After Joe Calzaghe laughed off the prospect of fighting Carl Froch, the new WBC super-middleweight champion looks set to face the American Jermain Taylor.
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Start of a new era...
15 years ago
Friday, 12 December 2008
Froch set to face Taylor
Wednesday, 10 December 2008
Lennox Lewis enters Hall of Fame
British former heavyweight world champion Lennox Lewis is to be inducted into the International Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.Lewis, 43, retired from boxing in 2003 with a record of 41 wins, 2 defeats and one controversial draw to Evander Holyfield in 1999. He was heavyweight champion of the world on three different occasions and is widely regarded as one of Britain’s greatest fighters.
The heavyweight division has struggled in his absence leading to rumours of a comeback following the return of Vitali Klitschko earlier this year. Although Lewis has laughed off the rumours, claiming there isn’t anybody worth fighting. And who can blame him.
Speaking after the announcement of his Hall of Fame entry, Lewis said: “To be put in the Hall of Fame is an accomplishment that seals my legacy. It will be there forever.”
Watch some higlights of Lennox in action below...
Tuesday, 9 December 2008
Judgement Night – The Verdict
Amir Khan made his comeback on Saturday night by knocking out Oisin Fagan in the second round at London’s Excel Arena.The Bolton fighter dominated the bout from the start by knocking down his Irish opponent twice in the opening round – and the punishment continued for Fagan soon after.
Just one minute and 27 seconds into the second round, the fight was stopped by the referee who deemed Fagan unable to defend himself against Khan’s powerful combinations. Fagan even required oxygen treatment afterwards.
Khan last fought against Breidis Prescott back in September, where he was embarrassingly knocked out in the opening round.
Enzo Maccarinelli also made his comeback on the Judgement Night bill, where he fought Matthew Ellis in a heavyweight clash.
The Welshman was due to fight for the WBO cruizerweight title that he lost to David Haye back in March, but had a string of opponents pull out of the fight, forcing the Swansea based fighter to step up a weight division.
The fight mirrored that of Khan’s by ending early inside the second round after Enzo’s power was too much for Ellis to handle. The Englishman was knocked to the canvas twice inside the first round after some brutal body punches from Maccarinelli. Referee Dave Parris stopped the fight in the second, ending a completely one sided affair.
The fight itself was hardly a test for Maccarinelli, but the Welsh bruiser was simply happy to get back inside the ropes: “Fair play to Matthew Ellis, he took a lot of heavy hits. I fought a much bigger guy, someone I didn't know too much about, but I controlled it and I did what I wanted."
Just one minute and 27 seconds into the second round, the fight was stopped by the referee who deemed Fagan unable to defend himself against Khan’s powerful combinations. Fagan even required oxygen treatment afterwards.
Khan last fought against Breidis Prescott back in September, where he was embarrassingly knocked out in the opening round.
Enzo Maccarinelli also made his comeback on the Judgement Night bill, where he fought Matthew Ellis in a heavyweight clash.
The Welshman was due to fight for the WBO cruizerweight title that he lost to David Haye back in March, but had a string of opponents pull out of the fight, forcing the Swansea based fighter to step up a weight division.
The fight mirrored that of Khan’s by ending early inside the second round after Enzo’s power was too much for Ellis to handle. The Englishman was knocked to the canvas twice inside the first round after some brutal body punches from Maccarinelli. Referee Dave Parris stopped the fight in the second, ending a completely one sided affair.
The fight itself was hardly a test for Maccarinelli, but the Welsh bruiser was simply happy to get back inside the ropes: “Fair play to Matthew Ellis, he took a lot of heavy hits. I fought a much bigger guy, someone I didn't know too much about, but I controlled it and I did what I wanted."
The Welshman has now turned his attention to Herbie Hide, a fighter who declined to step into Saturdays showdown because he wanted more time to prepare. Maccarinelli was not only angered by his decision not to fight, but also angered by the way he ridiculed him in a recent interview:
“I will fight him, without a doubt — I hate the man. He said he would come to Swansea and I think everyone around there would like to see me shut his mouth.
“I would love to be the man who ended his career. He did say he would give me his house if I won – that sounds like a very interesting prospect to me. He is a first class idiot.”
“I would love to be the man who ended his career. He did say he would give me his house if I won – that sounds like a very interesting prospect to me. He is a first class idiot.”
