General Boxing Thread

[Ricky Otto]

Intriguing. I'm assuming it's the heaviest of his career. Normally when a fighter does something like that, it conveys a message that he's looking to add extra power to his abilities. Eubank may be looking to get stuck into Groves from the opening bell & try to end it quick. Not sure if that's a wise tactic or not. As predictable as it would have been, his best chance of winning, was to take Groves into the second half of the fight, then try to catch him. I've obviously covered Groves problems with concentration & stamina.

Very strange gamble from Eubank, who's simply not known or respected for his power. It'll be an excellent move if it pays off.

Also, as a side note, I really really hope Snr is wearing his Police badge tonight. I have no idea why I find it so amusing, but I do.

I can't wait for this one!
I've met snr a couple of times and he never fails to amuse, the guy wants to be loved so is very friendly and will always leave you with words of wisdom that are profound in his eyes haha. The police badge is brilliant

 

[Ricky Otto]

I'll have money on a Groves points win. He's 5/1 with SkyBet, which is Quite decent TBH.



The Sauerlands have already started planning for the second series. As this was the inaugural one, there's still some things that could be ironed out & made better, but all-in-all, I think they've done excellently. For example, I don't believe for a second that we'd be seeing Groves Vs Eubank without it.

The talent they recruited has been spot on FWIW. Ramirez reminds me of the Switzerland national team. They've earned a high ranking, without facing anyone good. Ramirez might have earned the points to be classed as one of the best, but he's far from it IMO. Quite simply, the winner of the respective series, will be classed as THE number one guy in the division.

And TBH, both the Super Middleweight & Cruiserweight divisions have suffered a massive slump in the last few years, and haven't had the stand-out talent that's been evident in the past. It's the perfect reason why The Sauerlands chose those two divisions to start off with, to re-ignite some interest. Like I said, they're currently planning the second series, and I'd personally love to see them do a Heavyweight series, and a Welterweight series next. I think that this one has been such a success, that even big-name fighters would be very interested in entering.

Thanks for the tip, only had a tenner on it but £50 ain't to be sniffed at

 

[Member]

Jr absolutely has to escape his dad and get some actual tactical training. Fair play for a strong finish with a lot of guts, but Groves boxed his way to victory there.

 

[GBJ]

FWIW, my full fight prediction is this;

- Groves to boss the first six rounds
- Eubank Jr to come on strong, from round 7 onwards
- Groves will tire & probably have at least one hair-raising moment
- Groves wins on points

Sometimes, I scare myself

 

[GBJ]

Jr absolutely has to escape his dad and get some actual tactical training. Fair play for a strong finish with a lot of guts, but Groves boxed his way to victory there.

IMO, his main problem is that he's punching above his weight. Physically & figuratively.

He was/is a Middleweight. Unfortunately for him, he's found himself in an era with 2-3 Middleweights who are unbelievable and will probably end up as Hall of Famers.

He can't compete with those guys, so took the option of stepping up to a relativly weak Super Middleweight division. But he's just not cut out for it.

Two fights against live World/Elite level opponents & he's been schooled twice. He's got a long career left in him if he wants, but he'll never reach that upper echelon IMO.

I don't see how he improves. He's good. He's not great.

 

[Ricey]

Once again Chris Eubank Jr gets found out by someone who is at world level. People talk about his win over Yildrin who was a relative unknown before the fight. He's too small for SMW and he really won't be able to beat any of the top 4 Middleweights at the moment.

I love how he said he hopes for a fight against Caleb Truax, straight away calling out the weakest champ expecting to get himself a belt. (At least this time it will be a recognised belt). He needs to get his father to step away because he isn't helping his career or his progress. He stays he wants to step out of his fathers shadow, well tell him to back off and get yourself a decent trainer because he has so many holes in his game.

Groves bossed the majority of those rounds with a couple of rounds near the end going to Eubank, but nothing really troubled him. I still he would've struggled even if he didn't have the cut above his eye.

My money is still on Callum Smith to win the final though. But a great boxing display by Groves and he really did school Eubank and hopefully showed those who seemed to think Eubank was amazing that he really isn't.

 

[Ricky Otto]

I've been invited to White vs Browne next month, wondered what you guys thought of this fight as a contest? Must admit I'd never heard of Browne. I know Aussies really build up their fighters, when I lived in Oz it was a big event when Danny Green or Anthony Mundine fought, but I don't think either of them were particularly great.

