Statistics for this site/blog for the past week suggest my small piece on Tommy Morrison’s debut in Mixed Martial Arts proved the most read over that seven day period. The MMA phenomenon knows no bounds. There is certainly fuel in the MMA train. For the record Morrison did as he predicted he would, hit the guy and won in the first round and on the surface further protected the theory most boxing fans subscribe to; ‘that boxing remains the most destructive and definitive combat sport’. That wouldn’t tell the whole story though. Continue reading “Morrison Wins in ‘MMA’ debut”
Briggs Chest Not Good Enough; Ibragimov Wins
I noted last week that Shannon Briggs appeared far too willing to comment on his asthma, one press release flippantly using the steroid ingredient of his medication to snatch attention for this life-long affliction, and he frequently referenced the pneumonia that preceded the March postponement of this fight. For a fighter with a history of poor stamina and huge muscular bulk, it didn’t seem a healthy recipe. Continue reading “Briggs Chest Not Good Enough; Ibragimov Wins”
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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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Exclusive: Boxing Writer T-Shirt Shop
It may prove to be the most under-used facility since the Baghdad Tourism Office but I’ve developed a range of simple, classic t-shirts featuring the professional win-loss records of a host of boxing legends. Made to order, to high quality specification the shirts present good value with prices starting around £12. Fighters from the recently lost Diego Corrales to Mike Tyson are featured with a few lesser known gems in between. Click the t-shirt link on the right to be directed to the site or click here.
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Archive: The Final Curtain – Tyson, Holyfield & Jones Jnr.
I penned this article toward the end of 2004 for thesweetscience.com, intended to be the first to provide obituary on the careers of three of the modern era’s finest fighters it now seems premature as only Iron Mike has listened to his body and given up trying to fool opponents and fans that he can still reclaim his unfulfilled youth and potential.
Continue reading “Archive: The Final Curtain – Tyson, Holyfield & Jones Jnr.”
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Tyson’s Application Incomplete
I read on TysonTalk.com that Mike Tyson’s quest to be part of Sultan Ibragimov corner this weekend for his heavyweight clash with Shannon Briggs has hit a snag. Unfortunately, the former champion overlooked the minor detail of recording which fighter he will be working with on the application form. A frustrating technicality but I hope it can be overcome to facilitate Tyson assisting the challenger’s cause. To be honest, the fight needs every splash of interest it can get. Continue reading “Tyson’s Application Incomplete”
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ESPN: 50 Greatest Fighters of All Time
A Herculean effort to select 50 great fighters from the hundreds worthy of consideration, but the harder task is actually creating an order of merit. Such a subjective task, deciding who is #37 is arguably harder than picking a top ten. However, ESPN has collated opinion to make a pretty good fist of it. Sugar Ray wins out, but there are some surprises in the top 50. Continue reading “ESPN: 50 Greatest Fighters of All Time”
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Boxing: The inevitability of boxing
In the present era of heavyweight mediocrity and the longevity it affords heavyweight veterans, there are certain fights which seem inevitable despite the respective retirements, health scares, defeats and divergent paths of the two combatants. The forthcoming clash between the 74 year old Evander Holyfield and 62 year old Lou Savarese is another telling example.
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Is Zab You Judah?
In one of the most bizarre stories I’ve heard in a while and for a sport which, to paraphrase Dennis Norden, doesn’t lack stories you’d have to file under strange but true, a recent conference call held between the media and Welterweight contender Zab Judah proved to be a misleading endeavour for the hacks who dialled in.
Why? Because the classless Judah the Junior had his father Yoel sit in and pretend to be him. Cheap.
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Tyson To Work Sultan’s Corner
Boxingtalk.com report Mike Tyson will be a fully fledged member of Sultan Ibragimov’s corner for his challenge to breathless WBO champion Shannon Briggs this weekend. Hopefully, it represents more than a cheap publicity stunt because a place for Mike Tyson’s knowledge of the sport should really be found. Articulate and a once keen student of the sport it would be shame if he doesn’t grasp the olive branch, it would certainly be more dignified to see Tyson passing on his wisdom to young fighters than see him feature in the glorified boxing booth he did late least year. Continue reading “Tyson To Work Sultan’s Corner”
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Archive: King to a Republic
25/08/2005
The news Joan Guzman is to step up to 135 pounds to challenge WBO Lightweight belt holder Michael Katsidas will further endear the enigmatic puncher to boxing fans. Once known as a ‘Lil Tyson’, the proud native of the Dominican Republic prefers to compare himself to Marvin Hagler stylistically and aspires to become a hero to his countrymen in the way Julio Cesar Chavez was to Mexicans. Continue reading “Archive: King to a Republic”
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The Great American Hope? Chambers Beats Guinn
During the title reign of Jack Johnson a hundred or so years ago, the search for a white heavyweight to overcome the ‘negro’ champion became a holy grail for the western world, the theme continued for decades, although less conspicuously, throughout the reigns of Joe Louis, Ali and even Larry Holmes.
