General Boxing Thread

[Ricey]

Yafai - Conception is decent. That's worthy of a main event of its own.

It'll be good to see Ortiz on these shores. He won't be in against anyone competitive, but that's not the intended purpose of this outing.

Burton - Buglioni could be competitive, but for personally I find Buglioni one of the most boring competitors in Britain.

Quigg is rumoured to be in with Ben Jones, which is at least a live opponent, as opposed to some teak-tough Ghanaian they found hanging around outside the arena.

Therefore, IMO, the Undercard isnt great, but could have been a lot lot worse.

As for the main event - meh. As soon as Wlad fell through, it was inevitable it would be a mismatch. I think I saw one of the bookies have installed AJ at 1/25. That sums up how competitive this will be

Let's be brutally honest the fight between Wlad and Joshua was never going to happen on Dec 10. 6 weeks to promote a fight as big as that just doesn't sit right. I think it was a publicity stunt to wet the appetite of boxing fans and the tag alongs. I even think to the point of the WBA decision was done on purpose. And I also think Hearn and Joshua's camp were aware of Klitschko's injury.

This fight should happen not the Manchester Arena but in a football stadium. That will make Mr Matchroom the most money possible. The WBA has sanctioned a fight next year but what people don't get or understand is that just because that sanction it doesn't mean it will happen. All the plastics on Facebook and Twitter going crazy about the fight it's not 100% going to happen just because the WBA sanction the fight. It has to be agreed by both camps and promoters. Look at Eubank Jr and GGG that was pretty much done until Snr decided he wanted ridiculous demands.

Joshua has brought a new breed of fan to the sport. The amount of attention boxing gets these days is huge and I think he has helped in the UK. Unfortunately they are not quite as astute to the way boxing works as a business. Just because a Facebook group called Boxing World or whatever says it's going to happen and posts a photoshopped fight poster doesn't mean ****! The main outlets such as Boxing News, Sky Sports, Box Nation etc are the ones to listen to when talking about fights happening. If they say it's on well then it's on!

Rant over!

 

[GBJ]

Let's be brutally honest the fight between Wlad and Joshua was never going to happen on Dec 10. 6 weeks to promote a fight as big as that just doesn't sit right. I think it was a publicity stunt to wet the appetite of boxing fans and the tag alongs. I even think to the point of the WBA decision was done on purpose. And I also think Hearn and Joshua's camp were aware of Klitschko's injury.

Gareth A. Davies (an excellent source, who's rarely wrong) was told the deal was done, pending the WBA sanctioning it. If he was reporting it, then it's safe to say both parties were happy with the initial contract terms.

That said, I still didn't feel like it would happen though

This fight should happen not the Manchester Arena but in a football stadium. That will make Mr Matchroom the most money possible. The WBA has sanctioned a fight next year but what people don't get or understand is that just because that sanction it doesn't mean it will happen. All the plastics on Facebook and Twitter going crazy about the fight it's not 100% going to happen just because the WBA sanction the fight. It has to be agreed by both camps and promoters. Look at Eubank Jr and GGG that was pretty much done until Snr decided he wanted ridiculous demands.

Personally, I think it's gunna come down to 2 things;

1) whether Wlad fancies it or not. He's got to have a warm-up before Joshua. I can't see him getting off the couch after a year & a half & jumping straight into the ring with a dangerous opponent like Joshua. And that warm-up fight will determine whether or not he's mentally & physically still Upto the challenge. Only he will know.

2) If we assume Wlad does have at least ONE warm-up, say around late February/early March time (at the earliest), then the Joshua fight won't likely happen until (pending any injuries) Probably July-ish? If a better offer comes along for Joshua in that time, I think Hearn will struggle to turn it down. Fury will return next year, Wilder will be available, Haye will keep making waves. All 3 of them are easily marketable at a football stadium, they all make a truck full of cash. And being honest, on top of that, the one problem Wlad has, is his stock is down with the casuals, as the general perception is, "he is past it, hence Fury beating him".

you're bang on. Just because the WBA (one of the most *allegedly* corrupt organisations out of the lot) has "sanctioned" a bout between them, it doesn't mean **** all. I'm gunna go out on a limb here & say I don't think it ever happens. I will be genuinely shocked if we ever see them two face off.