 

[Blue_Wes]

I've been invited to White vs Browne next month, wondered what you guys thought of this fight as a contest? Must admit I'd never heard of Browne. I know Aussies really build up their fighters, when I lived in Oz it was a big event when Danny Green or Anthony Mundine fought, but I don't think either of them were particularly great.

I'm going to this, got tickets bought as a birthday present, I am a fan of Buglioni (I know he's limited as a fighter, but I've been a fan since seeing a few of his early SMW bouts at York Hall).

Browne held the WBA regular before being stripped due to doping. He's unbeaten, and the only name on his record is a decent stoppage win over Chagaev to win the belt. Whyte will be heavy favourite for this, 1/3-1/4 ish. I think Browne will try and take out Whyte, but will struggle with Whyte's chin to be honest, and ultimately lose late on, or on points. But I've not seen enough of Browne to be confident.

 

[GBJ]

I've been invited to White vs Browne next month, wondered what you guys thought of this fight as a contest? Must admit I'd never heard of Browne. I know Aussies really build up their fighters, when I lived in Oz it was a big event when Danny Green or Anthony Mundine fought, but I don't think either of them were particularly great.

Yeah definitely worth a night out at The O2.

On paper, the fight has the ability to be a full blown tear-up. Two heavy hitters, who are actively seeking World Title opportunities. Could be a lot of fun. On paper

Could turn into a hug fest, rather than a slug fest, as neither of them have good stamina.

Still, worth a night out

 

[GBJ]

I am a fan of Buglioni

I find Zopiclone works better for me :smile:

 

[Ricey]

GGG v Canelo 2 at T Mobile Arena Vegas 5 May. Going to try and get tickets on Tuesday!!

 

[GBJ]

GGG v Canelo 2 at T Mobile Arena Vegas 5 May. Going to try and get tickets on Tuesday!!

I think the Americans have a similar, if not worse problem than us, when it comes to touts gaining a large portion of tickets from official sellers. And of course, the other problem with BIG Vegas fights, is the casino's claim about 40% of the tickets to comp their high rollers. In short, good luck, but don't get your hopes up.

One avenue you could look at is Thomas Cook sport. They used to do package deals which included fight tickets. I used them for Hatton-Malignaggi back in 2008. For a sum of £850, I got return flights, 5 nights in The Luxor, fight tickets & champagne reception limo transfers. Was pretty decent TBH.

 

[Ricey]

I think the Americans have a similar, if not worse problem than us, when it comes to touts gaining a large portion of tickets from official sellers. And of course, the other problem with BIG Vegas fights, is the casino's claim about 40% of the tickets to comp their high rollers. In short, good luck, but don't get your hopes up.

One avenue you could look at is Thomas Cook sport. They used to do package deals which included fight tickets. I used them for Hatton-Malignaggi back in 2008. For a sum of £850, I got return flights, 5 nights in The Luxor, fight tickets & champagne reception limo transfers. Was pretty decent TBH.

I’d say worse the Lionel Richie tickets I bought at MSG were sold out a minute after going on sale and it directed me straight to a tout site and I paid over the odds. I’m not getting my hopes up at all but would be great and something I’ve always wanted to do.

Checked out Thomas Cook Sport but they have boxing or option for it on there. Good site though!

Did you see any of the boxing yesterday? Apparently Smith looked poor against a kick boxer and according to the online ‘experts’ Groves will walk all over him. I didn’t see the fight but I know this is FACT, he was trainer for a fight with Brehmer who is a southpaw. To change a fighter with less than a week to go and it be an orthodox fighter would obviously make Smith look poor. People are very critical of Smith probably because he is touted as the best of the Smith brothers. I still have high hopes for him and hope he wins the competition especially if Groves injured and they call the hype train Eubank Jr in as a replacement.

Watched the Box Nation card at York Hall. Zelfa Barrett got found out by Ronnie Clark who put on a hell of a fight and took away his 0. Barrett has never really excited me but he is one of the fighters Frank Warren thinks highly of and expected him to push for a world title. That’s not happening now!

