Category: Mike Tyson

Golota v Briggs in Poland?

Polish boxing site, www.boxingnews.pl, is reporting colourful heavyweight veterans Andrew Golota and Shannon Briggs are set to clash in October on the under-card of Tomasz Adamek‘s next fight. My Polish is a little rusty, i.e. non-existent but that seems to be the thrust of the piece. Its an intriguing contest and while of only peripheral significance to the main heavyweight picture, Golota is never more than one knockout away from a world-title shot.

Continue reading “Golota v Briggs in Poland?” →

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Boxing: Usain Bolt, Muhammad Ali and the impossible comparison

The astonishing performances of Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt broke the consciousness of almost the entire population of the world this week. Only the Olympics and perhaps the football World Cup offer such global exposure [alas the heavyweight championship has long lost this broad appeal], and though I doubt he could run backwards as fast as his contemporaries in the Olympic boxing ring, the question of his place amongst the greats of the track is unquestionable. The clock doesn’t lie. Bolt is faster than anyone who ever lived. Such cross generation comparison in boxing, provides no such clarity.

Continue reading “Boxing: Usain Bolt, Muhammad Ali and the impossible comparison” →

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Guest Article: Mayweather’s retirement a pretty pass


Guest writer Andrew Mullinder muses on Floyd Mayweather’s potentially misleading pristine professional record and the less public statistics that strongly suggest he truly is the once in a lifetime fighter he proclaims to be. Either way, Andrew suggests, his recent retirement is both frustrating and deserved.

Continue reading “Guest Article: Mayweather’s retirement a pretty pass” →

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Mayweather, Lennox, Hamed, Hopkins; you can never win.

A few disparate references got me thinking this week. First it was the retirement of Floyd Mayweather, brought into sharper focus by this weekend’s Welterweight face off between Cotto and Margarito, then it was a YouTube compilation of Prince Naseem getting battered from pillar to post with super slow-mo’s to make the former Featherweight king look like a clown. And finally, it was the news Bernard Hopkins, the veteran determined not to fight beyond 40 to keep a promise to his mother, apparently signing to fight Kelly Pavlik just shy of his 45th birthday. Too early, too late, boxing fans will crucify you either way.

Continue reading “Mayweather, Lennox, Hamed, Hopkins; you can never win.” →

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Fenech, Rocky and the beast inside

Jeff Fenech has pretty much seen it all during his career in the boxing business. From rugged national hero, through momentous fights on the international stage to training Mike Tyson and public spats with Anthony Mundine that almost led to a mismatched fight between the two a while ago. Now aged 44, thanks to a birthday two days ago, the Marrickville Mauler is to pull the gloves on once more for a rubber match with nemesis Azumah Nelson. Continue reading “Fenech, Rocky and the beast inside” →

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Big Danny Williams victorious in up and downer in Spain

kiplingCongratulations must go to gutsy, no sniggering at the back, London heavyweight Danny Williams tonight following his 7th round stoppage victory over the previously unbeaten Konstantin Airich in Bilbao. Williams, up lifts his ledger to 39-6 (31 Ko’s) with the win continues to build some momentum despite fluctuating weight suggesting ebbing motivation, he scaled 267 pounds for this encounter. Continue reading “Big Danny Williams victorious in up and downer in Spain” →

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“No, no, just say no” Hatton, PPV and the power of one.

As fan and as a writer, purchasing pay-per-view boxing is a prerequisite these days. I’ve done them all, from Bruno v Tyson, Hamed, Lewis through to Hatton v Tszyu and everything in between. So strong is my thirst to see the stars of the fistic world that I even succumbed to the very shallow temptation of Eastman v Hopkins. A fight never likely to distract the annual visitors to the Dulux sponsored, Watch Paint Dry Championships. Continue reading ““No, no, just say no” Hatton, PPV and the power of one.” →

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Boxing: John Ruiz and loving the wrong man

When consigned to history John Ruiz’ career will be much maligned, it is already. His success and resolve will be overshadowed by the snipers who point to his suffocating, ugly style, a crushing defeat to the then Zeus like David Tua in 17 seconds and a ponderous pursuit of Light-heavyweight Roy Jones Jnr. in 2003. Despite these facts, and they are all facts, his rough-edges and lack of beauty, I just can’t help liking him. It’s a strange thing, attraction.

Continue reading “Boxing: John Ruiz and loving the wrong man” →

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Golota got a lota shot

GolotaUrban legend states you are never more than ten yards from a rat when in London. If you frequent some of the fast food establishments I have you could probably reduced that by 50% with some confidence. There is also an Internet phenomenon and modern day parlour game which believes nobody in movie history is more than six steps removed from actor Kevin Bacon. Continue reading “Golota got a lota shot” →

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Rusty Chagaev still too smooth for Skelton

ChagaevFew fighters are more honest, fearless and hard working than Bedford’s big bear Matt Skelton. We knew that before his fight with Ruslan Chagaev in Germany last weekend and though the contest represented Skelton’s first venture in to true world class, he further substantiated that repute. Sadly, he couldn’t add either the technique or knockout power required to prevail at this elite level. Continue reading “Rusty Chagaev still too smooth for Skelton” →

