Thursday, 30 April 2009
Froch Needs To Get Things Sorted
Carl Froch doesn’t have the kind of personality that many find appealing, and that’s likely to still be the case in the wake of post fight spoutings after he saved his WBC super middleweight title with just seconds to spare.
Calling out Joe Calzaghe was a childish rant. Calzaghe has nothing to prove to anybody. He certainly has nothing to prove to Carl Froch. If Froch wants to be a proper champion he should start acting like one, and talking in a manner that befits one.
Carl also claimed he’d been out-jabbing Jermain Taylor throughout. If he really believes that, he’s in denial. Froch did land some jolting leads but too often he tried to charge forward in ungainly fashion, lunging with the left and sometimes doubling it, body turned side on, right hand held back like a javelin thrower at the point of release. The posture couldn’t have given Taylor a bigger clue as to what was coming next.
Fact is, it was Jermain Taylor’s jab that was sharp and effective from the start. Froch, hands carried low as usual, relied on reflexes alone to evade that punch and also the fast rights that came his way, and it was soon apparent those reflexes just weren’t up to the task.
That much was obvious to everyone, including Carl’s trainer Rob McCracken who doesn’t get animated as a rule but was shouting at his fighter to get those hands up and block the shots. Froch, though, wasn’t listening. Or, if he was listening, he refused to accept that adjustments were needed. Being strong minded is one thing. Being a prick is something else.
Enzo Calzaghe’s slagging off of Froch’s performance in this fight mainly stemmed from Carl’s calling out his son, but much of what the little man has said is true. Despite retaining his title against a top class opponent, and even though he pulled it out like a real champion when it was sorely needed, Froch didn’t box like a champion. He looked short of class and kept leaving himself wide open to Taylor’s attacks, refusing to accept the evidence of his own pain as well as the pleadings of his corner.
Carl Froch got away with it this time. That’s about the best you could say. If he sticks with the same stuff and doesn’t change his basics he’s surely headed for a fall sometime soon, though, isn’t he. The question is, will Froch’s ego allow him to concede as much. And does he have sense enough to adapt his method.
The other ingredients are in place. He’s a strong, powerful man, has a big heart and a great chin. When Taylor dropped him in the third round it was a legitimate knockdown from a high shot but Froch was clear eyed at all times. With the crowd going wild, and Taylor right on top, a stoppage looked possible for a moment or two but Carl toughed it out till the bell and I liked the way he realised at that point how vital it was to thwart Jermain’s momentum by fighting a strong round four, which is what he did.
That was one positive in a largely disappointing performance. Showed Froch’s mental strength. The thrilling climax showed more of the same, plus Carl’s physical capacity to rise above fatigue and sustain two huge attacks, either side of Taylor being driven to the floor. The ref was right to stop the fight, which means the right man won, but his intervention came with only fourteen seconds to spare between victory and Froch losing his title at the first time of asking.
I said a couple of years back that Carl Froch was a serious threat to anybody in the division, given the tools at his disposal and the power of the man. That still holds good. But the way he fought against Taylor wouldn’t be good enough against someone like Mikkel Kessler who, unlike Jermain, doesn’t fade in the later rounds. The Dane wouldn’t have been fazed by the old fifteen rounds championship schedule, besides which he’s a top quality fighter who does everything pretty well, packs a wallop, and can go at a hot pace.
Froch has real if unorthodox talents but needs to eradicate the deficiencies he showed last Saturday if he’s going to deal with the likes of a Kessler, and those faults - being to do with technique, not ability - can certainly be corrected. Trouble is, Froch’s post fight words and demeanour seemed those of a deluded guy who believes he’s fully in control of the situation as it is, and is therefore unlikely to change anything in the way he goes about his boxing.
If it turns out that's the case, he'll only be betraying himself.
Calling out Joe Calzaghe was a childish rant. Calzaghe has nothing to prove to anybody. He certainly has nothing to prove to Carl Froch. If Froch wants to be a proper champion he should start acting like one, and talking in a manner that befits one.
Carl also claimed he’d been out-jabbing Jermain Taylor throughout. If he really believes that, he’s in denial. Froch did land some jolting leads but too often he tried to charge forward in ungainly fashion, lunging with the left and sometimes doubling it, body turned side on, right hand held back like a javelin thrower at the point of release. The posture couldn’t have given Taylor a bigger clue as to what was coming next.
Fact is, it was Jermain Taylor’s jab that was sharp and effective from the start. Froch, hands carried low as usual, relied on reflexes alone to evade that punch and also the fast rights that came his way, and it was soon apparent those reflexes just weren’t up to the task.
That much was obvious to everyone, including Carl’s trainer Rob McCracken who doesn’t get animated as a rule but was shouting at his fighter to get those hands up and block the shots. Froch, though, wasn’t listening. Or, if he was listening, he refused to accept that adjustments were needed. Being strong minded is one thing. Being a prick is something else.
Enzo Calzaghe’s slagging off of Froch’s performance in this fight mainly stemmed from Carl’s calling out his son, but much of what the little man has said is true. Despite retaining his title against a top class opponent, and even though he pulled it out like a real champion when it was sorely needed, Froch didn’t box like a champion. He looked short of class and kept leaving himself wide open to Taylor’s attacks, refusing to accept the evidence of his own pain as well as the pleadings of his corner.
Carl Froch got away with it this time. That’s about the best you could say. If he sticks with the same stuff and doesn’t change his basics he’s surely headed for a fall sometime soon, though, isn’t he. The question is, will Froch’s ego allow him to concede as much. And does he have sense enough to adapt his method.
The other ingredients are in place. He’s a strong, powerful man, has a big heart and a great chin. When Taylor dropped him in the third round it was a legitimate knockdown from a high shot but Froch was clear eyed at all times. With the crowd going wild, and Taylor right on top, a stoppage looked possible for a moment or two but Carl toughed it out till the bell and I liked the way he realised at that point how vital it was to thwart Jermain’s momentum by fighting a strong round four, which is what he did.
That was one positive in a largely disappointing performance. Showed Froch’s mental strength. The thrilling climax showed more of the same, plus Carl’s physical capacity to rise above fatigue and sustain two huge attacks, either side of Taylor being driven to the floor. The ref was right to stop the fight, which means the right man won, but his intervention came with only fourteen seconds to spare between victory and Froch losing his title at the first time of asking.
