Big Write Hook February 2018

Brook v v Rabchenko Rabchenko Brook

Garcia v v Rios Rios Garcia Garcia v v Rios Rios Garcia

ISSUE 014 // FEBRUARY 2018

Brook v Rabchenko

Garcia v Rios Garcia v Rios

“Just like a boxer can’t win without a few punches on his face, a student can’t be fully trained without ups and downs.”

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Pawan Mishra

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If you want to change your career, develop new skills or just meet new people, then getting back into learning could be the answer.

You can get free advice to help you decide on your next steps. www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/routes-higher-education

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4// EDITOR’S LETTER // LEWIS CALVERT

6 // MONTHLY ROUND UP // JAIME INGLEBY 8 // NICKNAMES // TOM HUMBER

10 // BOXING AND WRESTLING // CAI BRADLEY

12 // DOES SIZE IT MATTER? // CHRIS WEATHERSPOON 14// BOXING AND FOOTBALL // TIM HAMMERSLEY 16 // 12 ROUNDS WITH // CORNELIUS BUNDRAGE 17 // 12 ROUNDS WITH // GARY SWEENEY

18 // 12 ROUNDS WITH // HANNAH RANKIN 20 // PREVIEW // GARCIA V RIOS

22 // PREVIEW // GROVES V EUBANK JR.

24 // PREVIEW // BROOK V RABCHENKO 26 // PREVIEW // MTK SHOW

28 // POETS CORNER 30 // GOLDEN YEARS

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EDITORS LETTER // Written By: Lewis Calvert @BigWriteHook or years the term “boxing IQ” has been banded about by experts and casuals alike with very little in the way of an explanation of what it actually entails. So in this Editor’s Letter we explore the very notion of a boxer being clever... (I know, imagine the traditional press considering that for a second.)

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Boxers are not considered the most intelligent people on the planet, and let’s be honest, some of them are stupid. I’m not mentioning any names here because I might just have to interview them one day and I like my face the way it looks. Kind of.

Anyway, in terms of traditional education the story is often told of a poor kid, who never liked school, dropping out and being saved by boxing and their street smarts. But for those who continue with their studies, the achievements are plentiful. By name and by natured Nathan Cleverly secured a top-class degree in Pure Mathematics from Cardiff University, both the Klitschko brothers have PHD’s, Olympic Bronze medallist Joshua Buatsi achieved a 2:1 in Management with Sports Science, Nicky Piper was a Mensa member whilst Lennox Lewis’ chess skills are that of a ‘solid club standard’. Clearly, there are boxers out there with a good head on their shoulders.

Tyson Fury for all his antics and playful persona, when he shows his serious side, shows he is quite the boxing historian. The Gypsy King often reels of heavyweight champions and their challengers without prompt, keeping a constant eye on the entire landscape of the division. He is an astute studier of it. Not to mention his out smarting of wise old owl Klitschko with the tactics he employed on that famous night.

However, the term “boxing IQ” refers to in the ring actions. Though rating a fighters IQ is somewhat subjective, it is basically about a boxer having the mental ability to know what to change about their attack or defence during a fight and how to change it. Having the physical ability to do so, well, that is another story.

Tactics play a huge part in boxing and having the intelligence to come up with strategies which make the best of your own attributes and nullify that of your foe can be the key to success. Gennady Golovkin is famous for cutting off the ring against fighters who “run”, with swift side steps and a host of other manoeuvres to make sure his opposite

number is always trapped in front of him, ready to receive vicious power shots.

Muhammad Ali notably would circle around a ring clockwise to avoid an opponents hard jab; if it did catch the retreating fighter, the power would have been reduced. Ali known for his wit and poetry, was not deemed intelligent enough to fight in the Vietnam (before he was later reclassified) and famously proclaimed: “I said I was ‘The Greatest’ I never said I was the smartest!”

Floyd Mayweather on the other hand, regularly labels himself as the “smartest”.

His an obsession with this term has been noted over numerous interviews. The revelation by 50 Cent claiming Floyd can’t read may have exacerbated this issue, but Floyd’s clever matchmaking and ability to draw in numbers with his smart mouth can not be denied. Simply put, a man who can make $100 million for 36 minutes work is a smarter man than you or I. Mayweather still had to perform in the ring and the old adage “a good boxer will always beat a good puncher”. This certainly rings true with the recent performance of Billy Joe Saunders, who impressed the world with his display of ring generalship in a unanimous decision victory over David Lemieux. He may not be the greatest speller, but it was a perfect example of how to hit and move; bamboozling an attacker on route to a safe points win. That is boxing clever.

