View Full Version : The Boxing Thread
GiRTh
04-12-2007, 04:32 PM
The fight is on Saturday. We're now into the pre-fight build up to one of the fights of the decade.
Who do you think will win and why?
GiRTh
04-12-2007, 04:34 PM
I've voted for Mayweather. My hearts wants Hatton to win but Hatton needs to get to Mayweather early on. The more the fight wears on the more Mayweather will show his superior boxing skills.
Not sure on who will win yet but I cant wait for the fight. What time does the coverage start? I might have to come home early just to indulge in the build-up shows.
GiRTh
04-12-2007, 04:36 PM
It's on pay per view at 2 am.
I think Hatton will do all he can to get ahead early on but may end up tiring himself out and Mayweather will just outbox him from the middle point onwards and win via decision.
Ricky is not going to get the chance to just work in close and blast him with bodyshots.Floyd is far too clever and quick to be drawn into Hatton's game.
GiRTh
04-12-2007, 04:41 PM
Please remember to vote.
I would love Hatton to win, but the concenus in my house is Mayweather is going to clinch it. If one thing's for sure, this is probably going down to the wire and might be one of the best 12 rounds we've seen for a while.
- Mark
BigSister
04-12-2007, 06:37 PM
Yeah I would love for iRcky to win but think mayweather will just clinch it.But ill keep my fingers crossed
Lauren
04-12-2007, 06:40 PM
I have tickets to this in my local bar. It's a lock in for VIP ticket holders from 8pm-6am! Can't waaait.
Scarlett.
04-12-2007, 06:46 PM
I hope Hatton wins! he's a sound guy!:spin2:
Trying to find a decent sportsbook to bet on this. At the weekend the line was even (which is pretty ridiculous) but now its -211 for mayweather. Think I'm gonna go with this.
Over/under on rounds has been set at 11.5 too - pretty bad value :bawling:
- Mark
Never really much value in betting on such a close fight.
A couple other fights this weekend that might be worth a little punt on are Wayne Elcock vs Arthur Abraham.Abraham is one of the top middleweights around but I reckon Elcock will give him a good test and maybe sneak a win.
Amir Khan vs Graham Earl is another one that may cause a bit of an upset.Khan's a good young fighter but Earl is a big puncher and there are still question marks over Amir's chin.You'll probably get decent odds on Earl winning via KO.
GiRTh
05-12-2007, 02:53 PM
Originally posted by Dan_
Amir Khan vs Graham Earl is another one that may cause a bit of an upset.Khan's a good young fighter but Earl is a big puncher and there are still question marks over Amir's chin.You'll probably get decent odds on Earl winning via KO. I definitely going to watch that fight. Amir will have his work cut out against that guy.
Originally posted by GiRTh
Originally posted by Dan_
Amir Khan vs Graham Earl is another one that may cause a bit of an upset.Khan's a good young fighter but Earl is a big puncher and there are still question marks over Amir's chin.You'll probably get decent odds on Earl winning via KO. I definitely going to watch that fight. Amir will have his work cut out against that guy.
He certainly will,this fight may have come a bit too quickly for him in my view.This is only his 14th pro-fight and he's taking on a guy with a very good record.
Earl managed to beat Yuri Romanov who's ranked very highly in the world rankings at lightweight and he's coming off the back of a world title shot against the unbeaten Aussie,Michael Katsidis, he even managed to put Katsidis down and had him real trouble before being stopped himself.
GiRTh
05-12-2007, 03:05 PM
Amir better watch out then. I hope he's in the mood. To me Amir seems a bit of an up and down fighter. One fight he looks great and in the next he looks sluggish.
Originally posted by GiRTh
Amir better watch out then. I hope he's in the mood. To me Amir seems a bit of an up and down fighter. One fight he looks great and in the next he looks sluggish.
I think you're spot on there.You look at his last 2 fights and there's a stark contrast between the two performances.
Against Lawton he was really sharp and got the guy out of there in a few rounds with just the sheer speed and accuracy of his shots.
Against Willie Limond it was a totally different story, he was tentative from the start and that allowed for Willie to gain in confidence and he even started to time Amir's shots and get in there with some great counter punches and knocked him down.Amir was lucky he wasn't against a big puncher as he'd have been finished off.
The main problem with Khan in my eyes is his defence, or his sheer lack of it.He lives his chin so far up in the air when he's on the attack and his guard is not tight enough.
As he moves up the ranks his chin is going to be severely tested and with his defence being so lapse he's going to get himself into bother.I see him ending up as one of these fighters that get themselves into real wars, having to go down to really go into top gear.
GiRTh
05-12-2007, 03:23 PM
Originally posted by Dan_
The main problem with Khan in my eyes is his defence, or his sheer lack of it.He lives his chin so far up in the air when he's on the attack and his guard is not tight enough.
As he moves up the ranks his chin is going to be severely tested and with his defence being so lapse he's going to get himself into bother.I see him ending up as one of these fighters that get themselves into real wars, having to go down to really go into top gear. I totally agree mate. He seems to totally rely on his speed and reflexes. He reminds me of Herol 'Bomber' Graham. He's a great boxer but not a great fighter. If Amir get severely tagged it'll be the end of him. Lights out, goodbye.:whistle:
I see the rumours keep going on about Mayweather having an injured hand, he's always had problems with his hands over the years, so it wouldn't be too much of a surprise.
I noticed that Peter Manfredo is 11/2 with most bookmakers to beat Jeff Lacy.That really might be worth betting on.Who really knows what kind of shape Lacy is in these days? He didn't look too good in his last fight which is a year ago and that makes me believe that the fight with Calzaghe really took a huge amount out of him, both physically and mentally.He's had this year out with a torn rotator cuff, that's really got to set you back.I've known some boxers to become a shadow of their former selves after that injury.
Manfredo's kept active over the last year and not really taken too much punishment so he could be fresh for the win.
GiRTh
07-12-2007, 03:11 PM
Many ex-pro's are tipping Hatton to win. Oscar De La Hoya and now Bernard Hopkins are going for Hatton. Let's hope Ricky can fight the right kind of fight.
On a side note ive been really enjoying the great 24/7 documentaries about this fight on Sky over the past few days.
Crap weather here all weekend. Lets pray the signal wont bugger off during the fight.
Spike
08-12-2007, 11:02 AM
I hope Hatton wins but I have got a feeling that Mayweather will just win it.
~Kizwiz~
08-12-2007, 11:37 AM
I would love for Hatton to win but sadly I dont think he will. Mayweather has an extremely accurate punch and if Hatton gets a cut on his eye's then Mayweather will be able to target that to make the situation worse.
Both are very talented boxers but my bet (sadly) is on Mayweather
Sucks that i wont be watching, I have seen most of the major fights over the last 10 years. I guess five live will have to be my eyes....lol
Here is the full weigh-in video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_yvd3NJsjg
James
08-12-2007, 10:31 PM
I've just found out I can watch it for free on German TV. :hugesmile:
Cause I've got an old satellite dish.
HeatherH7
08-12-2007, 10:34 PM
I definatley want Ricky Hatton to win.
He seems a cool guy and afterall i want a Brit to win!
My mums got it on pay per view so i'm gobna stay up and watch it!
Scarlett.
08-12-2007, 10:40 PM
:flower:I'm rooting for Hatton:flower:
Very impressive win for Amir Khan against Graham Earl.I expected far more from Earl but he just didn't have the speed needed to keep out of the way of Khan's shots.
Do you think the ref was wrong in ending it so early?
Seemed quite a bad decision, and Earl wasn't happy about it.
- Mark
Ah well, Hatton fought his heart out and it just wasn't good enough.
I was concerned after the first few rounds that ricky was trying to do too much too quick, where mayweather was picking his shots out better.
6am now and I'm still full of adrenaline lol, going to have a crazy sleep pattern now.
- Mark
Gemmer-x
09-12-2007, 07:40 AM
Hatton fight just on the news, looks like he tried his best and got some good shots but unfortunately mayweather was too strong
Sunny_01
09-12-2007, 08:56 AM
Such a shame, if it was all about heart Hatton would have walked it.
Well done to Mayweather.
Outclassed and outboxed. At no time did Hatton look like he was going to win.
Originally posted by Mark
Do you think the ref was wrong in ending it so early?
Seemed quite a bad decision, and Earl wasn't happy about it.
- Mark
I think Earl's pride wouldn't allow him to say anything different to be honest.
It was only going one way in my eyes and the ref saved him from any more punishment.Khan just blew him away.
Mayweather is just in a class of his own.I didn't ever imagine that Ricky would get stopped by him though, just expected that he'd get out-boxed and lose a fairly wide decision.
I hope Floyd takes on Miguel Cotto next and Hatton faces Junior Witter.
GiRTh
10-12-2007, 03:09 PM
Hatton came out strong and definitely was ahead after four rounds. At the end of the first round Mayweathers corner told him not to worry about something or other - we didn't quite hear the first part of what they were saying - I dont quite know what he was worried about but in the first few rounds Mayweather, at times, didn't look like he fancied it. He was holding on, turning his back and trying various spoiling tricks. The ref kept breaking up the clinches and blaming Hatton for them. I was furious with the ref and so was the commentator Jim Watt. These two guys are both champions, they both deserve to be in the ring in one of the biggest fight of the decade. Why was the ref stepping in so often? A fight of this magnitude should be dictated by the fighters, not the ref. I think the ref definitely contributed to Mayweather getting on top in the fight. After five rounds Hatton had been docked a point, Hatton was clearly frustrated and Mayweather started to dominate the fight. It was only a matter of time before Mayweather finished it.
I think their interviews spoke volumes. Mayweather gave Hatton more credit than I've ever seen him give any one and Hatton clearly knew he'd blown it. Hatton was way too in your face. He needed to time his aggressive bursts so as to confuse Mayweather and not to wear himself out in the way he did.
Mayweather is a man who infuriates me. He always talks about his speed, ability and natural talent, but that was sadly lacking in the first four rounds. He beat Ricky Hatton with ringcraft, boxing nouce and the ability to adapt to Hattons rampaging style. In the end he beat Hatton quite easily. If it was not for the ref it could have been a lot harder for him.
I had it pretty much level after the 4th round, might even have had Floyd up a point for sheer accuracy of punches.Hatton was the aggressor for the early part of the fight but it was all so untidy with the ref putting himself too much into the fight.He was harder on Ricky that what he should have been.There were times when Mayweather would pot shot Hatton and then clinch but he didn't get told off more than one or two times.
I was surprised at Floyd's tactics early on.I expected him to establish the jab and pretty much stick to getting as many in before he would be in danger.But he opted to get in close himself and do his fare share of the spoiling tactics that we've become accustomed to by Hatton.I'm not so sure it was a matter of not fancying it but more to do with being cautious early on, he didn't want to allow Ricky to get into much of a rhythm.
One thing I'm still bemused by is, where was the body punching from Hatton? He's one of the best at it but he just seemed to spend his time head-hunting.He was well off his game mentally, think the points deduction really got to him and messed up any tactical game plan he had.
The second half of the fight showed what Mayweather is all about.The combinations he put together in that 8th round were something to behold.He made Hatton look pedestrian and pretty one dimensional.I don't think the outcome would have been too much different if there had been a more lenient ref.
GiRTh
10-12-2007, 04:11 PM
I had Hatton up by three after four rounds Jim Watt and the HBO people had the same score. Mayweather was getting hit with some good jabs by Hatton. I thought he was supposed to be quick? He didn't look it early on.
Mayweathers spoiling was to duck and bend over as Hatton threw the right hand then to come up under Hatton right arm as he drops it after throwing the shot. It's one of the oldest tricks in the book. It's usually to counter a fighter with a good straight right hand. It was a strange tactic as Hatton was doing most of the damage with the left.
I agree that Hatton should have gone to the body more. In Hattons interview he clearly knew that he'd blown it.
Mayweather infuriates me. He runs his mouth off but seldom produces what he says. He was definitely spoiling early on. There is no question about that. What happened to his speed that he keeps going on about? I got into quite a heated debate with one of my friends who thinks Mayweather is some kind of god or something. My main problem is that Mayweather should have never got away with his spoiling tactic. The ref should have let the fight develop the way the fighters wanted it to develop. He should have allowed Hatton to fight the kind of fight he wanted to. In my opinon, he failed to do that.
Having a look at the punching stats it seemed to favour Floyd in at least a couple of the 4 rounds.Hatton threw more but ended up connecting with less.Floyd is quite the master at making people miss.
I don't think Mayweathers footwork is that quick but his hands certainly are, he's more of an elusive mover than anything.He knows what to do not to get himself into danger.I feel Ricky's trouble is much of the time he is getting in close and that does lead to it's fair share of holding, he cannot always get away with it and this time he was in with an more fussy ref that didn't allow for any of it.It wasn't a good performance from Cortez but there's always the risk clinches are going to get broken up, sometimes too quick.Hatton's going to have to adjust to that otherwise he'll just end up being a 1 dimensional fighter.
Mayweather ended up backing up the claim he'd knock out Hatton in the end lol.He just keeps on getting the results.
GiRTh
10-12-2007, 04:30 PM
Originally posted by Dan_
Having a look at the punching stats it seemed to favour Floyd in at least a couple of the 4 rounds.Hatton threw more but ended up connecting with less.Floyd is quite the master at making people miss.
I don't think Mayweathers footwork is that quick but his hands certainly are, he's more of an elusive mover than anything.He knows what to do not to get himself into danger.I feel Ricky's trouble is much of the time he is getting in close and that does lead to it's fair share of holding, he cannot always get away with it and this time he was in with an more fussy ref that didn't allow for any of it.It wasn't a good performance from Cortez but there's always the risk clinches are going to get broken up, sometimes too quick.Hatton's going to have to adjust to that otherwise he'll just end up being a 1 dimensional fighter.
Mayweather ended up backing up the claim he'd knock out Hatton in the end lol.He just keeps on getting the results. Mayweather is indeed good at making people miss but Hatton had a higher work rate and some eye catching punches that knocked Mayweathers head back.
The ref will get justified criticism in my view. In a world title fight he should be seen and not heard.
Originally posted by GiRTh
Originally posted by Dan_
Having a look at the punching stats it seemed to favour Floyd in at least a couple of the 4 rounds.Hatton threw more but ended up connecting with less.Floyd is quite the master at making people miss.
