Begun on an idle whim, the BoxingWriter .co.uk Tribute Wear has proved tremendously popular and exceeded expectation. Sales of t-shirts featuring the likes of Marciano, Hearns and Tapia have been well received and dispatched to satisfied customers within 2-3 days of order receipt and the feedback on quality has been favourable too. Check them out… Continue reading “BoxingWriter.co.uk Tribute Wear”
The Return of the Enigma
The fact a 35 year old fighter is still consider unfulfilled and news of his latest comeback remains newsworthy is a damning endictment of a 2007 heavyweight division unable to summon a decisive fighter to render these veteran retreads redundant. But in an era where Evander Holyfield, Oliver McCall and Henry Akinwande are all arguably only one victory from a title shot, perhaps Audley Harrison has every right to believe he still has time to deliver on the potential his 2000 Olympic Gold suggested he had – the latest news on Big Aud still, despite everything, carries weight. Continue reading “The Return of the Enigma”
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Archive: The Dragon That Cried Wolf
Originally published in 2005.
The on-going ‘will they, wont they’ soap opera between the camps of Mikkel Kessler and Joe Calzaghe is not a new phenomenon. Debate on the relative merit of Calzaghe’s career and whether the veteran Welshman will ever have opportunity to deliver on his immense ability in signature bouts has been running ever since he floored Chris Eubank in 1997. It certainly feels that way anyway. Nobody could doubt the courage of Calzaghe the fighter but finding him the type of illustrious opponents his talent needs has become a weapon for the doubters.
Does Calzaghe really want the big fights?
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Pocket Rocket Comeback Halted
According to the Irish Evening Echo, former World-Champion Wayne McCullough has been forced to postpone his latest comeback because proposed opponent Francisco Mateos has been unable to secure the paperwork required to travel – details not clear to what these papers relate to. With only 8 days to go until the bout, McCullough clearly doesn’t feel a substitute opponent was a realistic possibility and has withdrawn. I don’t often say this about fighters, but I genuinely hope McCullough stays retired. Continue reading “Pocket Rocket Comeback Halted”
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Palle Agrees to Warren Terms; Well Almost
Mogens Palle is reported to have accepted Frank Warren’s terms for the proposed clash between Super-Middleweight king Joe Calzaghe and Mikkel Kessler but with the small, and potentially fatal caveat, that the bout takes place in November rather than proposed September. The reason, Palle wants to celebrate 50 years as a promoter with a signature show. I’m not sure whether I think this is understandable or pathetic to be honest.
Continue reading “Palle Agrees to Warren Terms; Well Almost”
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Dark-Horse Molitor to Face Ndlovu
Canadian Super-Bantamweight Steve Molitor is one of my favourite fighters. Ever since he arrived in England and schooled Jason Booth I’ve been a keen follower of his progress. The ease with which he dispatched Hartlepool’s game brawler Michael Hunter was of little surprise to me and the IBF 122lb belt secured cemented his position as a gem only partially discovered. Accomplished, busy and with a rounded style, Molitor could well feature in some high-profile encounters in the division. First on the list is South African Takalani Ndlovu. Continue reading “Dark-Horse Molitor to Face Ndlovu”
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The Smoking Gunn
I appreciate I’m risking turning this site into a publicity forum for Bobby Gunn’s career, but I feel compelled to keep readers up to date with developments, the latest being a visit from Bobby Gunn’s father Robert Gunn Sr., who is also Gunn’s manager. And Mr Gunn Sr, isn’t too impressed with my willingness to publish Joe Mack’s (Joe McEwan) open letter recently, a letter Mr Gunn believes slanders his son’s name and containing accusations the Gunn’s intend to fight in court. In turn, Mr Gunn suggested Joe Mack was the real villain of the piece. “I think you should know that the contracts that Bobby got from Frank Warren’s Sports Network were faxed by Joe but he chose to fake them”. Continue reading “The Smoking Gunn”
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Danny Green Tackles Reality Star Griffin
Forgotten in the wake of The Contender’s global success as a boxing reality show, Next Great Champ – the show fronted by Oscar DeLaHoya – produced its own victor a year or two back when Otis Griffin secured the $500,000 prize. It seems the kudos associated with that triumph is now set to start delivering for him. He’s been selected as Aussie hard-man Danny Green’s next opponent. It represents a significant step up for the 29 year old who goes by the curious alias of Triple OG. Continue reading “Danny Green Tackles Reality Star Griffin”
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PR: Hayemaker Hits Back at Maccarinelli and Warren
