Hennessey
In Boxing, British Boxing, Sports on March 21, 2007 at 9:23 am
19/03/07
British Lightweight champion Jon Thaxton is looking forward to bigger things after making the first defence of his domestic title and signing a long-term deal with promoter Mick Hennessy. Read the rest of this entry »
O2 Have a New Boxing Venue In London
In Boxing, British Boxing, Sports on March 21, 2007 at 8:20 am
A cash and sporting asset rich American consortium is part of the driving force behind the refit of the Millennium Dome this summer that will see the much maligned big tent re-emerge as a indoor arena capable of seating 23,000 spectators. The owners have stakes in a raft of major American sports teams and it strikes me as a glorious venue for elite boxing in the UK, rivalling the MEN arena in Manchester which, by coincidence is owned by the same company. Hatton v Witter at the Millennium Dome? Go on Ricky you know you want to.
Who’s On First? Yep, Who’s on First. Holdsworth Howler
In Boxing, British Boxing, Fight Reports, Sports on March 21, 2007 at 7:02 am
Instances of boxing commentators making you laugh, and I mean full on guffaw, are few and far between. There was the time Glen McCrory, in a statement borne out of an affinity with his old sparring partner and instruction from the paymaster for whom he was speaking, believed Mike Tyson could “turn back the clock for one night only” before being pummelled from pillar to post by Lennox Lewis and there was also the time Adam Smith showed a video of Jawaid Khaliq to Vernon Forrest who opted to fight Shane Mosley rather than the Nottingham taxi driver. Last night, in the deeper shadows of Eurosport, Steve Holdsworth and Bob Mee had me spitting out my late night cornflakes.
An Apology To Crawford Grimsley
In Boxing, Sports on March 17, 2007 at 6:59 am
I was taken to task overnight by Jodi Grimsley, the wife of returning heavyweight Crawford Grimsley, with regard to my flippant remarks about Grimsley’s condition and repute as a heavyweight following his withdrawal from the Michael Moorer contest. Quite rightly, Mrs Grimsley questioned my intent, research and experience on the subject of diverticulitis and boxing in general. The whole episode was certainly a dose of reality as to the reach of this blog and the random thoughts it covers. Read the rest of this entry »
Bah-Bah. Following The Flock
In Boxing, British Boxing, Fight Previews, Mike Tyson, Sports on March 16, 2007 at 2:49 pm
Many articles have been written on whether veteran heavyweight Evander Holyfield should still be fighting, I know because I’ve penned one or two of them. One article for thesweetscience.com concluded that although Holyfield was very obviously a life-time removed from his prime, nor ever likely to secure the fifth heavyweight title he proclaims to need to retire content he had every right to continue punching in. Of course, the small caveat to this thesis was I had no intention of watching him try. Read the rest of this entry »
The Weekend Long-Shot
In Boxing, British Boxing, Contender Series, Sports on March 16, 2007 at 12:56 pm
I thoroughly enjoyed the laughter that surrounded my Ray Austin to win prediction last week, I countered those who berated me for the ridiculousness of the claim that it was merely a slow news day and I enjoy being contrary. However, I think I might make it a weekly feature. So this week I’ve scanned through the upcoming fixtures and found my long-shot, I’ll make a vague and shaky case for the prediction and then enjoy the sycophantic praise if it comes off and laugh off the derision if it doesn’t.
A Real Champion; Jake LaMotta to Speak in Wiltshire
In Boxing, British Boxing, Sports on March 16, 2007 at 12:02 pm
The after dinner speaking circuit for boxing’s present and former champions is currently enjoying a roaring trade. Most notably, the charity event arranged by Nigel Benn’s agent Kevin Leushing – himself no mug between the ropes – for Gerald McClellan the most conspicuous example of the demand for these evenings. Regulars on the circuit include Ricky Hatton, Joe Frazier and Roberto Duran who have all had big evenings advertised. And all are worthy attractions. But to me, next months’ tour by former middleweight champion Jake LaMotta is a particularly special occasion. Read the rest of this entry »
Links In Alphabetical Order
In Boxing, British Boxing, Sports on March 16, 2007 at 8:23 am
Just in case anyone is curious, the websites featured as links on the right handside are placed in alphabetical order and do not reflect the personal preferences of the author. This blog cannot be held responsible for the content of those sites, or for that matter the people you may encounter upon them. You have been warned.