I don't think Mayweathers footwork is that quick but his hands certainly are, he's more of an elusive mover than anything.He knows what to do not to get himself into danger.I feel Ricky's trouble is much of the time he is getting in close and that does lead to it's fair share of holding, he cannot always get away with it and this time he was in with an more fussy ref that didn't allow for any of it.It wasn't a good performance from Cortez but there's always the risk clinches are going to get broken up, sometimes too quick.Hatton's going to have to adjust to that otherwise he'll just end up being a 1 dimensional fighter.
Mayweather ended up backing up the claim he'd knock out Hatton in the end lol.He just keeps on getting the results. Mayweather is indeed good at making people miss but Hatton had a higher work rate and some eye catching punches that knocked Mayweathers head back.
The ref will get justified criticism in my view. In a world title fight he should be seen and not heard.
What do you think is next for Ricky?
GiRTh
10-12-2007, 04:54 PM
Originally posted by Dan_What do you think is next for Ricky? He'll keep fightting but who? That's the question.
I was a bit disappointed by the Lacey V Mandfredo fight. It's no surprise they both lost to Calzaghe.
I forgot to mention, I think Hatton showed that he is one dimensional on Saturday. A brawler with a better boxing brain would have made Mayweather work more to get on top. Someone like Marco Antonio Barrera. He was a similar type of fighter to Hatton, but when he fought Naseem Hamed he gve Hamed a boxing lesson. He did what I mentioned ealier, he timed his agressive bursts then stayed back to let Hamed come to him, thus confusing Hamed who was expecting Barrera to be in his face all fight. I think a similar style might have been better for Hatton. It would have confused Mayweather a little and it would have meant that Hatton didn't run out of steam so early. Hatton barely threw a punch after round seven.
Originally posted by GiRTh
Originally posted by Dan_What do you think is next for Ricky? He'll keep fightting but who? That's the question.
I forgot to mention, I think Hatton showed that is one dimensional on Saturday. A brawler with a better boxing brain would have mad Mayweather work more to get on top. Someone like Marco Antonio Barrera. He was a similar type of fighter to Hatton, but when he fought Naseem Hamed he gve Hamed a boxing lesson. He did what I mentioned ealier, he timed his agressive bursts then stayed back to let Hamed come to him, thus confusing Hamed who was expectin Barrera to be in his face all fight. I think a similar style might have been better for Hatton. It would have confused Mayweather a little and it would have meant that Hatton didn't run out of steam so early. Hatton barely threw a punch after round seven.
I'd really like to see him face Junior Witter.Them two have had a war of words for ages and I think it would be an interesting fight.
Do you think that Hatton is perhaps past his peak? Whilst his tactics weren't the best it was his stamina that was rather worrying in my eyes.He was finding it hard at the mid-point of the fight.He's not looked at his best in terms of stamina for a while now, the Castillo fight didn't test it but the the previous 3 fights he was holding on through sheer exhaustion.
I think that style you mentioned may well have been a better strategy to operate.Perhaps someone like Miguel Cotto would be able to operate like that and he's more of a jab based fighter.Cotto's speed worries me though, if Mosley managed to make a fight so close with him then I feel Mayweather would just about outwork him.
GiRTh
10-12-2007, 05:21 PM
Originally posted by Dan_I'd really like to see him face Junior Witter.Them two have had a war of words for ages and I think it would be an interesting fight.
Do you think that Hatton is perhaps past his peak? Whilst his tactics weren't the best it was his stamina that was rather worrying in my eyes.He was finding it hard at the mid-point of the fight.He's not looked at his best in terms of stamina for a while now, the Castillo fight didn't test it but the the previous 3 fights he was holding on through sheer exhaustion.
I think that style you mentioned may well have been a better strategy to operate.Perhaps someone like Miguel Cotto would be able to operate like that and he's more of a jab based fighter.Cotto's speed worries me though, if Mosley managed to make a fight so close with him then I feel Mayweather would just about outwork him. I think Witter would be a good fight. Witter will give him a good test.
I think Hatton has a few more years in him. He's 29 (I think). His style wont allow him to have too many fights as he gets hit way too often. He'll win world championship again.
I dont know much about Cotto. Is he a bit slow?
What did you think to the Manfredo V Lacey fight? I thought it was rubbish.
Mrluvaluva
10-12-2007, 05:49 PM
Originally posted by Dan_
Very impressive win for Amir Khan against Graham Earl.
72 seconds and it was all over!
GiRTh
10-12-2007, 05:59 PM
Originally posted by Mrluvaluva
Originally posted by Dan_
Very impressive win for Amir Khan against Graham Earl.
72 seconds and it was all over! Quite right too. Some people say the ref should have let it go on longer. Graham Earl is a bit over the hill. For his own safety the stoppage was justified.
Originally posted by GiRTh
Originally posted by Dan_I'd really like to see him face Junior Witter.Them two have had a war of words for ages and I think it would be an interesting fight.
Do you think that Hatton is perhaps past his peak? Whilst his tactics weren't the best it was his stamina that was rather worrying in my eyes.He was finding it hard at the mid-point of the fight.He's not looked at his best in terms of stamina for a while now, the Castillo fight didn't test it but the the previous 3 fights he was holding on through sheer exhaustion.
I think that style you mentioned may well have been a better strategy to operate.Perhaps someone like Miguel Cotto would be able to operate like that and he's more of a jab based fighter.Cotto's speed worries me though, if Mosley managed to make a fight so close with him then I feel Mayweather would just about outwork him. I think Witter would be a good fight. Witter will give him a good test.
I think Hatton has a few more years in him. He's 29 (I think). His style wont allow him to have too many fights as he gets hit way too often. He'll win world championship again.
I dont know much about Cotto. Is he a bit slow?
What did you think to the Manfredo V Lacey fight? I thought it was rubbish.
Witter's been on the radio tonight saying he wants the fight next, just up to Ricky now.Get it on at the MEN arena.I think Junior could even beat him.
Cotto's not the fastest.I'd say he's around the same speed as Hatton but his footwork's slower.
I fell asleep before Lacy vs Manfredo came on,heard from everyone it was rubbish though.Lacy really has been a let down to what people hyped him up to be.
Originally posted by GiRTh
Originally posted by Mrluvaluva
Originally posted by Dan_
Very impressive win for Amir Khan against Graham Earl.
72 seconds and it was all over! Quite right too. Some people say the ref should have let it go on longer. Graham Earl is a bit over the hill. For his own safety the stoppage was justified.
Earl's punch resistance is probably pretty low now.He's too brave for his own good.
GiRTh
11-12-2007, 04:19 PM
Originally posted by Dan_
Witter's been on the radio tonight saying he wants the fight next, just up to Ricky now.Get it on at the MEN arena.I think Junior could even beat him.
Cotto's not the fastest.I'd say he's around the same speed as Hatton but his footwork's slower.
I fell asleep before Lacy vs Manfredo came on,heard from everyone it was rubbish though.Lacy really has been a let down to what people hyped him up to be. Hatton V Witter could be interesting. It could go either way. It's a tough one to call.
If Cotto has poor footwork then he'll be a standing target for Mayweather.
When Lacy was an amateur he was billed as future star. What happened? He looked rubbish on saturday.
Originally posted by GiRTh
Originally posted by Dan_
Witter's been on the radio tonight saying he wants the fight next, just up to Ricky now.Get it on at the MEN arena.I think Junior could even beat him.
Cotto's not the fastest.I'd say he's around the same speed as Hatton but his footwork's slower.
I fell asleep before Lacy vs Manfredo came on,heard from everyone it was rubbish though.Lacy really has been a let down to what people hyped him up to be. Hatton V Witter could be interesting. It could go either way. It's a tough one to call.
If Cotto has poor footwork then he'll be a standing target for Mayweather.
When Lacy was an amateur he was billed as future star. What happened? He looked rubbish on saturday.
Witter makes things difficult for everyone he faces.He's just got such a frustrating style and Hatton may end up finding it hard to get in close enough to out point him.
The only advantage Cotto really has is strength, he's very comfortable and the weight and he's a fairly big hitter but he'd probably just be too slow.
I think that Calzaghe fight has pretty much ruined Lacy's career.I re-watched that fight a few weeks back, still cannot get over how easy it was for Calzaghe.
GiRTh
11-12-2007, 06:39 PM
You're right that Calzaghe ruined Lacy's career. Before the fight, there was so much talk of how Lacy would outbox Calzaghe. In the end Calzaghe completely dominated him.
Originally posted by GiRTh
You're right that Calzaghe ruined Lacy's career. Before the fight, there was so much talk of how Lacy would outbox Calzaghe. In the end Calzaghe completely dominated him.
That turned out to be one of the dafter predictions from some of those supposed experts.
The next time Lacy steps up in class he'll lose yet again.
GiRTh
12-12-2007, 04:24 PM
Originally posted by Dan_
Originally posted by GiRTh
You're right that Calzaghe ruined Lacy's career. Before the fight, there was so much talk of how Lacy would outbox Calzaghe. In the end Calzaghe completely dominated him.
That turned out to be one of the dafter predictions from some of those supposed experts.
The next time Lacy steps up in class he'll lose yet again. You're right he probably will. The fight on saturday was awful; neither fighter looked good at all. Manfredo was too tentative and Lacy just looked ring rusty. Shame because it was a chance to audition to any promoters who were watching. Both fighters failed the audition.
Originally posted by GiRTh
Originally posted by Dan_
Originally posted by GiRTh
You're right that Calzaghe ruined Lacy's career. Before the fight, there was so much talk of how Lacy would outbox Calzaghe. In the end Calzaghe completely dominated him.
That turned out to be one of the dafter predictions from some of those supposed experts.
The next time Lacy steps up in class he'll lose yet again. You're right he probably will. The fight on saturday was awful; neither fighter looked good at all. Manfredo was too tentative and Lacy just looked ring rusty. Shame because it was a chance to audition to any promoters who were watching. Both fighters failed the audition.
I wonder what they will do with Jeff now? Look to try and get him another title shot at smw? It looks like Joe's going to vacate the 3 world titles he's got so there's a chance for him to go for one of them.Bute and Zuniga hold the other belts at smw.
Not just promoters watching but more potential fans, had they given a good account of themselves they might have got more viewers for future fights.
GiRTh
12-12-2007, 04:52 PM
Originally posted by Dan_
I wonder what they will do with Jeff now? Look to try and get him another title shot at smw? It looks like Joe's going to vacate the 3 world titles he's got so there's a chance for him to go for one of them.Bute and Zuniga hold the other belts at smw.
Not just promoters watching but more potential fans, had they given a good account of themselves they might have got more viewers for future fights. I hope someone like Carl Froch gets a crack at 'left hook' Lacy. In fact, Froch should be loking to fight those kind of fighters to make a bit more of a name for himself.
Originally posted by GiRTh
Originally posted by Dan_
I wonder what they will do with Jeff now? Look to try and get him another title shot at smw? It looks like Joe's going to vacate the 3 world titles he's got so there's a chance for him to go for one of them.Bute and Zuniga hold the other belts at smw.
Not just promoters watching but more potential fans, had they given a good account of themselves they might have got more viewers for future fights. I hope someone like Carl Froch gets a crack at 'left hook' Lacy. In fact, Froch should be loking to fight those kind of fighters to make a bit more of a name for himself.
Froch is meant to be fighting the unbeaten Russian, Denis Inkin sometime in the new year to get a shot at Zuniga.
GiRTh
12-12-2007, 05:36 PM
Originally posted by Dan_
Froch is meant to be fighting the unbeaten Russian, Denis Inkin sometime in the new year to get a shot at Zuniga. I'm glad to see he's finally getting over his obsession with Calzaghe.
Originally posted by GiRTh
Originally posted by Dan_
Froch is meant to be fighting the unbeaten Russian, Denis Inkin sometime in the new year to get a shot at Zuniga. I'm glad to see he's finally getting over his obsession with Calzaghe.
I know, he's been talking about Joe for far too long, pretty laughable that he wanted to fight him back when he'd beaten a load of journeyman.He needs to beat someone like Inkin and get his own title.
At this stage of Joe's career it would be daft for him to be fighting someone like Froch.The Americans haven't got much interest in that fight so it's hardly going to give Joe a the money he's seeking.
GiRTh
13-12-2007, 03:46 PM
Originally posted by Dan_
I know, he's been talking about Joe for far too long, pretty laughable that he wanted to fight him back when he'd beaten a load of journeyman.He needs to beat someone like Inkin and get his own title.
At this stage of Joe's career it would be daft for him to be fighting someone like Froch.The Americans haven't got much interest in that fight so it's hardly going to give Joe a the money he's seeking. Did you see Calzaghe facing down Bernard Hopkins at the Hatton V Mayweather weigh in? That could be an interesting fight. I think Calzaghe will win but it would have been an even more interesting fight if it had happened five years ago.
Originally posted by GiRTh
Originally posted by Dan_
I know, he's been talking about Joe for far too long, pretty laughable that he wanted to fight him back when he'd beaten a load of journeyman.He needs to beat someone like Inkin and get his own title.
At this stage of Joe's career it would be daft for him to be fighting someone like Froch.The Americans haven't got much interest in that fight so it's hardly going to give Joe a the money he's seeking. Did you see Calzaghe facing down Bernard Hopkins at the Hatton V Mayweather weigh in? That could be an interesting fight. I think Calzaghe will win but it would have been an even more interesting fight if it had happened five years ago.
Aye.Joe will just be too quick for old Uncle Bernard, that's if they do meet.Supposedly Hopkins turned down the fight a few years back.
GiRTh
13-12-2007, 03:50 PM
Originally posted by Dan_
Supposedly Hopkins turned down the fight a few years back. Did he? It was Hopkins who was doing most of the staring down. Maybe things have changed for Bernard. He should retire anyway. Forty two is way too old for a professional boxer.
Originally posted by GiRTh
Originally posted by Dan_
Supposedly Hopkins turned down the fight a few years back. Did he? It was Hopkins who was doing most of the staring down. Maybe things have changed for Bernard. He should retire anyway. Forty two is way too old for a professional boxer.
According to Joe he did, guess he was still at middleweight at the time though.
I don't get why Bernard keeps on going, he must be a very rich man by now.I suppose his style's allowed for him to stay in better condition than many others but he don't need to carry on.He must get enjoyment out of it.
GiRTh
13-12-2007, 04:18 PM
Originally posted by Dan_
According to Joe he did, guess he was still at middleweight at the time though.
I don't get why Bernard keeps on going, he must be a very rich man by now.I suppose his style's allowed for him to stay in better condition than many others but he don't need to carry on.He must get enjoyment out of it. Perhaps Bernard has squandered all his money, so has to keep fighting.