Daniel Dubois did his usual and KO’d in great fashion. He looked a little bored in the 1st and 2nd round frustrated by Jones tactics of stay in close and grab at every chance also staying low. It seemed Dubois bucked his ideas up at the end of the second and then got out of 1st gear and destroyed him in the 3rd. He is a very quiet and shy man, some might say simple but I really like this guy. What we have to remember is this is his 7th professional fight with a limited amateur career and he is only 20. I hope he does start to get in some decent domestic level scraps and works his way up. The likes of Sexton who holds the British title and then get in there with Gorman (who also knocked his opponent out on this card), Chisora and then start aiming higher. I’d like to see him start really challenging in 2020 for world titles.

Anthony Yarde another one of my favourite prospects. I’ve met him and he is a really nice guy and I follow all of his fights. He got put in with a decentish opponent that gave him the chance to get into the later rounds and prove his has an engine. He put up a good fight and took a pasting from Yarde with some devastating shot until the body shots got to much for him and he was pulled out before the start of the 7th. It’s yet another step up for Yarde in what is a very hard division with the likes of Kovalev and Bivol being the kings of the division. He is highly ranked with the WBO and if he keeps going I wouldn’t be surprised if he challenges whoever holds the belt at the end of the year or start of next. How he gets on against a Bivol or Kovalev well I couldn’t tell you. He got hit a few times in this fight showing his defence needs work but he does have a chin. One thing I do know and sorry to upset you Wes but Yarde absolutely annihilates Buglioni. That is a fight I would like to see and I would love to stick a bet on with you if t does. Unfortunately I cannot see it happening anytime soon with the usual promotional team differences getting in the way.

Finally I see that Andre Ward is looking fit and healthy and by all accounts looking for his next dust up. Talks that he wants to fight Bellew who today says he wants to fight Fury at Old Trafford. Should Ward just stay retired? He has his health, a great record and a great legacy why bother coming back?

 

[Ricey]

Groves to undergo surgery on his shoulder and hoping to agree a one month extension for the date of the final.

 

[Blue_Wes]

I’d say worse the Lionel Richie tickets I bought at MSG were sold out a minute after going on sale and it directed me straight to a tout site and I paid over the odds. I’m not getting my hopes up at all but would be great and something I’ve always wanted to do.

Checked out Thomas Cook Sport but they have boxing or option for it on there. Good site though!

Did you see any of the boxing yesterday? Apparently Smith looked poor against a kick boxer and according to the online ‘experts’ Groves will walk all over him. I didn’t see the fight but I know this is FACT, he was trainer for a fight with Brehmer who is a southpaw. To change a fighter with less than a week to go and it be an orthodox fighter would obviously make Smith look poor. People are very critical of Smith probably because he is touted as the best of the Smith brothers. I still have high hopes for him and hope he wins the competition especially if Groves injured and they call the hype train Eubank Jr in as a replacement.

I think the issue is, not that Callum looked flat at the weekend, it's that he's looked flat for about 6/7 fights now. Since Fielding / Rebrasse. And rumour has is, Fielding's poor discipline let him down in the build up to that fight. Smith looks like he's stagnated. Whether that's an issue with Gallagher, or that he's now struggling too much with the weight, he just struggles to motivate himself, or that he simply isn't performing because the opposition are no longer rolling over, I don't know. What I do know, is that if the Smith of the last 18-24 months turns up against a fit Groves, it'll be Groves on a wide points card.

Watched the Box Nation card at York Hall. Zelfa Barrett got found out by Ronnie Clark who put on a hell of a fight and took away his 0. Barrett has never really excited me but he is one of the fighters Frank Warren thinks highly of and expected him to push for a world title. That’s not happening now!

Daniel Dubois did his usual and KO’d in great fashion. He looked a little bored in the 1st and 2nd round frustrated by Jones tactics of stay in close and grab at every chance also staying low. It seemed Dubois bucked his ideas up at the end of the second and then got out of 1st gear and destroyed him in the 3rd. He is a very quiet and shy man, some might say simple but I really like this guy. What we have to remember is this is his 7th professional fight with a limited amateur career and he is only 20. I hope he does start to get in some decent domestic level scraps and works his way up. The likes of Sexton who holds the British title and then get in there with Gorman (who also knocked his opponent out on this card), Chisora and then start aiming higher. I’d like to see him start really challenging in 2020 for world titles.