Joshua has brought a new breed of fan to the sport. The amount of attention boxing gets these days is huge and I think he has helped in the UK. Unfortunately they are not quite as astute to the way boxing works as a business. Just because a Facebook group called Boxing World or whatever says it's going to happen and posts a photoshopped fight poster doesn't mean ****! The main outlets such as Boxing News, Sky Sports, Box Nation etc are the ones to listen to when talking about fights happening. If they say it's on well then it's on!

Rant over!

True, but even then, I take those outlets with a pinch of salt. The guys to be listening to, are those in and around the business. Gareth A. Davies, Dan Rafael are generally very good for rumours or behind-the-scenes info

 

[Chalky]

Gareth A. Davies (an excellent source, who's rarely wrong) was told the deal was done, pending the WBA sanctioning it. If he was reporting it, then it's safe to say both parties were happy with the initial contract terms.

That said, I still didn't feel like it would happen though



Personally, I think it's gunna come down to 2 things;

1) whether Wlad fancies it or not. He's got to have a warm-up before Joshua. I can't see him getting off the couch after a year & a half & jumping straight into the ring with a dangerous opponent like Joshua. And that warm-up fight will determine whether or not he's mentally & physically still Upto the challenge. Only he will know.

2) If we assume Wlad does have at least ONE warm-up, say around late February/early March time (at the earliest), then the Joshua fight won't likely happen until (pending any injuries) Probably July-ish? If a better offer comes along for Joshua in that time, I think Hearn will struggle to turn it down. Fury will return next year, Wilder will be available, Haye will keep making waves. All 3 of them are easily marketable at a football stadium, they all make a truck full of cash. And being honest, on top of that, the one problem Wlad has, is his stock is down with the casuals, as the general perception is, "he is past it, hence Fury beating him".

you're bang on. Just because the WBA (one of the most *allegedly* corrupt organisations out of the lot) has "sanctioned" a bout between them, it doesn't mean **** all. I'm gunna go out on a limb here & say I don't think it ever happens. I will be genuinely shocked if we ever see them two face off.



True, but even then, I take those outlets with a pinch of salt. The guys to be listening to, are those in and around the business. Gareth A. Davies, Dan Rafael are generally very good for rumours or behind-the-scenes info

Agree with pretty much about all that. Apart from the bit when you say Klitchsko would want a tune up fight. I highly doubt that because surely he wouldn't risk potentially picking up an injury from it? Who knows. Maybe, but I'm not so sure.

Whats your thoughts on the Monte Carlo card next week? Some decent fights on that bill.

 

[GBJ]

Agree with pretty much about all that. Apart from the bit when you say Klitchsko would want a tune up fight. I highly doubt that because surely he wouldn't risk potentially picking up an injury from it? Who knows. Maybe, but I'm not so sure.

Whats your thoughts on the Monte Carlo card next week? Some decent fights on that bill.

Well, here's my thinking with Wlad, if he met AJ in April/May time, that would make it 16/17 months since he lost to Fury. That's a long time for a boxer not to fight, especially one of Wlad's age. There's no real telling how much ring rust could build up in that time. It would be the longest time in Wlad's entire career, that he'd have gone without fighting. I also believe the manner of the loss to Fury, will undoubtedly have affected Wlad mentally, but to what extent, is still unknown.

Then of course, you add to the mix he's fighting a very dangerous opponent (For all AJ's flaws, he's still a dangerous opponent for anyone on the planet) To jump in cold, against such a live opponent either means Wlads got some serious radioactively-mutated Ukranian balls..... or he's simply lost the plot completely. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, but I can't think of a fighter jumping straight in with a live* opponent, after a bad defeat & such a long time off.

*Im probably doing AJ a disservice there, as he's not just a live opponent, but probably top 5 most dangerous fighters Wlad could face.

Previously IIRC, Wlad said he wanted to fight until he was about 45ish. He'd be 41 at the time of the AJ fight. To me, if he was serious about going til 45, then there really isn't a need to rush the AJ fight. He'd probably still have a good 6-8 fights in him, against lesser opponents. Instead of desperately rushing the AJ fight, He could easily go the WBA route, win their "Super" title, and carry on defending against lesser opponents, Meaning he doesn't have to cross swords with AJ, until he wants to. Which of course gives him a better bargaining chip.