Originally posted by GiRTh
Originally posted by Dan_
According to Joe he did, guess he was still at middleweight at the time though.
I don't get why Bernard keeps on going, he must be a very rich man by now.I suppose his style's allowed for him to stay in better condition than many others but he don't need to carry on.He must get enjoyment out of it. Perhaps Bernard has squandered all his money, so has to keep fighting.
From the documentary I saw on him, I'd say that it's very unlikely he has.That would be a whole load of squandering if he did anyway.
I've seen that the British Boxing Council have made Amir Khan the mandatory challenger for the British Lightweight title currently held by Jonathan Thaxton.
GiRTh
14-12-2007, 03:36 PM
Originally posted by Dan_
From the documentary I saw on him, I'd say that it's very unlikely he has.That would be a whole load of squandering if he did anyway.
I've seen that the British Boxing Council have made Amir Khan the mandatory challenger for the British Lightweight title currently held by Jonathan Thaxton. I know it's unlikely that Bernard has squandered his money. He's way too sensible to do that.
Have the BBC sanctions any kind of date for the fight?
Originally posted by GiRTh
Originally posted by Dan_
From the documentary I saw on him, I'd say that it's very unlikely he has.That would be a whole load of squandering if he did anyway.
I've seen that the British Boxing Council have made Amir Khan the mandatory challenger for the British Lightweight title currently held by Jonathan Thaxton. I know it's unlikely that Bernard has squandered his money. He's way too sensible to do that.
Have the BBC sanctions any kind of date for the fight?
Before April of next year.It's meant to be happening in February.
GiRTh
14-12-2007, 03:56 PM
Originally posted by Dan_
Before April of next year.It's meant to be happening in February. It's good that Amir is being kept busy. He needs to step up in class though. Is this bloke any good?
Originally posted by GiRTh
Originally posted by Dan_
Before April of next year.It's meant to be happening in February. It's good that Amir is being kept busy. He needs to step up in class though. Is this bloke any good?
Most thought Earl was a step up in class, that soon turned out to be wrong.Thaxton is a veteran and hasn't lost in 4 years but he's been fighting mainly poor opposition.He took 7 rounds to beat Scott Lawton earlier in the year and Amir only took 3.He's lost 7 times in total but took Ricky Hatton the full 12 rounds back in 2000, weren't an easy fight for Ricky as he got cut early on.
Basically he's lost most of the times he's stepped up in class.KO'd by Eamonn Magee,Jason Rowland,Emanuel Augustus and Colin Dunne with his other defeats coming against Keith Marner and Rene Prins some 12/13 years back.
He looked fairly poor in his last fight but managed to KO the guy in the final round to avoid losing on points.I'd pick Amir to beat him, possibly a mid-to later round stoppage.He's slow but still packs a punch.
GiRTh
14-12-2007, 04:34 PM
Oh dear. Is there anyone on the domestic front who can give Amir a good fight?
I think he's beaten most of the higher ranked Brits now.Only really Thaxton and a young unbeaten lad named John Murray.
GiRTh
14-12-2007, 04:38 PM
He needs to go to the states. They'll find some decent oponents for him.
I think if he beats Thaxton and then Murray he'll face the European champ Romanov.After that it's probably a trip to America to face a few durable fighters, after that he could be looking at world title shots.
GiRTh
14-12-2007, 04:50 PM
The sooner they get him a world title shot the better. He's had 15 fights so far. He needs to be pushing for the shot by the time he reaches 20 fights. He should be ready by then.
It all depends on the level of competition.I don't think if he's still learning to do different things against different styles he's going to be ready for a crack at one of the top guys in the world at his weight.He just needs to fight some better guys and a couple of tough American/Mexican who aren't just going to get knocked out early on.
GiRTh
14-12-2007, 05:08 PM
Agreed. They need to pick his opponents. They need guys who are going to test him.
GiRTh
17-12-2007, 04:53 PM
I watched the fight on BBC yesterday. It was easier for Mayweather than I remembered. Maybe the lateness of the hour had got to me when I first watched it. I think Dan_ is right, the fight was fairly even after 4 round and from then on Mayweather bossed it completely. Hatton bought out the best in Mayweather but if anything it made Mayweatehr box better.
Incidentally, the BBC comentator was complainig about the ref just as much as the Sky comentators were. I hopw Joe Cortez has a few questionsto answer after his dodgy display.
Amir Khan will return to the ring on 2 February against Denmark's Martin Kristjansen at London's ExCel Arena.
Khan, 21, is eager to resume his rise up the world rankings after taking just 72 seconds to beat former British champion Graham Earl on 8 December.
The fight will be made for the nominal WBO intercontinental lightweight crown.
But promoter Frank Warren said: "I will writing to the WBO with the aim of making this fight as an eliminator for the world title."
Kristjansen, 30, holds a respectable 19-1-3 pro record, and has won his last eight fights, but has only five victories by way of stoppage.
Warren said: "This is another step up for Amir. Kirstjansen is world ranked and will give him plenty to think about.
"Amir has only just turned 21, but he looked absolutely sensational in demolishing an experienced former champion in Graham Earl."
Olympic silver medallist Khan is currently ranked sixth by the WBO, ninth by the WBC and 15th by the WBA.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/boxing/7156519.stm
This fight doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me really, he's got a pretty padded record and doesn't exactly look like he's much of a puncher.Should have faced Thaxton.
GiRTh
21-12-2007, 05:52 PM
He needs to be ready for a world title fight by 20-25 fights. I dont think he will be.
Well he certainly wont be if he's facing some light hitting Dane.
At least taking on someone like Thaxton would be good experience for him and it's a good chance to take the British Title.
GiRTh
21-12-2007, 06:04 PM
Amir is not proving to be the real deal that we thought he would be. Perhpas he needs to go to Americe for a bit.
Originally posted by GiRTh
Amir is not proving to be the real deal that we thought he would be. Perhpas he needs to go to Americe for a bit.
Well he's done pretty well other than a few fights, think the Limond fight was a good learning curve.Amir would probably fight for a world title tomorrow if he could but Frank Warren's the one matchmaking and the next fight is a step backwards.
GiRTh
21-12-2007, 06:12 PM
DO you Khan is ready to fight for a world title?
Originally posted by GiRTh
DO you Khan is ready to fight for a world title?
:laugh3: not for a few years at least.He's only just turned 21 and has a lot of time to gain experience needed to challenge for a world title.
GiRTh
21-12-2007, 06:20 PM
Originally posted by Dan_
Originally posted by GiRTh
DO you Khan is ready to fight for a world title?
:laugh3: not for a few years at least.He's only just turned 21 and has a lot of time to gain experience needed to challenge for a world title. He needs to get that experience soon. For me, 40-50 fights is a career. Anything over that will almost certainly mean the fighter will suffer some kind of long term damage. As I said before, Khan needs to be ready by the time he reaches 25 fights or he may miss his shot.
Originally posted by GiRTh
Originally posted by Dan_
Originally posted by GiRTh
DO you Khan is ready to fight for a world title?
:laugh3: not for a few years at least.He's only just turned 21 and has a lot of time to gain experience needed to challenge for a world title. He needs to get that experience soon. For me, 40-50 fights is a career. Anything over that will almost certainly mean the fighter will suffer some kind of long term damage. As I said before, Khan needs to be ready by the time he reaches 25 fights or he may miss his shot.
Most fighters take until around 25 fights to get to the world title shot level, so he's got about 10 fights in which to get ready,so that's still plenty of time.As long as he keeps on winning one of the governing bodies will make him a mandatory challenger for the world title.
An all-British title fight between Enzo Maccarinelli and David Haye has been confirmed for 8 March.
Swansea's Maccarinelli last fought on the Joe Calzaghe-Mikkel Kessler undercard in November, stopping Mohamed Azzaoui in the fourth round.
Londoner Haye had to get up from the canvas to sensationally stop Jean Marc Mormeck in the seventh round and claim the WBC and WBA titles in November.
Maccarinelli said: "I'm delighted that Haye has finally put pen to paper."
Source:BBC Sport.
So Haye vs Macca and Froch vs Inkin all on that weekend, great night of boxing action :hello:
To be honest, I really want to see Khan get knocked out. He is a good boxer and he knows it, but I think he is extremely overrated. He thinks he is the next big thing, and beacuse I'm from the NW he is on our local ITV News at least once a week.
Because he is good and has won almost all if not all of his professional matches (Olympics not included), hes started to slow down a bit thinking it will continue to go that way but it really won't and he needs a reality check.
As for him going for the world title, hes already done 15 professional matches and if he is going to go for it, he really needs to start thinking about it really soon and I think he will do it after about 20 matches- he will probably do it slightly earlier than most. But like I say he needs to up his game.
Setanta sports boxing schedule for the next couple of months.Excellent stuff!
Jan 5 Pauli Malignaggi v Herman N'Goudjo IBF Light-welterweight Atlantic City
Jan 12 Kevin Mitchell v Thomas Aryetee Super-featherweight York Hall
Jan 19 Roy Jones Jnr v Felix Trinidad Light-heavyweight New York
Jan 19 Cory Spinks v Vernon Phillips Junior middleweight New York
Jan 19 Ruslan Chagaev v Matt Skelton WBA Heavyweight Dusseldorf
Feb 9 Julio Cesar Chavez Jnr v Jose Celeya Super-welterweight Mexico
Feb 9 Jorge Arce v TBC TBC Mexico
Feb 9 Bernabe Concepcion v TBC TBC Mexico
Feb 16 Kelly Pavlik v Jermain Taylor TBC Las Vegas
Feb 23 Oleg Maskaev v Samuel Peter WBC Heavyweight New York
Mar 8 Enzo Maccarinelli v David Haye Cruiserweight TBC
Mar 15 Manny Pacquaio v Juan Manuel Marquez Super-featherweight Las Vegas
http://www.setanta.com/en/Sport/News/Other-sports/2007/09/13/Boxing-coming-up-on-Setanta/?facets/sport-space/great-britain-locale/boxing/
GiRTh
04-01-2008, 04:40 PM
Roy Jones Jnr V Felix Trinidad. WTF:rolleyes:
GiRTh
04-01-2008, 04:58 PM
What do yuu think to the Hayes V Maccarinelli
Originally posted by GiRTh
Roy Jones Jnr V Felix Trinidad. WTF:rolleyes:
:laugh: yes.Trinidad's out of retirement! Fighting at light heavyweight is surely too much for him.
Originally posted by GiRTh
What do yuu think to the Hayes V Maccarinelli
I don't think this one's going to last the full 12 rounds, that's for sure! Both huge punchers but neither of them have really strong chins.It's a tough one to call really.Haye's the quicker of the two and probably the bigger puncher but I think Big Mac's got a better defence and Enzo Calzaghe's turned him into a pretty patient fighter with a very good jab.
GiRTh
04-01-2008, 05:03 PM
Originally posted by Dan_
Originally posted by GiRTh
Roy Jones Jnr V Felix Trinidad. WTF:rolleyes:
:laugh: yes.Trinidad's out of retirement! Fighting at light heavyweight is surely too much for him. This would have been a good fight ten years ago but not anymore. How old are these two guys?
Originally posted by GiRTh
Originally posted by Dan_
Originally posted by GiRTh
Roy Jones Jnr V Felix Trinidad. WTF:rolleyes:
:laugh: yes.Trinidad's out of retirement! Fighting at light heavyweight is surely too much for him. This would have been a good fight ten years ago but not anymore. How old are these two guys?
Felix will be 35 by fight night and Jones will be 39! Jones has always fought at a much higher weight than Felix so it's a bit daft.I think despite being the wrong side of 30, Roy's still going to win as at least he's been active this past summer handing unbeaten American prospect, Anthony Hanshaw,his first defeat.
Anyone watch Jones vs Trinidad?
Khan's opponent has pulled out of the fight in a couple of weeks.He's now facing Gairy St.Clair who's from Guyana but is based in Australia.He's got a respectable record of 39 wins, 5 losses.Never been knocked out.
I see Quintana pulled the upset last night against Paul Williams.To think some were saying that Williams would beat Mayweather :laugh2:
Haha this is priceless.Big bad Bernard Hopkins complaining about being cold and having water in his hot chocolate other than milk whilst Steve Bunce is fawning all over him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwzjtJu9wA4
GiRTh
12-02-2008, 04:13 PM
Originally posted by Dan_
Haha this is priceless.Big bad Bernard Hopkins complaining about being cold and having water in his hot chocolate other than milk whilst Steve Bunce is fawning all over him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwzjtJu9wA4 LOL
Bernard didn't look happy at all.
Originally posted by GiRTh
Originally posted by Dan_
Haha this is priceless.Big bad Bernard Hopkins complaining about being cold and having water in his hot chocolate other than milk whilst Steve Bunce is fawning all over him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwzjtJu9wA4 LOL
Bernard didn't look happy at all.
I think he made Bunce poop his pants.Earlier in the day some press bloke really pissed off 'Nard.
http://www.setantasports.com/en/Sport/News/Other-sports/2008/02/07/Boxing-Feeling-the-wrath-of-the-Executioner/?facets/sport-space/great-britain-locale/
GiRTh
13-02-2008, 02:33 PM
Originally posted by Dan_
Originally posted by GiRTh
Originally posted by Dan_
Haha this is priceless.Big bad Bernard Hopkins complaining about being cold and having water in his hot chocolate other than milk whilst Steve Bunce is fawning all over him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwzjtJu9wA4 LOL
Bernard didn't look happy at all.
I think he made Bunce poop his pants.Earlier in the day some press bloke really p****d off 'Nard.
http://www.setantasports.com/en/Sport/News/Other-sports/2008/02/07/Boxing-Feeling-the-wrath-of-the-Executioner/?facets/sport-space/great-britain-locale/ LOL
Uncle Bernard shows his teeth. How do you see this fight going?
Originally posted by GiRTh
Originally posted by Dan_
Originally posted by GiRTh
Originally posted by Dan_
Haha this is priceless.Big bad Bernard Hopkins complaining about being cold and having water in his hot chocolate other than milk whilst Steve Bunce is fawning all over him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwzjtJu9wA4 LOL
Bernard didn't look happy at all.
I think he made Bunce poop his pants.Earlier in the day some press bloke really p****d off 'Nard.
http://www.setantasports.com/en/Sport/News/Other-sports/2008/02/07/Boxing-Feeling-the-wrath-of-the-Executioner/?facets/sport-space/great-britain-locale/ LOL
Uncle Bernard shows his teeth. How do you see this fight going?