I said a couple of years back that Carl Froch was a serious threat to anybody in the division, given the tools at his disposal and the power of the man. That still holds good. But the way he fought against Taylor wouldn’t be good enough against someone like Mikkel Kessler who, unlike Jermain, doesn’t fade in the later rounds. The Dane wouldn’t have been fazed by the old fifteen rounds championship schedule, besides which he’s a top quality fighter who does everything pretty well, packs a wallop, and can go at a hot pace.
Froch has real if unorthodox talents but needs to eradicate the deficiencies he showed last Saturday if he’s going to deal with the likes of a Kessler, and those faults - being to do with technique, not ability - can certainly be corrected. Trouble is, Froch’s post fight words and demeanour seemed those of a deluded guy who believes he’s fully in control of the situation as it is, and is therefore unlikely to change anything in the way he goes about his boxing.
If it turns out that's the case, he'll only be betraying himself.
Tuesday, 21 April 2009
Missed Opportunity
The ritual of purse bids for a proposed fight for the vacant European heavyweight title between undefeated contenders Alexander Dimitrenko and Alexander Povetkin will not now take place.
No big deal. The EBU has the responsibility of nominating two boxers to contest such a vacancy, of course, but the nominated men do not have a duty to comply. Povetkin is mandatory IBF challenger to Wladimir Klitschko and, having lost out on that opportunity once through injury, it’s reasonable that he should want to ensure his chance isn’t thwarted again.
You could say the same applies to Dimitrenko because he is top rated by the WBO and, as such, is also guaranteed a shot at Klitschko, Wladimir holding that version as well as the IBF bauble.
Difference is that Povetkin figures to be up next, provided Klitschko turns back David Haye in June, while Dimitrenko stays in the waiting room. And it could be a longish wait. Wladimir Klitschko has readily met his mandatory obligations to both sanctioning bodies thus far and if he got by Haye and Povetkin the WBO, out of respect, might well allow him a voluntary defence before having to accommodate Dimitrenko.
That awareness, and the frustration that comes with it, is no doubt what’s prompted the Ukranian and his promoters to childishly, and wrongly, castigate Povetkin for pulling out of this Euro decider. Fact is, he hasn’t pulled out of anything because no such fight was ever arranged or even contemplated at Povetkin’s end. The Russian is working to his own plan, and has every right to do so.
Despite that, though, I reckon Povetkin’s camp is missing a trick here. Having returned from injury to defeat Jason Estrada in pedestrian style earlier this month, Povetkin clearly needs to sharpen up with more work. The right kind of work against the right kind of opponent. Seems to me that Dimitrenko would have been ideal.
As things stand, Povetkin - like Haye - is destined to fight Wladimir Klitschko without ever having shared a ring with anyone that size. Meeting the six feet seven inch Dimitrenko first would fill that experience void, Povetkin getting at least a physical feel for the task ahead, plus vital practice at what it takes to effectively step inside the reach of a bigger man.
Team Povetkin might live to regret not taking the Dimitrenko option. Dimitrenko is vulnerable and doesn’t strike me as being an outstanding fighter - never mind his 29-0 log and top four ranking with all the bodies - and I fancy that Povetkin would have beaten him for sure, maybe destroyed him. I also fancy, and have said so in the past, that Povetkin has the right stuff to get the better of Wladimir Klitschko, albeit in a demanding fight for both men. For Alexander Povetkin to take Wlad’s title, however, he will need to give his optimum performance, something that won't happen if he spends the time between now and then sitting around collecting cobwebs. An interim bludgeoning of Dimitrenko could well have proved the perfect final honing exercise.
No big deal. The EBU has the responsibility of nominating two boxers to contest such a vacancy, of course, but the nominated men do not have a duty to comply. Povetkin is mandatory IBF challenger to Wladimir Klitschko and, having lost out on that opportunity once through injury, it’s reasonable that he should want to ensure his chance isn’t thwarted again.
You could say the same applies to Dimitrenko because he is top rated by the WBO and, as such, is also guaranteed a shot at Klitschko, Wladimir holding that version as well as the IBF bauble.
Difference is that Povetkin figures to be up next, provided Klitschko turns back David Haye in June, while Dimitrenko stays in the waiting room. And it could be a longish wait. Wladimir Klitschko has readily met his mandatory obligations to both sanctioning bodies thus far and if he got by Haye and Povetkin the WBO, out of respect, might well allow him a voluntary defence before having to accommodate Dimitrenko.
That awareness, and the frustration that comes with it, is no doubt what’s prompted the Ukranian and his promoters to childishly, and wrongly, castigate Povetkin for pulling out of this Euro decider. Fact is, he hasn’t pulled out of anything because no such fight was ever arranged or even contemplated at Povetkin’s end. The Russian is working to his own plan, and has every right to do so.
Despite that, though, I reckon Povetkin’s camp is missing a trick here. Having returned from injury to defeat Jason Estrada in pedestrian style earlier this month, Povetkin clearly needs to sharpen up with more work. The right kind of work against the right kind of opponent. Seems to me that Dimitrenko would have been ideal.
As things stand, Povetkin - like Haye - is destined to fight Wladimir Klitschko without ever having shared a ring with anyone that size. Meeting the six feet seven inch Dimitrenko first would fill that experience void, Povetkin getting at least a physical feel for the task ahead, plus vital practice at what it takes to effectively step inside the reach of a bigger man.
Team Povetkin might live to regret not taking the Dimitrenko option. Dimitrenko is vulnerable and doesn’t strike me as being an outstanding fighter - never mind his 29-0 log and top four ranking with all the bodies - and I fancy that Povetkin would have beaten him for sure, maybe destroyed him. I also fancy, and have said so in the past, that Povetkin has the right stuff to get the better of Wladimir Klitschko, albeit in a demanding fight for both men. For Alexander Povetkin to take Wlad’s title, however, he will need to give his optimum performance, something that won't happen if he spends the time between now and then sitting around collecting cobwebs. An interim bludgeoning of Dimitrenko could well have proved the perfect final honing exercise.
