Battle for promotion

The promotion of British boxing has never been healthier with household names Frank Warren and Frank Maloney still producing top quality high octane fight nights like they were going out of fashion. The British fight fans love nothing more than a good old domestic fight. Willing travel the country to go and support their boy, and sit proudly in homemade T-shirts cheering from the opening Bell and way after the officials stop the fight early due to a clash of heads. Where am I going with this? Enter Matchroom spotrts.

Barry Hearn’s been around in boxing since the 1980s and first promoted a pro fight when Frank Bruno took on Joe Bugner. These days He’s busy turning the darts and snooker world on it’s head. The once fairly average old pub games struggled to make it on TV until Matchroom got their hands on it and Barry Hearn was voted the new Chairman of world snooker. These days snooker is following the footsteps of darts and expanding worldwide with new tournaments due to take place in Australia for the first time. Snooker players have entrance music, A Premier league of snooker and darts tour the country selling out arena’s nationwide. Not only has Barry freshened up world snooker and world darts for the fans, introducing new tournaments and ranking events the players are now given a chance to pick and choose where to play and earn a decent living. The introduction of the cue school where snooker hopefuls have the chance to join the main tour in a knock out competition.

I seem to think not to be out done by his father Eddie Hearn is starting to make some serious moves in the boxing world and the Prizefighter tournaments prove to be a hit in the UK and across the Atlantic. Prizefighter made its U.S breakthrough in April when Fox Sports broadcast the Light Heavyweight International event. Some have said Matchroom plan world domination and to take out the competition. It is however simply business. The transfer window is officially open but it’s not Leyton Orient bringing in players. WBC Super Middleweight Champion Carl Froch signed a 5 fight deal, Fresh faced Sheffield quickster Kell Brook has joined the ranks after Frank Warren said he did not want to promote Brook again and questioned his professionalism as well as saying Carl Froch will never be world class or a star of boxing. Darren Barker made his return from a hip injury to pick up another European title for matchroom and landed a sponsorship with adidas so in hindsight the future looks bright for Matchroom.

Frank Warren of course packs a punch with his own weapons of world destruction with the likes of newly crowned WBO Light Heavyweight Nathan Cleverley, Derek Chisora, Frankie Gavin, James Degale and new fresh talents Prizefighter finalist Tobias Webb and the promising youngster and my pick for future world champion Billy Joe Saunders. Frank Warren has plenty left in the tank and promises to deliver the fights we want to see for a long time yet.

Hall Of Fame 20011 Inductee's

check out the world Boxing page for the latest on this years hall of fame which sees Mike Tyson and Rocky Balboa amongst the name to be inducted.

Queen honours British Legend

Duke McKenzie MBE sounds good doesn’t it?. Duke is the latest addition to the Queen’s birthday honours for his contribution to boxing. Spending his days at his Gym in his home town of Croydon and calling the shots as an ITV boxing commentator the former world champion will be awarded an MBE.

1963 was not only the birth of the Beatles but the birth of a future British boxing legend. Duke McKenzie’s career seen him claim British titles at two weights, a European title and world titles at 3 weights. The first British Flyweight title came his way June 5^th 1985 with a 4^th round stoppage over Danny Flynn which was swiftly followed by attaining Charlie Magri’s European title in the spring of 1986. British and European honours were just a taste of what was to follow when McKenzie swapped his British and European straps for a bigger slice of the cake and became IBF Flyweight Champion in October 1988 with an 11^th round KO over Rolando Bohol.

After two defences and a none title fight Duke McKenzie suffered the first defeat of his Professional career losing his IBF crown to Dave McAuley on June 7^th 1989 and an unsuccessful attempt at a Bantamweight European title Duke’s career hit somewhat of a speed bump. In true fighting style Duke was never derailed and bounced back in the summer of ‘91 When he became WBO Bantamweight Champion of the world.

ENGLAND v SCOTLAND 'and not a football in sight'

Once again Liverpool hosts a boxing event worthy of selling your cat to get tickets. This time it's the Echo Arena's turn to draw in the fans with the WBO Super Featherweight Champion Ricky Burns defending his crown against Nicky Cook Saturday 16th July. Too much is happening too soon in the height of boxing season my head exploded twice, anyway back to business. 31-2 Ricky Burns v 30-2 Nicky Cook? YOU call it. I personally really like both these guys and the fact that Nicky Cook is the challenger for his former title leads me to believe he's going to be up for this and how can i make this sound more exciting than it already is?.