It’s difficult not to like David Haye, the big-punching, charismatic 26 year old constantly entertains, Ismael Abdoul aside, and though more shrewd than he would admit, take risks in the selection of his opponents. Always quotable and entertaining, Haye increasingly carries the torch for British fight fans hoping for a resurrection of interest in their sport and following his one round demolition of historically sturdy Tomasz Bonin, he’s also become a big hope for the heavyweight division. First though, he’s eager to set the record straight on the potential fight with British rival Enzo Maccarinelli. Continue reading “PR: Hayemaker Hits Back at Maccarinelli and Warren”
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Minter Pulled Out of ‘World’ title fight
British welterweight, Ross Minter – an improving professional – has been forced to pull out of his clash with Michael Jennings next month with a rib injury. Disappointingly, the Crawley Observer are referring to his clash with the Mancunian puncher as being a world title fight. Is there any wonder casual fans simply don’t understand or connect with our complex sport? The WBU belt to which they refer, is essentially meaningless on the international stage. Continue reading “Minter Pulled Out of ‘World’ title fight”
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PR: Murray Misses Out on Showtime Slot
One of Britain’s best young prospects, John Murray has unfortunatley been forced to withdraw from his headline clash with Noel Rodriguez in Montreal. A head injury sustained falling from his bike has ultimatley caused the whole show to be postponed, everyone connected with Murray will hope the Showtime slot he had for the bout can be reclaimed later in the year.
PRESS RELEASE
Hennessy Sports have regrettably cancelled their promotion in Montreal on July 6th following the unfortunate withdrawal of John Murray from the headline contest. Continue reading “PR: Murray Misses Out on Showtime Slot”
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“You were laying on the canvas in a pool of blood”
OK, so it isn’t Ali v Frazier. But the war of words between Bobby Gunn, the former bare-knuckle brawler somehow plucked from obscurity to face Enzo Maccarinelli recently, and the rest of the world continues to entertain this writer. First, it was his former manager Joe Mack, then former foe Jeff Holcomb dropped by to leave his own vitriolic comments and a cell number. Today Bobby Gunn replied. Continue reading ““You were laying on the canvas in a pool of blood””
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“I’m coming back because I miss the glory.” Michael Grant
Precious few fighters are born with the physical gifts Michael Grant has been blessed with. 6ft 7inches, 250 pounds of lean, athletic muscle and a talented sportsman in a number of fields. Grant is undeniably a tremendous heavyweight in 2d. Further to this, he can punch too. However, for all the genetic blessings, Grant has suffered a great deal of professional misfortune. Continue reading ““I’m coming back because I miss the glory.” Michael Grant”
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Castillo Dispenses With the Niceties
So far the promotion of the Ricky Hatton – Jose Luis Castillo bout on the 23rd has been a well-mannered, even tempered, respectful love-in as the two fighters seek to demonstrate their respect for each other. Both are blue-collar professionals with humility and class so in truth, cheap smack talk would be a surprise. However, Castillo today fired the first broadside as they bid to build up interest in their clash. According to the veteran Mexican, Hatton’s pretty 42-0 record doesn’t compare favourably with his own less pristine ledger; “I don’t think for one minute Ricky Hatton’s record bears any comparison with mine.” Continue reading “Castillo Dispenses With the Niceties”
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Holcomb Hunting Bobby Gunn
I seem to attract fighters from the club circuits, in a purely platonic way you understand, but ever since I flippantly criticised Crawford Grimsley and was swiftly brought to task by Mrs Grimsley they’ve been congragating at my ‘virtual’ front door. My recent commentary on Bobby Gunn has attracted attention from past opponents, fans and managers. The latest? Former foe Jeff Holcomb is desperate for a rematch. Continue reading “Holcomb Hunting Bobby Gunn”
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Archive: Frank Warren, A Boxing Survivor
08/09/2005
Close to two years have passed since the first widely whispered rumours of a split between Ricky Hatton and Frank Warren were heard, on the cusp of signing a new ITV contract the timing couldn’t have been worse for Warren who must have relied heavily on Hatton’s star to entice the terrestrial broadcaster. I wrote a piece at the time reflecting on this emerging news and Warren’s ability to survive. Considering he has lost Hatton, Scott Harrison and Johnny Nelson during that period Warren has juggled well to still have a chance of contract renewal. But then he always survives. Continue reading “Archive: Frank Warren, A Boxing Survivor”
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Boxing: Scott Gammar Scores Comprehensive Victory
Tough Welsh heavyweight Scott Gammar got his career back on the rails over the weekend overpowering busy trier Paul King, a late-replacement for a replacement, to score a six round points win. Predictable enough result and a performance designed purely to add a W to the record of the former British champion following his defeat to Danny Williams. I’d certainly assume Gammar isn’t booked to learn much from circuit veteran King. Reports suggest he opted to use the whole six round work out rather than close the show.