As for Monte Carlo, it's a bit of an odd one for me. The McDonnell brothers bother the arse off me, same as the Smith brothers (barring Callum) so I'm genuinely not that fussed about their fights.

Murray Vs Chudinov is intriguing, albeit a weird one also. Murray has no business with boxing these days. Not as a genuine contender anyway. Especially not at SMW. He was dominated by Groves, who himself has regressed majorly over the past 2 years. Which current SMW champ does Murray beat? I can't see any? And that goes for MW aswell really. He wasn't good enough to crack that Elite level last time, and still wouldn't now. He's a good boxer, who's unfortunately stuck in a weight division(s) with simply, better fighters. I can see him now becoming a tough journeyman, and nothing more.

As for the fight, Chudinov was schooled by Eubank in his only career defeat, which on paper looks very good. However, his resume is heavily padded, and in reality Chudinov is nothing more than a good European Level stepping stone. I genuinely have no idea how this fight goes.

I like Ortiz vs Malik. Even though he's a late bloomer, Ortiz is very dangerous. I can't honestly believe Hearn is potentially lining up him & AJ next year. That fight has the potential for real fireworks.
I'm not a fan of Malik Scott though. Ever since his blatant dive & quit against Chisora a few years ago, I've though the geezer was a wasted talent. He reminds me a bit of Viciois Victor Ortiz, or James Kirkland. Incredible potential, but just didn't want to realise that potential & become great. I fancy Ortiz to decapitate Scott around the 4-6 mark.

 

[Chalky]

Well, here's my thinking with Wlad, if he met AJ in April/May time, that would make it 16/17 months since he lost to Fury. That's a long time for a boxer not to fight, especially one of Wlad's age. There's no real telling how much ring rust could build up in that time. It would be the longest time in Wlad's entire career, that he'd have gone without fighting. I also believe the manner of the loss to Fury, will undoubtedly have affected Wlad mentally, but to what extent, is still unknown.

Then of course, you add to the mix he's fighting a very dangerous opponent (For all AJ's flaws, he's still a dangerous opponent for anyone on the planet) To jump in cold, against such a live opponent either means Wlads got some serious radioactively-mutated Ukranian balls..... or he's simply lost the plot completely. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, but I can't think of a fighter jumping straight in with a live* opponent, after a bad defeat & such a long time off.

*Im probably doing AJ a disservice there, as he's not just a live opponent, but probably top 5 most dangerous fighters Wlad could face.

Previously IIRC, Wlad said he wanted to fight until he was about 45ish. He'd be 41 at the time of the AJ fight. To me, if he was serious about going til 45, then there really isn't a need to rush the AJ fight. He'd probably still have a good 6-8 fights in him, against lesser opponents. Instead of desperately rushing the AJ fight, He could easily go the WBA route, win their "Super" title, and carry on defending against lesser opponents, Meaning he doesn't have to cross swords with AJ, until he wants to. Which of course gives him a better bargaining chip.


As for Monte Carlo, it's a bit of an odd one for me. The McDonnell brothers bother the arse off me, same as the Smith brothers (barring Callum) so I'm genuinely not that fussed about their fights.

Murray Vs Chudinov is intriguing, albeit a weird one also. Murray has no business with boxing these days. Not as a genuine contender anyway. Especially not at SMW. He was dominated by Groves, who himself has regressed majorly over the past 2 years. Which current SMW champ does Murray beat? I can't see any? And that goes for MW aswell really. He wasn't good enough to crack that Elite level last time, and still wouldn't now. He's a good boxer, who's unfortunately stuck in a weight division(s) with simply, better fighters. I can see him now becoming a tough journeyman, and nothing more.

As for the fight, Chudinov was schooled by Eubank in his only career defeat, which on paper looks very good. However, his resume is heavily padded, and in reality Chudinov is nothing more than a good European Level stepping stone. I genuinely have no idea how this fight goes.

I like Ortiz vs Malik. Even though he's a late bloomer, Ortiz is very dangerous. I can't honestly believe Hearn is potentially lining up him & AJ next year. That fight has the potential for real fireworks.
I'm not a fan of Malik Scott though. Ever since his blatant dive & quit against Chisora a few years ago, I've though the geezer was a wasted talent. He reminds me a bit of Viciois Victor Ortiz, or James Kirkland. Incredible potential, but just didn't want to realise that potential & become great. I fancy Ortiz to decapitate Scott around the 4-6 mark.