Vasyl Lomachenko is famous for slapping down the defensive right hand guard of a fighter, with his own right hand only to follow up swiftly with a left of his own, hitting the now exposed area.

This is the type of intelligent boxing which has changed the game and has imitators trying this tactic in every fight.

The relationship between the sweet science and… actual science is ever growing too. Universities are jumping on board with nutritional plans and training regimes to improve a fighters fitness. It is a far cry of the legendary Rocky scene of

hitting frozen meat in an abattoir. Fighters these days have to know more about health and fitness than ever before if they want to make it to the pinnacle of the sport.

Grass roots schemes understand the relationship between the sport and education. The Boxing Academy is a charity that offers an alternative education pathway for students between the ages of 14 and 16 who are at risk of exclusion.

Located in the London Borough of Hackney, the Academy follows a full-time school schedule from 8.30am to 3:15pm, and school term times throughout the year. Their fantastic work has seen a very successful rate of young adults leaving with qualifications they might not have gained otherwise through traditional means.

Plenty of boxers run their own academies too: Tommy Coyle, Derry Mathews and the Smith Brothers all carry out brilliant work with youngsters and this trend is growing. One can only hope they get the recognition they deserve.

So the next time you hear somebody trying to put every fighter in the same simple box, just know that many of them can box clever.av

50 Cent claiming Floyd can’t read may have exacerbated this issue, but Floyd’s clever matchmaking and ability to draw in numbers with his smart mouth can not be denied. Simply put, a man who can make $100 million for 36 minutes work is a smarter man

LETTER LETTER EDITORS LETTER LETTER than you or I.

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LETTER EDITORSEDITORS

Boxing Cle ver

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February 2018 // Big Write Hook // Page 5

Monthly Round Up

Monthly R Written By: Jaime Ingleby @Jaime_ingleby79

Date: 20/2/18 Fighter Names: Spence v Peterson

Texan superstar, Errol Spence Jr. made a successful maiden defence of his IBF 147lb world title, with a dominant victory over Washington’s former two weight world champion Lamont Peterson.

Spence, unbeaten in 23 professional fights, dominated Peterson from the opening bell until the time of the stoppage; stalking his opponent from behind his strong southpaw jab and employing his usual vicious body assault.

Peterson unable to get a foothold of any sort in the fight, retreated into his shell, dropped heavily in the 5th and suffering a torrid 6th Peterson was saved from further punishment by long time trainer and mentor, Barry Hunter – prior to the start of the 8th..

Using his post-fight interview to call out fellow champion Keith Thurman, Spence referencing the fellow champion’s nickname “One Time” by calling him “Some Time” in an attempt to set up a unification fight in late 2018 with a snipe at Thurman’s lack of in the ring activity fighting only twice in the last two years.

The undercard, featured New York native, Marcus Browne and IBF 135lb Champion Robert Easter Jr. in contrasting fights; Browne, iced his opponent Francy Ntetu, in the first round of their scheduled 10 and Easter Jr. struggled to a split decision victory over Javier Fortuna.

Date: 27/2/18 Fighter Names: Linares v Gesta

Consistent and accurate work earned Jorge Linares the win by unanimous decision. Despite a slow start from the Venezuelan wizard.

Linares’s experience at championship level proved the difference between the two men and from round 3 the fight was only going to end with one victor. Gesta was competitive and worked hard throughout the bout, he was just unable to get himself into a position land anything of substance.

Linares, cut in the latter half of the fight, judged the distance perfectly and landed his trademark eye catching combinations with pinpoint accuracy to record a victory over Gesta and former trainer Freddie Roach by scores of 118-110 twice and

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The accuracy of Usyk’s jab proving the decisive factor between the two boxers, this and the early investment in some sickening body shots, gave him the ability to finish the stronger and get the nod by majority decision at the final bell.

The scorecards read 115-113 twice while the other judge scored the fight a draw.

117-111. However, Linares will need to elevate his performance after calling for a fight with Garcia or Lomachenko next.

In the co-main event, Argentinian, Lucas Matthysse proved yet again the theory that a fighter’s punch is the last thing they lose.

Matthysse, cut early and labouring in his fight with the unknown Thai, Tewa Kiram.

In the eighth Matthysse turned back father time and found a punch similar to the one which saw him wreak havoc a division below and it ended the bout. The Thai fighter unable to withstand the onslaught that ensued after the knockdown.

The victory saw Matthysse capture a minor version of the 147lb world title.