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The three ages of boxing romance

FallenfighterRemember, remember. John Gotti was found guilty of murder, Canary Wharf was bombed, Dolly the clone sheep was born and Bill Clinton re-entered the White House. It was also the last time a fight between Dariusz Michalczewski and Graciano Rocchigiani meant something. The year? 1996. It didn’t stop them staging a 2000 rematch and it wont stop both retired parties facing off for a third time next year. Heaven help us. Continue reading “The three ages of boxing romance” →

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Low lefts, heavyweights and David Haye

SumoDavid Haye’s recent victory over Frenchman Jean Marc-Mormeck will likely prove the Londoner’s last at the 200lb Cruiserweight limit. Much though it will irritate him not to flatten Enzo Maccarinelli, the WBO belt holder, to further confirm his dominance in the division, it is clearly no longer possible for him to squeeze his muscular frame inside the limit. Travellers on the Haye bandwagon believe the heavyweights will prove no greater obstacle to the speed and power of the Cruiserweight champion. Continue reading “Low lefts, heavyweights and David Haye” →

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Holyfield; Please, Please Continue

Evander5Evander5Instantly noticeable in the aftermath of Evander Holyfield’s, 42(27)-9-2, latest attempt to annex a portion of the fractured heavyweight title was the lack of demand for his retirement. Ronnie Shields and Freddie Roach both spoken openly of their preference for the 45 year old to hang up his gloves, it’s becoming a habit for Roach who distanced himself from his own charge, James Toney in recent months too, but the en mass clamour for his retirement hasn’t reached the fever pitch it did following his slam-dunk losses to Larry Donald, in 2004, and the aforementioned Toney in 2003. Continue reading “Holyfield; Please, Please Continue” →

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When heavyweights were coffin nails

dEMPSEYIn a time of apathy toward the heavyweight of the modern era, and those geriatric contenders still squatting from the era preceding it, it is easier than ever to wallow in sepia toned nostalgia. To consider the impact even the uncrowned contenders of the 1970’s, Lyle or Quarry would have had among the flawed behemoths of the 21st century is to conjure the image of a fox in the hen house. Reach further, back as far as the halcyon days of Jack Dempsey and one would fear for the lives of his pampered successors. Continue reading “When heavyweights were coffin nails” →

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More than the sum of all parts; Golota v McBride

GolotaSensible? Interesting? Pragmatic? Desperate? Whatever descriptive you attach to the forthcoming series of matches in the heavyweight division there is unquestionably a degree of common sense at work. From the clash between ageing ramparts Andrew Golota, a fighter ten years removed from a prime he never actually had, and Kevin McBride, famous as the last fighter Mike Tyson quit against, to the IBF eliminator tourney – the heavyweights are getting their act together. Continue reading “More than the sum of all parts; Golota v McBride” →

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Klitschko No Longer Vital

KlitschkoGiant former champion Vitali Klitschko may well have been the consensus champion when a knee injury forced him into retirement in 2004, shortly after he removed his kitchen sink from Danny Williams’ face, but he wasn’t the modern great many seem to retrospectively believe he was.  His return got a few fans hot and sweaty but always left me a little cold. He was never really that good was he? Continue reading “Klitschko No Longer Vital” →

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Is it ever Tua late?

TuaEasy to forget just how popular and formidable heavyweight David Tua was a decade ago and how eager fans were for the trunk-like Samoan to tackle the leading fighters in the division; to oust the ageing trinity of Tyson, Holyfield and Lewis. In truth, to replace the menace and thrills Mike Tyson had ceased to deliver.

Continue reading “Is it ever Tua late?” →

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Boxing: The good, the bad and the ugly

goodConfirmation the clash between Oleg Maskaev and Samuel Peter for the WBC Heavyweight championship will take place on October 6th at Madison Square Garden was announced this week. A solid fight between two punchers, one with a chin, one without. The winner is expected to be forced to accommodate returning champion Vitaly Klitschko next time out. Its easy to see why Maskaev was eager to snatch a soft defence versus Peter Okhello, a fighter for whom world-title fights should be a spectator sport, in his most recent outing. Peter then Klitschko is a tough run. Continue reading “Boxing: The good, the bad and the ugly” →

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Boxing: American heavyweight hope Kevin Johnson wins

GrantThe American quest to find a legitimate heavyweight champion continues, last night Atlanta’s Kevin Johnson took another step toward contendership with victory over Damian Wills in a ten round bout. According to Marc Abrams at 15rounds.com, Johnson appeared eager to please the attendant crowd.  Continue reading “Boxing: American heavyweight hope Kevin Johnson wins” →

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Buster Douglas’ Film Debut Gets DVD Release

BusterIt would be remiss of me not to applaud former heavyweight champion James ‘Buster’ Douglas for trying to forge a new career as a screen actor following his retirement from the ring 8 years ago. After all, I’m swift to deride the herd of fossilised heavyweights  still plying their trade as professional fighters. For the record, Buster is starring in low-budget flick, Pluto’s Plight. Continue reading “Buster Douglas’ Film Debut Gets DVD Release” →

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Boxing: Achieving the Unachievable? Holyfield Gets The Shot

Evander3In truth Evander Holyfield’s status as a boxing legend is already assured. Any fighter who has clashed with Holmes, Bowe, Foreman, Lewis and Tyson, irrespective of their age and form at the time, is clearly a world-class operator and the manner of Holyfield’s performances during his pomp endeared him to a generation, or two, of boxing fans. His latest run at the title, as a forty something has on occasion looked capable of undermining all of his preceding achievements, but Evander, the most irrepressible of men, may yet have the last laugh. Thanks to the withdrawal of Ruslan Chagaev, he has his shot. Continue reading “Boxing: Achieving the Unachievable? Holyfield Gets The Shot” →

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Who do you think you are kidding Mr Kipling?