Continue reading “Boxing: Scott Gammar Scores Comprehensive Victory”
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Boxing: Enzo Maccarinelli gets Braithwaite
The sceptic in me wont believe it until I see the Welshman staring across the ring at Wayne Braithwaite, the former WBC Champion. But the Guyanese puncher is signed on for the bout according to John Rawling, a writer with more inside track than most to the machinations of Sports Network, the search for a credible opponent for the current WBO strap holder is at an end. Detours via Cunningham and Haye hit roadblocks but Braithwaite is willing to make the July 21st liason. Continue reading “Boxing: Enzo Maccarinelli gets Braithwaite”
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Generations Collide: Cotto v Judah
It seems peculiar to consider Welterweight contenders Zab Judah and Miguel Cotto as members of consecutive generations rather than the same one, only three years separate the births of the two popular fighters after all, but Cotto is unequivocally the ‘going’ concern in their clash this weekend.
Continue reading “Generations Collide: Cotto v Judah”
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PR: Bobby Gunn
Press Release: 05/06/07
I wrote earlier this week about my soft spot for the eccentric American pug Bobby Gunn. A fighter plucked from obscurity to face Enzo Maccarinelli for the WBO title and then plunged back to the tank-town circuit following his one round massacre at the hands of the towering Welshman. However, another day another twist. Joe Mack from Rock Hard Boxing, the organisation that projected Gunn and cared for his interests has gone public with an acidic blast that leaves no stone unturned in Mack’s quest to malign Gunn’s name. Despite the obscurity of subject, it’s a must read release. Continue reading “PR: Bobby Gunn”
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Boxing: Oliver McCall, 42, wants some more
If this pattern continues I may grow to regret my suggestion that too many fossilised veterans are still roaming the heavyweight landscape. In the days since, I’ve begun to believe making that statement was roughly equivalent to saying ‘Candyman’ three times into a mirror. I’ve received press releases or read stories on Evander Holyfield, Henry Akinwande and Andrew Golota. Seriously, the heavyweight division is close to self-parody. I’m waiting for Simon Pegg to come and rescue me from the advancing zombies. Today’s veteran? The old Atomic Bull himself, Oliver McCall.