Yeah Im also sure it has affected Wlad mentally. But I just think there is so much money in fighting AJ its just worth it for him. But we shall see.

Surprised to see your opinion on Jamie McDonnell. I think he is probably one of the most underrated champions Britain have. To go to america twice and beat Kameda twice really is something. The way he goes about Business in the ring is simple but effective, I rate him. Would love him to fight Rigondeaux but cant see that happening. Also wouldn't mind seeing him move up to featherweight but in a recent IFL interview he just doesn't seem to entertain the idea. Cant form on opinion on his brother Gavin as I haven't really watched him.

I must say the fight Im least looking forward too on the bill is Murray/Chudinov. Martin Murray just doesn't interest me one bit. Tough guy though. I was slightly interested when he was originally fighting Abraham but still couldn't really care. Hope he wins though of course.

Stephen Smith V Jason Sosa, again not too bothered. As Stephen Smith doesn't interest me. In all honesty I find him boring to watch. Don't know much about his opponent Sosa, but he drew with Nicholas Walters.

Ortiz/Malik Scott. Am looking forward to this, good little fight for Ortiz to introduce himself to the UK fans. Obviously expecting him to knock Scott out. Be interesting to see if Ortiz/AJ ever happens. I would make a guess that is on the back burner.

 

[Ricey]

Just got myself free tickets to see the fight on 26th Nov at Cardiff through tickets for troops. Looking forward to this as the main event is Billy Joe Saunders a fighter I've been desperate to see live. Someone who unfortunately has won the world title and like Tyson just gone inactive through 'injuries'. Liam Williams is fighting too and will no doubt excite the local crowd like he did the last time and Terry Flanagan is also fighting. Hopefully he comes through (which shouldn't be an issue) and then they finally sort out the fight with Crolla or set him up with Linares.

 

[Ricey]

So last night the fight I was most looking forward too was the worst/most boring.

Ortiz won easily but should've ended it earlier and Scott didn't really offer much. Think he tried the David Haye tactic from the Valuev fight just dancing round for 12 rounds to tire him and hope you can get him later on. Unfortunately Ortiz was too good for that but you could see it frustrated the hell out of him! He wasn't too happy with his own performance you could clearly see from his reaction at the final bell. It will be interesting to see who he will fight next.

McDonnell was very lucky, a close fight who I personally thought he lost.

Martin Murray looked alright it was nothing special but ground out a win. Felt for him after being messed around by two different opponents.

The fight of the night for me was clearly Smith vs Sosa. A hell of a brawl straight from the off and it looked like it would be over pretty quickly after a barrage of great connections from Sosa. Smith showed he could withstand that barrage and I thought he won the later rounds but by then it was way too late. Sosa looks a decent fighter question is will he look decent when in the ring with a Walters or Lomenchenko?

Not the greatest night of boxing but the last fight won it for me and thoroughly enjoyed that.

 

[Ricey]

Big one this weekend in Vegas! I am genuinely struggling to call it but I think Ward is going to win, he will outbox Kovalev.

Thoughts?

 

[GBJ]

Big one this weekend in Vegas! I am genuinely struggling to call it but I think Ward is going to win, he will outbox Kovalev.

Thoughts?

Ward on points. Despite basically being an inactive fighter over the past few years, Ward is still simply one of the best around. I give Kovalev a punchers chance, and nothing more.

Being honest, I'm expecting a bit of an ugly, scrappy fight tbf. I expect it to be fought at Wards pace. His slick Floyd-esqe movement will frustrate & wear down Kovalev, whilst his lightning fast, point scoring jabs, will ensure he banks round after round.

Kov's only got 2 game plans IMHO. A) Rattle Ward early. He has to catch him cold, and not allow him to settle into that slick rhythm. If, and it's a big If, he can do that in the opening round, then he's got a chance of finishing him with that one killer blow. Otherwise I see Ward slipping into that rhythm & shutting Kov out. Which means he'll have to opt for plan B) Throw the kitchen sink at Ward in the Championship rounds, and just hope one of those bombs detonates.

