General Boxing Thread

[GBJ]

Very very poor mismatch fight, did the Kosovan even throw a punch in the 1 + rounds?
And he fell ovr very easy too.

His dive from Haye's jab in the second round, was shocking. That said, I don't think he was trying to throw the fight. More the fact he knew he was in against a superior fighter, and simply didn't fancy taking too much punishment. There were 500k reasons he came over to face Haye. Trying to win the fight, wasn't one of them.

 

[GBJ]

Id hate for it to be true but the kosovan really looked like he was waiting to take a fall. How someone who had one of the longest unbeaten streaks in boxing can be put down so easily is beyond me. Briggs looked better then haye, there's no doubt about that.

In fairness though, that unbeaten streak doesn't really count for much. The levels between the two were so wide, that the guy never stood a chance. As I've mentioned, he was only coming for the money, he knew he had no chance of winning. Sadly, this type of thing happens regularly in boxing, from the depths of the amateur/semi-pro's, all the way to the top.

Also, Briggs opponent was worse than Haye's. Another who came for the money, with no desire of winning.

What I hate about Hayes promoted fights is that it's all about him, nights when AJ is headlining obviously he is the main draw but other fighters get their time in the lights just as much as AJ

Fairly simple reason for this. Haye is a one-man band. He's not building, or trying to progress a promotional company. His fights/events are bankrolled by 2 brothers from North London. As a result, there's no need for him (or the brothers) to spend money on a decent undercard, or production. All they're interested in, is progressing Haye's career. The difference with Matchroom is, Hearn has a rather large stable, who he needs to showcase to the public. He needs to spend time/money on undercards, to push his fighters into the spotlight, for the future.

 

[Ricey]

All kicking off between Blackwell and the Eubanks. Both have had their say on that **** Piers Morgan's morning show.

What's people's thoughts on the matter?

 

[GBJ]

All kicking off between Blackwell and the Eubanks. Both have had their say on that **** Piers Morgan's morning show.What's people's thoughts on the matter?

All a bit meh really. Im not convinced they used the situation for their own personal gain, as there wasn't actually anything to be gained from it. Looking at it objectively, if you dislike the Eubank's in general, then this is just another stick to beat them with. Imagine it wasn't the Eubank's under the spotlight. Would the same criticism be lobbied at a fans favourite, like AJ? Probably not. But what would the vitriol be like, if it was the pantomime baddie, Tyson Fury?

Also, I'll just add, that personally I think Blackwell isn't taking it too well (understandably) and is saying things he'll later regret, when he comes to terms with the situation.

 

[HudsonNo1]

I think Blackwell needs to take a deep breath and remain calm over this. I know it was a real serious situation at the time but I think his over reacted slightly. Up until this the Eubanks come out looking pretty good in the after mouth. Even now jr is saying he would like to give the belt to Blackwell after his comments.

Also so interested in people's thoughts on Dillian Whyte? Now his signed to match room and fit (will be on AJs undercard) I can see his career really picking up in the next year or two. His talking of fighting the likes of Chisora, going for the British & European titles and then a rematch with AJ later next year.. Does anyone think his got the potential to be a real contender for world titles going forward?

 

[GBJ]

I think Blackwell needs to take a deep breath and remain calm over this. I know it was a real serious situation at the time but I think his over reacted slightly. Up until this the Eubanks come out looking pretty good in the after mouth. Even now jr is saying he would like to give the belt to Blackwell after his comments.

Yep, pretty much this. Although, offering the belt is odd, as it's not even Eubank's yet. You've got to defend it 3 times before you can keep it. Not sure what the BBBoC will make of it.

Also so interested in people's thoughts on Dillian Whyte? Now his signed to match room and fit (will be on AJs undercard) I can see his career really picking up in the next year or two. His talking of fighting the likes of Chisora, going for the British & European titles and then a rematch with AJ later next year.. Does anyone think his got the potential to be a real contender for world titles going forward?

It's gunna be marketing 101 from Hearn. Whyte will have 2 fights this year (at least), which will be complete mismatches, in order to rebuild his profile as a credible contender. He'll then face Chisora at the end of this year, or early next, in what is sure to be an eliminator for a shot at AJ's paper title. Then next summer, when the Haye/Fury fights fall through, Hearn will make Joshua - Whyte II: Revenge or Repeat. Or some other catchy billing.

Basically though, I think Whyte is a very limited fighter, who isn't now, and never will be World/Elite level. He'll be a contender at best. I'd predict he'll float around the European Level, and be used as a bit of a "tough & experienced" journeyman fighter.