I think Bernard is smart enough defensively to make it competitive but probably too old and too slow to win.I think Joe will win about 4/5 rounds.
GiRTh
13-02-2008, 04:49 PM
Bernard will be boxing on the outside. Do you think Joe has the intelligence to get to him?
Originally posted by GiRTh
Bernard will be boxing on the outside. Do you think Joe has the intelligence to get to him?
I think he's got the stamina to close him down and the speed to get through Bernard's defence.
GiRTh
19-02-2008, 05:29 PM
I see Kelly Pavlik has beaten Jermain Taylor again. Thats quite a scalp. What do you think he'll do next?
Boxing News (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/boxing/2008-02-17-pavlik-taylor_N.htm)
Originally posted by GiRTh
I see Kelly Pavlik has beaten Jermain Taylor again. Thats quite a scalp. What do you think he'll do next?
Boxing News (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/boxing/2008-02-17-pavlik-taylor_N.htm)
I saw the fight on Setanta, was a really good fight but Pavlik was just the more aggressive of the two and that got him the victory.Pavlik's likely to defend his middleweight title in the summer, possibly against Winky Wright or John Duddy.I think he's going to rule the middleweight division for a while yet and he's certainly becoming one of the top pound-4-pound fighters in the world.
It'll be interesting to see where Taylor goes from here.Most seem to be talking about him moving up to super middleweight.There's certainly a lot of options for him up at that weight.
Carl Froch's fight against Dennis Inkin in March is going to be live on ITV1.
Amir Khan is going to be back in action in April.He's fighting the Dane,Martin Kristjansen.He was scheduled to fight him last time but Kristjansen pulled out.A contract clause stated the fight would go ahead at later date if either fighter had to pull out.It's not a particularly challenging fight in my view but Kristjansen is ranked highly by the WBO.
I cannot wait for this weekends boxing action.It's funny how there always seems to be several big fights on just the one night but weeks where there's nothing of interest.
There's a decent fight on Friday night for the European Super Bantamweight title between the Spaniard Kiko Martinez and Britain's Rendall Munroe.I hope Rendall can cause the upset.
There's a cracking event in Mexico this Saturday.Former Heavyweight champion John Ruiz takes on perennial challenger Jameel McCline.This is really a last chance for both guys to get a title shot.Jose Luis Castillo takes on the undefeated American Timothy Bradley, winner could go on to face Junior Witter.Then you've got Oleg Maskaev vs Samuel Peter, this is the first world heavyweight title fight to be staged in Mexico.Maskaev might have had a year out and is approaching 40 but he's still a capable guy but I feel that Peter will probably have too much for him.Finally there's the excellent lighweight champion Juan Diaz defending his title against top American Nate Campbell.
Then we have the huge one, the biggest fight between two Brits in years.Enzo Maccarinelli vs David Haye for 3 world cruiserweight titles.Two of the hardest hitters in the world, this one guarantees fireworks.On the undercard there's a couple of good fights.Paul Smith of the contender takes on Cello Renda which should be a decent test.Finally there's the fight for the British Super Featherweight title between Carl Johanneson and Kevin Mitchell.Johanneson's the current title holder but seems to fall apart when he steps up in class and Mitchell's as yet untested at this level.
GiRTh
05-03-2008, 06:12 PM
Who do you think will win out of Hayes and Maccarinelli?
GiRTh
05-03-2008, 06:12 PM
Who do you think will win out of Hayes and Maccarinelli?
Originally posted by GiRTh
Who do you think will win out of Hayes and Maccarinelli?
I think it's far too close to call, that's the beauty of this fight.I'll only say that early on if they get into an all out war then Haye's probably the hardest hitter of the two, it might well just be a case of who lands the cleanest bomb first though.
If the fight goes on in the later rounds then I'd probably favour Enzo as Haye's stamina is still very questionable whereas Enzo has proven several times, he can go the distance without too much trouble.Enzo might just try and keep things tight and look to wear Haye down with body shots and take him out late on.
It's got all the makings of a classic though.How often do you get a fight between two Brits who are the top guys in their division? It's like the old days of Benn vs Eubank.
I wish Ricky Hatton would stop pissing about and fight Junior Witter so we can have another one of these all British super fights.
GiRTh
05-03-2008, 06:40 PM
It sounds like it could be a classic.
Bookies have Haye as odds on to win, and by a long shot but I'm in agreement with Dan that Maccarinelli's stamina is far better and Haye's stamina goes pretty quickly.
I hope it turns out to be a classic and its not anticlimactic. Its been a while since theres been a really good fight which just sticks in your mind for ages.
I'm not sure if its already been reported in this thread but ITV1 have reportedly lost the rights to their games and from September the matches ITV previously had the rights to will go out on Setanta.
Originally posted by Tom_
Bookies have Haye as odds on to win, and by a long shot but I'm in agreement with Dan that Maccarinelli's stamina is far better and Haye's stamina goes pretty quickly.
I hope it turns out to be a classic and its not anticlimactic. Its been a while since theres been a really good fight which just sticks in your mind for ages.
I'm not sure if its already been reported in this thread but ITV1 have reportedly lost the rights to their games and from September the matches ITV previously had the rights to will go out on Setanta.
I really cannot see it being anything but exciting.Hopefully it is a classic with a couple knock-downs and a dramatic finish.
I think there was some fallout between Frank Warren and ITV and only the events where Amir Khan was fighting on were contracted to be shown but as you say that deal was ending this September.All of the other Frank Warren events have been on Setanta since Autumn last year due to the fallout.
I believe a new programme controller has just recently took over and he's known as someone not in favour of boxing so I don't expect too much boxing on ITV in future despite the very good ratings.The guy he took over wasn't a huge boxing fan either but he did agree to a deal to show Carl Froch's next fight live on ITV, he's not promoted by Frank Warren.
It pretty much looks like Setanta is taking over with boxing coverage, they seem to get the majority of top fights from around the world.
Well the Haye-Maccarinelli fight was a bit of a let down in that it ended so soon.Enzo looked far too nervous and he just didn't stick to the things he does well, when you let your guard down against someone like Haye you will pay for it.Haye was simply too fast and too strong on the night.I look forward to his assault on the heavyweight division now, he's certainly going to bring excitement.
Speaking of the heavyweights, John Ruiz got a boring decision win over McCline and Samuel Peter took out Oleg Maskaev in 6 rounds.I'd fancy Haye to beat any of those guys.
Castillo vs Bradley didn't go ahead due to Castillo not making the weight, he wouldn't be strong enough at 147 and seeing as he cannot make 140 he ought to retire.
I was hugely surprised at Juan Diaz losing to Nate Campbell.I've not seen the fight yet but I thought Diaz would be far too quick for Campbell and that Campbell only had a punchers chance.
Paul Smith looked fairly average against Cello Renda.Smith was too laid back to start with and got tagged far too much,he was behind on points but Buddy McGirt gave him a kick up the backside and he put the pressure on and forced the stoppage.He needs to put his foot on the gas for quicker in future.
Kevin Mitchell vs Carl Johannson was the best fight of the night for me.Mitchell started off so brightly and won the first 3 rounds with ease.Johannson started to come back into it from round 4 and really took over from that point, he almost had Mitchell down in round 6 but Mitchell did well to come back.By the 9th it looked like Johannson had just taken too many punches and Mitchell decked him with a beautiful left hook.Johannson managed to beat the count but was duly finished just seconds later.If Mitchell can avoid getting into scraps and use his excellent boxing ability then he can go far.
Hmm. I never seen it but I've Sky+ed it. Not sure if I'm going to bother with it after that.
Really brave effort from Gavin Rees tonight but he just got outclassed in the end, glad the ref stopped it when he did.I really enjoyed the fight though.
I felt Gavin was just fighting on instinct going into the last few rounds.His defence was utterly terrible though, time after time he just went in for an attack and moved back with his chin up in the air, far too easy for Kotelnik.Why he didn't learn to keep his glove up when he was continually getting hit with the same punch was beyond me.
He's in over his head at world title level.Let's face it, M'Baye was so lacklustre when he fought him.He needs to go for the British or European title once he's dusted himself down after this defeat, hopefully it wont have a lasting effect on him.
If Witter cannot get Hatton anytime soon, then I'd be quite happy to see him face Kotelnik again.It would be a good chance of another title for Witter and I'm sure Kotelnick would be willing to fight him again.
Not watched any matches in a while but thats a problem with quite a few boxers today. They think its all about attacking when its not.
Out of interest, are you a boxer Dan?
Originally posted by Tom_
Not watched any matches in a while but thats a problem with quite a few boxers today. They think its all about attacking when its not.
Out of interest, are you a boxer Dan?
I get so frustrated watching guys that have a total disregard for defence, you're spot-on about it not being all about attacking.
I don't box myself Tom.I keep thinking about taking it up but never pluck up the courage to do it.
Originally posted by Dan_
Originally posted by Tom_
Not watched any matches in a while but thats a problem with quite a few boxers today. They think its all about attacking when its not.
Out of interest, are you a boxer Dan?
I get so frustrated watching guys that have a total disregard for defence, you're spot-on about it not being all about attacking.
I don't box myself Tom.I keep thinking about taking it up but never pluck up the courage to do it.
You really should think seriously about taking it up, even if its only doing training with a massive punch bag rather than matches because you don't have the courage to go against someone else its still a really good sport to do. Its good for stress as well :dance:
I used to do it at a semi-pro level and the amount of lads there who didn't find a balance between defence and attacking was quite shocking and worrying considering it was semi-pro.
Originally posted by Tom_
Originally posted by Dan_
Originally posted by Tom_
Not watched any matches in a while but thats a problem with quite a few boxers today. They think its all about attacking when its not.
Out of interest, are you a boxer Dan?
I get so frustrated watching guys that have a total disregard for defence, you're spot-on about it not being all about attacking.
I don't box myself Tom.I keep thinking about taking it up but never pluck up the courage to do it.
You really should think seriously about taking it up, even if its only doing training with a massive punch bag rather than matches because you don't have the courage to go against someone else its still a really good sport to do. Its good for stress as well :dance:
I used to do it at a semi-pro level and the amount of lads there who didn't find a balance between defence and attacking was quite shocking and worrying considering it was semi-pro.
I have done a little bit of bag work before and plan on getting a punch bag at home, more than anything just as a way of getting rid of stress lol.I did a tiny bit of sparring with my dad, just a bit of fun more than anything and he had trouble landing a punch on me lol.They were more like little slaps though.
I suppose the thing that's stopped me going to an actual boxing club is nobody I know is into boxing and have no idea what the boxing clubs are like in my area.I might just give it a go one day.
Even in the pro's you see some shocking fighters, they must not have ever been trained right or they're just stupid.Are you still fighting semi-pro?
Nah not anymore. I kind of started to slow down going then I just suddenly stopped for no apparent reason. Saying that, I never wanted anything serious or a career from it, but it could have been a possibility because I was getting offers to go abroad etc but there were people who wanted it so much more than I did and put in all the hours they could so were just generally more deserving.
Did you have many fights?
I suppose unless you're really going to put the dedication in it's better to not stick with it.
Have you heard about that Charlie Zelenoff kid?
Actually proper tournament fights I did about 7 or 8 at about 3 or 4 different tournaments. Third was my lowest rank, first being my best.
For other fights, in all I must have had about 30-40 overall, all just being friendly/training and not counting for anything, so I have done a good few.
Charlie- I've heard of him but I'm not really 'aware' of him if that makes sense. No idea if he's any good but hes been hyped up. I'm looking forward to his first match.
Quite a decent amount of fights then and a good record of only third being your lowest rank.
I think there's a fair few people like you, who've just heard of Charlie.He's got his name out there and talked a whole load of trash but it'll be interesting to see if he can back up his words.I've seen a fair few of his videos and to me he's a bit of a joke.
Take this ridiculous video for example:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gt5u7MWHI0Q
He is not good. He's too launched into his attack, he leans far too forward, his swings are too wide and should be nothing like that, he rotates his body too much and he's missed a few unmissable swipes. He won't go far.
If he waited that long loading up hooks he would miss all the time and end up getting taken out.
The sad thing is that I think he will win his pro-debut as the guy he's facing is perhaps even worse than he is and throws even wilder hooks than that, plus he's got a glass jaw.As shown by his 13 ko losses from the 14 fights he has had.
Here's Charlie's latest video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_V5VpTruVrE
GiRTh
28-03-2008, 04:18 PM
Dan_, you should take up boxing simply for the exercise. I used to box when I was your age and then took ip up again about 6 years ago. After about 2 months I felt fitter than I ever have in my life. Even if you dont know anyone if you go to a good boxing gym they should make you feel welcome.
Originally posted by GiRTh
Dan_, you should take up boxing simply for the exercise. I used to box when I was your age and then took ip up again about 6 years ago. After about 2 months I felt fitter than I ever have in my life. Even if you dont know anyone if you go to a good boxing gym they should make you feel welcome.
I'm definitely considering taking it up.I already do a bit of weight lifting and some other excerise but it would be good to be even fitter.
Junior Witter's world title fight with American Tim Bradley has been added to the bill of the Carl Froch vs Denis Inkin fight at the Nottingham arena.The event is going to be broadcast live on ITV1 with a couple of exciting undercard fights on ITV4.This is one of the best domestic events in recent years, really looking forward to it now.
Speaking of Junior Witter.He's offered to fight Ricky Hatton for free, he's tired of Ricky making excuses to not fight him, so has put it on the line to try and entice Ricky into a fight.
GiRTh
28-03-2008, 06:01 PM
Good man. You should take up boxing. It will improve your fitness and confidence.
Tom_, how many competitive fights did you have? What area of the country did you represent?
Originally posted by GiRTh
Good man. You should take up boxing. It will improve your fitness and confidence.
Tom_, how many competitive fights did you have? What area of the country did you represent?
Sorry for taking a bit to reply, not been in the sports board for a few days.
I only had about 7 or 8 competitive fights which isn't so bad for a 3 year run. I had quite a lot of 'friendly' ones though.
I didn't represent an area of the country as such, just myself because 1- I never wanted the pressure of representing a particular area and 2- most fights were based within the North West, so it was often in competitions with people from the same area, and sometimes people I knew.
But overall, I just wasn't committed enough which is why I quit.
