Archive for the ‘Sports’ Category
Anthony Crolla, Derry Mathews, Gallaghers Gym, Lightweight, Lonsdale Belt, Uppercut
In Boxing, British Boxing, Fight Reports, Sports on April 21, 2012 at 9:49 pm
Derry Mathews won the famous British Lightweight title tonight, stopping Anthony Crolla with just 4 seconds of the 6th round remaining. Referee John Keane jumping to the champion’s aide. Crolla felt the stoppage premature and with so little time until the round end and in the context of a championship fight I have some sympathy, but Mathews twice had his foe in trouble and on the canvas once too. I for one, would relish the prospect of watching a rematch. You will find hastily typed round by round coverage below.
Live, round by round coverage of the classic Lightweight clash between British champion Anthony Crolla and challenger Derry Matthews. Keep clicking refresh for round updates. Read the rest of this entry »
Anthony Crolla, Boxing, cruiserweight, Derry Mathews, Frank Maloney, John-Lewis Dickinson, Ricky Hatton
In Boxing, British Boxing, Fight Reports, Prizefighter, Sports on April 21, 2012 at 9:22 pm
John-Lewis Dickinson fulfilled the suspicions of those cute judges who felt he may have the qualities required to upset Matty Askin for the English Cruiserweight title tonight, defeating the champion by unanimous decision. The bout provided chief support to Anthony Crolla’s British Lightweight clash with Derry Mathews. Read the rest of this entry »
audley harrison, david haye, David Price, Dereck Chisora, Martin Rogan, Mike Tyson, Tyson Fury
In Boxing, British Boxing, Fight Previews, Heavyweight, Sports on April 13, 2012 at 3:57 pm
If Tyson Fury is to be taken seriously as a heavyweight contender it is always implied that it will only happen when he adds stamina to his natural gifts of hand-speed, confidence, height and gumption. The latter he has already demonstrated in abundance. The pre-amble to his fight with Martin Rogan has centered on two things, Fury’s Irishness and his claim to the ‘crowd’ at the Belfast event and bold proclamations about previously unheralded fitness for his clash with the 40-year-old veteran. Weighing in at a lean 17 stone 7 pounds 12 ounces, or 245 pounds to our American cousins, Fury suggests he has employed some much needed discipline in preparation for this Irish Heavyweight title clash. Read the rest of this entry »
Carl Thompson, Chazz Witherspoon, Chris Arreola, david haye, Ron Boddy, Seth Mitchell, Steve Bunce
In Boxing, British Boxing, Fight Previews, Olympic Boxing, Sports on April 13, 2012 at 3:10 pm
September 10th 2004 was a seminal night in British Boxing. For the curious, this was the day David Haye learned the priceless lessons only defeat can impart in his stoppage loss to the venerable Carl Thompson. Without a loss at that juncture, one wonders if Haye would have rallied to hit the heights he did. Had the loss come later, it may have been too late for the rededication he employed post-Thompson. It was a memorable event for those in attendance too. My own enjoyment of proceedings was enhanced by a chance introduction to a stalwart observer of the fight game, and now regular on Steve Bunce’s BBC London show, Ron Boddy.
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Ashley Theophane, DeMarcus Corley, Floyd Mayweather, Lou Dibella, Miguel Cotto, Paul McCloskey, Zab Judah
In Boxing, British Boxing, Fight Previews, Sports on April 13, 2012 at 1:45 pm
Criticising boxing promoters is a popular business. Both historically and in matters topical. A fighter’s promoter, who can be his manager too, despite the conflict of interest inherent in that scenario, is often lumbered with blame for all manner of peaks and troughs in a fighter’s career. As uninformed bystanders, it is easy to point the finger of blame at those who determine the trajectory and strategy of a fighter’s career. Beyond the knowledge of the ‘man in street’ are the unknown variables; from a fighter’s form and focus to the sensibilities, pliable and otherwise, of the regulatory bodies and television networks who fund and benchmark the process. To date, Matchroom Sports has proved a reinvigorating presence in the stagnant waters of British Boxing and thus far remain untouched by criticism. DeMarcus Corley as an opponent for Paul McCloskey on May 5th, even as a late replacement, should provide dénouement to that honeymoon period.
