I’m excited about the WBC Super-Middleweight contest between Nottingham’s Carl Froch and Arkansas’ Jermain Taylor, it pitches two fighters together who are in their respective primes. It doesn’t rely on nostalgia, nor does it feature a network favourite and a cherry picked opponent. It isn’t quite the choice Froch has framed it to be, pursuing Taylor is noble given the posturing of preceding champions in the selection of foes, but Taylor, lest we forget, is Froch’s mandatory as he won a vacant title and Taylor beat Lacy in a final eliminator. However, for all the glass half full gloss it still beats Taylor’s reliance on an age old cliche to promote the fight. Continue reading ““Deep water and hope he can swim”. Yada, yada, yada; Jermain Taylor leans on cliche”
Silent Assassin Nuumbembe back on track
Namibian Welterweight Ali Nuumbembe became something of an iconic figure during his six years in the hilltops of Derbyshire. His wandering life story, from war torn Africa to sleepy Glossop warmed the hearts of the entire town and all those who met him. His return to Namibia didn’t bring to an end his fighting career and I’m pleased to report Ali added his 21st victory to his professional slate over the weekend. Continue reading “Silent Assassin Nuumbembe back on track”
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Lamon Brewster wants Marty Rogan next!
Now I’m not a regular over at Eastside Boxing, but young James Slater is a dedicated servant to the site and now and then puts together some interesting thoughts. A recent interview with Lamon Brewster – another of my favoured fighters – provided further evidence of just how far the big Irishman has come. The former two time world-title belt holder is eager to move from Michael Sprott to the current darling of the British fight scene. Continue reading “Lamon Brewster wants Marty Rogan next!”
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Guest: Barrera’s bloody mess obscures the true worth of Khan’s victory
Having clung tight to my £14.95 last weekend, Amir Khan is not presently a pay-per-view attraction regardless of the affection with which I hold his opponent – in this case Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera, I’m delighted to provide a forum for guest writer Ben Carey’s view of the contentious clash between the aspiring Khan and the jaded Barrera. Continue reading “Guest: Barrera’s bloody mess obscures the true worth of Khan’s victory”
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Haye, Apollo Creed, Lennox, Rocky and Audley; the truth
It is hard to evaluate Audley Harrison either as a fighter or an individual. I don’t know the man, I shook hands with him once and I worked for his website for a while but I don’t really know him. As a fighter he has failed to live up to his claims or supposed potential. Not even the most vehement Audley supporter – and there are precious few of those remaining – could claim otherwise. Now, at the grand old age of 37, with a humiliating loss to Martin Rogan in his last appearance in front of a booing crowd, Harrison has sunk to digging up camp stories from 2006 in a bid to tempt David Haye into a marking-time fight. Aside from saying “Big Issue” on a street corner or entering the Big Brother house I don’t believe the once favourite son of British Boxing can fall further. Continue reading “Haye, Apollo Creed, Lennox, Rocky and Audley; the truth”
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Not to be or not to be, Jennings falls to Cotto in 5.
It is a while since I’ve perched on the end of the sofa to watch a fight, a while since I’ve felt the rush of a heart-felt connection to a fighter but on Saturday night, as 31-year-old Michael Jennings strode to the ring, that familiar surge of anxiety raced through me. I recall this was a feeling I had when Frank Bruno retreated toward the ring for his rematch with Tyson and I felt it when Dennis Andries kept rising from the canvas against Thomas Hearns. When Brian Hughes asked between the 4th and 5th rounds if the twice floored Jennings was okay, Mick’s response of “Sound, yeh” it just warmed this fan’s heart a little more. Continue reading “Not to be or not to be, Jennings falls to Cotto in 5.”
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Crack the Fig Rolls, Jennings v Cotto is live!
Following a day of two of consternation among boxing fans, and particularly those in possession of a Setanta subscription, the now widely reported news Michael Jennings attempt to overcome Miguel Cotto tomorrow night will shown live by the Irish based network will be warmly welcomed. Whatever the reasons for the hiatus, and the fact Jennings contract with Frank Warren with regard television rights overlaps with Setanta’s contract to show Top Rank fighters (Cotto) appears to have been the crux of the issue, the main thing is nice guy Mick will be live on British screens for the biggest night of his life. Continue reading “Crack the Fig Rolls, Jennings v Cotto is live!”