 

[GBJ]

I'm seeing more talk about a Connor McGregor - Floyd "superfight" :hilarious:


I genuinely don't understand the hype around it. It's a one-sided fight, where Floyd records his first KO victory since Vic Ortiz. It's as cut & dry a result, as if it were scripted. So why am I so intrigued?

I'm not a big UFC/MMA fan, but here's what I do know..

- McGregor trains incredibly hard, and is super fit. Yet he gasses in 5 X 5 minute rounds. How could he manage 12 X 3 minute rounds? Especially considering the vast majority of his power shots, would be hitting air.

- I've seen footage of McGregor sparring Chris Algeri (IIRC), and he was way out of his depth. Algeri's movement & shots were far superior, and majorly troubled CM. Chris Algeri is barely World Level. You could easily make a case for him NOT being World Level. If a mid-level fighter can subdue McGregor so easily, what would an Elite level fighter do.

Its undeniable, McGregor (and most MMA fighters) would blitz most boxers, in a cage. But under the Marquess of the Queensbury, no MMA fighter, gets remotely close to toppling the best P4P fighter of our generation. I'd fancy Floyd to slip him for a few rounds, tire him out, land at will with the counters, break his heart, then eventually stop him with a barrage of unanswered punches around the 6-7th.

The event itself would be an amazing spectacle. The build-up, the promotion, everything would far eclipse anything ever seen in pro-combat history. The fight itself is potentially the biggest Frankestein abomination, in history. But Jesus ****, it'd be interesting

EDIT: it wasn't Chris Algeri, it was Chris Van Heerden, whic is even worse

 

[Ricey]

I'm seeing more talk about a Connor McGregor - Floyd "superfight" :hilarious:


I genuinely don't understand the hype around it. It's a one-sided fight, where Floyd records his first KO victory since Vic Ortiz. It's as cut & dry a result, as if it were scripted. So why am I so intrigued?

I'm not a big UFC/MMA fan, but here's what I do know..

- McGregor trains incredibly hard, and is super fit. Yet he gasses in 5 X 5 minute rounds. How could he manage 12 X 3 minute rounds? Especially considering the vast majority of his power shots, would be hitting air.

- I've seen footage of McGregor sparring Chris Algeri (IIRC), and he was way out of his depth. Algeri's movement & shots were far superior, and majorly troubled CM. Chris Algeri is barely World Level. You could easily make a case for him NOT being World Level. If a mid-level fighter can subdue McGregor so easily, what would an Elite level fighter do.

Its undeniable, McGregor (and most MMA fighters) would blitz most boxers, in a cage. But under the Marquess of the Queensbury, no MMA fighter, gets remotely close to toppling the best P4P fighter of our generation. I'd fancy Floyd to slip him for a few rounds, tire him out, land at will with the counters, break his heart, then eventually stop him with a barrage of unanswered punches around the 6-7th.

The event itself would be an amazing spectacle. The build-up, the promotion, everything would far eclipse anything ever seen in pro-combat history. The fight itself is potentially the biggest Frankestein abomination, in history. But Jesus ****, it'd be interesting

EDIT: it wasn't Chris Algeri, it was Chris Van Heerden, whic is even worse

This whole things grips my **** everytime it's brought up in conversation even more so when McGregor is gobbing off about it.

In the octagon McGregor wins and in the boxing ring Mayweather wins. It's that simple, it would be the most one sided fight of all time. Spencer Fearon was talking about it the other day and said he has seen McGregor sparring and he knows amateurs that would have him on his arse.

Yeah it will bring loads of money and attention but for the purist of Boxing and MMA they will know that it's the biggest load of **** going.

Just winds me up McGregor needs to stick to his MMA and being a knob, and Mayweather needs to focus on win no.50 because that's what we all want. I don't care who Garcia, Pacquiao 2, Brook, Khan or Thurman. Just get it sorted.

 

[Ricky Otto]

Given that we are on the subject of UFC and boxing I thought I'd ask you guys opinion on the rise of UFC and whether you think it will have an affect on boxing? I don't often post on this thread but I read it all the time, I'm a fairweather boxing fan and only really watch big events and I find some of the posts on here really educational, particularly GBJ and Ricey's. I know i'll get some well thought out answers here. I'm not really into UFC, I have watched a couple of fights and it is quite savage. I'm quite surprised that there haven't been more deaths as a result of some of these fights (a google search tells me only 4). Given the increased safety measures in boxing these days and a great deal of caution exercised when it comes to stoppages could a couple of high profile deaths put a stop to the juggernaut that is UFC? It seems to me, with all the young guys I know through football etc that UFC is capturing the imagination with them far more than boxing. What are your thoughts guys? Is UFC a legitimate threat to boxing?