Froch - A new British Hero
Prior to last Saturdays WBC super-middleweight title fight, Carl Froch was one of those names that I’d heard but knew very little about. The only thing I did know was his age, so I went into the fight with a pretty open mind.
However, my allegiance was won over the moment Froch entered the arena. Not because of the 31 year olds confidence, bravado or showmanship, but the man’s music taste. The fighter nicknamed the ‘Cobra’ entered the Nottingham Arena to the classic sound of Queen, more specifically ‘We Will Rock You’. This was followed by the Guns ‘n’ Roses epic, ‘Welcome to the Jungle’. A song that set the tone for a fight that saw two boxers scrapping like animals, baying for each others blood.
The fight was reminiscent of the first legendary encounter between Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank back in 1990 with both contenders battling relentlessly for the vacated world title, given up by Joe Calzaghe after ten years of untouchable domination.
Apart from rounds six and seven where both Froch and Pascal showed their first signs of fatigue, the fight was a classic and a shining example of, in my opinion, how boxing should be. It was like watching Rocky Balboa against Apollo Creed!
By the end of the twelve, both fighters felt they had won the bout and awaited the decision of the three scoring judges. However, the grit and determination of the ‘cobra’ was rewarded with a unanimous point’s decision, sparking his home town crowd into hysteria.
Although credit has to be paid to Pascal who was unlucky not to come away with a win and the world title in the bag. The Canadian had a lot of success with his overhand right and showed an astonishing amount of punch resistance. He even managed force a cut on Froch’s left eyelid in the eighth before his energy levels were sapped after receiving one too many jabs.
Froch, a former British and commonwealth champion, is now unbeaten in 24 professional bouts and will look to dominate the division in the way that Joe Calzaghe has done. The Nottingham man has even challenged the Welshman to put off his impending retirement to try and take the title back.
A fight that has been completely dismissed by the unbeaten 36 year old who laughed off the prospect when he jokingly asked the BBC who Froch was?
“Carl who? Who’s that guy? Nah? He is a long way off deserving a fight with me and should join the list, along with Bernard Hopkins, Mikel Kessler and Chad Dawson.”
Now Froch’s performance on Saturday did win me over and I am now a big fan of his, but I think he is getting a little ahead of himself by talking up a fight with Calzaghe. For now, he should look to defend his title against Jermaine Taylor, which in itself is a big ask before looking for the big money super fights that he craves.
However, my allegiance was won over the moment Froch entered the arena. Not because of the 31 year olds confidence, bravado or showmanship, but the man’s music taste. The fighter nicknamed the ‘Cobra’ entered the Nottingham Arena to the classic sound of Queen, more specifically ‘We Will Rock You’. This was followed by the Guns ‘n’ Roses epic, ‘Welcome to the Jungle’. A song that set the tone for a fight that saw two boxers scrapping like animals, baying for each others blood.
The fight was reminiscent of the first legendary encounter between Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank back in 1990 with both contenders battling relentlessly for the vacated world title, given up by Joe Calzaghe after ten years of untouchable domination.
Apart from rounds six and seven where both Froch and Pascal showed their first signs of fatigue, the fight was a classic and a shining example of, in my opinion, how boxing should be. It was like watching Rocky Balboa against Apollo Creed!
By the end of the twelve, both fighters felt they had won the bout and awaited the decision of the three scoring judges. However, the grit and determination of the ‘cobra’ was rewarded with a unanimous point’s decision, sparking his home town crowd into hysteria.
Although credit has to be paid to Pascal who was unlucky not to come away with a win and the world title in the bag. The Canadian had a lot of success with his overhand right and showed an astonishing amount of punch resistance. He even managed force a cut on Froch’s left eyelid in the eighth before his energy levels were sapped after receiving one too many jabs.
Froch, a former British and commonwealth champion, is now unbeaten in 24 professional bouts and will look to dominate the division in the way that Joe Calzaghe has done. The Nottingham man has even challenged the Welshman to put off his impending retirement to try and take the title back.
A fight that has been completely dismissed by the unbeaten 36 year old who laughed off the prospect when he jokingly asked the BBC who Froch was?
“Carl who? Who’s that guy? Nah? He is a long way off deserving a fight with me and should join the list, along with Bernard Hopkins, Mikel Kessler and Chad Dawson.”
Now Froch’s performance on Saturday did win me over and I am now a big fan of his, but I think he is getting a little ahead of himself by talking up a fight with Calzaghe. For now, he should look to defend his title against Jermaine Taylor, which in itself is a big ask before looking for the big money super fights that he craves.