Amir Khan vs Martin Kristjansen tonight on ITV1 from 9.15pm coming from the Bolton Arena. Who will win?
I don't know too much about Kristjansen but he's meant to be very much a techniqually sound boxer but without much power.He's been pretty inactive the last couple of years, infact his last fight was in September of last year and he only won on a split decision to a journeyman.I expect Khan to win without too much trouble.
Pretty good performance from Khan once again but I've still got big question marks over his defence, leaving that left hand so low and wide is just asking for trouble.He was a bit over eager when trying to finish the Dane off.
There was at least 3 punches by Khan whilst Kristjansen was down the first time, that's a real bullshit move.I didn't like his excuse of 'It's just boxing', that's a wrong thing to do and he should've apologised.
I think Khan's got a fair few fights to through before he should be put in a world title fight.It's going to be a fairly big jump between fighting guys like St.Clair and Kristjansen to taking on someone like Campbell or Casamayor, it could well be too much for him at this stage.Then what happens? He goes back to fighting nobodies again?
He's got to be put in their with some dangerous punchers to learn more.
Anyone see Derry Matthews vs Choi on the undercard? Choi well and truly destroyed the much hyped Matthews.Choi's strength and overhand rights were just all wrong for the gangly Derry.
Khan's head is inflating after every match he plays and its becoming tedious. He is not as good as he thinks he is. Kristjansen wasn't too bad, but he wasn't too good either. His defence was good but his attacking was quite poor.
He's been thinking that he's ready for a world title shot for about a year now but he's not even come against any legit contenders.Kristjansen was finding Khan easily when he threw the straight right hand, just a shame he didn't attack more.
If he's put in for a world title shot in the 2 fights time, as has been suggested,then he could well come unstuck.I think he needs 4/5 fights before taking on Campbell or Casamayor or whoever is the title holder at the time.This is how I think he's next 5 fights should go:
1st-Jonathan Thaxton-British Lightweight champion.He's been calling Khan out for a while now and he's a tough guy.
2nd-Ali Funeka-Big punching South African who would provide a good test of Khan's chin.
3rd-Edner Cherry-Awkward fighter from the Bahamas who in recent years has only lost to top guys.
4th-Jesus Chavez-Veteran Mexican fighter who Khan could learn a great deal from fighting.
5th-Jose Armando Santa Cruz or Acelino Freitas.Santa Cruz was unlucky to lose against Casamayor, if you can get past him then you're a certain title challenger.Freitas is a former world champion and towards the end of his career but still provides a big test.
He is going into it way too early. IMO, you shouldn't be going for the world title until your career is ending so you can go out on a high. If he goes in too early and wins then he has nowhere else he can go or no way he can improve in his career and he'll have have met his aspirations well before his time is up. Everything afterwards is just a waste.
Another big weekend of boxing action then.
First there's the rematch between Kermit Cintron and Antonio Margarito for the IBF Welterweight title.Margarito won the first fight easily scoring a 5th round KO but Cintron's improved a lot since then.I'm expecting a closer fight but Margarito will probably become the new champ.
On the same card is the fight between Miguel Cotto and Alfonso Gomez for Cotto's WBA Welterweight title.Gomez was on the first series of the contender and impressed on that despite being undersized.Since returning to his true weight he's been on a good winning run, including end the career of the great Arturo Gatti.Gomez goes into this one as a big underdog though as Cotto's one of the best fighters on the planet today.It could be one of the fights of the year though, both are come forward fighters and with Gomez having a great chin it shouldn't stop too soon.
Then it's onto the battle of the light heavyweights in Tampa.
Chad Dawson defends his WBC title against the tough Jamaican, Glengoffe Johnson.Chad is the young undefeated champion.But this is the biggest test of his career yet.Johnson might be 39 but he's a tough old warrior with a deceiving record.I think Dawson will win but Johnson wont allow him to have an easy night.
Finally we have the biggest fight of the weekend.Antonio Tarver vs Britain's Clinton Woods with both guys titles on the line.Woods has peaked late in his career whilst Tarver seems to be on the downward slope.I fancy Clinton to win this one, just see him having the greater desire.
GiRTh
11-04-2008, 03:35 PM
LMAO@Kermit Cintron. Clearly his parents had a sense of humour.
The Woods v Tarver fight is a difficult one to call. A few years ago I'd have gone for Tarver all the way but recently Woods has been looking very good.
How many more matches have ITV1 got left under their contract before it goes full time to Setanta?
The contract with ITV for Amir Khan fights plus their undercards ends in June.
All other fights promoted by Frank Warren are already on Setanta and have been since November of last year.
ITV have just stopped working with Frank Warren due to the deal with Setanta.There's still going to be boxing on ITV1 but with other promoters.The first of those start in May.
Oh good, I don't get Setanta and I don't particularly want it because some people have problems cancelling it.
I read somewhere ITV had lost all rights to boxing altogether but I'm glad to hear otherwise :spin:
I only got Setanta for the boxing and a few football matches but loads of people have complained about not being able to get rid of it.There's one guy I know who's been trying to cancel it for 6 weeks now.
I'd have no problem cancelling it though as it's just part of my package on virgin media.
I think ITV are just going to pick and choose which fights they want now rather than get into a lengthly contract with a promoter.
Results from this weekend then.
First the two fights that I didn't get the chance to see.Margarito won via KO against Cintron in the 6th round.The body shot put him down for the count and Margarito becomes the new champion.He's really got Cintron's measure by the looks of it.
Miguel Cotto totally dominated Alfonso Gomez.He put him down about 3 times before the doctor stepped in to stop it.Cotto's going to face Margarito next and I reckon he will dispatch of him and all but it should be a competitive fight.Cotto vs Mayweather is the fight that needs to happen though.
Next onto the two fights that I did see.Chad Dawson won against Glen Johnson on points.All four judges scored it 8-4 in favour of Dawson but I had the fight closer than that, a draw would have been the fairest score in my eyes.Johnson started real fast, bit unusual for him as he's normally a guy who dictates the end of fights.He was catching Dawson quite easily with the right hand whilst Dawson just pawed with the jab.Dawson seemed to take over from about round 5, doing what he should have done the whole fight and just boxed Johnson at range using he speed and properly putting force behind his jab.
Then we got into the latter rounds and Johnson knew he had to get on his bike and start launching attacks.Dawson was just content to fight on the back foot and got very lazy and careless and Johnson blasted him with a right hand that shook him all the way to his boots but he just clung on.Johnson went all out looking to stop Dawson but just couldn't manage it.The crowd booed the decision as Johnson looked on with sheer disgust and anguish.
Dawson has been hyped up as the future of the division but he came close to being beaten by a guy at the tail end of his career.He's just lucky he didn't come up against a younger Glen Johnson.
Then onto the main event and Britain's Clinton Woods lost a unaminous decision to Antonio Tarver.The three judges scores were 119-109,117-111 and 116-112.The last two scores were very generous towards Woods, what fight those two judges were watching is beyond me.
Looks like I totally underestimated Tarver and probably overestimated Woods.I really thought Tarver was over the hill but he basically taught Clinton a boxing lesson, it was embarrasingly one sided.
After just a few rounds you could tell that Clinton's confidence had just dropped as he couldn't work out a way through the tricky southpaw stance of Tarver.He just plodded forward time after time to eat up those accurate uppercuts.He just made it far too easy for Tarver though, the only tactic he seemed to have was back Tarver up against the ropes and unload but Tarver's movement was far too elusive to be caught up in any of that.
I don't understand why Clinton neglected his jab so much,rather than just stand around and let Tarver counter you all night long at least try and get through.
I suppose that fight with Calzaghe has gone out the window now.It's a good job and all as it would be like the Lacy fight all over again.
Thanks for the detailed description, its appreciated :spin2:
No problem.I'm looking forward to Calzaghe vs Hopkins next week, hopefully a Brit will get the job done this time.
GiRTh
14-04-2008, 01:01 PM
I read that Antonio Tarver looked very sluggish in the fight on Saturday but Woods just didn't take the fight ot him.
Originally posted by GiRTh
I read that Antonio Tarver looked very sluggish in the fight on Saturday but Woods just didn't take the fight ot him.
I thought Tarver looked quite sharp actually.His variety of punches and accuarcy allowed him to methodically pick apart Woods with ease.Woods was very poor.
GiRTh
14-04-2008, 03:05 PM
Originally posted by Dan_I thought Tarver looked quite sharp actually.His variety of punches and accuarcy allowed him to methodically pick apart Woods with ease.Woods was very poor. I'm amazed Woods lasted so long as a world champ.
So Calzaghe v Hopkins this week. If this fight had happened two years ago I'd have gone for Hopkins everytime. Hopkins will box from the outside so its up to Calzaghe to find a way through
Originally posted by GiRTh
Originally posted by Dan_I thought Tarver looked quite sharp actually.His variety of punches and accuarcy allowed him to methodically pick apart Woods with ease.Woods was very poor. I'm amazed Woods lasted so long as a world champ.
So Calzaghe v Hopkins this week. If this fight had happened two years ago I'd have gone for Hopkins everytime. Hopkins will box from the outside so its up to Calzaghe to find a way through
Well Woods has faced a bunch of come forward fighters as champion and been able to just have the edge to win but he doesn't do wellagainst quick punchers and slick movers.He seems to lack any self belief that he deserved to be fighting at the highest level.He just went to America and enjoyed the occassion far too much, same as he did against Roy Jones Jnr.
I'm not so sure I'd have favoured Hopkins even two years ago, he was getting beaten by Jermain Taylor back then and I don't think he's better than Calzaghe.
GiRTh
14-04-2008, 04:41 PM
Jermain Taylor is a world class fighter. I wonder just how good Calzaghe actually is. K so he beat Jeff Lacey, we've since seen that Lacey flatters to deceive. I dont understand why a fighter hasn't tried to box him from the outside. This fight will be a test for Calzaghe. Hopkins wants the fight and he usually delivers when he's motivated.
Originally posted by GiRTh
Jermain Taylor is a world class fighter. I wonder just how good Calzaghe actually is. K so he beat Jeff Lacey, we've since seen that Lacey flatters to deceive. I dont understand why a fighter hasn't tried to box him from the outside. This fight will be a test for Calzaghe. Hopkins wants the fight and he usually delivers when he's motivated.
Jermain is good but he got beat by Pavlik twice so his stocks gone down a bit.I'd favour Calzaghe to beat him now by about 4/5 rounds.
I think Lacy's never going to be the same again after he got decimated by Joe.That was 12 long rounds of being taken apart, his confidence must be shot to pieces despite 2 wins since that defeat.
Calzaghe showed just how good he can be by beating Kessler last time out.People were saying Kessler was the younger,fresher guy and was going to rule the super middleweight division but Calzaghe stepped up to the challenge and beat him clearly in the end after making adjustments in the fight to pick apart the Dane.
Hopkins is a very shrewd guy and presents a different challenge for Joe but he we have to remember how old he is now.He will obviously box on the outside and try to get Calzaghe to make mistakes but he cannot just sit on the back foot all night against Joe.Is he really going to be quick enough and have enough stamina to keep Calzaghe away from him all night?
GiRTh
15-04-2008, 03:37 PM
I think Joe is the younger man and that will be the telling factor in the fight. I'd like to see a genuinely good boxer, like Hopkins was in his prime, get in the ring with Calzaghe.
Big fight tonight then,well the early hours of tomorrow.Anyone going to be watching? I'm predicting a victory for Calzaghe on points.
I don't have Setanta but apparently I think Five Live are covering it so if I'm up I'll watch if not I'll find clips tomorrow :eureka:
Yeah, there is full commentary on 5 live from 3am.I'd imagine it will be repeated on BBC one next weekend.I've seen links to where you can watch it online, might be a bit dodgy though.
The undercard is really poor, probably the poorest one I've seen for an event of this magnitude.The only two I've heard of are Nathan Cleverly who's a young prospect in the super middleweight division and Audley Harrison who's fighting some journeyman.
Well Calzaghe won but I'm sure he will be the first admit that it wasn't his best performance.He had the most terrible start,being knocked down in the first round after he walked straight onto the right hand from Hopkins which hit him on the bridge of the nose and clearly dazed him.I was shaking my head in disbelief that he fell into that trap so early on.
It took him to around the 4th round to really recover from that knockdown and it was a change of tactics by Joe that allowed for him to finally start having some success in the fight.He started boxing at range using his jab and working more side onto Hopkins, just trying to get in and out but he was still taking clean shots with the right hand and was staggered a couple times in the mid rounds.
The 9th and 10th rounds were the messiest of an incredibly scrappy fight.Hopkins got away with a clear headbutt infront of the rather hesistant Joe Cortez.Hopkins seemed to just want to be on the back burner and was tying up with every chance.In the 10th round Calzaghe hit Hopkins below the belt but the way Hopkins reacted you would've thought he got blasted right down below, it was actually a fairly light punch and too high to really do the damage Hopkins would've fooled you into believing.Hopkins took full advantage of the 5 mins allowed for a low blow to try and get a second wind and ended up winning the round.
As the last 3 rounds approached it was so clear that Hopkins was tired, his mouth was open and he was just more content on spoiling for most of the round, he threw the occassional flurry but that wasn't enough for me to win the rounds.Calzaghe was the clear aggressor just trying to throw the combinations to win the fight.The 11th round was probably the most action packed of the fight but it wasn't without another bit of acting from Hopkins, another low blow he claimed but the ref wasn't buying it and both fighters ended up ended good shots.Into the last round and Calzaghe did just enough to win the fight by taking that round on my card.
It was to the scorecards and everyone knew it was close with the speculation of a split decision proved correct.Judge Ted Gimza scored the fight 115-112 in favour of Calzaghe, judge Adalaide Byrd scored it 114-113 Hopkins and Judge Chuck Giampa scored it 116-111 Calzaghe.The arguments with rage on as to whether the cleaner but lower volume of punches by Hopkins should've won him the fight,or the agression and higher but less effective punches from Calzaghe were valid enough to win him the fight.Hopkins will most likely carry on saying he was robbed.
Overall it was the toughest fight that Calzaghe's ever had.Hopkins took away the confidence with the early knockdown and proved to be a bit of a stylist nightmare for Joe.For me Joe was able to just do just enough with Hopkins fighthing not having the legs to work effectively for the full 12 rounds and Joe took advantage and showed the greater urgency.
Thanks for that as always :bigsmile:
Its very interesting the coverage that he is being given. From that description its a whole different fight to the one I've seen built up of package highlights on the news. They are all claiming he is unbeatable and he won by a large margin but by the sound sof your description (less biased) it appears that he wasn't actually as good as the media are making him out to be.