Thursday, 16 April 2009
Irish Pipe Dream
Sam Sexton will be doing his best to spoil the script, and being the younger man by thirteen years maybe he can, but provided Martin Rogan beats the Norwich boxer in May, as expected, there could be something major up next for Ireland’s favourite cabbie.
Just what that something might be is hard to guess but at a time when Emerald Isle boxing is on a high it would be good to imagine Rogan involved this summer in an open air triple header, at Dublin’s Croke Park perhaps, featuring the best of Irish. Given rival promotional issues, of course, such a thing is unlikely to happen, and maybe impossible, but here’s to wishful thinking.
On March 21st Bernard Dunne matched the Rogan fairy tale by stopping Ricardo Cordoba in round eleven of a bloody and brutal fight for the WBA “Ordinary” world super bantamweight title. Okay, the title itself is ridiculous but there was nothing laughable about Dunne’s triumph because Cordoba came in as a fully credentialed world class fighter who, as a nineteen year old, had easily outpointed fellow Panamanian Celestino Caballero, the guy who currently holds both the real WBA crown and the IBF belt. Cordoba deserved as much respect as Caballero, arriving in Ireland having only ever lost once in 37 fights, and that by split decision in far away Thailand.
Dunne was done inside a round by Kiko Martinez the only time he’d previously ventured into warm company. It didn't bode well, and Bernard was generally considered a no-hoper against the Panamanian, but come the call to arms he made himself a hero by outlasting Cordoba in spectacular fashion.
The crowd had turned up in numbers, and in great voice, and certainly had a bearing on what transpired. Don’t take that wrong. The crowd isn’t in the ring with a fighter. It can’t win a fight for him. He has to do that himself. But the crowd can give a man extra spirit, and that’s what happened here when it was most needed.
While the atmosphere was special right from the start, it went up a notch when Dunne dropped Cordoba in round three to spring the night’s first surprise, and stayed at fever pitch thereafter. The crowd’s vital contribution, though, came in round five. Dunne got hurt in that session, and was knocked down, then floored again. He looked a beaten man, finished, but the noise and passion inside Dublin’s O2 Arena seemed to somehow give him the strength to rise, and the strength to survive. It also gave him the strength to keep pursuing the dream.
Had Dunne found himself in the same dire trouble, away from home and unsupported, I can’t believe he’d have made it out of that fifth round, never mind gone on to win. But he did win, and despite the edge that boxing on home soil clearly gave him, all credit still goes to Bernard Dunne because it was such a hard, desperate slog and because, coming out for the eleventh, he needed a knockout to achieve the victory and somehow found enough energy to achieve it.
Another helping of Cordoba could be a bit much to ask of him next up. That kind of attritional experience is not something you’d want to repeat any time soon, if ever. Trouble is, though, the favoured options might not be a lot different. If Dunne doesn’t opt for a revenge mission against Kiko Martinez the job will possibly go to European champ Rendall Munroe, who has twice seen off the Spaniard in Euro title scraps. Munroe is a strong man, very big at the weight, and a good boxer who is still improving. That would be an appealing match. Then again, after what we saw at the O2, Bernard Dunne defending his "title" against just about anybody would be an appealing match and - bottom line - would certainly sell tickets.
If we’re talking three main fights on an open air extravaganza, the third would have to be a middleweight showdown for Irish bragging rights. Three names to conjure with. John Duddy, Andy Lee, Matthew Macklin. Pair any two from those and you’ve got yourself a guaranteed tear up.
Of the trio I’d say Duddy is a non starter, not because he wouldn’t relish the prospect but because Bob Arum views a Duddy challenge to Kelly Pavlik as a lucrative mismatch he’s determined to make in order to further line his own pockets. The need to protect that objective would obviously preclude any taking of risks.
That leaves Lee and Macklin. Manny Steward has stuck with Andy Lee even after he got beaten by limited braveheart Brian Vera. Manny says not to judge Lee on that performance because he was sick in the lead up to the fight. Sick and weak and way underweight. If true, makes you wonder what the hell Steward was thinking of in letting his charge go through with the job. I mean, any conscionable trainer, let alone a Hall of Fame coach, would surely have cancelled the gig to protect his fighter in those circumstances, wouldn’t he.
The best guess is that Manny was just looking for excuses in the wake of the upset, and pre fight illness came first to mind. That said, though, would a guy like Steward really persevere with Andy Lee if he thought a fully prepared Lee couldn’t do better than he showed that night, couldn’t beat a Brian Vera. I don’t think it’s likely, do you. So, unless Andy falls apart again in similar vein and Steward retracts the sickness claim at a later date, I suppose we’ll just have to file it under mystery and leave it at that.
Anyway, whatever Andy Lee’s eventual possibilities at championship level he’s an entertaining fighter, rangy, gutsy, throws lots of punches. And his self belief doesn’t appear to have been shot by the Vera affair. Manny Steward might see more in Lee, much more, than others do, but he could yet live up to Manny's prophesy of big things. Andy’s now a decent pro - all considered - and he was a good class amateur too.
Beating Alfredo Angulo in the Athens Olympics looks impressive now, with Angulo being the current hottie at light middleweight along with James Kirkland. Even though amateur and pro boxing are very different sports, it’s a valid mention because the fight Lee had with Angulo in Athens was indeed a fight, not the cat and mouse stuff designed to land obvious single shots that suit the amateur scoring system but a punch fest that ended up 38-23 in the Irishman’s favour.
Andy Lee likes to come out punching and he’d meet a like minded sort in Matthew Macklin. Macklin, English born but with Irish blood, has just won the British middleweight title by knocking out Wayne Elcock in three rounds. He simply demolished the capable Elcock, hurting him then jumping all over him. A best ever performance from a guy who’s always had in him the ability to shine.
Back in 2006, at light middleweight, Macklin played his part in what was undoubtedly one of the fights of the year, worldwide. He gave it everything in that try for domestic honours, punching away virtually non stop until exhaustion and defending British champ Jamie Moore combined to leave him lying face down, unconscious, in the tenth round of a battle that nobody who watched it is likely to forget.
Macklin is stronger and better at middleweight. He’s a good fighter, mature now, and as ready as he’s ever going to be to aim at higher things. The same probably applies to Andy Lee. Put them together in a ring and you’ve got fireworks.