Follow the link to hear Calzaghe's thoughts on the matter...
Tuesday, 2 December 2008
Khan VS Pacquiao?
Picture the sight of Amir Khan, stepping into the ring in Los Angeles to face Manny Pacquiao, the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.Now I wouldn't blame you if you thought this is just another of Khan’s ridiculously ambitious statements following the Bolton fighter’s laughable claim that he wants to fight Ricky Hatton and be a world champion before the end of next year. However, this one has actually come true – in training anyway.
In the build up to his comeback fight against Oisin Fagan on Saturday night , the Olympic silver medallist has been in LA with new trainer Freddie Roach who also happens to train Pacquiao, which led to the pair sparring together during the week. Something that Khan says he has learnt from:
“I got loads of confidence training with Manny. I got hit by some of the best shots but I didn’t go down and he’s the best pound for pound in the world right now.
“I’m a better fighter now – I will never make that mistake again. I had a chat with Manny and he told me he had two early losses in his career where he got knocked out – but just look where he is now.
“I don’t care how the fight goes on Saturday I just want to win, even if it’s boring. I’m a clever and better fighter now after spending six weeks in America. You can expect a new Amir Khan. I will be more focused and I won’t be holding the chin up high.”
Monday, 1 December 2008
Enzo seeks new challenger!
Enzo Maccarinelli’s long awaited comeback has been cast into doubt after Jonathon Banks pulled out of Saturdays fight with an ankle injury.
This is the third time the fight has been postponed, all due to the American picking up injuries. The fight looked set to be a huge crowd pleaser as both fighters are in the top two of the World Boxing Organisations (WBO) cruiserweight rankings
Maccarinelli had been looking to get his career back on track after his devastating second round defeat to David Haye by knockout last March. The ‘Hayemaker’ has since moved on to the heavyweight division in spectacular style by demolishing Monte Barrett in five rounds.
The Welshman however, is still keen to bounce back and is now relying on an un-named fighter stepping into Banks’ shoes on Saturday night. If an opponent is found, then the Swansea based boxer will challenge for the vacant WBO cruiserweight crown.
Prior to Banks pulling out, the Welshman was in confident mood and eager to put on a show for his fans:
“I have been training twice as hard since the David Haye fight. I don’t think I’ve ever hit this hard, and I’ve had to hold back a bit there’s so much in my punches.
“Losing to Haye made me realise how much I love this sport. The Monday after the fight I was back in the gym. I’ve done all my usual runs and fitness programmes with the boys from the gym, but have looked to improve my strength as well.
“I’ve been chopping logs and dragging tyres around to make me stronger and I’ve already seen the effects in sparring.”
This is the third time the fight has been postponed, all due to the American picking up injuries. The fight looked set to be a huge crowd pleaser as both fighters are in the top two of the World Boxing Organisations (WBO) cruiserweight rankings
Maccarinelli had been looking to get his career back on track after his devastating second round defeat to David Haye by knockout last March. The ‘Hayemaker’ has since moved on to the heavyweight division in spectacular style by demolishing Monte Barrett in five rounds.
The Welshman however, is still keen to bounce back and is now relying on an un-named fighter stepping into Banks’ shoes on Saturday night. If an opponent is found, then the Swansea based boxer will challenge for the vacant WBO cruiserweight crown.
Prior to Banks pulling out, the Welshman was in confident mood and eager to put on a show for his fans:
“I have been training twice as hard since the David Haye fight. I don’t think I’ve ever hit this hard, and I’ve had to hold back a bit there’s so much in my punches.
“Losing to Haye made me realise how much I love this sport. The Monday after the fight I was back in the gym. I’ve done all my usual runs and fitness programmes with the boys from the gym, but have looked to improve my strength as well.
“I’ve been chopping logs and dragging tyres around to make me stronger and I’ve already seen the effects in sparring.”
My housemate Griffyth, who also happens to be the spit of Enzo, assures me that this type of training is extremely effective as he used to complete similar techniques whilst grafting at home. So calm yourself if you are worried about Enzo’s Rocky 4 style preparation.
Also, as I have mentioned Griff looking like Enzo a couple of times, I thought I’d make an image comparison. So now you can check out the resemblance for yourself.
Also, as I have mentioned Griff looking like Enzo a couple of times, I thought I’d make an image comparison. So now you can check out the resemblance for yourself.
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