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Bernard Hopkins, frank warren, Joe Calzaghe, Nathan Cleverly, Ricky Hatton, World Boxing Organization
In Boxing, British Boxing, Fight Previews, Sports on March 30, 2012 at 1:43 pm
I cannot think of a statement of more significance, if it is upheld, than the one Frank Warren delivered to the BBC in his attempt to substantiate the suggestion Nathan Cleverly is being primed for a ‘unification’ fight with Bernard Hopkins later this year. Followers of the noble art are well versed in the model Warren usually employs in his promotion of an unbeaten fighter like Cleverly; offer the fighter every advantage through shrewd matchmaking via the vagaries of the WBO’s ranking system and home comforts while simultaneously tantalising the public with tales of forthcoming opponents. Read the rest of this entry »
Chris Arreola, david haye, David Price, Dereck Chisora, Tyson Fury, Vitali Klitschko, Wladimir Klitschko
In Boxing, British Boxing, Fight Previews, Heavyweight, Mike Tyson, Shop, Sports on March 29, 2012 at 7:57 pm
The audience of BoxingWriter.co.uk plumped for young Tyson Fury in a poll which asked the question; Who will one of the Klitschko’s lose to first? It will surprise many I’m sure that the 6-9 giant has emerged as the most likely to dethrone either brother. Naturally, Tony Thompson and likely Alexander Povetkin are the two with most immediate opportunity and that should shorten their odds and improve their support in this poll. In part it did, but Fury finished with more than 52% of the votes. An astonishing result. And yes, it was a relatively modest sample. But still….
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Diego Corrales, Erik Morales, Manny Pacquiao, Ricky Hatton, Vernon Paris, World Boxing Council, Zab Judah
In Boxing, Fight Previews, Shop, Sports on March 22, 2012 at 9:51 pm
It strikes me as strangely poetic that three of the most significant fighters of their generation should all be pursuing relevance and redemption this weekend. Erik Morales, Jose Luis Castillo and Zab Judah all hope to eek one last hurrah from their respective careers. Most notable is Morales’ attempt to defend the WBC’s Light-Welterweight belt, followed by Judah’s eliminator bout with Vernon Paris and lastly Castillo, who looked jaded 5 years ago against Ricky Hatton, mixing it up with Jose Miguel Cotto. The oldest among them, Castillo, will be furthest from the top of the bill. Read the rest of this entry »
Corrie Sanders, david haye, Dereck Chisora, Edmund Gerber, Klitschko, Klitschko brothers, Tony Thompson, Tyson Fury
In Boxing, Fight Previews, Mike Tyson, Sports on March 16, 2012 at 10:36 am
There are precious few negative descriptives left unemployed by those who try to define the current heavyweight scene. From the shallow to the lamentable, to the drab and forgettable the current crop of heavyweights and those still clinging to credibility from the last generation have largely all been exposed or dismantled at the hands of the Brothers Ukraine. Those thought to have the tools to upset their duopoly; Povetkin and Haye have proven lacking in the ability or willingness to execute the required strategy. So who will find a way to beat them? Read the rest of this entry »
david haye, Dereck Chisora, Jean Marc-Mormeck, Larry Holmes, Mike Tyson, Tyson Fury, Vitali Klitschko, Wladimir Klitschko
In Boxing, British Boxing, Fight Reports, Sports on March 5, 2012 at 1:14 pm
Fifty-five thousand people gathered at the weekend to watch Wladimir Klitschko render the once proud Cruiserweight Champion of the World, Jean Marc-Mormeck, even more ineffective than those with some foresight believed he’d prove when the fight was signed. Size is not the only currency in the heavyweight division, it is important to remember Jess Willard, at 6ft 6 inches and 235 pounds, was pounded to defeat by Jack Dempsey and later Primo Carnera who weighed 270 pounds and was of comparably lofty perspective when Max Baer inflicted a similar drubbing. At nearly 40 years of age, inactive for 15 months and struggling to stretch the tape even to six feet, Mormeck was however, spectacularly unqualified for the adventure he signed up for. Read the rest of this entry »
Bobby Gunn, Boxing, david haye, enzo maccarinelli, James Toney, Manny Pacquiao, Mike Tyson, Tomasz Adamek
In Boxing, Fight Previews, Sports on February 24, 2012 at 10:18 am
It may surprise some readers to learn Bobby Gunn causes the biggest spike in readership whenever I cobble (do you see what I did there) together a news or opinion piece on the plucky prizefighter. Avoyd Mayweather holds nothing on the scrapper once spectacularly referred to as “the most ferocious fighter since Jack Dempsey” ahead of a one round mauling at the fists of Enzo Maccarinelli. He also fought Tomasz Adamek for another portion of the Cruiserweight title so his notoriety isn’t entirely hollow. I ducked any coverage of his bare-knuckle contests on principle but I must confess to a curious interest in his next bout. A clash with James Toney. Yes, the real one. Read the rest of this entry »
Aleksandr Povetkin, Cedric Boswell, George Foreman, muhammad ali, Povetkin, ruslan chagaev, Ukraine, World Boxing Association
In Boxing, Fight Previews, Sports on February 24, 2012 at 9:21 am
Muhammad Ali was 32 years old when he Rumbled in the Jungle in 1974. His victory considered all the more miraculous given his veteran status and the power of youth presumed to reside with George Foreman. There are many who feel he should have retired at that zenith. How times change. On Saturday night another 32-year-old, Alexander Povetkin, he of the callow face and quiet demeanour, will belatedly try to step from the shadows of the brothers Ukraine. Read the rest of this entry »