This may help you with your prediction if you have not made your mind up about this one. Burns and Cook have both fought former WBO Champ Roman Martinez, Cook was some what undone by Martinez whom picked up a stoppage win, where three thumbs up from the judges forced Martinez to spit shine and hand over the title to Burns back in september 2010. This will be Ricky's 3rd title defence in 10 months although there's been negitive judgements from the boxing media on the bases of his previous opponents but it seems no-one can fight a good fight these days or have a good win, if you have a good win then your opponent was not good enough. maybe I am being over critical but i look forward to this fight. No matter what sport you follow England v Scotland is always a special event unless you're a tennis fan where England's best player is a Scotsman.

Sky Sports v King Khan round 2

Sky Sports land Knock Out Blow to King Khan.

Amir Khan has been told from Sky Sports that his showdown with Zab Judah will not be shown. Not for the first time have sky sports denied world champion Khan a slot in sky’s boxing schedule having failed in the bid back in April before Khan’s controversial win over Irish star Paul McCloskey. “I don’t know if it’s me or they just don’t enjoy me boxing” said Khan. Much to the annoyance of the British Boxing fans Amir ‘King’ Khan v self proclaimed ‘Super King’ Judah will now be shown on Primetime, a one off pay-per-view.

Sky sports reportedly turned down bids from team Khan before Tim Bradley pulled out and Zab Judah stepped in.
Khan’s last fight on Primetime brought in over 70,000 viewers yet still no interest from sky, I would like to think maybe the timing of the fight could have been better with David Haye taking up a Sky Box Office slot with his Heavyweight Unification tussle with man mountain Wladimir Klitschko taking place 3 weeks prior. Where does this put Khan in world Boxing when his homeland mainstream network refuse to show his fights? I understand that Amir and Sky Sports have had their problems in the past but you would have thought water under the bridge by now and give the loyal fans that religiously wait for Saturday nights through the entire boxing season the fight they want.

Popularity should not play a part and I hope this is not the case as many UK fans seem to be in Zab Judah’s corner and claim the UK are behind Zab? Paul McCloskey fans still choking on that bitter pill and don’t seem to be able to swallow it after that fight was stopped prematurely even though McCloskey never won a round but claims is was part of the plan. Who plans to go into a World championship fight and lose the first 4 rounds? In a 12 round fight that’s going to be pretty tough to turn around. I know it sounds like I’m being unfair but my words are not aimed at the fighters but the fans, my message to them, support your fellow countryman in victory and defeat do not blame them if an official stops the fight or if a judge's card is borderline ridiculous.

Good Luck King Khan, Ryan Rhodes, Matthew Maklin.

The Cobra strikes "American Golden Boy"

Carl Froch relishes opportunity to tarnish “American Golden Boy” Andre Ward’s perfect record.

Back in the UK following a comprehensive points win over ‘Road Warrior’ clubber Glen Johnson and sky sports appearances ‘The Cobra’ joined the Ringside studio last night to put the world to right over the super 6 tournament. The first tournament of it’s kind in world boxing has been under scrutiny over fighters pulling out and debates over whether this is the future of our great sport. I for one believe the super 6 has been great for the sport although some will say it could have been over by now however it pit’s the best against the best. Carl Froch for example was hardly a household name until now and the tournament certainly has not harmed his reputation in America by any stretch of the imagination.

U.S media claim the super 6 as being “Terrific” and Froch’s U.S fan base is admirable due to his formidable chin and the fact he doesn’t know when he’s beaten. The final super middleweight final promises to be one for the record books and a contender for fight of the year as arguable the world’s two finest super middleweights battle for that number one spot. Mikell Kessler might have a word or two to say about that after a short lived stint in the competition when an eye injury forced him out and lead to Kessler vacating the WBC crown. Carl Froch claims Kessler bailed out to get away from the Cobra and welcomes a rematch with open arms.
Froch believes the final of the super 6 will take place late October or early November and eyes up the bright lights of Vegas to showcase the event. There’s mutual respect between Froch and Ward but regardless of what bookmakers are saying Carl believes Ward is NOT the favourite, adding “I was impressed by Ward but not overly impressed” when asked about Ward’s performance against Abraham.

Floyd Mayweather Jr announced his ring return against young and dangerous Victor Ortiz and this is what Froch had to say about it, “it’s not the Pacman fight but Ortiz is young, experienced and strong” he also feels that the long lay off may be a factor for Mayweather but "you never know what he’s thinking and that’s what makes him a star”. Is this a warm up fight the one everyone everywhere is waiting for?. Some bookers makers have released the odds for the possible super fight and believe a date in December has been leaked, Maybe just maybe.