His chin has been checked, and the results weren't good. His punch repitoire is average, and wild. I'd question his stamina over 12 rounds aswell. He's got the potential to be involved in some exciting fights, but won't achieve anything at World/Elite level

 

[Ricey]

Here's my view on the matter:

Now if it is true which I don't doubt that Nick Blackwells family asked them not to go ahead with the press conference then the Eubanks should've respected that. The media pressing them to give answers could've been easily batted away by saying something along the lines of "Out of respect for Nick and his family we feel it would be wrong to talk about it until we know he is ok and well". That stops this dilemma.

I like Chris Eubanks Snr as a boxer and before he got involved with his son in boxing. I've met him and he is a gentleman and has time for his fans. Jnr on the other hand I'm not 100% sold on and I was really excited when I heard he was coming onto the scene and turning professional. I think the two together are the reason they have so many haters, Snr needs to take a step back and let Jnr lead his own career. Nothing wrong with him being there at training sessions and ring side but the whole getting in the ring show just makes his son look a bit of a joke. We know you were a great boxer now just let your son write his own history and not off the back of you. Nigel Benn won't be doing that with Conor he will be there but won't be the pushy idiot that Snr is being.

Back to the Blackwell situation this whole Snr saved his life ******** is starting to really grip my ****. Anyone who has any clue about boxing knows the reason he said to aim for the body is because he took a huge barrage of punches to the head and was still standing. Snr advised him to go for the body to get the TKO not to save the guys life. Snr trying to make himself out like Jesus afterwards just makes him look even more of a plank than he already does. The problem is with the fight being in channel 5 a lot of casuals will have watched it and will easily be soaked into the ******** of Chris Eubank the almighty saviour which the press will lap up. Not only that it also undermines Blackwells corner and the ref which is massively unfair as IMO and pretty much every expert in boxing say the ref and the corner did no wrong.

The constant begging by Jnr on Facebook and Twitter to go and see Blackwell was pathetic. Why do you need to post it all on social media other than just to get the attention. If he really wanted to see him why not contact his family direct not through social media. If Blackwell decided that he wanted to meet up with Jnr then smash it on Facebook, tweet all you like but the public begging was just embarrassing.

Nick Blackwell is obviously annoyed about the situation when his family said don't do a press conference and they ignored it he has every right to be ****ed. Their family didn't know if he was going to be alive or be disabled whilst the Eubanks reap the attention from the press.

 

[GBJ]

Here's my view on the matter:

Now if it is true which I don't doubt that Nick Blackwells family asked them not to go ahead with the press conference then the Eubanks should've respected that. The media pressing them to give answers could've been easily batted away by saying something along the lines of "Out of respect for Nick and his family we feel it would be wrong to talk about it until we know he is ok and well". That stops this dilemma.

In fairness though, Blackwell's family don't control the Eubank's, so I find it weird they think they've got some Devine right, to tell people what they can/can't do. Let's not forget, the Eubank's aren't just outsiders sticking their oar in, they were both directly involved in the incident. They're entitled to their say IMO.

It's obvious that the Eubank's wanted to address the situation Publicly, and I'd say it was for genuine reason. Maybe the Michael Watson history? Maybe the perception that if they didn't say anything, people would hound them for not caring, or not showing dignity? Either way, it's their right to do so.

Infact, the irony in all this, is all the talk of the Eubank's milking the media attention, when it's currently Blackwell & his family still clinging onto this, IMO, non-event.

Nick Blackwell is obviously annoyed about the situation when his family said don't do a press conference and they ignored it he has every right to be ****ed. Their family didn't know if he was going to be alive or be disabled whilst the Eubanks reap the attention from the press.

I don't really grasp this idea that they've reaped attention? I don't believe they were intentionally craving attention from the situation, as they simply don't need it. And even then, what real attention could they have been craving? It won't have done a single thing for their brand, so I can't see why they'd be attention seeking. There's literally a million other ways they could controversially grab the limelight, and this would be bottom of the list.

But as I said, to me it's all a non-event. Blackwell & his family need to move on, whilst the Eubank's are heading in an opposite direction

 

[Ricey]

Moving on from the Eubank Blackwell press conference. The main topic that seems to be littering the boxing world is failed drugs tests. Recently some high profile boxers have failed tests the first Australian Heavyweight champ Lucas Browne, then the Big Russian Alexander Povetkin found taking the same banned drug as Maria Sharapova and now today it's been announced that Lucian Bute tested positive after his fight with Badou Jack.