Again, thanks for the detailed summary :tongue:
Your welcome.
It's always interesting how some of the media try and spin things.In this case it sounds like they have overstated Calzaghe's performance and when Hatton lost last time, all they seemed concerned with was making a big deal out of the way the ref handled things.It's as if they were suggesting Hatton would have won with a different ref despite him being outclassed.
I'm a big fan of Calzaghe but I just call it as I see it.I'm unsure how anyone that's knowledgeable about boxing can have seen it too differently to me.Sure there was a lot of close rounds but it was obvious how much trouble Calzaghe had with Hopkins to start with and he had a bit of a mountain to climb but managed to pull away towards the end.
I've rewatched the fight this evening and made a point of doing a full scorecard.I was emotionally involved when it was live so only kept a rough scorecard but I ended up with the same score both times.My scorecard:
--------------01--02--03--04--05--06--07--08--09--10--11--12----TOT
Calzaghe--08--09--09--10--10--10--10--09--10--09--10--10----114
Hopkins---10--10--10--09--09--09--09--10--09--10--09--09----113
GiRTh
22-04-2008, 03:11 PM
The ref in the Hatton fight definitely stopped Ricky from fighting the fight he wanted to fight. Mayweather would have probably won any way but the ref helped Mayweather get on top.
I haven't seen the fight but can't help make the comment that this fight would have been extremely interesting if it had happened a few years ago. A younger Hopkins against a less settled Calzaghe would have been interesting. I'm a fan of Joes but cannot respect any fighter who is so reluctant to go to America. America is where the big fights and the toughest oppenoets are. Congratulation to Joe but I feel he still has some work to do to prove he's an all time great. I hear Calzaghe wants to fight Roy Jones. Thats not the fight to prove hmself.
Originally posted by GiRTh
The ref in the Hatton fight definitely stopped Ricky from fighting the fight he wanted to fight. Mayweather would have probably won any way but the ref helped Mayweather get on top.
I haven't seen the fight but can't help make the comment that this fight would have been extremely interesting if it had happened a few years ago. A younger Hopkins against a less settled Calzaghe would have been interesting. I'm a fan of Joes but cannot respect any fighter who is so reluctant to go to America. America is where the big fights and the toughest oppenoets are. Congratulation to Joe but I feel he still has some work to do to prove he's an all time great. I hear Calzaghe wants to fight Roy Jones. Thats not the fight to prove hmself.
Hatton was trying to do too much holding as far as I'm concerned but Cortez was probably a bit too eager to split things up.There's talk of a rematch next year but I'd always back Floyd.
I think Hopkins has been more or less at the same level for about 5 years now, style wise he's become very defensive due to not being able to sustain workrate over 12 rounds anymore, that's what pretty much cost him this fight.
I wonder if the fight had happened say 8 years back when it was originally meant to be staged, whether or not Hopkins would've been a bit more attack minded which actually might have favoured Joe.Hopkins did show how to negate Calzaghe's speed in the first half of the fight and was able to counter him a fair bit, even right at the end of the fight when he was clearly shattered.
Calzaghe was going to fight Bernard in America years back but Bernard backed out seeking more money, which just threw a spanner in the works.Calzaghe seems to have peaked later in his career and has taken on some very big challenges over the last few years in Lacy,Kessler and now Hopkins but found a way to win in them all.
I'm not sure I really go along with America being where the tougest opponents are.Whilst Joe was still a super-middleweight he took on a fair few Americans and beat them handily and there were never really any others in that division he could have taken on.Most were either at middlweight or at light heavy and it's only now he's struggled to make super-middle that he's moved up to take on Hopkins.Who do you think he should face instead of Jones to prove himself?
GiRTh
22-04-2008, 04:00 PM
The Jones fight is a cash cow. Nothing more. Jones has looked awful for a few years. If Calzaghe wants to fight Jones he should have done it when Jones was at his peak. It may have meant a jump up in weight for Calzaghes but thats what he should have done.
The way the weight divisions are so fragmented I can understand your point that America may not be the centre of boxing that it used to be. But the fact is Joe has had some reasonably easy fights in this country. You admitted this was the toughest fight of his career. I think if he'd made his way across the atlantic five years ago he'd had had many fights as tough as the fight Hopkins gave him.
I think it's all about the big name money fights for Joe now and that obviously means Jones Jnr is the main attraction.The trouble with Roy Jones is that dream heavyweight title win against John Ruiz turned the rest of his career into a bit of a nightmare.He went from being 12 1/2 stone and put on about 2 stone and that wasn't just him eating a load of junk that was 2 stone of muscle.He still wasn't really a heavyweight, he came in at about the same weight as David Haye does at cruiserweight.After beating Ruiz he'd accomplished all he wanted to as a heavyweight and I suppose he didn't fancy sticking around with the big guys so he came back down to 12 1/2 stone, he had to take that 2 stone of muscle off and doing that just cannot be healthy for the body.No wonder why he lost those 3 fights afterwards.
Jones has looked quite good since his comeback, the quick hands are still there and so is the power but he's 39 now and he just hasn't got what it takes to put in the real hardwork to beat the top guys anymore.I suppose whilst Calzaghe was making super-middle easy he didn't want to move up and probably put himself at a disadvantage.
Calzaghe's had some very questionable opponents over here, funnily enough a couple other American's who frankly shouldn't have been in the same ring as him.He went through a bit of a messy divorce and that coincided with some of the crap opponents.The thing that made Hopkins his toughest opponent was the cagey style in which Hopkins fights.It was pretty much a stylistic headache for Joe, whilst younger guys like Lacy and Kessler might have looked tougher assignments they were both come forward fights,that's the ones that suit Calzaghe.I'm just not so sure even if he had of gone to America he'd have found too many similar to Hopkins.
Who do you think Calzaghe should face next?
GiRTh
22-04-2008, 04:32 PM
Not sure who he will face next. I think it'll have to be Jones.
I think not going to America was not a mistake but some, like me, will always state that Calzaghe could have been an undisputed legend wif he'd made the trip in his early thirties. Joe will go out undefeated and TBH he's earnt it but I dont think he'll be judges as one of the best of all time. Which is a shame.
GiRTh
28-04-2008, 04:04 PM
I saw the fight yeaterday on BBC. I'm glad that Dan scored it so close because it was close. Calzaghe edged it on sheer work rate. I dont know why Hopkins thought he'd won, nw ay should he have gotteh decision.
I was a bit disappointed by Calzaghe's attitude after the fight. I think he should have given Hopkins more respect.
Hopkins was pretty daft going on as if he was totally robbed,he only lost on a close split decision.It's hardly like he was dominant.I'm a bit sick of his attitude to be honest, saying it was an classic old school performance.
There was a great bit of hostility on the part of both guys and neither wanted to give any credit.
I'm hearing news that Amir Khan has split with his trainer.He's meant to be going to America to team up with Roger Mayweather.Khan's getting a bit too big for his boots and this will only expand the air of arrogance.I wouldn't be surprised if he ditched Frank Warren soon, he seems to want to rush this world title shot.
GiRTh
29-04-2008, 12:15 PM
You're right Dan. Both fighters seemed to dislike each other.
Doubt we will ever get a rematch lol.
David Haye's been calling out Wladimir Klitscho but Wlad doesn't seem to want the fight yet.
GiRTh
29-04-2008, 04:31 PM
That would be an interesting fight.
Certainly would, neither guy has the strongest chin but Wlad's pretty robotic these days and not really wanting to engage into too much of a fight.Haye would go out all guns blazing I'd imagine.
GiRTh
29-04-2008, 04:35 PM
Wouldn't Vlad be a bit big for Haye?
Originally posted by GiRTh
Wouldn't Vlad be a bit big for Haye?
Vlad seems to think that.They both attended some press event the other day and got into a bit of an argument with Vlad asking how much Haye weighed, he said 220lbs but he'd beat him even if he was 200lbs.Haye's about 6'3, so he's tall enough for the heavyweights but Vlad's a big guy.
GiRTh
29-04-2008, 05:16 PM
Originally posted by Dan_
Originally posted by GiRTh
Wouldn't Vlad be a bit big for Haye?
Vlad seems to think that.They both attended some press event the other day and got into a bit of an argument with Vlad asking how much Haye weighed, he said 220lbs but he'd beat him even if he was 200lbs.Haye's about 6'3, so he's tall enough for the heavyweights but Vlad's a big guy. Vlad is about 6'7" isnt he?
Originally posted by GiRTh
Originally posted by Dan_
Originally posted by GiRTh
Wouldn't Vlad be a bit big for Haye?
Vlad seems to think that.They both attended some press event the other day and got into a bit of an argument with Vlad asking how much Haye weighed, he said 220lbs but he'd beat him even if he was 200lbs.Haye's about 6'3, so he's tall enough for the heavyweights but Vlad's a big guy. Vlad is about 6'7" isnt he?
I'm fairly sure he is, certainly one of the tallest boxers around.
GiRTh
30-04-2008, 12:44 PM
I hope the fight goes ahead. I reckon Haye'll murder him.
Wlad seems content fighting mandatory challengers, bunch of pretenders instead of bonafide contenders.
Denis Inkin has pulled out of the fight against Carl Froch for the second time, looks like he is running scared.Colombia's Alejandro Berrio looks set to take his place in this eliminator fight for the world title.
GiRTh
30-04-2008, 04:37 PM
Running scared of Froch? He must be rubbish.
Inkin's got a bit of a glass jaw and with Froch's power he didn't fancy his chances.Inkin will most likely go after another one of the titles vacated by Calzaghe.
GiRTh
01-05-2008, 04:59 PM
I still cant' get over that a fighter is running scared of Froch.
When you've got a china chin you don't want to be on the end of one of Froch's uppercuts.Froch is starting to move up the ladder now and will be in world title fights.
GiRTh
02-05-2008, 11:48 AM
Froch uppercut is probably his best punch. Is Froch going to continue at Super-middle? I'd like to see him fighting some top American with his hands down and getting a good whoopin'.
Originally posted by GiRTh
Froch uppercut is probably his best punch. Is Froch going to continue at Super-middle? I'd like to see him fighting some top American with his hands down and getting a good whoopin'.
Yep, he's looking to take over the super-middleweight division now that Calzaghe's moved up, although he still keeps on calling out Joe.
He's gonna pay the price for keeping his hands down one of these days unless he's got a granite chin.There's not really any top American's at super-middle at the moment.Only ones in the top 20 are Lacy and Allan Green.Green's got potential as he's a big puncher but his chin isn't too good and he's having problems outside the ring.There are however a few young American's who are moving up the ranks but are a bit too young yet to be getting world title shots.
The major players at super middlweight are mainly Europeans and South Americans.
GiRTh
02-05-2008, 01:09 PM
It's one of those young up and comers that I'd like to see Froch fight. Sometimes young hungry fighters can pull off an upset.
Originally posted by GiRTh
It's one of those young up and comers that I'd like to see Froch fight. Sometimes young hungry fighters can pull off an upset.
I suppose promoters are hesitant to put their young prospects in such a big risk fight.It might end up damaging them by moving too early.
I think with Calzaghe vacating 3 world titles at super-middle, there's going to be a few taking a swerve from facing Froch for one of them.
GiRTh
02-05-2008, 01:24 PM
You could be right but so many great fighters have won their title by taking a risk early in their careers. I'd like to see Froch fight a young quality fighter who will give him a real test.
To be honest Froch's been pissing around too long with European title level fighters.He's 30 now, so it's about time he stepped up.
GiRTh
02-05-2008, 01:30 PM
Absolutely. He should have had a shot by now and I'd like it to be against sone young up and coming American.
Fight of the year tonight then.The two keyboard warriors Andrew 'Kid Thunder' Hartley vs Charlie Zelenoff.Cannot believe Charlie's actually got the guts to turn up for this one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4bFpBKjECg
Couple of other less important fights this weekend and all.Oscar De La Hoya takes on the contenders Steve Forbes.It's just a tune up for Oscar as he prepares to take on Mayweather once again in september.
Firat Arslan defends his cruiserweight world title against Darnell Wilson.I'm not sure how Wilson got this shot seeing as he lost his last fight to B.J. Flores but he might be able to spring the upset due to his huge punch power.
Zelenoff is meant to have got DQ'd in the first round after he spat his mouthpiece out a couple times.
Arslan and De La Hoya won their fights with ease, both Unaminous decisions.
You guys have got to see this.Charlie 'Vicious' Zelenoff vs Andrew 'Kid Thunder' Hartley.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlxtDLPKnDA
Not so tough now are you Zedoff?
Froch's opponent has been changed two times since my last post.Berrio's gone AWOL despite having agreed to the fight.Then American Rubin Williams was brought in, that was an okay fight as Williams is a bit of a gatekeeper in the division but now he's pulled out.Froch is now fighting the undefeated Pole Albert Rybacki, he's 37 years old but didn't even turn pro until he was 30 and has only had 3 fights in the past four years.
Another blow to the bill was the withdrawl of John Fewkes from his anticipated clash with fellow undefeated Brit, John Murray.Some were tipping this to be the best fight of the night but Fewkes has got food poisioning.No confirmation on a replacement opponent for Murray.
It's been such bad luck for promoter Mick Hennesey.This was his first event on ITV1 with a chance to showcase his top fighters in really competitive fights but now the only real fight of interest is Junior Witter vs Tim Bradley for the WBC Light-Welterweight title.Even that was different fight than the first one planned after Bernard Hopkins nephew,Demetrius decided against challenging for the title.
GiRTh
08-05-2008, 04:51 PM
Originally posted by Dan_
Froch's opponent has been changed two times since my last post.Berrio's gone AWOL despite having agreed to the fight.Then American Rubin Williams was brought in, that was an okay fight as Williams is a bit of a gatekeeper in the division but now he's pulled out.Froch is now fighting the undefeated Pole Albert Rybacki, he's 37 years old but didn't even turn pro until he was 30 and has only had 3 fights in the past four years.Jeez. They're feeding him bums.
Originally posted by GiRTh
Originally posted by Dan_
Froch's opponent has been changed two times since my last post.Berrio's gone AWOL despite having agreed to the fight.Then American Rubin Williams was brought in, that was an okay fight as Williams is a bit of a gatekeeper in the division but now he's pulled out.Froch is now fighting the undefeated Pole Albert Rybacki, he's 37 years old but didn't even turn pro until he was 30 and has only had 3 fights in the past four years.Jeez. They're feeding him bums.