PropagandaOver at SecondsOut.com, the first barely audible whispers of a potential third bout between Danny Williams and Matt Skelton are being heard. According to the newly svelte Williams, a rubber match with Skelton will hopefully precede a second shot at one of the four major belt holders. Now where have I heard that line before?

Continue reading “Who do you think you are kidding Mr Kipling?” →

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Je-wish Greenberg Would Step Up? I do

First StepsRoman Greenberg is an unbeaten heavyweight. He’s variously been complimented on his hand-speed and combination punching. Latterly, he’s been maligned for his soft physique, lack of snap in his punches and for progressing at a rate so slow – only video replay confirms he’s moving forward. Next up for the Russian born, British managed, Israeli national is Damon Reed. Groan. Continue reading “Je-wish Greenberg Would Step Up? I do” →

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Riddick-ulous Bowe to Return Again

RiddickI’ve never been punched in the face for pay, I’ve been punched in the face for far less but we haven’t time for that, and I’m therefore always reluctant to pass judgement on the freedom of  a man to make money from the hardest game of all. But in the case of Riddick Bowe  I have to make an exception. This is a man who claimed cerebral degeneration due to blows absorbed in the ring in a court of law. A ruse which is no longer convenient and, in the best traditions of boxing, is overlooked by the commissions willing to clear the former champion to fight. Continue reading “Riddick-ulous Bowe to Return Again” →

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Is Hopkins The Greatest Athlete to Ever Box?

Hopkins2Is Bernard Hopkins the greatest athlete to ever lace on a pair of gloves? To even pose the question will doubtless invite a deluge of abusive emails from fans mocking the suggestion. But for all Mayweather’s speed, Tyson’s natural firepower and the unflinching stamina of eye-catching fighters like Joe Calzaghe – to consider just three modern contemporaries – a case for Hopkins must surely be possible to make? Continue reading “Is Hopkins The Greatest Athlete to Ever Box?” →

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PR: Briggs Calling Out Wladimir

Briggs4Earlier today, one of boxing’s busiest publicists Mario Serrano was on the case for former WBO Heavyweight title holder – lets not call him champion, I’m feeling rebellious and one belt is essentially a fraction of the crown – Shannon Briggs. The respiratory difficulties Briggs endures don’t seem to prevent him spouting hot air on a regular basis; even in these troubled times in the heavyweight division Briggs cannot jump straight back into a world-title fight or can he? Wladimir Klitschko is the target. Continue reading “PR: Briggs Calling Out Wladimir” →

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Carousing Couser Stuns Barrett

CouserAs a fan and writer with a long standing love-hate relationship with professional journeyman I was delighted to see veteran warhorse Cliff Couser deliver the victory and performance of his career by knocking out Monte Barrett – a previously sturdy and pedigree heavyweight. OK, so pedigree affords him more gravitas than his career merited but you catch the drift. Couser is a professional loser, that’s his job, his mandate. But something went horribly right on Friday. Continue reading “Carousing Couser Stuns Barrett” →

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Holyfield Beats Italian Meatball Savarese

LouSThe headline is cruel. And it’s cruel on two levels, firstly because Big Lou was a vegetarian for a number of years and secondly because it demeans the effort Savarese put forth throughout his career and did once more last weekend. But that said, Holyfield’s victory proved nothing to the interested observer and less to his detractors; Holyfield would always be quicker to the punch than the ponderous Savarese and in his 41 year old opponent he found a foe even more rusty than himself. So why am I still nurturing the first shoots of belief in Evander’s quest for another portion of the heavyweight title? Nostalgia? Apathy with the current crop of champions?

Continue reading “Holyfield Beats Italian Meatball Savarese” →

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Happy Days – Haye to Face Mormeck

Jean-MarcOK, so big-punching David Haye couldn’t crack Ismael Abdoul and true he was decked by Super-Middleweight Lolenga Mock but despite those apparent limitations he remains a crucial piece of the British Boxing jigsaw. In fact, his importance could reach further. Boxing needs a charismatic, heavy handed heavyweight contender. Haye is one of a precariously short list of applicants for that role. Only Alexander Povetkin ranks ahead of him as a heavyweight youngster with punch power. The difference with Haye? He has obligations at 200 pounds to fulfil first.

Continue reading “Happy Days – Haye to Face Mormeck” →

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BoxingWriter.co.uk Tribute Wear

Hatton THatton TBegun 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” →

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