Acquaintances of mine often mock my willingness to name-check thesweetscience.com, a website set up to promote the best of boxing writing and featuring a premier roster of contributors. You see, there I go again. However, whatever the critics and cynics may suggest I’m proud of a number of the articles I submitted. In a quest to preserve them beyond any further collapse of their site. I intend to feature one of my submissions from time to time. The Solitary Life of a Boxing fan is a melancholic assessment of the life of a niche sports fan. Continue reading “Archive: The Solitary Life of a Boxing Fan”
David Haye Weigh In Pictures
Any promoter and fighter willing to jeopardise a mandatory shot at the consensus Cruiserweight champion by facing a legitimate ranked heavyweight in a non-title fight deserves applause. It would be easy to either discredit rugged Pole Thomasz Bonin as fortunate to be the custodian of a WBC ranking or the move to face him as an act of lunacy on David Haye’s part, but boxing fans who regularly criticise fighters for taking soft fights – you can’t have it both ways. Continue reading “David Haye Weigh In Pictures”
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The Yanks Have Had Enough Too
We live in a smaller world they keep telling us, I’m not sure who ‘they’ are but the arrival of the Internet has certainly drawn all four corners of the world much closer to my, and everyone else’s, finger tips. Results from around the globe instantly accessible and no story is more than a click or two away. Imagine how hard it must have been to wait days and weeks to hear the results of fights a century ago? I digress, despite this shrinking world my residence on an Island, a relatively small one at that, always left me thinking that as a boxing fan I didn’t benefit from the economies of scale of the American fan. So many fights were unavailable to me because I was a fan of a niche sport in a different timezone. Continue reading “The Yanks Have Had Enough Too”
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Rees Gets Title Shot! Someone Should Be Shot
Modern day boxing is a cruel mistress. Once entangled, there is no escape. It is impossible to fall out of love with her or to find the frustration and disappointment she dispenses outweighthe rare reward of witnessing a Ward v Gatti or Moore v Macklin type contest. Boxing is a love-hate relationship, fans love boxing but boxing hates the fans. Continue reading “Rees Gets Title Shot! Someone Should Be Shot”
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Joe Calzaghe To Vacate?
Staggering. The only word to describe reports Super-Middleweight champion Joe Calzaghe is considering abdicating from his ten year reign as WBO belt-holder. Following the furore surrounding his most recent defence of the much-maligned belt against over-matched American Peter Manfredo, it seems the much-publicised bout proved one mediocre contest too far for boxing fans (and possibly TV network ITV) following equally disappointing points victories over pint-sized Evans Ashira and hard-headed Sakio Bika. Continue reading “Joe Calzaghe To Vacate?”
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PR: Thaxton Signs Long-Term Deal with Hennessey
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. Continue reading “PR: Thaxton Signs Long-Term Deal with Hennessey”
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O2 Have a New Boxing Venue In London
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.
Continue reading “O2 Have a New Boxing Venue In London”
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Who’s On First? Yep, Who’s on First. Holdsworth Howler
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.
Continue reading “Who’s On First? Yep, Who’s on First. Holdsworth Howler”
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Bah-Bah. Following The Flock
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. Continue reading “Bah-Bah. Following The Flock”
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The Weekend Long-Shot
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.
Continue reading “The Weekend Long-Shot”
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A Real Champion; Jake LaMotta to Speak in Wiltshire
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. Continue reading “A Real Champion; Jake LaMotta to Speak in Wiltshire”
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Links In Alphabetical Order
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.
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There is unlucky, and then there is Johnny Tapia
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. Continue reading “There is unlucky, and then there is Johnny Tapia”
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And We Wonder Why; Jennings World-Title Shot?
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?
Continue reading “And We Wonder Why; Jennings World-Title Shot?”
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Alfonso Gomez: Contender Star
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. Continue reading “Alfonso Gomez: Contender Star”
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Patience is a Virchis for Williams
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.