Heavyweight Brits clash hits the States

Del Boy's Going to America, but no need to pack the suitcase.
Integrated sports have announced Derek Chisora v Tyson Fury is to shown on PPV in the States.

Presented by Hennessy Sports this showdown has been dubbed 'The Big Brawl', Integrated sports president Doug Jacobs said "I'm thrilled to introducing two exciting heavyweights to the U.S fans".

If my opinion was to count for little more than the amount of change i found down the back of my couch today (37p if you must know), Then i'd like to say this is great news for british boxing.

The demise of british boxing has been apparent although i've not seen it in that light, nevertheless the questions with no answers and plea's for a heavyweight to relight the boxing world is finally coming fluition.

The die hard british boxing fans that've waited for a world heavyweight champion to be proud of since the days of playing Knock Out Kings on the playstation can now raise their head's high in anticipation of what's to come. Yes we have David Haye and yes i am a fan of his but reitirement looms for the Hayemaker. My only grumble with the curent state of Heavyweights is the lack of ambition and i don't mean to say that being champion of the world is not ambition or the ultimate dream for every fighter to lace up a glove but it seems to me the desire of leaving a legacy in their name seems to be eroding from the sport.

On the bright side the British heavyweight division is looking bright with prospects and world dominating hopefulls at the plenty with the likes of David Price, John McDermott, Tom Dallas and not forgetting the mouth watering clash between Chisora and Fury with David Price in the wings ready to sign up the winner should he come through his title eliminator bout with 'BIG Bad' John McDermott.

Tyson Fury's fan base is growing rapidly and after 'Del Boy's WBO title shot was swept under the living room rug, Chisora is as hungry as ever to prove he belongs on the world stage.

Tyson Fury has said he's dedicating this fight to British king of the ring and boxings gentleman sir Henry Cooper. RIP Our 'ENRY, Always Loved, Never Forgotten

Murray plans 'Hammer' blow

Mere weeks away from yet another domestic treat and it's frank warren that's dishing up the goods.
Manchester's own boxing answer to boddingtons John Murray heads to the capital to take on eastender Kevin Mitchell.
Avid Manchester City fan Murray says he plans to take a pew at boxing's top table and bring world honours back to manchester and vows to relegate Kevin Mitchell to the second tier of the boxing world much like his beloved west ham united.
like all great domestic rivals Murray and mitchell's rival goes back to their amateur days and if Degale v Groves was anything to go by then this one promises to be just as tasty and pack a punch.

The ExCel Arena plays host to this north v south bust up on July 9th. Murray has said that he's followed Mitchell's career and he is not without his own glory days. Mitchell hit back vowing not to make the same mistakes as last time out in the eastend where he suffered defeated to kastidis he also rubbish's claims that John Murray is world class.
Either way it looks like a world title may be on the cards for the winner of this WBO Intercontinental scrap.

'Dazzling' Darren to light up world stage?

It's been an interesting couple of months for two time european middleweight champion Darren Barker.

Back in April 'Dazzling' Darren made his long awaited return to the ring after a year of torment and heartbreak in which he was forced to vacate his european title due to a serious hip injury. there was much talk of ring rust in the build up and the oppossing Domenico Spada was never likely to give Barker an easy ride, the hard hitting italian went to london to win. 12 valuable rounds for Dazzler and rightly reunited with the title he never lost.

Now Eddie Hearn plans to bring on the world, with a supposed fight with Sergio Martinez.
Martinez has reportedly been qouted to be saying he could fight Barker october 1st after a breakdown in talks between Lou DiBella and Bob Arum and a possible Martinez v Chavez mash up.
Much like the Pacman v Mayweather debates there's more chance of Martinez v Chavez NOT happening anytime soon.
Some feel Chavez is a paper champion after Martinez was Stripped of his WBC title after a mandatory fight with Sebastian Zbik fell through due to TV complications and HBO reportedly ruled out Zbik of being a worthy opponent.
this isn't the 1st time Martinez has reason to feel a little hard done by losing two world titles in 6 months without losing a fight.

Uk fight fans i am sure will be keeping an eye on the development of this one as another British Boxer steps up to the world stage, this time in the shape of two time underfeated (22-0) european champion 'DAZZLING' Darren Barker. http://www.darrenbarker.co.uk/