With Dunne vs. Munroe and Lee vs. Macklin in the bag, then, what say we round off the imaginary triple header with Martin Rogan in a heavyweight elimination fight against, say, Chris Arreola or Sam Peter. Stylistically, they are the two rated men who would best blend with the Belfast brawler, and many would not only buy a ticket but come expecting to see Rogan continue his fairy tale rampage.
The encouraging part of all this is that there’s no reason why any or all of the above suggested fights couldn’t be made. The pity is there’s little chance of them being brought together and presented one after another on a single show. And it truly is a pity.
The Irish are renowned for their affinity with fisticuffs, and for relishing a good time. They love a fight, and they love to party, and the unlikely exploits of Rogan and Dunne in particular have got the sports minded people of that country in party mood. If promotional factions could compromise enough to put the triple header on at a magnificent stadium like Croke Park it would be the biggest event in Irish boxing history and even without a superstar on show, or a generally recognised world champion, I could see it pulling a crowd to match the 50,000 that Calzaghe attracted in Cardiff for his showdown with Kessler.
That’s the trouble with imagination, though. Pisses you off when the things you imagine, and very much want to see, don’t get to materialise.
Just what that something might be is hard to guess but at a time when Emerald Isle boxing is on a high it would be good to imagine Rogan involved this summer in an open air triple header, at Dublin’s Croke Park perhaps, featuring the best of Irish. Given rival promotional issues, of course, such a thing is unlikely to happen, and maybe impossible, but here’s to wishful thinking.
On March 21st Bernard Dunne matched the Rogan fairy tale by stopping Ricardo Cordoba in round eleven of a bloody and brutal fight for the WBA “Ordinary” world super bantamweight title. Okay, the title itself is ridiculous but there was nothing laughable about Dunne’s triumph because Cordoba came in as a fully credentialed world class fighter who, as a nineteen year old, had easily outpointed fellow Panamanian Celestino Caballero, the guy who currently holds both the real WBA crown and the IBF belt. Cordoba deserved as much respect as Caballero, arriving in Ireland having only ever lost once in 37 fights, and that by split decision in far away Thailand.
Dunne was done inside a round by Kiko Martinez the only time he’d previously ventured into warm company. It didn't bode well, and Bernard was generally considered a no-hoper against the Panamanian, but come the call to arms he made himself a hero by outlasting Cordoba in spectacular fashion.
The crowd had turned up in numbers, and in great voice, and certainly had a bearing on what transpired. Don’t take that wrong. The crowd isn’t in the ring with a fighter. It can’t win a fight for him. He has to do that himself. But the crowd can give a man extra spirit, and that’s what happened here when it was most needed.
While the atmosphere was special right from the start, it went up a notch when Dunne dropped Cordoba in round three to spring the night’s first surprise, and stayed at fever pitch thereafter. The crowd’s vital contribution, though, came in round five. Dunne got hurt in that session, and was knocked down, then floored again. He looked a beaten man, finished, but the noise and passion inside Dublin’s O2 Arena seemed to somehow give him the strength to rise, and the strength to survive. It also gave him the strength to keep pursuing the dream.
Had Dunne found himself in the same dire trouble, away from home and unsupported, I can’t believe he’d have made it out of that fifth round, never mind gone on to win. But he did win, and despite the edge that boxing on home soil clearly gave him, all credit still goes to Bernard Dunne because it was such a hard, desperate slog and because, coming out for the eleventh, he needed a knockout to achieve the victory and somehow found enough energy to achieve it.
Another helping of Cordoba could be a bit much to ask of him next up. That kind of attritional experience is not something you’d want to repeat any time soon, if ever. Trouble is, though, the favoured options might not be a lot different. If Dunne doesn’t opt for a revenge mission against Kiko Martinez the job will possibly go to European champ Rendall Munroe, who has twice seen off the Spaniard in Euro title scraps. Munroe is a strong man, very big at the weight, and a good boxer who is still improving. That would be an appealing match. Then again, after what we saw at the O2, Bernard Dunne defending his "title" against just about anybody would be an appealing match and - bottom line - would certainly sell tickets.
If we’re talking three main fights on an open air extravaganza, the third would have to be a middleweight showdown for Irish bragging rights. Three names to conjure with. John Duddy, Andy Lee, Matthew Macklin. Pair any two from those and you’ve got yourself a guaranteed tear up.
Of the trio I’d say Duddy is a non starter, not because he wouldn’t relish the prospect but because Bob Arum views a Duddy challenge to Kelly Pavlik as a lucrative mismatch he’s determined to make in order to further line his own pockets. The need to protect that objective would obviously preclude any taking of risks.
That leaves Lee and Macklin. Manny Steward has stuck with Andy Lee even after he got beaten by limited braveheart Brian Vera. Manny says not to judge Lee on that performance because he was sick in the lead up to the fight. Sick and weak and way underweight. If true, makes you wonder what the hell Steward was thinking of in letting his charge go through with the job. I mean, any conscionable trainer, let alone a Hall of Fame coach, would surely have cancelled the gig to protect his fighter in those circumstances, wouldn’t he.
The best guess is that Manny was just looking for excuses in the wake of the upset, and pre fight illness came first to mind. That said, though, would a guy like Steward really persevere with Andy Lee if he thought a fully prepared Lee couldn’t do better than he showed that night, couldn’t beat a Brian Vera. I don’t think it’s likely, do you. So, unless Andy falls apart again in similar vein and Steward retracts the sickness claim at a later date, I suppose we’ll just have to file it under mystery and leave it at that.
Anyway, whatever Andy Lee’s eventual possibilities at championship level he’s an entertaining fighter, rangy, gutsy, throws lots of punches. And his self belief doesn’t appear to have been shot by the Vera affair. Manny Steward might see more in Lee, much more, than others do, but he could yet live up to Manny's prophesy of big things. Andy’s now a decent pro - all considered - and he was a good class amateur too.
Beating Alfredo Angulo in the Athens Olympics looks impressive now, with Angulo being the current hottie at light middleweight along with James Kirkland. Even though amateur and pro boxing are very different sports, it’s a valid mention because the fight Lee had with Angulo in Athens was indeed a fight, not the cat and mouse stuff designed to land obvious single shots that suit the amateur scoring system but a punch fest that ended up 38-23 in the Irishman’s favour.