There's not much choice at this late stage.They offered the fight to some other top prospects and nobody wanted to accept.
GiRTh
08-05-2008, 05:18 PM
Originally posted by Dan_
There's not much choice at this late stage.They offered the fight to some other top prospects and nobody wanted to accept. Thats true. Froch can't be relishing the thought of knocking out some nobody. Maybe they should cancel but I suppose the money people wouldn't be happy if they did.
Originally posted by GiRTh
Originally posted by Dan_
There's not much choice at this late stage.They offered the fight to some other top prospects and nobody wanted to accept. Thats true. Froch can't be relishing the thought of knocking out some nobody. Maybe they should cancel but I suppose the money people wouldn't be happy if they did.
I bet he must be sick of keep having different opponents, cannot help with preperation.ITV have a timeslot to fill and Witters fight isn't going to be able to cover it, so they cannot cancel Froch and his fans would be pissed off too.
GiRTh
08-05-2008, 05:25 PM
Originally posted by Dan_
I bet he must be sick of keep having different opponents, cannot help with preperation.ITV have a timeslot to fill and Witters fight isn't going to be able to cover it, so they cannot cancel Froch and his fans would be p****d off too. Froch's fan will be meeting in the phone booth round the corner.
Originally posted by GiRTh
Originally posted by Dan_
I bet he must be sick of keep having different opponents, cannot help with preperation.ITV have a timeslot to fill and Witters fight isn't going to be able to cover it, so they cannot cancel Froch and his fans would be p****d off too. Froch's fan will be meeting in the phone booth round the corner.
:laugh: he's got quite a decent fanbase to be honest.
GiRTh
09-05-2008, 05:16 PM
Originally posted by Dan_Froch's fan will be meeting in the phone booth round the corner.
:laugh: he's got quite a decent fanbase to be honest. [/quote]Blimey. They can't be boxing fans.
Carl Froch just dispatched of Rybacki with all apparent ease.Ref stopped the fight into the 4th round after the Pole was getting smacked all around the ring.Froch just wanted to get the job done and was perhaps a little eager to finish it and got caught with a couple of unnecessary shots but overall he looked impressive with the uppercuts really rocking Rybacki.
Very disapointed in Junior Witter tonight as he lost his world title on a split decision to young American, Timothey Bradley.Witter just failed to get going and neglected his jab throughout the whole fight and just looked to fight on the back foot hoping to catch Bradley with the left hands.Bradley was strong as an ox though and just kept coming forward with sheer determination and managed to keep catching Witter with the right hand and even managed to put him down in the 6th round.Witter came back from the knockdown pretty well and landed a few heavy right hands in the latter rounds but they were few and far between, plus they didn't really have enough effect on Bradley for him to be able to follow things up.
I scored the fight 115-112 in favour of Bradley who just seemed to be that step quicker and hungrier to win the title.A total disaster for Witter who's dream of fighting Ricky Hatton has gone now.All he can do is try and get a rematch against Bradley and go from there, otherwise his career's pretty much over in terms of major fights.
One last note on the Italian judge who scored the fight 3 rounds in Witter's favour, what on earth fight were you watching pal?
John Murray supposedly looked pretty poor on the undercard against Youseff Al Hamadi, a guy who's tough but very limited.Murray's not going anywhere fast and if he finally does fight Fewkes then he might come unstuck.
GiRTh
12-05-2008, 12:10 PM
I watched the fights too. This was the first time I'd ever seen Witter fight and, I have to say, I was far from impressed. I never like watching Brendon Ingle fighters. From Naz to Johnny Nelson to Herol Graham and now Witter. I've never understood why Ingle insists that his fighter switch hit. It puts too much into the fighter mind and if the fighter is anything less than a top athlete he'll stand no chance of becoming even a half decent fighter.
Witter seems to have great reflexes, good punching accuracy but the constant stance changing frustrates me just as much as it must frustrate their opponents. On the other hand I was very impressed with Bradley. His defence was good and he kept throwing that right hand all night. Sometimes he missed but when he hit I think he hurt Witter.
What do you see Witter doing now? Do you think Hatton will be interested in him now?
Froch did well too. I forgot the fight was taking place in my hometown and was quite impressed by the amount of support Froch was getting. Froch now needs to step up. There is talk of a fight with Kessler. That would be just the kind of fight Froch needs to finally get himself onto the world stage.
Originally posted by GiRTh
I watched the fights too. This was the first time I'd ever seen Witter fight and, I have to say, I was far from impressed. I never like watching Brendon Ingle fighters. From Naz to Johnny Nelson to Herol Graham and now Witter. I've never understood why Ingle insists that his fighter switch hit. It puts too much into the fighter mind and if the fighter is anything less than a top athlete he'll stand no chance of becoming even a half decent fighter.
Witter seems to have great reflexes, good punching accuracy but the constant stance changing frustrates me just as much as it must frustrate their opponents. On the other hand I was very impressed with Bradley. His defence was good and he kept throwing that right hand all night. Sometimes he missed but when he hit I think he hurt Witter.
What do you see Witter doing now? Do you think Hatton will be interested in him now?
Froch did well too. I forgot the fight was taking place in my hometown and was quite impressed by the amount of support Froch was getting. Froch now needs to step up. There is talk of a fight with Kessler. That would be just the kind of fight Froch needs to finally get himself onto the world stage.
The trouble is unless the opponent is confused by that style it doesn't work all that well.It requires a great amount of reflexes and with Witter getting older, I'm not so sure he can keep up with that style.He got caught and put down because he was too busy switch hitting and left his guard low and his chin hanging up.To me Ingle fighters rely too much of punch power too and those wild swings from strange angles take so much energy out of the fighters and you cannot carry on that way.
I knew very little of Bradley beforehand so was kinda wary of the threat he posed but he was even better than what I'd heard.Some supposed experts said his defence wasn't any good but to me that was one of his main strengths.He's a good little compact boxer who seems to do everything well.I wouldn't be surprised to see him go on to be champion for a while yet.The commentators seemed unsure as to whether or Bradley was a big puncher or not, think it was evident that overhand right is a danger shot.
I thought the work done by the Ingle corner inbetween rounds was very poor, their man was getting beaten and they barely told him to do anything.
Witter's talking about going back down the European title route.He's the mandatory challenger for that and is likely to face the winner of Branco vs Lynes.He already beat Lynes a few years ago.I'm not so sure working your way back up the rankings with the Euro title is the best way to go to be honest.He's getting on in age now and he should be seeking a rematch with Bradley as soon as possible.He needs to be more active as well, that was his first fight since September and to be able to carry out his style you need to be bang on all the time.
As for a fight with Hatton.I think that's gone out the window well and truly now.For whatever reason,Hatton's always avoided Junior and came out with some pretty pathetic excuses.I don't think he will want to fight him now as it's still a risk with a lower reward now.
Froch does seem to be building quite a good fanbase now.He will have a world title shot later in the year, it's just a matter of who he will face now.I cannot see it being Calzaghe or Kessler, as Joe's obviously moved up and Kessler's going for another title.It could well be the winner of Pascal vs Zuniga.
GiRTh
12-05-2008, 12:45 PM
You're right. Switch hitting works when the fighter is confusing his opponent. Bradley had in his mind that he was going to jab then throw the big right and he did that all night. So it didn’t matter what stance Witter was adopting Bradley was going to attack him in more of less the same way. I was also impressed with Bradley conditioning. He looked like he could box 20 rounds.
I don’t know why Hatton would duck Witter from what I saw Hatton could cause Witter some serious problems. Do bear in mind that this was the first time I'd seen Witter fight.
Froch should probably have a crack at America. I thin they'd like him out there. If he can make a name for himself without the Calzaghe or Kessler fight then he might get a decent shot at a title.
Bradley's gameplan kinda negated the threat of Witter.Full credit to the guy, he said him and his team had been watching Junior for years in the event of him fighting him and they had a set tactics.I think Witter made it easier for him by adopting the southpaw stance.Bradley's about one of the best conditioned fighters I've seen in a while.
I think Hatton looks a bit daft ducking him to be honest.He keeps saying he doesn't want to give Junior a payday after he insulted him, kinda think it runs deeper than that.
Froch is a pretty exciting fighter, people want knockouts and he's certainly got the power to do that.Some are saying Froch is a bit slow.I'd hardly say he was a slouch and his accuracy makes up for it anyway.
GiRTh
12-05-2008, 04:42 PM
Froch is a bit slow but, as I hadn't seen him fight for ages, I forgot how good his combinations were. He should have had a shot by now. HE's wasting time.
Froch really does put his punches together well,some think he's just a puncher but he's got all round good boxing skills.Seeing as he's mandatory contender for the world title now, there's no way he wont be getting a title shot soon.
GiRTh
12-05-2008, 05:33 PM
About time. I hope he wins. I criticise him cuz he's from my home town and we went to the same gym but I honestly hope he becomes the champ.
We could do with another world champion, seems most Brits are losing their titles lately.
It's official. Alex Arthur has been declared the full WBO world super featherweight champion after Joan Guzman vacated the belt and moved up to the lightweight division. The Scotsman was due to face Guzman on May 3 in Edinburgh, but the fight was delayed when Guzman applied too late for a visa. Arthur, 29, was waiting for the fight to be rescheduled - but had his "interim" world champion status upgraded by the WBO when Guzman decided to campaign at 135 pounds. "I'm delighted with the decision by the WBO to give me full world champion status but I felt that I won the title when I beat Koba Gogoladze last July," said Arthur. "I'm confident that I would have beaten Guzman had the fight been rescheduled but I believe that I am among the elite super featherweights and want to prove myself as the best out there, but I'm proud to be Edinburgh's first world champion for 30 years, and am looking forward to making the first defence of my title. My reign now begins!" Promoter Frank Warren added: "Britain has lost a few of its world champions over the last few months but we have got one back with Alex now declared as world champion. I believe he will be a long-term world champion. I'm working hard at the moment to deliver a new date and challenger for Alex."
http://www.fightnews.com/fightnews_2/headlines//EkEplVyuFyrnKtUzQz.html
Looks like he was in the right place at the right time.Guzman would have given him nightmares.
At least its someone from the UK because as you say a lot of Brits are losing their titles.
Aye, bit of a farcical way to win a world title though.It looks like fellow Brit,Kevin Mitchell is being lined up to face him.
Another Brit will be getting a world title shot in July.Frank Warren has agreed a deal with Don King to have either Matt Skelton or Audley Harrison face Nigeria's Sam Peter for the WBC heavyweight title.Neither of them deserve it lol.
GiRTh
19-05-2008, 05:29 PM
Audleys finally going ot get a title shot. How do you reckon he'll do.
Most likely get knocked out.The bloke just doesn't have what it takes to become a world champion in my view.He excelled as an amateur but doesn't seem to be quite cut out for the pro game.He's got good technical skills of course but he mentality just isn't there,he seems to crumble anytime he gets caught with a good shot.His chin is very questionable and all.
He's very arrogant and also very deluded on his own ability.
Originally posted by bb9fanatic
i have no opinion
Thanks for taking the time to look silly :thumbs:.All in the aid of post count eh?
Originally posted by bb9fanatic
i have no opinion
Thats nice, you should've just not posted :thumbs:
About Audley, I've never really rated him tbh but good luck to him if hes after the world title.
I was just looking ahead at some odds on oddschecker and Hatton and Mayweather are going back up against eachother in just over a years time, odds are already at 5/2 for Hatton and 2/7 for Mayweather. No idea what this fight is for though.
GiRTh
20-05-2008, 03:07 PM
Dan is probably right Harrison will probably get knocked out. He's slow, his footwork is poor and I've heard he's a powder puff hitter.
Why would Hatton fight Mayweather again? Does he think he can actually win?
It's all a bit silly having betting odds on a fight that's not even scheduled yet.Ricky's already got the fight with Lazcano this weekend and then if he wins that he will face Paulie Malignaggi for the lightwelter weight world title towards the end of the year in New York.
Floyd's already got a rematch with Oscar De La Hoya lined up for September too.
Ricky's still going about how it would be different with a fairer ref, he seems to believe without Cortez he could have beat Mayweather.
GiRTh
20-05-2008, 04:33 PM
It's a sorry story that Hatton thinks he can win.
He will have to get past Malignaggi to even get the rematch with Mayweather.Beating Malignaggi is no easy feat.
I'll be interested to see how he gets on against Lazcano this week, hopefully he will be throwing more combinations rather than just coming forward and making a mess of things.I think he's forgotten what a jab is of late.
Anyone going to be watching the Hatton fight tonight then? I don't really think it's worth the £15, although it will most likely be an exciting fight it's not exactly a big name opponent.I predict Ricky will win via 10th round stoppage.Lazcano is a durable guy and he's only ever been stopped once but he's not fought since February 2007 and that's bound to have a negative impact on his fitness down the latter rounds.
On the undercard the flashy American Paulie Malignaggi defends his IBF Light Welterweight world title against the African, Lovemore N'Dou.This one is bound to go the full 12 rounds.Malignaggi's a pretty light hitter and N'dou has a granite chin.Malignaggi won the first fight via a near shutout and I expect he will do the same again.
The other fight of interest on the card involves Ricky's younger brother, Matthew.He takes on Craig Watson for the Commonwealth welterweight title, this one should really be an exciting match.Matthew has of course been in Ricky's shadow his whole career but this fight gives him the chance to make an impact against a guy who knocked Amir Khan down in the amateurs.
GiRTh
24-05-2008, 02:48 PM
I'll watch the repeat. Like you say, it's not worth 15 quid.
Just done watching a repeat on the Hatton fight online.I thought that Ricky did a good job, nothing really spectacular but he got the job done against the tough and very brave Juan Lazcano.
Ricky dominated the first two rounds, he showed no hangover from that Mayweather defeat and just went about his usual business with that all action style.There was an odd incident at the start of round three though with Hatton going down from a push but he looked slightly shaky when getting up and he ended up losing the round as Lazcano came back from the early pressure.
Hatton shook off that poor 3rd round and came out all guns blazing with hooks the body and head that were really catching the attention of Lazcano.From rounds four through to the seven, Hatton was firmly in control and was showing some of the old form with the bodyshots truly looking damaging.He was only getting caught with three or four punches in each of the rounds as Lazcano just looked to fire back to keep Ricky away or take the chance of a counter punch.