 

[Ricey]

Given that we are on the subject of UFC and boxing I thought I'd ask you guys opinion on the rise of UFC and whether you think it will have an affect on boxing? I don't often post on this thread but I read it all the time, I'm a fairweather boxing fan and only really watch big events and I find some of the posts on here really educational, particularly GBJ and Ricey's. I know i'll get some well thought out answers here. I'm not really into UFC, I have watched a couple of fights and it is quite savage. I'm quite surprised that there haven't been more deaths as a result of some of these fights (a google search tells me only 4). Given the increased safety measures in boxing these days and a great deal of caution exercised when it comes to stoppages could a couple of high profile deaths put a stop to the juggernaut that is UFC? It seems to me, with all the young guys I know through football etc that UFC is capturing the imagination with them far more than boxing. What are your thoughts guys? Is UFC a legitimate threat to boxing?

For me Boxing will always be there and in recent times with the likes of Anthony Joshua and some exciting domestic bouts it's attracted new crowds. There are a lot of exciting boxers around that will keep people interested too the likes of GGG, Kovalev, Ward, Canelo, Choclatito, Pacquiao and a possible Mayweather return.

UFC has had a huge interest recently due to having a couple of popular fighters. Ronda Rousey and Conor McGregor are the Anthony Joshua and Nicola Adams of UFC. They are the people who are thrusted into the limelight and will attract new fans. It also attracts attention for media outlets who previously haven't showed much of an interest if any in the sport. Sky Sports are often putting articles up about McGregor and Rousey but don't really put much else regarding UFC up.

The fact of the matter and my response to your question of will it get bigger. McGregor has used the Mayweather prospective bout to boost his media attention and get attraction on him. He isn't using another UFC fighters name as there is no one in UFC who is anywhere near the scale of Mayweather. The sport is big but it's too American and they don't like to change their ways either. They had a fight over here recently and to cater for the yanks they made the people watching it live have to wait until 4am for the main event.

The sport is brutal and it will take a high profile death or someone getting seriously injured for them to start the whole should it be banned. It's not in the media as much as boxing and I don't think the moaners of life those who like to complain about anything even know it exists.

I will watch the odd UFC fight and understand the skill I have studied MMA and Thai Boxing and know how demanding it is. But for me Boxing will always be streaks ahead of it in popularity.

 

[GBJ]

Given that we are on the subject of UFC and boxing I thought I'd ask you guys opinion on the rise of UFC and whether you think it will have an affect on boxing? I don't often post on this thread but I read it all the time, I'm a fairweather boxing fan and only really watch big events and I find some of the posts on here really educational, particularly GBJ and Ricey's. I know i'll get some well thought out answers here. I'm not really into UFC, I have watched a couple of fights and it is quite savage. I'm quite surprised that there haven't been more deaths as a result of some of these fights (a google search tells me only 4). Given the increased safety measures in boxing these days and a great deal of caution exercised when it comes to stoppages could a couple of high profile deaths put a stop to the juggernaut that is UFC? It seems to me, with all the young guys I know through football etc that UFC is capturing the imagination with them far more than boxing. What are your thoughts guys? Is UFC a legitimate threat to boxing?

Yourself (and everyone else for that matter) are always welcome to join the discussions in this thread mate. Being a fair weather/casual/big-fight fan doesn't mean you can't add a valuable contribution. We all started off as casuals at some point.

You've posed a genuinely tough question. Personally I don't think UFC will overtake boxing, at least not in our lifetime. That being said, the way it is run, is a breath of fresh air and something Boxing could learn a lot from.