Andy Lee likes to come out punching and he’d meet a like minded sort in Matthew Macklin. Macklin, English born but with Irish blood, has just won the British middleweight title by knocking out Wayne Elcock in three rounds. He simply demolished the capable Elcock, hurting him then jumping all over him. A best ever performance from a guy who’s always had in him the ability to shine.
Back in 2006, at light middleweight, Macklin played his part in what was undoubtedly one of the fights of the year, worldwide. He gave it everything in that try for domestic honours, punching away virtually non stop until exhaustion and defending British champ Jamie Moore combined to leave him lying face down, unconscious, in the tenth round of a battle that nobody who watched it is likely to forget.
Macklin is stronger and better at middleweight. He’s a good fighter, mature now, and as ready as he’s ever going to be to aim at higher things. The same probably applies to Andy Lee. Put them together in a ring and you’ve got fireworks.
With Dunne vs. Munroe and Lee vs. Macklin in the bag, then, what say we round off the imaginary triple header with Martin Rogan in a heavyweight elimination fight against, say, Chris Arreola or Sam Peter. Stylistically, they are the two rated men who would best blend with the Belfast brawler, and many would not only buy a ticket but come expecting to see Rogan continue his fairy tale rampage.
The encouraging part of all this is that there’s no reason why any or all of the above suggested fights couldn’t be made. The pity is there’s little chance of them being brought together and presented one after another on a single show. And it truly is a pity.
The Irish are renowned for their affinity with fisticuffs, and for relishing a good time. They love a fight, and they love to party, and the unlikely exploits of Rogan and Dunne in particular have got the sports minded people of that country in party mood. If promotional factions could compromise enough to put the triple header on at a magnificent stadium like Croke Park it would be the biggest event in Irish boxing history and even without a superstar on show, or a generally recognised world champion, I could see it pulling a crowd to match the 50,000 that Calzaghe attracted in Cardiff for his showdown with Kessler.
That’s the trouble with imagination, though. Pisses you off when the things you imagine, and very much want to see, don’t get to materialise.
Wednesday, 15 April 2009
Prizefighter Goes Equal Opportunity
Current Irish folk hero Martin Rogan returns to action in Belfast next month on what will be a special occasion for both himself and his hometown fans. Just over a year ago Rogan was an ageing seven fight novice doing no more than go through the motions of a boxing career, picking up a few bob to supplement his cab driving income. Then came Prizefighter.
It was a simple concept. Like “The Contender,” but speeded up and condensed into a single night. Promoter Barry Hearn had eight heavyweights come to London’s York Hall and had them box each other in an elimination series of three round fights, four quarter finals, two semis, with the survivors in a box-off for twenty five grand. When the action got under way, Rogan proved too much for Alex Ibbs and Dave Ferguson before beating favoured David Dolan in the final to grab the cash and instantly launch a real career.
Without that Prizefighter success, and the public profile it gave him, there’s no way Martin Rogan would have been even considered for a match with Audley Harrison. But when he licked Harrison, to the surprise of most and the delight of many, the next step against Matt Skelton was an earned reward. By beating Skelton, and becoming the first to stop him, Rogie proved that all he’d needed was the opportunity. Prizefighter alone opened up that avenue.
On May 15th, at the Odyssey Arena in his home city, Martin Rogan defends the Commonwealth heavyweight title against Norwich prospect Sam Sexton. How did Sexton come to be given this chance? I think it might have something to do with Sam having won the second Prizefighter tournament in Newcastle, where he chopped down previously undefeated local hero Chris Burton in the decider.
Sexton has some promise as a boxer but prior to that Newcastle telecast it’s for sure that nobody outside of the boxing community itself had ever heard of him, and that includes fervent sports fans.
Prizefighter has been good news since its inception, and is now a regular and very popular format in British boxing promotion. The even better news is that Prizefighter has spread its wings from exclusively heavyweight beginnings to also embrace the lighter divisions. Smaller fighters are getting in on the act, taking their turn to sample the limelight and, hopefully, make the most of an opportunity that might never otherwise come their way. I think the whole thing's just great. Long may it continue.
It was a simple concept. Like “The Contender,” but speeded up and condensed into a single night. Promoter Barry Hearn had eight heavyweights come to London’s York Hall and had them box each other in an elimination series of three round fights, four quarter finals, two semis, with the survivors in a box-off for twenty five grand. When the action got under way, Rogan proved too much for Alex Ibbs and Dave Ferguson before beating favoured David Dolan in the final to grab the cash and instantly launch a real career.
Without that Prizefighter success, and the public profile it gave him, there’s no way Martin Rogan would have been even considered for a match with Audley Harrison. But when he licked Harrison, to the surprise of most and the delight of many, the next step against Matt Skelton was an earned reward. By beating Skelton, and becoming the first to stop him, Rogie proved that all he’d needed was the opportunity. Prizefighter alone opened up that avenue.
On May 15th, at the Odyssey Arena in his home city, Martin Rogan defends the Commonwealth heavyweight title against Norwich prospect Sam Sexton. How did Sexton come to be given this chance? I think it might have something to do with Sam having won the second Prizefighter tournament in Newcastle, where he chopped down previously undefeated local hero Chris Burton in the decider.
Sexton has some promise as a boxer but prior to that Newcastle telecast it’s for sure that nobody outside of the boxing community itself had ever heard of him, and that includes fervent sports fans.
Prizefighter has been good news since its inception, and is now a regular and very popular format in British boxing promotion. The even better news is that Prizefighter has spread its wings from exclusively heavyweight beginnings to also embrace the lighter divisions. Smaller fighters are getting in on the act, taking their turn to sample the limelight and, hopefully, make the most of an opportunity that might never otherwise come their way. I think the whole thing's just great. Long may it continue.
Sunday, 12 April 2009
Ward Ready To Hold Court?
Since being severely abused in the ring by Kelly Pavlik and Arthur Abraham, both of whom crushed his spirit and battered him down, Edison Miranda no longer strikes fear into people. And such were the bashings he got from those two gents, he probably gets traumatised by any thought or mention of either.