Continue reading “Patience is a Virchis for Williams”
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See the Woods for the Trees
Following weeks of public deliberation as to the name of Clinton Woods’ next opponent today’s announcement that the Sheffield fighter will tackle former foe Julio Gonzales in a mandatory defence was met with varying degrees of apathy. What happened to Roy Jones Jnr, Antonio Tarver, Bernard Hopkins or even long-shots Darius Michelczewski and Joe Calzaghe? True Woods has been side-lined longer than expected by an arm injury but still, Gonzales again? Hardly quickens the pulse does it? Continue reading “See the Woods for the Trees”
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Double You B Who?
British terrestrial network ITV returned to professional boxing two years ago with the happy mantra of focusing on meaningful fights. Research had told them of the frustration and misconception the plethora of meaningless belts had caused. SKY TV, no longer committed to Frank Warren’s Sports Network group, also publicly announced that the previous acceptable notion of WBU, WBF, IBO (and others) title belts being required to make fights worthwhile was now extinguished and only ‘proper’ English, British, Commonwealth, European and World Title contests would be considered for broadcast. Hallelujah. Continue reading “Double You B Who?”
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M’Baye Survives a Squeeky One
French WBA LightWelterweight title holder Souleymane M’Baye survived an absorbing contest last night, emerging from his bout with Andreas Kotelnik with a contentious draw that preserved his status as the champion. The fight, broadly defined by Kotelnik’s superior aggression and volume of punches and M’Baye back-foot counter-punching and thudding right hand, was an enjoyable spectacle. As result, few ripples will be felt in the 140 pound division; M’Baye remains a mile away from a shot at Ricky Hatton while ever Frank Warren remains in control of his career.
Continue reading “M’Baye Survives a Squeeky One”
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Beware, Beware. Klitschko is Due A Fall
I can’t really summon rational reason for what I’m about to write but I feel compelled to suggest Ray Austin is going to upset the heavyweight applecart tonight and dethrone Wladimir Klitschko. Austin is a mediocre puncher, has a mediocre resume and is of mediocre renown, but I just feel Klitschko re-emergence as the golden boy of the beleaguered weight class is overdue another punctuation mark. Too many people have been eager to forget his pummelling at the hands of Corrie Sanders, his collapse versus Lamont Brewster and most recently the fact pedestrian powerhouse Sam Peter decked him three times.
Continue reading “Beware, Beware. Klitschko is Due A Fall”
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Under the Radar; Barney to Face Bute
Few fighters unify boxing fans like Matthew Barney. Before I explain why, it’s firstly important to point out that I instinctively recoil from sharing the thinking of the masses. I like holding a contrary view. Sometimes it sets you aside as a voice of wisdom other times it is a compulsion that leads you to suggest Clifford Etienne could stop Mike Tyson late. So as a state of mind or ethos, it is a flawed position. The majority cannot always be wrong is the lesson these experiences teach me. However, on the subject of Matthew Barney I think they are. Because, you see, boxing fans simply don’t like Matthew Barney.
Continue reading “Under the Radar; Barney to Face Bute”
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Higher Napa, Higher Napa
Diminutive scrapper Ian Napa has battled against his physical limitations of height and a lack of natural pop his entire career. Relying on his rolling style to avert the heavier punches of his opponents and allow him to land his classy combinations. If only he had a little snap in those shots he could be a genuine contender. Ifs, buts and maybes don’t win belts and against Italian Simone Maludrottu he faces a European champion of substance and with a nice line in fortunate decisions. A gift Napa has never enjoyed. Continue reading “Higher Napa, Higher Napa”
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Come Back and Finish What You Started
Don’t leave me hanging on, hanging on. As the song goes.
On Saturday night Runcorn veteran Robin Reid returns to competitive action against Jesse Brinkley, the former Contender contestant, on the Newcastle bill that pits British fighters against Contender series fighters later this month. It hurts me to describe the former WBC World Champion as a veteran, mainly because it reminds me that the first generation of fighters to whom I gravitated as a younger fan are all but retired – Lewis, Benn, Prince Naseem, Watson, my beloved Herol, ‘Sweet C’ McMillan they’re all gone.
This fight now represents the last hurrah for the 36-year-old as he seeks to squeeze either paydays or meaning from the last embers of his career.