Anthony Yarde another one of my favourite prospects. I’ve met him and he is a really nice guy and I follow all of his fights. He got put in with a decentish opponent that gave him the chance to get into the later rounds and prove his has an engine. He put up a good fight and took a pasting from Yarde with some devastating shot until the body shots got to much for him and he was pulled out before the start of the 7th. It’s yet another step up for Yarde in what is a very hard division with the likes of Kovalev and Bivol being the kings of the division. He is highly ranked with the WBO and if he keeps going I wouldn’t be surprised if he challenges whoever holds the belt at the end of the year or start of next. How he gets on against a Bivol or Kovalev well I couldn’t tell you. He got hit a few times in this fight showing his defence needs work but he does have a chin. One thing I do know and sorry to upset you Wes but Yarde absolutely annihilates Buglioni. That is a fight I would like to see and I would love to stick a bet on with you if t does. Unfortunately I cannot see it happening anytime soon with the usual promotional team differences getting in the way.

Finally I see that Andre Ward is looking fit and healthy and by all accounts looking for his next dust up. Talks that he wants to fight Bellew who today says he wants to fight Fury at Old Trafford. Should Ward just stay retired? He has his health, a great record and a great legacy why bother coming back?

Given that Yarde massively ducked Burton, who at this stage beats Yarde imo, I'm not overly worried about him. Watching him waltz threw a dozen tomato cans may look good given his size, but he's not fought anyone that's really fought back that I've seen. Lets see how he does when under pressure himself. And I can tell you how he would get on against Bivol and Kovalev, he wouldn't get past the first half of the fight. He suffers the same as Buglioni in that he has limited head movement, and against fighter's that not only would be able to take his shots, but deliver big solid concussive punches of their own, he'd be found out pretty quick. It was a decent victory on Saturday, and he looked impressive, but he wasn't 1/40 on for nothing.

As for Buglioni, annihilate, come on buddy. As I say, he's limited, he's got poor to no head movement, and his footwork isn't great under pressure; all of which see's him tagged a lot (see Chudinov / Burton), but he's got a fantastic engine and work rate, and a decent chin to boot, and he would be more than capable of doing what no-one else has, and that's putting Yarde under pressure and testing his engine in the championship rounds; I think it would be far closer than you think*.

Either way, I can't wait to see him put another one of Gallagher's mob to the sword in March.


Edit : Also, sorry to go three for three, but Dubois is so over rated for me as well, He's not even been fighting proper heavyweights in some of his fights. I saw Dave Allen asked who would win out of Dubois and Joyce. Joyce all day long. It makes me laugh the amount of **** Hearn gets for protecting his fighters from Warren, when his protection of Dubois and Yarde is arguably worse.

 

[Ricey]

I think the issue is, not that Callum looked flat at the weekend, it's that he's looked flat for about 6/7 fights now. Since Fielding / Rebrasse. And rumour has is, Fielding's poor discipline let him down in the build up to that fight. Smith looks like he's stagnated. Whether that's an issue with Gallagher, or that he's now struggling too much with the weight, he just struggles to motivate himself, or that he simply isn't performing because the opposition are no longer rolling over, I don't know. What I do know, is that if the Smith of the last 18-24 months turns up against a fit Groves, it'll be Groves on a wide points card.



Given that Yarde massively ducked Burton, who at this stage beats Yarde imo, I'm not overly worried about him. Watching him waltz threw a dozen tomato cans may look good given his size, but he's not fought anyone that's really fought back that I've seen. Lets see how he does when under pressure himself. And I can tell you how he would get on against Bivol and Kovalev, he wouldn't get past the first half of the fight. He suffers the same as Buglioni in that he has limited head movement, and against fighter's that not only would be able to take his shots, but deliver big solid concussive punches of their own, he'd be found out pretty quick. It was a decent victory on Saturday, and he looked impressive, but he wasn't 1/40 on for nothing.

As for Buglioni, annihilate, come on buddy. As I say, he's limited, he's got poor to no head movement, and his footwork isn't great under pressure; all of which see's him tagged a lot (see Chudinov / Burton), but he's got a fantastic engine and work rate, and a decent chin to boot, and he would be more than capable of doing what no-one else has, and that's putting Yarde under pressure and testing his engine in the championship rounds; I think it would be far closer than you think*.