For all that, though, Pantera is still a decent fighter, still an explosive puncher. And he’s always been a magnificently conditioned athlete. Despite what happened to him in those big opportunity fights the Colombian seems to retain a genuine belief that, given how the game is structured these days, he may yet win a world title under one banner or another. With that kind of motivation, he still has to be considered dangerous.
Andre Ward will have that in mind when he meets Miranda on May 16th in Oakland. Notwithstanding Edison’s setbacks, this represents quite a jump in competition level for the Athens light heavyweight gold winner who, although running his pro career numbers to 18-0, has never tangled with anyone so heavy handed, nor anyone with Miranda’s experience of fighting world champions.
This is a real good match because both men are taking a risk. Winner and loser stand to head off in opposite directions. If Miranda can bring down the Athenian hero he’ll be suddenly right back in the picture, while Andre’s career could be in ruins. If Ward prevails, however, he gets to be the one hunting a title shot, leaving Pantera to find something else to do in life or perhaps settle for a career as a recognised stepping stone, followed by steady earners on the journeyman circuit.
There are question marks as yet against Andre Ward. He seemed to panic a bit after getting dropped by Darnell Boone in his seventh pro outing, and wasn’t convincing even though winning handily on points, and before that had been tagged and rattled by Kenny Kost in the second round of pro fight number two. Those passages have buoyed the thinking of critics who reckon Ward lacks the durability, and maybe the stomach, to succeed in the highest grade.
Another concern is that Andre’s career to date has been stop-start, with some lengthy gaps between fights. Boxers, especially slick operators like Ward, need frequent work to oil the wheels of progress but, for a variety of reasons, including injury, that hasn’t always been the case with him. Andre has an unblemished record but I’m saying his journey could have been smoother.
Anyway, here he is now, in eliminator land. Time to show his mettle or be found wanting. If Andre Ward really is fragile I’d say Miranda has enough ambition and ferocity left to detect and exploit it but, as someone who has always admired the Californian’s boxing skills, I hope and expect it won’t turn out that way. For sheer talent, Ward is blessed. The fascination is in seeing if he owns the other necessary ingredients too and, while snippets of evidence might suggest the contrary, I'm prepared to trust that he does.
Abraham and Pavlik brutalised Miranda with sheer power but Andre will show the Colombian something very different. It’s called class. I take Ward to pick this guy apart next month, and look beautiful doing it.
For all that, though, Pantera is still a decent fighter, still an explosive puncher. And he’s always been a magnificently conditioned athlete. Despite what happened to him in those big opportunity fights the Colombian seems to retain a genuine belief that, given how the game is structured these days, he may yet win a world title under one banner or another. With that kind of motivation, he still has to be considered dangerous.
Andre Ward will have that in mind when he meets Miranda on May 16th in Oakland. Notwithstanding Edison’s setbacks, this represents quite a jump in competition level for the Athens light heavyweight gold winner who, although running his pro career numbers to 18-0, has never tangled with anyone so heavy handed, nor anyone with Miranda’s experience of fighting world champions.
This is a real good match because both men are taking a risk. Winner and loser stand to head off in opposite directions. If Miranda can bring down the Athenian hero he’ll be suddenly right back in the picture, while Andre’s career could be in ruins. If Ward prevails, however, he gets to be the one hunting a title shot, leaving Pantera to find something else to do in life or perhaps settle for a career as a recognised stepping stone, followed by steady earners on the journeyman circuit.
There are question marks as yet against Andre Ward. He seemed to panic a bit after getting dropped by Darnell Boone in his seventh pro outing, and wasn’t convincing even though winning handily on points, and before that had been tagged and rattled by Kenny Kost in the second round of pro fight number two. Those passages have buoyed the thinking of critics who reckon Ward lacks the durability, and maybe the stomach, to succeed in the highest grade.
Another concern is that Andre’s career to date has been stop-start, with some lengthy gaps between fights. Boxers, especially slick operators like Ward, need frequent work to oil the wheels of progress but, for a variety of reasons, including injury, that hasn’t always been the case with him. Andre has an unblemished record but I’m saying his journey could have been smoother.
Anyway, here he is now, in eliminator land. Time to show his mettle or be found wanting. If Andre Ward really is fragile I’d say Miranda has enough ambition and ferocity left to detect and exploit it but, as someone who has always admired the Californian’s boxing skills, I hope and expect it won’t turn out that way. For sheer talent, Ward is blessed. The fascination is in seeing if he owns the other necessary ingredients too and, while snippets of evidence might suggest the contrary, I'm prepared to trust that he does.
Abraham and Pavlik brutalised Miranda with sheer power but Andre will show the Colombian something very different. It’s called class. I take Ward to pick this guy apart next month, and look beautiful doing it.
Thursday, 9 April 2009
It's Only Words
Tyson Fury has upped his rant at fellow British skyscraper David Price by saying that, while he’d like to meet Price in what could be a really big domestic title attraction further down the line, it will never happen because the Olympic bronze medallist’s chin can’t hold a decent tap and is bound to let him down long before he even gets to British championship level.
Sour words which represent, according to Price, nothing more than sour grapes. Could be a bit of truth there. Fury has been claiming he did well against the Liverpudlian when they met as amateurs, but that version of what occurred differs from the facts, Price having beaten him comfortably and widely on points. The memory of that defeat is not something that sits well with young Fury so he’s trying to put himself in a better light by tampering with the truth. No big deal. The folly of youth, that’s all.
I have no problem with Fury calling out Price or accusing the Olympian of being chinny. Price says 20 year old Fury is being disrespectful with his continued jibes, that he himself wouldn’t stoop to that sort of thing, but there’s nothing of a nasty personal nature in what the youngster’s been saying and, besides, I harbour similar suspicions about big David’s mandible and its capacity to absorb a heavy smite.
Despite all the chatter, though, Tyson Fury will not be boxing David Price any time soon. Boxing is a business and it makes no sense to pair these men until they’ve had enough experience and created sufficient public awareness to make it financially appropriate. Fury might be right in thinking Price will bite the dust before things get to that point, but he’ll just have to hope it’s not the case. And while he’s at it, Tyson needs to make sure his own lofty carcass doesn’t come crashing down either. With heavyweights, not just David Price, disaster can strike in a blink.