It seems the deeper they look into this the more people are getting caught. I know it's always been an issue but some high profile fighters are getting caught now. It's a dangerous game to be playing in boxing. When a cyclist takes drugs it makes them faster and they can cycle for longer and harder. But when a boxer takes drugs it makes them last longer but also stronger so possibly giving them extra strength to hurt someone even kill them! I can see some harsh punishments coming up for the named boxers and more boxers being tested and more big names getting found out.

 

[GBJ]

Moving on from the Eubank Blackwell press conference. The main topic that seems to be littering the boxing world is failed drugs tests. Recently some high profile boxers have failed tests the first Australian Heavyweight champ Lucas Browne, then the Big Russian Alexander Povetkin found taking the same banned drug as Maria Sharapova and now today it's been announced that Lucian Bute tested positive after his fight with Badou Jack.

It seems the deeper they look into this the more people are getting caught. I know it's always been an issue but some high profile fighters are getting caught now. It's a dangerous game to be playing in boxing. When a cyclist takes drugs it makes them faster and they can cycle for longer and harder. But when a boxer takes drugs it makes them last longer but also stronger so possibly giving them extra strength to hurt someone even kill them! I can see some harsh punishments coming up for the named boxers and more boxers being tested and more big names getting found out.

I have heard rumours about 2 specifc British fighters. I don't really believe it personally, but it's one of those, where if they were using, you wouldn't be surprised. Not too sure about the legal stuff regarding this, so I won't name them. What I will say though, is that there's plenty of athletes from the 2012 Olympics, who may be worried, right about now. Due to the new testing technology, & With it looking increasingly likely that so many people will be outed very soon, I wonder if there will be any shocks regarding our fighters? I'd suggest not, but......

 

[Ricey]

I have heard rumours about 2 specifc British fighters. I don't really believe it personally, but it's one of those, where if they were using, you wouldn't be surprised. Not too sure about the legal stuff regarding this, so I won't name them. What I will say though, is that there's plenty of athletes from the 2012 Olympics, who may be worried, right about now. Due to the new testing technology, & With it looking increasingly likely that so many people will be outed very soon, I wonder if there will be any shocks regarding our fighters? I'd suggest not, but......

Sky sports reported today that 23 re-tests of drug tests from the 2012 Olympics have come up positive! They haven't said what sport or what countries though.

 

[davewebbsbrain]

Sky sports reported today that 23 re-tests of drug tests from the 2012 Olympics have come up positive! They haven't said what sport or what countries though.

All Russia apparently

 

[Ricey]

All Russia apparently

Ah, thought it might be.

 

[Ricey]

Good win by Ricky Burns last night to become the 1st Scottish 3 weight world champ. He joins an elite list of people to be 3 weight world champs including Floyd Mayweather. Good to see Conor Benn tested last night, showed his inexperience but also his potential. A good test and what you need early on rather than fighting has beens that will just roll over after one punch. Took a couple of good blows last night and I look forward to his next test on the 25th of June.

Tony Bellew tonight with a decent undercard filled with Smith brothers and David Price's comeback fight.

 

[Ricey]

Absolutely brutal knock out by Tony Bellew!! I thought he was ****ed after his first round knock down. Great fight and a hell of a win for Bellew. That's another British World Champion to add to the list.

 

[Chalky]

Absolutely brutal knock out by Tony Bellew!! I thought he was ****ed after his first round knock down. Great fight and a hell of a win for Bellew. That's another British World Champion to add to the list.

It was a great knockout wasn't it, that Makabu was left behind! Brutal! Have to agree after the first round I wasn't so sure, his coach even said Bellew was getting greedy. He also made me a nice £35 as well!

Also interesting Tony Bellew called out David Haye at the end, To me Haye destroys Bellew all day long. Also to be honest I don't see Haye wanting to come down to Cruiserweight anyway. Thoughts?...

 

[Ricey]

It was a great knockout wasn't it, that Makabu was left behind! Brutal! Have to agree after the first round I wasn't so sure, his coach even said Bellew was getting greedy. He also made me a nice £35 as well!

Also interesting Tony Bellew called out David Haye at the end, To me Haye destroys Bellew all day long. Also to be honest I don't see Haye wanting to come down to Cruiserweight anyway. Thoughts?...