Continue reading “Boxing: Oliver McCall, 42, wants some more”
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Boxing: Mikkel Kessler is Taylor made for Calzaghe
I fear this story line could become a theme of the next few weeks as experienced promoters Mogens Palle (Kessler) and Frank Warren (Calzaghe) carefully manoeuvre their ‘pieces’ in a bid to gain the upper hand in negotiations, both privately and in the public’s perception, for the proposed clash between the two belt holders. Joe Calzaghe has changed his tune on his most desirable opponent once more following Jermaine Taylor’s soporific defence versus Cory Spinks last month, suddenly Mikkel Kessler is “the man”. Continue reading “Boxing: Mikkel Kessler is Taylor made for Calzaghe”
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Eastman Blasted By Ashira: Interview
I didn’t catch the bout between Howard Eastman and Evans Ashira so don’t feel qualified to comment on Ashira’s claims that he was robbed in their recent Middleweight bout. I read several reports suggesting Eastman delivered one of his trademark hollow performances but Ashira, in conversation with Henrik Risum assures the reader he was flat-out robbed: “Come on man, the guy had home ground advantage, plus all the officials on his side, and on top of that he was allowed to hold me like that, and pull my legs too. He even said himself that he had to ruin the fight to survive. Incredible!” Continue reading “Eastman Blasted By Ashira: Interview”
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The Michael Gomez Story: The Movie
Every fighter has a story. A few take on mythological proportions, from Sonny Liston’s rise and fall to Johnny Tapia’s regular dance with death. British fighter Michael Gomez’s own story may lack the gravitas associated with the former’s professional success but it has a similar sprinkling of pain and misfortune. Of course, Gomez isn’t finished yet, despite the death knell being sounded on his career more than once – and he returns to action again soon, but a low budget British film based on his life this far is being promoted on his website. Continue reading “The Michael Gomez Story: The Movie”
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Archive: Big Fight Live – Boxing returns to ITV
15/07/2005
As the first contract between British broadcaster ITV and promoter Frank Warren draws to a close and negotiations begin on a new contract, it seemed relevant to pause and remember how the news ITV were to return to professional boxing was greeted. In an article for thesweetscience.com, I took an optimistic view of the partnership’s potential and revelled in the nostalgia of hearing that famous theme tune one more time. As Nigel Benn once famously said “I preferred boxing when it was on ITV”. Continue reading “Archive: Big Fight Live – Boxing returns to ITV”
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Boxing: A Tsyzu Return is Gonna Kostya
Former Light-Welterweight king, should that be tsar, is certainly not a fighter to be rushed into a comeback despite his 37 years and long sabbatical from action following the seminal defeat to Ricky Hatton in 2005. Of course, he may not come back at all – rather like Lennox Lewis does from time to time – Kostya seems willing to tease and tantalise, perhaps in a bid to promote other business pursuits or, alternatively, to pacify the element of his personality that craves the combat. Convincing himself he could comeback at anytime to paradoxically ensure he never actually does it. Continue reading “Boxing: A Tsyzu Return is Gonna Kostya”
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Bobby Gunn Reloads
The criticism and hearty guffaws accompanying Bobby Gunn’s unexpected and patently unsubstantiated elevation to world-title class earlier this year were hard on the squat, pugnacious scrapper. After all, he didn’t ask to be plucked from the tank town circuit and projected as a legitimate Cruiserweight contender by Sports Network and the World Boxing Organisation (WBO).
Continue reading “Bobby Gunn Reloads”
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If in doubt, put “Tyson” in the press release
Perhaps it is indicative of the surge of popularity of UFC among young sports fans, the resultant ageing demographic of boxing’s followers and the fact Mike Tyson is the last global superstar boxing produced, but the fallen champion remains the most compelling hook most lazy publicists appear able to muster to promote their fighters. Last week it was Sultan Ibragimov, who hoped the former champion could provide advice as part of his corner team, this week Victor Oganov is trying to repeat the trick.
Continue reading “If in doubt, put “Tyson” in the press release”
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Rhodes Flattens Buchanan in One
It’s been a while since Ryan Rhodes demonstrated the type of form he did yesterday in knocking out game Paul Buchanan in the opener. Traditionally, known for his speed of hand and elusive style – at least those were his trademarks in a youth that saw him capture the British title in record time – the knockout power displayed has been an absent friend in recent years. Continue reading “Rhodes Flattens Buchanan in One”
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Ellis Pulls Out of Snoozowski Fight
Albert Sosnowski is the custodian of arguably the slowest burning career in heavyweight history, a professional for nine years and having accumulated a 39-1 record the Polish born fighter could be expected to be, at the very least, a top ten contender. No? No, not Albert. The globe trotting heavyweight is becoming a statistical curiosity but not a contender. Continue reading “Ellis Pulls Out of Snoozowski Fight”
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