Round eight was the best of the fight with Ricky starting out well,be smart by just jabbing and moving before unloaded with the hooks but he got caught with a body punch that really took the wind out of his sails.Lazcano took full advantage and ended up landing about 6/7 punches before Ricky managed to comeback with combinations of his own.Ricky won the 9th round pretty easily and clearly stronger and showed that he wasn't really effected by the what went on in the eighth.
By the time round 10 came it was becoming a very messy fight with lots of holding, especially on the part of Lazcano who was getting by on bravery alone.Ricky was again in control but got caught with the same left hook that Mayweather knocked down with,funny how it happened in the same round and all.It certainly rocked Hatton's head back but a timely intervention came with an untied shoelace.Lazcano was in no condition to mount an offence though, he just stood in the corner looking weary during the stoppage.Ricky was able to close out the round with some good jabs and hooks to the body.
The final two rounds were all about survival for Lazcano, his pride and heart wouldn't allow him to not get through to the final bell.He was just holding on as Hatton rained in with viscious body punches and his head was rocked back a couple of times.I predicted a late stoppage win for Hatton but didn't count on Lazcano being quite so tough.Ricky ended up winning with scores of 120-110,120-108,118-110.Although a couple rounds were close, I could only give one to Lazcano.
Overall it was an entertaining fight and Hatton showed there's still a fair bit left in the tank yet.His fitness looked better down the later rounds than it has in some time, he was still up on his toes and look for the knockout and also held on a bit less.He was a bit short of breath towards end of rounds but that's understanble due to his high workrate.I liked that he jabbed and moved a bit more but he still was boaring in and getting caught, he cannot afford to do that at a higher level.Most impressive was the sheer venom behind those body punches.
On the undercard Matthew Hatton didn't have the same good fortune as his brother.He lost on points to Craig Watson and he will to look at getting back on track and challenge for the title again but he might have just found his level and that's not exactly a high one to be honest.
Paulie Malignaggi managed to just about scrape past Lovemore N'dou by the sounds of things, winning a split decision.Malignaggi was talking about dazzling the crowd and winning ease but didn't do either judging by the reports.He is also said to have broken his hand, that might well have had the effect on his performance.He's very susceptible to hand injuries and it might delay the fight with Hatton.I'm looking forward to the potential match-up though.
Another one of those packed weekends of boxing action.We start tonight with an intriguing domestic fight for the British featherweight title between Paul Appleby and John Simpson.There is a lot of hype around Appleby,he's only 20 years old but is being touted as a world champion in the making but this is a real step up for him.Simpson is only 25 himself but has faced a lot of difficult challenges and lost 5 times already but that doesn't tell the whole story.It should be a real battle and could elevate Appleby onto big things.
Another fight of interest tonight is between Souleymane M'baye and Herman Ngoudjo.M'baye lost his light welterweight title last year to Gavin Rees but has won twice since then but this is going to be a real test as Ngoudjo has lost controversial decisions to two of the top guys in the division.The winner will surely get a world title shot.
Tomorrow we have two big events over in America.In Connecticut we have two world title fights.We have the rematch between Carlos Quintana and Paul Williams for the WBO Welterweight title.In the first fight, Quintana took both Williams title and unbeaten record.Quintana manged to overcome the massive height and reach disadvantage to win a unaminous decision.In the main even Vernon Forrest defends his WBC Light Middleweight title against Sergio Mora.Forrest is a veteran of the game at 37 years old but has shown no sign of slowing up despite several shoulder injuries.Sergio Mora was the winner of the first series of the contender and comes in unbeaten but he's been very inactive since winning the show and looked awful at the weigh-in.I think Forrest is going to have a bit too much for him.
Over in New Jersey two Brits are in action.The exciting youngster Kevin Mitchell takes on the experienced Mexican Walter Estrada.It can only help Mitchell's progression by fighting over in the states as he prepares himself to move onto world title level.In the main event, Gary Lockett challenges the undisputed world middleweight champion, Kelly Pavlik.Lockett is the mandatory challenger to the belts but comes in as a huge underdog.Pavlik is rightly the massive favorite to win after dispatching of several top contenders before finally winning the title from Jermain Taylor.The one thing in Lockett's favour is that he's got big punching power and with Pavlik's style he leaves himself open and he might just get the chance.Lockett doesn't strike me as someone that really is a fan of boxing and he could fold when the going gets tough and just ride into the sunset with his pay check.
M'Baye vs Ngoudjo is live at 2am on Eurosport for anyone that's interested.
Pavlik well and truly destoryed Gary Lockett, it was a total mis-match.Lockett just didn't have any head movement and he was getting blasted with almost every single shot that Pavlik threw.I'm not sure I'd have even let him carry on in the second round when he went down twice and his face was a bloody mess.It was finally stopped in the 3rd round after he got caught with a lovely counter left hand and the towel came in from Enzo Calzaghe.
Kevin Mitchell was given a lot of problems by Estrada and he looked as though he was about to hit the canvas in the 2nd round but he's got a solid chin and he soaked up the big left hands before unleashing a couple of his own.He managed to come from behind to stop Estrada with a sickening body punch.Mitchell learned a fair bit from this fight and he's really going to have to sharpen up his defence, especially his head movement or the same thing will happen to him as Lockett.
Over on the other card there were some pretty surprising results.Paul Williams won his world title back with a spectacular first round stoppage of Carlos Quintana.The contender winner became a wotld champion, Sergio Mora won a majority points decision over Vernon Forrest.
Kell Brook just became the British Welterweight champion after a 7th round stoppage victory against Barrie Jones.I think Kell could be a star in the future, he's only 22, so he's got plenty of time on his side.
It would be good for Calzaghe to fight Pavlik after Roy Jones Jr IMO.
Stewart
15-06-2008, 01:21 PM
I think Calzaghe will fight only once more, against Roy Jones Jnr - and probably in America, then he will retire at the top of his game.
I can see him doing the same Stewart.Pavlik's got another fight lined up in a few months and I cannot see him fighting again this year after that.Calzaghe seems to want to retire this year, so that kinda rules that one out.
Looks like Kelly Pavlik might be fighting Bernard Hopkins in October/November.That would be a real interesting fight with the huge clash of styles.
I wasn't expecting much from Gomez because hes getting on a bit but tonights performance was truly terrible.
What an exciting fight that was.I cannot believe quite how much punishment that Gomez took and he just carried on coming forward looking to land that one big punch to try and knock Khan out.That was a serious learning fight fight for Khan, his defence was shown wanting once again and the question marks over his chin will continue to go on after that 2nd round knockdown.
Khan has got a whole load of speed and does put together some real flashy combinations but his accuarcy wasn't altogether as good as it should be, he was just swinging aimlessley at times and that gave Gomez the opportunities to fire back and he seemed to hurt Khan most times he got through.I wouldn't be surprised if Khan has a damaged rib after that cracking bodyshot in the 4th round.Khan was headhunting far too much in this fight for my liking, it was all straight shots or wild hooks.Why didn't he carry on with the uppercuts that were so successful early on? Why does he hardly ever go to the body either?
Full credit to Gomez for the heart and dertimination that he showed right through the fight.For sure he's boxing ability really isn't great but he's a warrior and he gave Khan his toughest fight, despite being over the hill.
I'd really like Khan to go over to America and find a different trainer.I didn't see any improvement in him with this new trainer of his.He needs to find one that's going to help develop his defensive game and pick his punches a lot better.
Khan just needs knocking out at some point. Far too arrogant and egocentric IMO. He believes his own hype.
His old trainer runs a gym not too far away from me, but he dropped him because he knew he wasn't ready to go straight into the big fights, and although he won last night he still isn't that good and it was proof he isn't ready. You're right in saying he has next to no accuracy and rubbish defence and even though Gomez was poor in the second round he shown that once he gets going he can be good, but Khan shown he can't defend especially with the level of attacking he was doing.
Makes me laugh how he was going on about wanting to fight the winner of the world title fight between David Diaz and Manny Pacquiao,saying he would beat either of them.Firstly, he's not beaten anyone of note to actually earn a title shot and second, Pacman would knock him into the middle of next week within a few rounds.
Khan's been making digs at that old trainer of his in the build-up to the fight.Something must have gone on behind the scenes to cause them to split as they seemed to get on well before that.Khan's got a lot of hanger on's, trying to guide his career path.The trainer probably got sick of the whole circus following Khan.Gomez has been past his best for years but still gave Khan a lot of problems, he may have raised himself for this fight but it's still a good indicator of how much work Khan needs.I can only give praise to Gomez for the effort he put in.
I think that pressure fighthing style that Gomez used will beat Khan.The trouble was Gomez is no longer able to keep going at the pace needed and he was too slow to get out the way of the punches.I think if Gomez could have put together a proper combination rather than just the single shots, he might have actually pulled off the upset.
Its just sour grapes on Khans part because he got told he wasn't ready. I've been to his trainers gym and he's done a bit of training with me, and a few other people I know, he was really good. Quite strange really, his trainer isn't some personal one that was attached to him all the time- he is an approachable person and a good trainer. Knows what hes on about.
I'm glad Khan won thought. From the word go, i knew he was going to beat Gomez. He's just too fast.
He is pretty fast- something good in his favour- but he badly needs to work on being more accurate because it just looks too awkward when he keeps missing. Needs to work on his defence as well as Dan_ pointed out.
Originally posted by Tom
Its just sour grapes on Khans part because he got told he wasn't ready. I've been to his trainers gym and he's done a bit of training with me, and a few other people I know, he was really good. Quite strange really, his trainer isn't some personal one that was attached to him all the time- he is an approachable person and a good trainer. Knows what hes on about.
I've certainly only ever heard good things about that trainer and was very surprised that they parted.Whenever I've seen him in the corner, he always seems to be a calming influence and gives very thorough instructions.He's brought Jamie Moore on leaps and bounds.
Manny Pacquiao beat David Diaz via 9th round KO after a vicious straight left hand.It was totally one sided contest with Pacman winning every round on my card.Diaz could only land one punch at a time whereas Pacman was getting in with 4 or 5 and those speedy and sharp punches well and truly tore Diaz's face apart.I'd have been tempted to stop the fight on cuts alone.
Khan ought to stick well clear of Pacquiao.He'd be knocked out in the early rounds.
Strange old situation in the James Toney vs Hasim Rahman fight the other night.Rahman just about won the first round, Toney the second and then an accidental headbutt caused Rahman to be cut in the third round,which allowed Toney to take over.End of round three and Rahman says he cannot see out of one eye and then the doctor stops the fight, gets ruled a tko win for Toney but now people are calling for it to be ruled a non contest.
Jeff Lacy struggled past Epifanio Mendoza last night, only winning the fight on a majority with one judge scoring the fight a draw.Lacy got rocked a couple times and didn't really do too much to impress against a guy that's just a low skilled slugger.
Lacy is being lined up to face Jermaine Taylor later on this year now.Taylor's going to step aside from facing Carl Froch for the world title for the money fight with Lacy.
GiRTh
24-07-2008, 01:56 PM
Poor old Carl.:whistle:
Lacy looks like this is only option. He hasn't fulfilled his potential as a pro.
Carl's in a strange position of being the mandatory challenger for the world title but people aren't wanting the fight.I can understand that Taylor would rather face Lacy for more money and an easier fight.I'm not sure what's going to happen with Carl now though,there's talk of him facing Jean Pascal who's based in Canada but was born in Haiti.
Lacy's career is basically going to go nowhere now.He's not good enough to win the world title back in my view, so he's just left to beat fringe contenders from now on.Calzaghe ruined him.
I see Bernard Hopkins has just signed to fight Kelly Pavlik on October 18th in New Jersey.That's a pretty interesting fight, Hopkins is such a crafty old veteran and he certainly made Calzaghe work harder than he's ever had to before.Pavlik whilst an ever improving boxer, he's still got his flaws and is reliant on his power to win fights.Hopkins has proven he's got a good chin and his defence is difficult to get through, I could see Hopkins actually winning this one.
Huge fight on in a few hours time over in the USA between Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito for the WBA Welterweight title.With Floyd Mayweather Jr retired, this is a clash of arguably the two best welterweights in the world right now.Cotto has taken Mayweather's place as the #1 in the division but faces a real battle against the tough Mexican, Margarito.If this fight doesn't turn out to be entertaining then I'll eat my hat.
My prediction is a late stoppage win for Cotto.
In other news, Jeff Lacy has announced his retirement from boxing after his close win over Mendoza.This paves the way for Carl Froch vs Jermaine Taylor now.
Amir Khan's next opponent is meant to Derek Gainer (http://www.boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=3459&cat=boxer)
I hope he finally gets knocked out, he really needs it :colour:
I cannot see it happening Tom, if indeed this next fight's going to be against Derek Gainer.He's a 36 old who spent most of his career fighting at least two weight classes lower and he's very inactive, which probably has led to the weight gain.I suppose his record of 24 KO's from 41 contests is pretty decent though.It's just becoming typical of Khan's promoter though, letting fight over the hill fighters who used to be featherweights or guys that are feather fisted.These people aren't going to get him ready for a world title fight.
There's a young guy from Manchester named John Murray.He's the current British champion at Khan's weight and he's undefeated.After his last fight he called Khan out and said he will face anytime he likes.Khan was up for it but funnily enough his promoter wasn't.I think Murray has the skills to beat Khan, he's a very good inside fighter with power.He reminds me somewhat of a young Ricky Hatton.This is a fight that needs to happen.Khan's not even proved his the best in this country yet, let alone the world.
I see that Amir Khan's sacked trainer Jorge Rubio after only one fight working with him.I guess someone had to be made the scapegoat after Khan's shocking first defeat at the hands of Breidis Prescott.
Locke.
03-04-2010, 09:04 PM
Haye vs Ruiz due any minute now. Anyone else watching?
setanta
03-04-2010, 09:17 PM
Anywhere online to watch it David?
Locke.
03-04-2010, 09:19 PM
Anywhere online to watch it David?
http://p2p4u.net/watch/15365/1/watch-david-haye-vs-john-ruiz---lord-of-the-ring.html
There's other links to the right of the stream incase it gets took down aswell.
setanta
03-04-2010, 09:19 PM
Oh, I found a site. Hasn't started yet. Wonder what time he's on at?
Locke.
03-04-2010, 09:23 PM
Was supposed to start at 10 I think but this last fight lasted longer than expected.
Think it will start any minute now
setanta
03-04-2010, 09:24 PM
I was never going to pay he money for it. Think he'll knock him out in 5.
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