Continue reading “The Great American Hope? Chambers Beats Guinn”
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Archive: British Boxing’s Road to Redemption
An article plucked from back in the summer of 2004, in the days preceding Danny Williams’ challenge to Mike Tyson. With a perspective on the significance of the bout for British boxing as a whole and specifically its hope of sustaining significance and resonance with the next generation of sports fans. Continue reading “Archive: British Boxing’s Road to Redemption”
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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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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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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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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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ESPN Classic: The Downfall of Iron Mike
I’ve highlighted the availability of some classic archive footage on SKY channel 442 before so I wont keep you too long. Just a brief note to remind British readers – both of you – that the excellent ESPN Classic channel is showcasing Mike Tyson at 6.30pm GMT tonight. Experts will try to establish the factors behind his protracted demise from the most fearsome fighter of the eighties to a tabloid curiosity by the nineties. Continue reading “ESPN Classic: The Downfall of Iron Mike”
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Lennox Back? No. Training? Yes. Trainer? Maybe.
Former champions are always news in boxing. Whether Tommy Morrison returning from an HIV enforced absence on the back of suspiciously vague medical clearance, Evander Holyfield entirely just but completely impossible pursuit of the title aged 44 or Mike Tyson’s admittance of drug related problems and subsequent rehab request – champions remain news. Continue reading “Lennox Back? No. Training? Yes. Trainer? Maybe.”
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Boxing: Evander Holyfield, The Prospect
Evander Holyfield, little more than an echo of the fearsome box-puncher he once was, continues his uncoordinated drudge toward another heavyweight title shot away from the brighter lights of mainstream contendership. His latest run, previously stopping off at the backwater of Jeremy Bates – not the former British tennis player, though it may as well have been – and the Puerto Rican village Fres Oquendo next faces Vinny Maddalone. A fighter of orthodox stance and limited ability. Continue reading “Boxing: Evander Holyfield, The Prospect”
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Mike Tyson Heads to Rehab, No, No, No!
In the most predictable storyline since Hugh Grant last accepted a script, boxing’s most infamous son Mike Tyson has reportedly checked into a rehab unit in America. Unconfirmed addictions, but probably including cocaine given Tyson’s recent misdemeanours and police statements, will be treated. Continue reading “Mike Tyson Heads to Rehab, No, No, No!”
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Tyson on ESPN Classic – In the UK
A brief note to alert British boxing fans, [and only 3 of them read these pages], channel 442 starts a three part re-run on Mike Tyson’s eventful early career – should be a nice recap for those too young to recall his thunderous prime and those who had begun to forget the demonic like swathe he cut through the ponderous 1980’s heavyweight division. Continue reading “Tyson on ESPN Classic – In the UK”
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Hamed, Tyson and YouTube
As a late-comer to the YouTube party, I was intrigued to monitor to whom I would gravitate in my first taste of archive footage of the sport I love. For this writer, boxing is about more than knockout power and the slug-fests, to give them their playstation generation tag, for which the sport appeals to most fans. Continue reading “Hamed, Tyson and YouTube”
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Hopkins Returns. Did he ever leave?
When you start to open a door, the pressure has to be greatest in the beginning, yet the door moves the least.
Norman Mailer, Author, 1923-2007, The Executioner’s Song (1979)
Boxing needs personalities. And never more so than in the beleaguered heavyweight division. Yesterday’s announcement, and the worst kept secret in boxing, that former middleweight great and presently consensus Light-Heavyweight champion, Bernard Hopkins plans to return in the blue ribbon weight class didn’t cause the gasps of disbelief the ‘Executioner’ appears to crave.
Continue reading “Hopkins Returns. Did he ever leave?”
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