Either way, I can't wait to see him put another one of Gallagher's mob to the sword in March.


Edit : Also, sorry to go three for three, but Dubois is so over rated for me as well, He's not even been fighting proper heavyweights in some of his fights. I saw Dave Allen asked who would win out of Dubois and Joyce. Joyce all day long. It makes me laugh the amount of **** Hearn gets for protecting his fighters from Warren, when his protection of Dubois and Yarde is arguably worse.

Woah woah woah, lets have it right I think you will find it was Buglioni ducking Yarde. He wouldn’t fight him without Yarde fighting Burton first! Why should Yarde jump over hurdles to fight Buglioni? They are both around the same level. Buglioni looked terrible against Richards and I think he will look the same against Johnson.

Dubois is 20! Of course Warren is going to protect him exactly the same as Hearn has done with Joshua. Other than a very old Klitschko he’s fought European level fighters at best in the latter part. Dillian Whyte was his first decent fight and that was his 16th fight. Joyce has an excellent amateur career so will be streets ahead of Dubois at this moment in time and it would be dangerous for Warren to put him in against him. Hearn wouldn’t have done put Joshua in against him this early on. We will just have to wait and see how this one pans out.

I take it you’re in the Joe Gallagher hate club that seems to follow him? I agree he hasn’t looked brilliant in the last 6/7 fights. But let’s be honest he hasn’t really been put in against anyone half decent so it’s going to bore him. The Groves fight will excite him and I’d like to think we will see the best Smith yet. I reckon he’ll jump up weight after that as he obviously does struggle to meet the super middleweight limit.

 

[Ricey]

No Vegas for me! Got through for tickets and the cheapest available after getting through 20 seconds after going on sale was the $2500 ones. I like boxing and would love to go see it but $5000 on boxing tickets is mental. Oh well hopefully another fight in Vegas will present itself for me to go too.

 

[GBJ]

Groves to undergo surgery on his shoulder and hoping to agree a one month extension for the date of the final.

I fully expect The Sauerlands to reschedule the bout. Anything less would make a mockery of the tournament.

I think the issue is, not that Callum looked flat at the weekend, it's that he's looked flat for about 6/7 fights now. Since Fielding / Rebrasse. And rumour has is, Fielding's poor discipline let him down in the build up to that fight. Smith looks like he's stagnated. Whether that's an issue with Gallagher, or that he's now struggling too much with the weight, he just struggles to motivate himself, or that he simply isn't performing because the opposition are no longer rolling over, I don't know. What I do know, is that if the Smith of the last 18-24 months turns up against a fit Groves, it'll be Groves on a wide points card.

This. Smith has never looked world class to me, or even demonstrated that he's got the tools to mix it at world class. He's just anothe Smith brother to me; good domestically, interesting at Euro level, out of his depth at World.

Really hoping the bookies drop another clanger and install Smith as the favourite, just as they did with Eubank.

I take it you’re in the Joe Gallagher hate club that seems to follow him?

I'm a fully fledged member of said club!! I despise Gallagher.

No Vegas for me! Got through for tickets and the cheapest available after getting through 20 seconds after going on sale was the $2500 ones. I like boxing and would love to go see it but $5000 on boxing tickets is mental. Oh well hopefully another fight in Vegas will present itself for me to go too.

Those tickets were always gunna be difficult. Vegas fight nights are the best

 

[GBJ]

On that morning programme with Piers Morgan, they were discussing the death of Scott Westgarth, and whether Boxing should be banned.

Some Botox-loving doctor, (who in fairness had enough on her plate to worry about) was saying the sport should definitely be banned. It's simply incredulous, sensationalistic & overly dramatic to even suggest it.

 

[Ricey]

On that morning programme with Piers Morgan, they were discussing the death of Scott Westgarth, and whether Boxing should be banned.

Some Botox-loving doctor, (who in fairness had enough on her plate to worry about) was saying the sport should definitely be banned. It's simply incredulous, sensationalistic & overly dramatic to even suggest it.

That was horrible, did you see his interview after the fight a truly humble block and appeared in good health.

These ****ing idiots love to have a go at boxing imagine if they watched a bit of UFC they would have a meltdown.

Can I ask why the hatred towards Gallagher?