You see, UFC is a brand. That means there is only one governing body, one board of control, one promotional company, one TV deal, one belt in each division, one boss. This means, making the big fights, where the best face the best, is easily done. In any combat sport, you always want to see the best pitted against the best, and that is one reason why UFC has skyrocketed in popularity. It's one area where boxing is left dragging its feet. With the corruption & sheer greed in boxing, trying to arrange a fight between 2 of the best, is nigh on impossible. It takes 84 lawyers, 17 negotiators, 2 television companies, 12 contract drafts, 5 brown envelopes & a partridge in a peartree. Take Floyd-Pac for example. It happened 5 years later than it should, which was because of all the different variables involved. UFC doesn't have so many variables, so it's easier to come to agreements.

And that's another reason why boxing is left lagging. There is genuinely no need for so many different associations/federations/organisations/unions. The only reason they all exist, is to cream off as much money from the sport as is humanly possible. They serve no actual purpose. Imagine FIFA, as they exist now, but add on another 4/5/6 versions of them, who are all seemingly as crooked & greedy as the next. Take the WBA (World Boxing Association) for example. In every weight division, they have an interim champion, a regular champion & a Super champion. Eh? What? They have 3 types of champion? In football terms, it's like Germany, Portugal & England all being crowned as the best team in the world. It doesn't make sense. Well not until you start marketing their games as X vs the world champions $$$$$$$

As you say, with the increased safety measures & precautions, especially from referees, serious injuries are scarce these days. I don't think a death would slow anything down on either side though. If anything, I think it would make it more popular. I'm not advocating that happening by the way, just supposing. Afterall, it's no wonder the most fearsome punchers, are always the most popular to watch.

 

[Massimo Giovanni]

I watched Groves fight on C5 last night and he was very controlled but fast and strong.
The fight ought to have been stopped before the last few rounds BUT the Russian obviously wanted to last until the final bell despite the beating he was taken.

 

[Ricey]

Really close fight, not the prettiest but Ward got the job done and I scored it Ward Just edging it. Really pleased for him!

 

[GBJ]

I watched Groves fight on C5 last night and he was very controlled but fast and strong.
The fight ought to have been stopped before the last few rounds BUT the Russian obviously wanted to last until the final bell despite the beating he was taken.

Groves looks a shell of his former self. He used to ooze confidence in the ring, Now, half the time, he looks like a rabbit caught in the headlights. He's lost that killer edge IMO. I can't see him winning a world title in this current form. And I'm a massive Groves fan.

Agree the fight should have been stopped earlier. Terry O'Connor isn't a bad ref, but he dropped a clanger IMO. Definitely should have been stopped 2-3 rounds before the end. It was clear that the German wasn't gunna stop Groves, he wasn't gunna win on points, so he was just taking unnecessary punishment. As it turns out, He collapsed after the fight, and was rushed to hospital. Haven't heard anything since.

Really close fight, not the prettiest but Ward got the job done and I scored it Ward Just edging it. Really pleased for him!

Tough to score. I just about edged Ward. After the knockdown, I didn't think he'd make it past 4, but credit to him, he battled back & showed his class. I can understand Kov's disappointment, because he had a lot of success throughout the fight. I wouldn't object to a rematch, but I wouldn't clamour for it. Would prefer Ward to face Stevenson now, and if he gets through that, then a rematch against Kov.

 

[Ricey]

Groves looks a shell of his former self. He used to ooze confidence in the ring, Now, half the time, he looks like a rabbit caught in the headlights. He's lost that killer edge IMO. I can't see him winning a world title in this current form. And I'm a massive Groves fan.

Agree the fight should have been stopped earlier. Terry O'Connor isn't a bad ref, but he dropped a clanger IMO. Definitely should have been stopped 2-3 rounds before the end. It was clear that the German wasn't gunna stop Groves, he wasn't gunna win on points, so he was just taking unnecessary punishment. As it turns out, He collapsed after the fight, and was rushed to hospital. Haven't heard anything since.



Tough to score. I just about edged Ward. After the knockdown, I didn't think he'd make it past 4, but credit to him, he battled back & showed his class. I can understand Kov's disappointment, because he had a lot of success throughout the fight. I wouldn't object to a rematch, but I wouldn't clamour for it. Would prefer Ward to face Stevenson now, and if he gets through that, then a rematch against Kov.

He has undergone surgery from the reports I have read. Not quite sure what surgery or the reason for the surgery. Wish him a speedy recovery I wouldn't wish that on any fighter. No doubt this will not help the case of boxing as discussed previously.