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Buncey’s Boxing Hour Fantasy Fights, really?
Firstly, it is important to point out the irrepressible Steve Bunce was fully aware his selection of the best fantasy fights sent in by viewers wouldn’t be unanimously approved and in the subjective nature of these types of theoretical debates, disagreement is inevitable but come on Steve, Ricky Hatton the bull strong 10 stoner versus Prince Naseem the short featherweight? Surely, there is a better, more realistic fight than that for either man.
Continue reading “Buncey’s Boxing Hour Fantasy Fights, really?”
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Jennings v Cotto; Setanta coverage unconfirmed
To many, this fight is of little less than passing interest. Miguel Cotto predictably rebuilding from his shattering loss to Antonio Margarito with a regulation comeback fight against Michael Jennings – a fighter with a pretty record and precious little experience at elite level. Its an industry standard tactic for the Puerto Rican Welterweight. However, to me the fight holds far more appeal.
Continue reading “Jennings v Cotto; Setanta coverage unconfirmed”
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Some other mountain; Oscar continues his PPV voyage
Amidst a global credit crunch it could prove harder than ever to defend the choices of a multi-millionaire like Oscar DeLaHoya and harder still if he is to assume the role of the big guy in his David and Goliath showdown with Manny Pacquiao. However, for all the criticism his selection of the Filipino piranha, instead of the entirely more imposing challenges of Paul Williams and Antonio Margarito, drew, I for one believe it is a sensible match-up for a fighter who operates outside boxing’s accepted parameters. Continue reading “Some other mountain; Oscar continues his PPV voyage”
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Zab Judah to face Theophane?
As the first fighter to purchase attire from the BoxingWriter Tribute Wear store, Ashley Theophane is always keen to demonstrate his astute judgement. News on his social website profile suggests he’s moved from first being offered the chance to fight former Super-Featherweight champion Derek Gainer to the entirely more valuable opportunity to tackle Zab Judah, the Brooklyn braggart with dynamite fists. Continue reading “Zab Judah to face Theophane?”
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Nowhere to Hide, not that old chestnut
I’m sure the revelation Delia Smith, who famously coined the phrase “lets be having you” during an impromptu half-time plea to the insipid Norwich City football crowd, is looking to sell her stake in the club has nothing to do with the impending return of boxing maverick Herbie Hide to the region, but Hennessey Sports’ decision to run with the “Lets Be Having You” show title does provide coincidental segway between the two events. Continue reading “Nowhere to Hide, not that old chestnut”
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BoxingWriter Fighter of the Month; September 08
Thus far the BoxingWriter.co.uk Fighter of the Month award has been won by Monte Barrett for his destruction of Tye Fields’ flimsy standing as a heavyweight contender, Antonio Margarito’s thrilling suffocation of Miguel Cotto’s resistance and latterly Cedric Boswell’s destruction of pampered prospect Roman Greenberg. I found the stand out performance in September was much harder to select. Continue reading “BoxingWriter Fighter of the Month; September 08”
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Jamie Moore now set for shot at vacated title
Few announcements could be met with more glee. Salford’s likable Light-Middleweight contender Jamie Moore has today learned European Champion Zaurbek Baysangurov has relinquished the crown rather than fulfil his obligation to Moore. In a brief release from the Frank Maloney camp, it would appear more likely that the new bout will land on English shores. Continue reading “Jamie Moore now set for shot at vacated title”
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Calzaghe and Warren doth protest too much; the Stockholm syndrome
There isn’t a facet of Joe Calzaghe and former promoter Frank Warren’s current activity which couldn’t be labelled, ‘old ground’. Firstly, Calzaghe next tackles faded superstar Roy Jones, 39, in a bout so out of date, so out of fashion, its almost coming back in style. Secondly, Calzaghe’s split from Warren at the peak of his earning-power and ensuing court cases and law suits has echoes of Ricky Hatton’s 2005 departure. Thirdly, the use of media columns to launch critiques of the ethics and morals of the other party is all to familiar too. None of those stir me from a long yawn, but a fourth strand to their disagreement does. Continue reading “Calzaghe and Warren doth protest too much; the Stockholm syndrome”
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Only in America, sorry Egypt, Williams to face Botha?