I actually welcome Tyson Fury’s mouthing. It’s hardly bringing the game into disrepute, is it, whatever David Price and others might think, but it is helping to get domestic heavyweight boxing back on the debate agenda in British pubs and work places. Who else has managed to do that in recent times.
Meanwhile, on Saturday at London’s York Hall, Fury fights again. Blackpool’s Mathew Ellis is the prospective victim. After that, Tyson is expected to box at Foxwoods on the Froch vs. Taylor undercard, adding a taste of big fight atmosphere to his already busy schedule.
Fury may or may not develop into a serious fighter, and he may or may not in the end prove superior to David Price, but his involvement is good for British boxing. Like him or loathe him, dull he ain’t.
Sour words which represent, according to Price, nothing more than sour grapes. Could be a bit of truth there. Fury has been claiming he did well against the Liverpudlian when they met as amateurs, but that version of what occurred differs from the facts, Price having beaten him comfortably and widely on points. The memory of that defeat is not something that sits well with young Fury so he’s trying to put himself in a better light by tampering with the truth. No big deal. The folly of youth, that’s all.
I have no problem with Fury calling out Price or accusing the Olympian of being chinny. Price says 20 year old Fury is being disrespectful with his continued jibes, that he himself wouldn’t stoop to that sort of thing, but there’s nothing of a nasty personal nature in what the youngster’s been saying and, besides, I harbour similar suspicions about big David’s mandible and its capacity to absorb a heavy smite.
Despite all the chatter, though, Tyson Fury will not be boxing David Price any time soon. Boxing is a business and it makes no sense to pair these men until they’ve had enough experience and created sufficient public awareness to make it financially appropriate. Fury might be right in thinking Price will bite the dust before things get to that point, but he’ll just have to hope it’s not the case. And while he’s at it, Tyson needs to make sure his own lofty carcass doesn’t come crashing down either. With heavyweights, not just David Price, disaster can strike in a blink.
I actually welcome Tyson Fury’s mouthing. It’s hardly bringing the game into disrepute, is it, whatever David Price and others might think, but it is helping to get domestic heavyweight boxing back on the debate agenda in British pubs and work places. Who else has managed to do that in recent times.
Meanwhile, on Saturday at London’s York Hall, Fury fights again. Blackpool’s Mathew Ellis is the prospective victim. After that, Tyson is expected to box at Foxwoods on the Froch vs. Taylor undercard, adding a taste of big fight atmosphere to his already busy schedule.
Fury may or may not develop into a serious fighter, and he may or may not in the end prove superior to David Price, but his involvement is good for British boxing. Like him or loathe him, dull he ain’t.
Ability Alone Is Not A Winning Hand
Timothy Bradley did what I’d expected him to do in defeating Kendall Holt, so making himself a unified champ of sorts, Holt’s WBO light welter belt now in his keep alongside the WBC version.
What he didn’t do, though, in my opinion, was prove himself the better all round fighter. Sure, Bradley took the decision, and deservedly so, but Holt was as big a contributor to his own downfall as was the persistence of the victorious Californian.
For me, Bradley won this fight only because he proved in a different league to Holt when it came to mental strength.
Despite holding the physical advantages, and showing that he also knew how best to use them, and despite being the harder puncher of the two, Kendall Holt threw away his chance by virtually downing tools for long periods against an ever busy opponent. Hard to know why. I mean, Holt could hardly have had a better start, could he, dropping and hurting his man in the opener, then exhibiting rangy skills while doing a matador job on Bradley for most of round two. Kendall’s confidence should have been sky high after those six minutes, and yet, somehow, that wasn’t the case.
Bradley, on the other hand, could easily have turned timid after his first round catastrophe. Being hurt and floored like that was a brand new experience, and no doubt a shock to the system as well as a blow to the ego, but he didn’t let it get to him or put him off doing what needed to be done. Tim toughed it out, stayed focused and kept on coming.
While the knockdown didn’t dent Bradley’s self belief as it might have done, though, Holt seemed to be instantly demoralised by an accidental clash of heads in round four that could have damaged either man but did no real harm other than a slight nick to Kendall’s eye. Holt complained about it, and not only looked aggrieved but appeared to be feeling sorry for himself thereafter, showing out to the ref on several occasions as the fight progressed. That kind of whinging is never a good sign in any grade of fighter, let alone a champion. And, extra to those occasional distress signals, Kendall Holt for some reason stopped using his excellent jab, a mystery indeed given the problems it had posed Bradley - as both a barrier and a weapon - in the early stages.
I was right in picking Bradley to win the fight, but there's no merit in that call because my reasoning was wrong. I’d thought that Tim’s speed would negate Holt’s height and reach and give him an edge from the off. Not so. Kendall Holt had the tools, and the skills, to have beaten Bradley. What he didn’t have, however, was the same inner drive.
Holt is a seasoned, top class boxer. And he can whack. But Kendall, in all probability, is now as good as he’s ever going to be whereas Tim Bradley will, I’m sure, improve from here and be a better man for the experience. And he’ll have to be, won’t he, if he’s looking to mingle with the Pacquiaos and the Hattons. The good news for Bradley is that he's young enough, hungry enough, and dedicated enough to keep himself moving towards the summit. Tim's a solid guy.
What he didn’t do, though, in my opinion, was prove himself the better all round fighter. Sure, Bradley took the decision, and deservedly so, but Holt was as big a contributor to his own downfall as was the persistence of the victorious Californian.
For me, Bradley won this fight only because he proved in a different league to Holt when it came to mental strength.
Despite holding the physical advantages, and showing that he also knew how best to use them, and despite being the harder puncher of the two, Kendall Holt threw away his chance by virtually downing tools for long periods against an ever busy opponent. Hard to know why. I mean, Holt could hardly have had a better start, could he, dropping and hurting his man in the opener, then exhibiting rangy skills while doing a matador job on Bradley for most of round two. Kendall’s confidence should have been sky high after those six minutes, and yet, somehow, that wasn’t the case.
Bradley, on the other hand, could easily have turned timid after his first round catastrophe. Being hurt and floored like that was a brand new experience, and no doubt a shock to the system as well as a blow to the ego, but he didn’t let it get to him or put him off doing what needed to be done. Tim toughed it out, stayed focused and kept on coming.