Did you see some of the 'experts' score cards a couple had Kovalev 4 and 5 up. I don't know where they got those scores from and a lot of people kicking off about the score. Also the fact that they were all American judges and an American ref. Totally agree with you that he has to fight Stevenson next and that will be a good fight but I can still only see one outcome and that is Ward win. I think it could be a stoppage win though.

When Ward got knocked down in the 2nd he looks shaken and was very lucky the knockdown came very late in the round. If that had been early in the round I think he would have struggled to recover. But he recovered brilliantly and at times he had Kovalev in his pocket as he didn't know what to do with him. He's so used to bullying his opponents and have the upper hand with his hard hitting. Ward frustrated him and got some well worked punches in. Ward is an very intelligent fighter and that thrives against bangers we saw that before when he fought Froch. I thought he might struggle with the jump up in weight because Kovalev looked a lot bigger than he did at the weigh in.

Like I said before not the prettiest fight and agree with GBJ that I would much rather see him fight Adonis Stevenson than a Kovalev II. But only time and money will tell.

 

[GBJ]

He has undergone surgery from the reports I have read. Not quite sure what surgery or the reason for the surgery. Wish him a speedy recovery I wouldn't wish that on any fighter. No doubt this will not help the case of boxing as discussed previously.

Did you see some of the 'experts' score cards a couple had Kovalev 4 and 5 up. I don't know where they got those scores from and a lot of people kicking off about the score. Also the fact that they were all American judges and an American ref. Totally agree with you that he has to fight Stevenson next and that will be a good fight but I can still only see one outcome and that is Ward win. I think it could be a stoppage win though.

When Ward got knocked down in the 2nd he looks shaken and was very lucky the knockdown came very late in the round. If that had been early in the round I think he would have struggled to recover. But he recovered brilliantly and at times he had Kovalev in his pocket as he didn't know what to do with him. He's so used to bullying his opponents and have the upper hand with his hard hitting. Ward frustrated him and got some well worked punches in. Ward is an very intelligent fighter and that thrives against bangers we saw that before when he fought Froch. I thought he might struggle with the jump up in weight because Kovalev looked a lot bigger than he did at the weigh in.

Like I said before not the prettiest fight and agree with GBJ that I would much rather see him fight Adonis Stevenson than a Kovalev II. But only time and money will tell.

It was very subjective scoring. One of the toughest in recent memory. I could understand it being scored either way TBH. I scored one round 10-10 (can't remember which one now though) as I just couldn't split them. I guess it simply came down to what the individual perosnally preferred in a fighter. For me, Ward was getting off the better, meaningful punches. He worked the body well, and landed his jab frequently, and crisp. Kov was aggressive, but barring the knockdown, did very little to hurt or slow Ward at all. For me, that's why I edged Ward in a few of the very very close rounds.

Fully agree about the timing of the knockdown. I don't think Ward was totally gone, but he had certainly been softened up, and if Kov had the time, and landed a few clean ones, he'd have probably ended it there.

The bit I can't work out with Ward though, is why he's stepped Upto LHW. As far as I know, he was making 168lbs fairly easily, so that can't be a factor. And there were still options for him at SUper Middleweight. I understand the allure of being a 2-weight champion, but in reality, there's only really two fights there for him. He's done Kov, so if he beats Stevenson, he's effectively conquered the LHW division. where does he go next? Cruiser? Retirement?

A dream matchup, would be Ward going back down to 168, and Golovkin stepping Upto 168. I'd possibly just about favour Ward there, but I think I'd give Golovkin more of a chance than Kovalev had.

 

[GBJ]

Haye - Bellew has actually been made :hilarious:

March 4th, O2 Arena, on Sky Box Office :hilarious::hilarious:

at Heavyweight!!! :hilarious::hilarious: :hilarious:

Few thoughts....

1) Haye absolutely wrecks Bellew, in a totally one-sided fight. I see a brutal KO finish coming here. Haye can end it when he wants

2) PPV? Jesus Christ. Boxing fans being robbed again

3) I can see it actually makes sense for both fighters, Bellew will get his retirement fund & Haye steps closer to AJ.

4) the inevitable build-up programmes (Press Conferences, Gloves Are Off etc) will probably be quite entertaining, as long as you can see through all the "genuine hatred/rivalry/bad blood" waffle.