I love many things about boxing. The occasional absurdity of it is one, the ever-present BritishBoxing.net another. Kevin Taylor’s story today tickled both fancies as he reports British Heavyweight champion Danny Williams, and I think we can now officially add the prefix ‘colourful’ to his title following a meandering roller-coaster of a career, is to tackle Fran Botha in the land of the Pyramid. You can’t make it up. Although, maybe someone has. Continue reading “Only in America, sorry Egypt, Williams to face Botha?”
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Blah, blah, etc, etc, Hatton talks Oscar, trainers, ageing and the future
More astute judges than I have pointed to Ricky Hatton’s ebbing level of performance, greater students of fighters and their techniques have dissected his growing faults and weaknesses and plenty of wiser minds than mine claim his out of “monastery” habits will shorten his elite career drastically.
Tired ground. It is far too late to worry about what Hatton isn’t and enjoy and remember what has been and what he remains.
Continue reading “Blah, blah, etc, etc, Hatton talks Oscar, trainers, ageing and the future”Share this:
Quo Vadis Floyd Mayweather?
Regular contributor Andrew Mullinder, from the sanctuary of the Russian front, cast his eye across the tabloid reports of Floyd Mayweather’s fiscal misfortunes. From stolen jewels to counterfeit Lincoln’s the retired superstar could be finding the chill wind of recession blows a little colder without twice-yearly deposits from HBO. Mullinder wonders whether his retirement may yet prove short-lived, a concept sure to be well received by mess’s Hatton, Pacquiao and DeLaHoya. Continue reading “Quo Vadis Floyd Mayweather?”
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Save the last dance for me; Haye’s search for a partner drifts on
They say, whoever they are, that in matters of the heart the chase is all part of the thrill. I’m not sure whether the notion could be extended to finding 250-pound men with a glint in their eye, I suppose it depends on your proclivities. However, David Haye’s quest to find a “top-10” heavyweight contender to knockout, as he assumes he will, in November has proven about as easy as platting fog. It began with rumours of Hasim Rahman or Andrew Golota but is now much further down the heavyweight barrel. Continue reading “Save the last dance for me; Haye’s search for a partner drifts on”
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Every cloud; Timothy Bradley arrives as a major player
Contrary to some curious commentary from Col Bob Sheridan, who tried hard to make the fight more competitive than it was, Timothy Bradley delivered another complete, considered and positive performance to repel the challenge of Edner Cherry this weekend. In defending his WBC 140lb strap Bradley showed development from his victory over Junior Witter and emerged, in my eyes at least, as a world-class performer of real merit. Continue reading “Every cloud; Timothy Bradley arrives as a major player”
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Sexton wins Prizefighter 2; is it really drawing new fans?
Always enlightening to watch an event like this with those not keenly interested in the sport. Spend too much time on Internet forums and it is entirely possible to succumb to the assumption EVERYONE is interested in boxing. Of course they are not. An evening at my old local, The Windmill in the former coal-mining town of Thorne near Doncaster, reintroduced me to this harsh reality, it left me wondering whether this supposedly fan-friendly concept really could attract new fans? Continue reading “Sexton wins Prizefighter 2; is it really drawing new fans?”
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Boxing: Frank Maloney’s cold-shower for Belshaw’s prospects
Every press release I’ve read about big Scott Belshaw has been heavily doused in salt. Frank Maloney is a wise old hand at generating attention for his fighters and he’s used every reference possible to project Belshaw as a raw puncher with a big future. Last week Belshaw was calling out Audley Harrison, who for all his vulnerability and idiosyncrasies, would walk through Belshaw in less than a minute.
Yes, that Audley. Okay maybe two.
Continue reading “Boxing: Frank Maloney’s cold-shower for Belshaw’s prospects”Share this:
Boxing: Natural order is restored – Forrest dominates Mora
The Contender series wasn’t a reality show in the popular sense of the word. I’m always disgusted when mainstream reporters refer to its contestants, when partaking in significant out-of-show bouts, as “reality show winners”. It misleads the uninitiated, implying those who featured were not ‘real’ boxers but talented wannabees, celebrities even. Fighters like Steve Forbes, Peter Manfredo and Alfonso Gomez were professional fighters long-before their participation in the ground-breaking series.
