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”
PR: Bailey One Win From Glory
Press Release 05/06/07
Warriors Boxing is unquestionably one of the hardest working promotional houses, churning out a deluge of press releases on their fighters. I elect not to feature them all, after all they appear on every boxing media outlet available, but news of Randall Bailey’s opportunity to snatch some autumn glory from his long and winding career appealed to me. The release provides detail to Bailey’s fight with Herman Ngoudjo in an IBF Light-Welterweight title eliminator on Friday night. Continue reading “PR: Bailey One Win From Glory”
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Klitschko Offers McCline Jameel Ticket
Nothing confirmed yet but ESPN’s Dan Rafael reports a deal is close for hulking American Jameel McCline to provide the opposition for Vitaly Klitschko’s September return. Co-incidentally, both fighters will be fighting for the first time since major knee surgery. McCline looked his most competitive and incisive before injury curtailed his challenge to Nicolay Valuev in the third round and he will surely regard this opportunity as his last at elite level following a catalogue of failure in championship class. Continue reading “Klitschko Offers McCline Jameel Ticket”
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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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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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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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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.
Continue reading “Exclusive: Boxing Writer T-Shirt Shop”
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Another Day Another Comeback
Since I bemoaned the seemingly indefinite residence of a host of flawed heavyweight relics this week, every day seems to have brought news of another comeback or fight from fossilised big man. I’m not sure whether it reminds me of Groundhog Day or Cocoon but I wish boxing could find a youthful puncher to start stamping the bus passes of these creaking contenders. Yesterday it was Akinwande, today Andrew Golota.
Continue reading “Another Day Another Comeback”
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Good Luck to Ossie Duran
Familiar to British fight fans, most notably for a 3 round victory over Jamie Moore – who was forced to retire with a hip injury – Ossie Duran seeks to establish himself as a ‘face’ on the American circuit this evening when he tackles unbeaten prospect James Kirkland on ShoBOX: The Next Generation.
Continue reading “Good Luck to Ossie Duran”
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Calzaghe Accepts Kessler Fight
If this fight actually occurs, and part of me still maintains this could be a tactical move by Frank Warren in his quest to secure a renewed contract with ITV, then today’s news of Calzaghe’s willingness to travel to Denmark to face Mikkel Kessler in a bout that will unify the Super-Middleweight division is arguably the most stunning and welcome since Tyson v Lewis was finally made. Frank Warren told Radio Five Live; “Mogens Palle (Kessler’s promoter) made an offer for Joe to fight Kessler in Denmark in September. We’ve accepted and are awaiting a contract“. Continue reading “Calzaghe Accepts Kessler Fight”
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Briggs and Sultan Weigh-In
Shannon Briggs has weighed in at a career high of 273 pounds (19 st 7lbs for the imperialists) and although he looked ripped and well conditioned it wouldn’t take much to surmise that that huge frame will be burning his shallow reserves of oxygen pretty quickly. Sultan Ibragimov weighed in a sprightly 221 (15 st 11lbs) and looked solid and prepared.
Continue reading “Briggs and Sultan Weigh-In”
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EBU Want Moore From Jamie
Salford’s irrepressible Light-Middleweight contender Jamie Moore has been frustrated in his attempts to secure a progressive contest for the European (EBU) belt vacated by Michele Piccirillo. Speaking to the Salford Advertiser, Moore lamented the missed opportunity; “I’m disappointed to have missed out on a European title fight. But it’s not the first time that a fight I wanted has not come off and I’m sure it won’t be the last.” Continue reading “EBU Want Moore From Jamie”
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Warren and ITV Contract Negotiations
Little more than a snippet really, but the Guardian yesterday reported that Frank Warren has rejected ITV’s latest contract offer for the rights to broadcasting the on-going fortunes of Amir Khan, Joe Calzaghe and the rest of Warren’s Sports Network stable. Following two years of mixed results from the partnership I would assume ITV are driving a tougher bargain this time round, as a more informed customer they will surely be stipulating an improvement in quality is paramount. Continue reading “Warren and ITV Contract Negotiations”
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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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Akinwande Refuses to Go Away
Former world-title challenger Henry Akinwande, one of the merry band of 40 somethings still plying their trade in the heavyweight division, has the opportunity to gain revenge for his defeat to Oleg Platov on June 30th when the two provide chief support to Alexander Povetkin’s debut in international class against Monte Barrett. Most observers believed the 6-7 Akinwande deserved the decision the first time they clashed, whether Akinwande can be more decisive this time remains to be seen. Continue reading “Akinwande Refuses to Go Away”
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Congratulations to ITV Boxing’s John Rawling
Sir John of Rawling, as Steve Bunce calls him since he earned the commentator’s chair at ITV, has been criticised a great deal over the past couple of years for glossing over mismatches presented by ITV’s exclusive promoter Frank Warren and for being a little too damning, though subtle, of rival promoters and fighters. And for me he talks a little too much during the introductions and the fight, but his award from the Royal Television Society rewards his quality deliver, knowledge of the sport and unflinching enthusiasm for the subject. Continue reading “Congratulations to ITV Boxing’s John Rawling”
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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.
Continue reading “Boxing: The inevitability of boxing”
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Losing my women’s boxing cherry
Despite my roots as a coal miner’s son from South Yorkshire my historic distaste for women’s boxing isn’t borne out of a misogynistic perspective on the fairer sex. If a women wishes to make a living from the noble art and ticket buying fans are willing to indulge her then I applaud the freedom to pursue that goal afforded by the modern world. And it’s true I enjoyed Million Dollar Baby but when it comes to actual, real women’s boxing, don’t ask me to watch because, simply put, it isn’t very good. Last night I didn’t have the luxury of choice.
Continue reading “Losing my women’s boxing cherry”
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“UFC is like a bad Patrick Swayze movie.”
Debating the health of boxing in light of UFC’s present popularity has become something of a parlour game for boxing columnists, revelling in the opportunity to trot out every melancholic cliche and metaphor they can muster. Despite my own willingness to join the discussion I refuse to accept boxing will be extinguished by a ‘sport’ in which men roll around on the floor in their pants. Boxing’s problems are within. Cancerous and aggressive but beatable. Bryan Burwell at the St Louis Post makes an engaging case for the defence in the meantime. Continue reading ““UFC is like a bad Patrick Swayze movie.””
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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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Femi back in the saddle
Aspiring young Super-Featherweight Femi Fehintola returned to action this weekend, beating circuit regular Carl Allen over six rounds, the Bradford fighter’s first fight since his premature shot at the British champion Carl Johanneson. Despite being an outspoken critic of the board’s willingness to sanction Fehintola’s title crack at the time, it is encouraging to see a young professional willing to take a gamble in his career and equally eager to regroup having been defeated. Continue reading “Femi back in the saddle”
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Power Out of Booth Clash
Always on the spot, BritishBoxing.net’s Kevin Taylor is today exclusively reporting that Martin Power has withdrawn from his intriguing clash with Jason Booth next month, however fight fans needn’t despair as the hard to match Ajose Olusegun, arguably one of the most polished fighters in the UK today, will tackle the always game Gary Reid as the new main event. Click Here for Kevin’s full story. Continue reading “Power Out of Booth Clash”
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