While the knockdown didn’t dent Bradley’s self belief as it might have done, though, Holt seemed to be instantly demoralised by an accidental clash of heads in round four that could have damaged either man but did no real harm other than a slight nick to Kendall’s eye. Holt complained about it, and not only looked aggrieved but appeared to be feeling sorry for himself thereafter, showing out to the ref on several occasions as the fight progressed. That kind of whinging is never a good sign in any grade of fighter, let alone a champion. And, extra to those occasional distress signals, Kendall Holt for some reason stopped using his excellent jab, a mystery indeed given the problems it had posed Bradley - as both a barrier and a weapon - in the early stages.
I was right in picking Bradley to win the fight, but there's no merit in that call because my reasoning was wrong. I’d thought that Tim’s speed would negate Holt’s height and reach and give him an edge from the off. Not so. Kendall Holt had the tools, and the skills, to have beaten Bradley. What he didn’t have, however, was the same inner drive.
Holt is a seasoned, top class boxer. And he can whack. But Kendall, in all probability, is now as good as he’s ever going to be whereas Tim Bradley will, I’m sure, improve from here and be a better man for the experience. And he’ll have to be, won’t he, if he’s looking to mingle with the Pacquiaos and the Hattons. The good news for Bradley is that he's young enough, hungry enough, and dedicated enough to keep himself moving towards the summit. Tim's a solid guy.
Sunday, 5 April 2009
Povetkin Rejoins The Race
Alexander Povetkin did okay last night in seeing off Jason Estrada over ten rounds. The ring rust was conspicuous and he was blowing like the Grand National winner after the very first round but it was still a solid enough performance, returning from that ankle injury layoff, against a man who gave it his best as he’d said he would. In fact, full praise to Estrada for his contribution. He proved himself a decent fighter, starting brightly and always giving the Russian something to think about. Despite Jason’s best efforts, though, Povetkin was well ahead at the finish.
Seems to me that few have anything really good to say about Alexander. I’m puzzled by that. Povetkin has the attributes of a top fighter. He can box, has good footwork and quick enough hands, is a physically strong guy, reads situations well, knows how to throw a feint, and is a hurtful puncher who isn’t reluctant to unload combinations at the right moment. So why do people hold back on commending his obvious abilities. Maybe because Povetkin isn’t a fancy dan type, nor the kind of guy who tends to knock people over in spectacular fashion. Well, time to wise up. This is a serious contender.
Alex figures to be a good deal sharper next time and there’s no physical reason why he shouldn’t be back in the ring around the same time Wladimir Klitschko is teeing off with David Haye. That fight is due for June 20. Povetkin could certainly return to action by July, and needs to, I’d say, if he’s to take on a title bout then as Wlad’s IBF mandatory and do himself justice. A fit and active Povetkin, with a good rhythm going, has what it takes to worry Klitschko big time. That would not apply to anything like the same degree, however, should Alexander just sit tight from here on and wait for his guaranteed shot.
Setanta TV commentary team John Rawling and former WBC super middleweight champ Richie Woodhall might not go along with my idea of Alexander Povetkin’s championship potential. He did get caught by some clean punches from Estrada and the commentary duo suggested that, had Povetkin been thumped like that by a bigger hitter, he’d have been blasted out of there, stopped if not flattened. It’s a point of view, fair enough, but I’d like to know what makes them or anybody else think the Russian’s chin wouldn’t be able to absorb a bomb or two.
I’ve seen nothing to indicate frailty in that department. I reckon Alex can take a punch okay, and will prove as much when the time comes. And, for sure, Povetkin is a guy who really likes to fight, something you couldn’t say - hand on heart - about many of the so called top heavyweights. Alexander also has good stamina and finished strong last night, as usual, despite appearing out of breath early in the piece. That was a bit alarming at the time but I figure it was just a matter of getting his lungs reaccustomed to the demands of a real fight.
Inactivity is the killer of momentum. Alexander Povetkin needs to get busy now, and stay busy. If he does that, together with the tools he has at his disposal, he’s a real threat to everybody.
Seems to me that few have anything really good to say about Alexander. I’m puzzled by that. Povetkin has the attributes of a top fighter. He can box, has good footwork and quick enough hands, is a physically strong guy, reads situations well, knows how to throw a feint, and is a hurtful puncher who isn’t reluctant to unload combinations at the right moment. So why do people hold back on commending his obvious abilities. Maybe because Povetkin isn’t a fancy dan type, nor the kind of guy who tends to knock people over in spectacular fashion. Well, time to wise up. This is a serious contender.
Alex figures to be a good deal sharper next time and there’s no physical reason why he shouldn’t be back in the ring around the same time Wladimir Klitschko is teeing off with David Haye. That fight is due for June 20. Povetkin could certainly return to action by July, and needs to, I’d say, if he’s to take on a title bout then as Wlad’s IBF mandatory and do himself justice. A fit and active Povetkin, with a good rhythm going, has what it takes to worry Klitschko big time. That would not apply to anything like the same degree, however, should Alexander just sit tight from here on and wait for his guaranteed shot.
Setanta TV commentary team John Rawling and former WBC super middleweight champ Richie Woodhall might not go along with my idea of Alexander Povetkin’s championship potential. He did get caught by some clean punches from Estrada and the commentary duo suggested that, had Povetkin been thumped like that by a bigger hitter, he’d have been blasted out of there, stopped if not flattened. It’s a point of view, fair enough, but I’d like to know what makes them or anybody else think the Russian’s chin wouldn’t be able to absorb a bomb or two.
I’ve seen nothing to indicate frailty in that department. I reckon Alex can take a punch okay, and will prove as much when the time comes. And, for sure, Povetkin is a guy who really likes to fight, something you couldn’t say - hand on heart - about many of the so called top heavyweights. Alexander also has good stamina and finished strong last night, as usual, despite appearing out of breath early in the piece. That was a bit alarming at the time but I figure it was just a matter of getting his lungs reaccustomed to the demands of a real fight.
Inactivity is the killer of momentum. Alexander Povetkin needs to get busy now, and stay busy. If he does that, together with the tools he has at his disposal, he’s a real threat to everybody.
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