Continue reading “Boxing: Natural order is restored – Forrest dominates Mora”
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Oscar Suarez, trainer to Freitas and Hamed, dies aged 47
Boxing lost a loyal servant this weekend with the unexpected death of Oscar Suarez. The trainer most widely known for shaping Brazilian Acelino ‘Popo’ Freitas. Later Suarez would take on the most high profile job in boxing, training Prince Naseem Hamed, and though maligned for his lack of impact on the Sheffield-man his death is reason for all of us to pause and take stock.
Suarez was believed to have been diagnosed with terminal cancer just over a month ago and leaves behind a wife, Marie, and six children. He was just 47.
All posted comments will be directed to the Suarez family at the end of the week.
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Resizing the big men; Jack Johnson the 240lb killer?
The spectre of a new debate about the potential outcome of clashes between the modern day heavyweight and his predecessors will fail to entice those for whom the discussion is a tired exchange of old arguments.
However, Andrew Mullinder has found a new mathematical angle which proves far more thought provoking than you might presume. Using the standard physiological growth of the human populous, Mullinder extrapolates the weights of the bygone legends to create, among others, a 240 pound Jack Johnson.
A formidable prospect and one likely to strike fear into all but the greatest of greats.
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Guzman better not rely on hunger
Joan Guzman doesn’t strike me as a fighter who bases his strategy on assumption. He’s played the sanctioning body game shrewdly, most recently choosing to abdicate the WBO Super-Featherweight belt to earn a #1 ranking with the same body at 135 pounds. Placing him firmly in the sight-line of Nate Campbell, a fighter with a brow like a porch roof and a virulent case of Hopkinesque ‘outsider’ syndrome. If Guzman assumes his role as the challenger means he is, by default, the hungrier fighter, as he did in interview this week, he’ll underestimate the 36-year old champion. Continue reading “Guzman better not rely on hunger”
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Setanta, Skywalker and Bunce; Boxing’s New Hope
Watching Steve Bunce’s Boxing Hour last night on Setanta Sports 2, I was struck by a number of things. Firstly, how good it is to see a magazine show for the sport where debate, discussion are preeminent over the gloss Sky once applied to their weekly Ringside presentation. True, big Buncey isn’t to everyone’s taste and it took me a while to ‘get’ his role, persona and style, to understand that enthusiasm and energy were his USPs and his tongue was firmly in his cheek. But I do now and it works.
A boxing night isn’t the same without his animated contribution. But the Setanta hour is more than just Bunce let loose.
Continue reading “Setanta, Skywalker and Bunce; Boxing’s New Hope”Share this:
Dan Rafael slips Haye a low-blow; Johnson lands Haye shot?
The hunt for a top-10 opponent, as demanded by his contract with British broadcaster Setanta, is proving harder than expected for aspiring puncher, promoter and profiteer David Haye. As reported previously, a ‘who was’ of heavyweight contenders has been name-checked, from Hasim Rahman, James Toney, Andrew Golota and Oleg Maskaev to speculative challenges from Matt Skelton, Tony Thompson, Eddie Chambers and 75 year-old Ray Mercer. A new name has been added to the roster of potential foes; Kevin Johnson. According to Dan Rafael at ESPN at least. Continue reading “Dan Rafael slips Haye a low-blow; Johnson lands Haye shot?”
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Dunne’s promoter lashes out at Maloney
Once inter-promoter arguments begin it is hard to keep track, apportion blame or see the wood for the trees. However, Brian Peters, the promoter of popular Irishman Bernard Dunne, was obviously irked by Frank Maloney’s press release this week, which claimed Dunne’s camp were ducking his improving European champion Rendall Munroe. Of course the pair could be in cahoots and sniggering backstage at the attention they’re generating for a fight which could prove beneficial to both fighters.
Continue reading “Dunne’s promoter lashes out at Maloney”
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Spitting blood; the forgotten victims of cancelled fights
At a time when Vitali Klitschko is trying to lash his crumbling ligaments together for one last hurrah, Jamie Moore’s is frustrated in his wait for a European shot and Nicky Cook, twice jilted by a troubled Scott Harrison, finally wins a version of the world-title Andrew Mullinder delves into topical subject of fight pull-outs. Away from the spotlight, the personal, emotional and financial costs can be far-reaching. Continue reading “Spitting blood; the forgotten victims of cancelled fights”
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