Bernard Hopkins, Boxing, Chad Dawson, Dawson, HBO, Hopkins, Mike Tyson, Roy Jones
In Boxing, Fight Reports, Mike Tyson, Sports on October 17, 2011 at 9:02 am
It was sad to see Bernard Hopkins, a fighter who has battled the boxing establishment, its promotional and managerial cartels and the perceived wisdom that tried to dictate to him for twenty years finished by one of the sports unshakeable truths; nobody leaves the sport on their own terms. Bernard has spent the past decade and specifically, the last 5 years selling his resistance to the ageing process. Alas, a cruel injury may snatch the crescendo he still pursued from this curious if inexplosive tale. Read the rest of this entry »
Jean Marc-Mormeck
In Boxing, Fight Previews, Mike Tyson, Sports on October 10, 2011 at 3:09 pm
Look around any garden centre, walk-in bath store or drug rehabilitation unit and you will probably find a big lug willing to suggest he remains a contender. Many of them will be unfamiliar in appearance. Don’t let their seeming impotence, age or lack of vim discourage you. Embrace your quarry when you find them, ignore their venerable state, gloss over their lack of lucidity or form because within your arms you likely hold the guy Wladimir Klitschko will pursue after 39-year-old Jean Marc Mormeck collects his pension annuity in December. Read the rest of this entry »
Ali, Antonio Tarver, Bernard Hopkins, Boxing, Joe Frazier, Tyson Fury
In Boxing, British Boxing, Fight Previews, Sports on March 10, 2011 at 11:55 am
There is a hierarchy to everything. Whether it be a pack of wolves, heavyweights or journalists. No demographic or social organism exists without either a class system or a distinct pyramid of significance or achievement. In the wild, the theory of evolution demands this hierarchy is structured upon one simple principle. ‘Survival of the fittest’. Thus, the alpha animal remains so while ever he has the strength to repel younger aspirants. Read the rest of this entry »
Lennox Lewis, Matthew Hatton, Saúl Álvarez, Thomas Hauser, World Boxing Council
In Boxing, British Boxing, Sports on March 9, 2011 at 3:38 pm
The truth has always been an elusive quarry in the world of boxing. A paradox given the earthy honesty which surges through those who lace up the gloves. Their virtue has always attracted the righteous wordsmith and the devious chancer. Read the rest of this entry »
audley harrison, david haye, Heavyweights, Shannon Briggs, Vitali Klitschko
In Boxing, British Boxing, Fight Previews, Sports on July 30, 2010 at 3:46 pm
Now some would say I know precious little about boxing, others are less flattering, but one thing I do know for certain is – it takes two to make a fight. By my reckoning, and with some reliance on my Casio fx-100c, I am able to announce the inevitability of a clash between David Haye and irksome veteran Audley Harrison later this year. This isn’t based upon any inside knowledge, just the inescapable truth that all other roads are now closed for Haye. Read the rest of this entry »
audley harrison, david haye, Heavyweights, Shannon Briggs, Vitali Klitschko
In Boxing, British Boxing, Fight Previews, Sports on July 29, 2010 at 2:45 pm
I wrote recently in at least partial defence of the brothers Klitschko. Excusing some of their benevolent matchmaking as the inevitable by-product of their misfortune of being resident in arguably the weakest era in living memory. Following on with the theme of that piece, I’m not sure whether to laugh or cry at the announcement by Shannon Briggs that he will suspend his acting career long enough to tackle Klitschko the elder in Germany in October. Thankfully, Briggs can punch. Because he brings no other discernible form or currency to the match. Read the rest of this entry »
Bernard Hopkins, HBO, Joe Calzaghe, Sakio Bika, Super-Middleweight
In Boxing, Contender Series, Fight Previews, Sports on July 29, 2010 at 1:50 pm
Debate about the substance of Joe Calzaghe’s career will enthrall boxing fans for decades to come, his standing will ebb and flow with the passage of time and in all likelihood forever divide opinion thus – he was an all-time great who dominated his division for 10 years or, alternatively, he was a great fighter with a weak resume who ‘cherry-picked’ his way to retirement. When I look back on his career as Donald McRae in-depth interview with Calzaghe for Boxing News encouraged me to this morning, I don’t point to the Lacy fight, the Kessler war or the Hopkins victory as the night or nights which define Joe the fighter, nor do they provide helpful synopsis of his career. I think for so many reasons his brawl with Cameroon-born Australian hard man Sakio Bika epitomised his career more than any other single fight. Read the rest of this entry »
Frank Maloney, Kevin Mitchell, paul smith, Super-Middlweight, Tony Jeffries
In Boxing, British Boxing, Fight Reports, Olympic Boxing, Sports on July 27, 2010 at 3:33 pm
I met British Super-Middleweight champion Paul Smith at the weekend, Paul and I have exchanged opinions, messages via various internet methods for a year or two but there is no facsimile for meeting someone in person. True, Paul proved as generous and humble with his time as the virtual discourse had suggested he would but putting the flesh to the on-screen skeleton of that connection reminded me of two things. Read the rest of this entry »