I loved the way he put it though. He went up at the right time to heavyweight when Cruiserweight wasn't as exciting. If he doesn't fight someone of any worth soon no one will want to fight him. And if that's the case then he won't get the big money fights he is after so a bout with Bellew could bring in the money Haye is after. All depends on how his heavyweight journey maps out. We all know he has a bout with Briggs next and had he fought someone half decent rather than 'the cobra' Wilder probably would've considered fighting him next. He's been told he can fight anyone out of the top 10 next and has said he won't fight Haye because he hasn't fought anyone of worth and it's not a money spinner for him. Haye is ****ing his own comeback, yes he's making a bit of money and knocking out a few bums and making the casual think wow! David Haye is the best heavyweight in the world. If he is really serious he needs to up his game if not the Bellew fight could be a good back up plan for him.

 

[Ricey]

Interesting! Seems David Haye wants it as well. The only chump will be Haye if he doesn't keep to his word and fight him.

 

[Blue_Wes]

Interesting! Seems David Haye wants it as well. The only chump will be Haye if he doesn't keep to his word and fight him.

Bellew has offered to step in and replace Shannon Briggs on Haye's September billing at the O2. I think he's only doing that, as he knows the longer it takes, and the more fights Haye has, the less chance he has of beating him. At the moment, Haye has fought a couple of bums, and hasn't really tested himself and more specifically his shoulder over a few testing rounds.

That said I still think Haye would win that, he's still quicker, more accurate and carries a lot of power, and Bellew is a bit too easy to hit. Bellew has shown before he can box and frustrate if his head is on right, but I doubt he could avoid Haye for twelve rounds. If it happened in September, with Haye having no real tune up fights, 5-6 rounds, two more fights for Haye, and I reckon Bellew might struggle to see out the third.

I see AIBA have said pros can box in the amateurs now. Ridiculous. Simply the AIBA trying to cash in on the growing popularity of the sport, although all this talk of the amateurs being in danger is a bit OTT, I reckon with the difference in format, a few pro's could find themselves embarrassed if they chanced it. Also no surprise, Khan has immediately thrown his hat in the ring - although wanting to change his allegiance. Honestly, when you think you can't dislike the guy anymore.

 

[Ricey]

Bellew has offered to step in and replace Shannon Briggs on Haye's September billing at the O2. I think he's only doing that, as he knows the longer it takes, and the more fights Haye has, the less chance he has of beating him. At the moment, Haye has fought a couple of bums, and hasn't really tested himself and more specifically his shoulder over a few testing rounds.

That said I still think Haye would win that, he's still quicker, more accurate and carries a lot of power, and Bellew is a bit too easy to hit. Bellew has shown before he can box and frustrate if his head is on right, but I doubt he could avoid Haye for twelve rounds. If it happened in September, with Haye having no real tune up fights, 5-6 rounds, two more fights for Haye, and I reckon Bellew might struggle to see out the third.

I see AIBA have said pros can box in the amateurs now. Ridiculous. Simply the AIBA trying to cash in on the growing popularity of the sport, although all this talk of the amateurs being in danger is a bit OTT, I reckon with the difference in format, a few pro's could find themselves embarrassed if they chanced it. Also no surprise, Khan has immediately thrown his hat in the ring - although wanting to change his allegiance. Honestly, when you think you can't dislike the guy anymore.

David Haye has got to be the most overrated boxer behind Amir Khan! The bloke seems to be loved by all and no one can see through the fact he is 34, had major reconstructive surgery on his shoulder, hasn't boxed competitively for 4 years now and is of totally different build and shape. I'm not saying Bellew would knock him out early but I don't think it would be as easy a fight as you make out. Same with Joshua everyone writes him off if he were to fight Haye now I don't think it would be as clear cut as people think. Haye would struggle and if it came to a fight with Fury or Wilder I could see him getting knocked out. Maybe it's my pure hatred for the bloke that is blinding my opinion but I just don't get all the hype of the David Haye of 2016. Let's be honest when he loses,(because he will) he has that shoulder to blame it on.

The amateur thing is ridiculous and like you say the AIBA cashing in. I'm glad you brought up the Amir Khan because that really gripped me when he said he'd fight for Pakistan. The bloke has already represented the GB team. Was born in England, grew up in England, went to school in England. I understand that some of his relatives are from Pakistan but it's a **** take! You can't just pick and choose who you want to represent especially if you've already done it before for another country. It's all about his stock for him because he knows he has a big market in Pakistan and can make money out of it. The AIBA are making themselves look silly and Amir Khan just looks more of a **** than usual!