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Donny Lad! Bull Gets Khan Job
Stefy Bull is a fighter I’ve been trying to get an interview with for a while, obviously I didn’t try hard enough, given I’ve had it on my to do list for about four years. Finally, and by complete coincidence our paths crossed last week on doghouseboxing.com, home to the some of the weird and wonderful inhabitants of boxing’s forum underworld – though I remain certain one or two are from an entirely different planet – and Stefy relayed his willingness to organise something. Before you get excited and click ‘more’ in the hope of reading Bull’s inner most thoughts, don’t – the interview hasn’t happened yet. You can’t say I didn’t warn you. Continue reading “Donny Lad! Bull Gets Khan Job”
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Calzaghe: A Year On From Lacy
On the cusp of his American coronation against game Contender Peter Manfredo on April 7th, Joe Calzaghe has been reflecting on the year that has elapsed since he emerged from the debris of his long tenure as WBO Super-Middleweight champion, and all the mediocrity that attracts, to beat Jeff Lacy. In conversation with the Wales On Sunday, and available through icwales.co.uk, Calzaghe is clearly keen to still bask in the glow of that victory but is growing more earnest and pragmatic regarding the disrespect that preceded his vault into the pound-for-pound debate.
Continue reading “Calzaghe: A Year On From Lacy”
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Welterweight Is Where The Party Is Ricky
The lunacy of Ricky Hatton’s recent career direction was further highlighted during the past seven days as the elite opponents he seeks to add ‘meat’ to the ‘skeleton’ of his victory over Kostya Tszyu two years ago continues to be gobbled up by the draw of the Welterweight division. Ironic considering Hatton’s 2006 conclusion that a move to 147lbs to pursue Floyd Mayweather and make the big fights was the only route forward. Continue reading “Welterweight Is Where The Party Is Ricky”
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Despite Victory Introspection Beckons For Williams
Whether victory over Welshman Scott Gammer for the British Heavyweight title proves to be the final chapter in the colourful career of the 33 year old Londoner remains to be seen. Even in victory Danny was typically unsure of his future commitment to the sport and will take time to assess his options beyond his latest reign as British champion. For Gammer, his pedestrian potential has surely been exhausted now and declining the £100,000 payday offered to fight Audley Harrison two months ago doesn’t look quite the astute choice manager Paul Boyce assured everyone it was. Continue reading “Despite Victory Introspection Beckons For Williams”
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McGuigan Takes the Fight to UFC
I’ve written a thought or two on the emergence of UFC as a threat to boxing’s place in the hearts and minds of British sports fans and with some substance, they get so much right in their organisation and promotion. Much of which was learned from the flaws currently suffocating boxing. However, boxing has an articulate defender in Barry McGuigan, the former Featherweight champion, who in today’s Daily Mirror made the most lucid defence of boxing and unraveled many of the myths that surround UFC recent success. It is a heartening read for beleaguered boxing fans. Continue reading “McGuigan Takes the Fight to UFC”
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So can anyone stop Valuev?
Rocky Marciano’s hasty retirement, still unbeaten in 49 contests, following the victory over Archie Moore, a fight in which he was floored, created one of the world’s greatest and most long-standing sporting landmarks. The closest anyone has come to surpassing the Rock’s pristine benchmark was in the early eighties when Larry Holmes, who once suggested Marciano wasn’t fit to carry his jock strap, came within one points decision of equalling the marker. Until of course, a Russian giant appeared on the heavyweight landscape. Continue reading “So can anyone stop Valuev?”
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Who Do You Think Your Are Kidding Mr.Kipling?
I often state that boxing can no longer surprise me. As a keen observer of the sport for a number of years its hard to believe boxing could throw up an event or news story that could shock me. The sanctioning bodies and promoters have exhausted every plausible manoeuvre to further their own bank accounts, every unexpected fight outcome has been seen before and no judge or referee’s decision could sink lower than those already catalogued in my time following the sweet science.
Continue reading “Who Do You Think Your Are Kidding Mr.Kipling?”
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