Barney Out; Bika In
In Boxing, Sports on March 16, 2007 at 8:13 am
Lucian Bute is clearly no fool. Having accepted Matthew Barney as an opponent for a tune up ahead of his world-title eliminator it looks like the Romanian born puncher then followed the discipline of researching Barney’s career to date. Videotapes of Barney’s style will not have made pleasant viewing. Awkward, slippery, resilient and accustomed to fighting as the opponent and on occasion at 175lbs. Barney was not a fan fight, he isn’t an easy fight and in the end he was a fight Bute didn’t need. Read the rest of this entry »
There is unlucky, and then there is Johnny Tapia
In Boxing, British Boxing, Sports on March 16, 2007 at 7:54 am
Just to conclude the updates on fallen former champion Johnny Tapia, he was released from hospital yesterday 3 days after his cocaine overdose. The 40 year old is yet to be informed of the deaths of his brother-in-law and 23 year old nephew who died while driving to the hospital to see him. Police report they’re are investigating the possibility that the two men had been drinking as empty bottles were found at the crash scene. For a person who wrestles daily with the demons of guilt and insecurity, the news will surely be difficult to absorb. Read the rest of this entry »
Infamy, infamy. They’ve All Got it Infamy
In Boxing, Sports on March 15, 2007 at 3:42 pm
News Crawford Grimsley, the flamboyantly named but workman heavyweight, has been forced to pull out of his clash with former champion Michael Moorer was met with sobs from the three ticket holders eager to see the monumental encounter. They were all soon placated when Sedrick Fields was named as the replacement to ensure the mediocrity and flab promised would be delivered. I’ve decided I’m no good at satire, I know you’d reached that conclusion weeks ago.
What do jer maine Mora’s out?
In Boxing, Contender Series, Sports on March 15, 2007 at 3:24 pm
According to the always swift SecondsOut, and it’s a great site when the topic isn’t Roman Greenberg, Sergio Mora has pulled out of the forthcoming clash with undisputed Middleweight Champion Jermaine Taylor because of fears the proximity of Memphis to Taylor’s home town could affect his chances of winning. Personally, I would think the fact Mora is about two leagues below Taylor in terms of class, power, ability and experience would provide all the problems Mora needs. The fight could be in Mora’s living room for all the difference it would make to the outcome. Read the rest of this entry »
And We Wonder Why; Jennings World-Title Shot?
In Boxing, British Boxing, Sports on March 15, 2007 at 2:58 pm
For those boxing fans so blinkered to the failings of the sport,those mystified as to why more sports fans don’t gravitate toward boxing and those unable to understand why the mainstream media isno longer fascinated by the noble art, a quick review of today’s Chorley Guardian will provide all the explanation needed. According to the chirpy local correspondent, Michael Jennings a fighter beaten by Young Muttley for the British title, and swatted around the ring by Bradley Pryce before that, is fighting for a ‘World-Title’ in April. Nobody told me?
Alfonso Gomez: Contender Star
In Boxing, British Boxing, Contender Series, Sports on March 15, 2007 at 9:01 am
I have to confess, I didn’t follow the second Contender series at all nor did I see the first series through to conclusion. The television schedule was continually changed and I missed key episodes and the fighters’ stories passed me by. However, one fight I did see – and it’s preceding story – was the opener between series favourite Peter Manfredo and baby-faced Mexican Welterweight Alfonso Gomez. It may have been the slow-motion replays or the editing but I fell in love with the game Gomez. Love in the affectionate, platonic sense, but in love all the same. Read the rest of this entry »
Tapia Brother-in-Law Killed on Route to Hospital
In Boxing, Sports on March 15, 2007 at 8:44 am
Surrounded by misfortune and dogged by tragedy, Johnny Tapia will hopefully soon awaken from his latest drug overdose and subsequent hospitalisation. However, his long-term prognosis for contentment will not improved by the news his brother-in-law Robert Gutierrez died in a road-traffic accident whilst en route to the hospital. Read the rest of this entry »
Patience is a Virchis for Williams
In Boxing, British Boxing, Mike Tyson, Sports on March 14, 2007 at 1:23 am
It seems a long time ago that Danny Williams was being clubbed to the canvas by Sinam Samil Sam, five years in fact. Since when he’s enjoyed fluctuating fortunes, weight and interest in a boxing career that may yet feature a peak many thought the oft-distracted Londoner would never reach. Victory over Scott Gammar, which like it’s preceding performance versus Audley Harrison, shouldn’t be over-valued given Gammar’s limitations, has certainly injected some belated fuel into a spluttering career. A shot at European champion Vladimar Virchis beckons.
Tapia Condition Critical?
In Boxing, Sports on March 14, 2007 at 1:06 amReports of Johnny Tapia’s deteriorating condition continue to circulate. One conflicting news item suggested he was improving – Sporting Life - but a host of contradictory reports are growing and concern for the fallen fighter is shared by fans across the world. Overnight the story may update but British media outlet Sky Sports, one of the leading news providers, strongly proposes the 40 year old is in a critical condition. Read the rest of this entry »
Crystal Ball: Ray Austin Falls
In Boxing, Fight Reports, Sports on March 13, 2007 at 10:55 pm
My thanks to Oliver Fennell for drawing attention to my idle suggestion that mediocre American Ray Austin could unseat Wladimir Klitschko last weekend, a prediction roughly in line, in terms of stunning stupidity, with my suggestion Clifford Etienne could outwork and and outlast Mike Tyson a year or two ago. Oliver, who now writes for Ben Carey’s website ukboxingpress.co.uk is a long-standing contact from our dual residency at audleyharrison.com. Proof if proof were needed that association with failed heavyweights needn’t preclude success as a writer. Read the rest of this entry »