Date: 27/1/18 Fighter Names: Usyk v Breidis The first semi –final in the World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) produced an early contender for Fight of the Year (FOTY). The bout contested between the Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk and Latvia’s Mairis Briedis was fought at pace rarely seen in the heavier weight classes.

The battle between the two unbeaten fighters and world champions, pitted Usyk’s silky skills and precision against Briedis’s volume and more direct style.

The accuracy of Usyk’s jab proving the decisive factor between the two boxers, this and the early investment in some sickening body shots, gave him the ability to finish the stronger and get the nod by majority decision at the final bell. The scorecards read 115-113 twice while the other judge scored the fight a draw.

Usyk, the 2012 Olympic Heavyweight Gold medallist from the Ukraine is now the unified WBC and WBO Cruiserweight Champion, he eagerly awaits the outcome of next week’s semi-final between Cuban KO specialist Yunier Dorticos and Russian Hardman Murrat Gassiev.

The undercard featured British Heavyweight, Tom little, who was stopped in 4 by Croatian Filip Hrgovic.

Date: 3/2/18 Fighter Names: Gassiev vs Dorticos The final of the World Boxing Super Series will see Murat Gassiev face Oleksandr Usyk after the Russian knocked out Yunier Dorticos in the 12th round of their pulsating semi-final contest.

It was boxing of the highest quality for almost the full distance and the power of each man reverberated around the world as each devastating blow landed. The Cuban was the busier in the opening rounds and was very keen to trade, however, conservative tactics employed by the now unified champion seen Gassiev keep a tight guard and target the body with viscous intent.

The head-hunting Dorticos took the punishment going into the second half of the bout and was immovable in doing so.

He constantly replied with power shots of his own, which were similarly absorbed by the younger fighter. Flashes of excitement occurred mostly at the end of rounds, as both men looked to pace themselves for the distance. A slick combination of @BigWriteHook

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Round Up uppercuts wobbled Dorticos at one point as he continued to be edged out of most rounds with the efficiency of Gassiev.

Going into the last three stanzas the 24-year-old began to pull away and his early body work began to pay dividends on a now almost stationary target.

Into the final round and an explosive MikeTyson-like left hook flattened Dorticos in the centre of the ring. Incredibly, the 31-year-old rose to his feet, only to be met with a composed attack from Gassiev, who scored a second knock-down. Again Dorticos stumbled to his feet and this time he was beaten out of the ring, as if Gassiev knew he would rise again if he failed to physically get him out of there.

Now only two remain. Usyk and Gassiev with the chance to become the undisputed Cruiserweight champion of the world and win the inaugural tournament for the Ali Trophy. And if the final is anything like the opening bouts, we are in for something very special.

Elsewhere, the Matchroom “British Beef� main event between Lawrence Okolie and Isaac Chamberlain left a disappointing taste in the mouth. Okolie scored a knockdown in the first round but from then on grappling, holding and clenching continued for the ensuing nine.

Both fighters have seen their profiles rise, but their credibility drop after such a disinteresting fight. Okolie may have won a wide points decision due to his physicality, but in truth, boxing was the loser in this one.

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February 2018 // Big Write Hook // Page 7

THE NICKNAME //

Written By: Thomas Humber @thomas_humber

e’ve all been there, imagining yourself walking out towards the ring, lights on your back, camera in your face, the nickname you carry with pride plastered on every member of your entourage, striding into the lion’s den to the sound of your favourite tune. But what would be your team name? What would be your nickname? I know the thought has crossed your mind.

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The origin of ‘The Nickname’ in boxing is unclear and links can be found in all corners of the globe: from the travelling circus’ that would pilgrimage across 19th Century Europe, to the new age media machines of today, nicknames have been used to turn the everyday fighting man into so much more.

So why do we love it so much?

Unless placing the standard –ey ending onto a second name (Jonesy, Smallsey, Whitey etc.), nicknames are a phenome vacant from most other major sports.

Well, maybe apart from not darts, which is another Hearn owned Sky Sports phenomenon. Unless legendary status is achieved, the high flyers of sports such as football, rugby and cricket often find themselves remembered by merely a second name and a number.

Boxing however, is different. But how?

After weeks of racking my brain and asking myself this very question, I feel like I have come to suitable conclusions as to why the nickname is taken so seriously in the realms of pugilism.

Endearment. A nickname brings you closer

to your man. Unlike in other sports, boxing allows you to build personal attachments to a fighter. The likes of ‘Jersey’ Joe Walcott would play on hometown emotion to draw a fan base, in turn putting their town, city or in this case, island, on the map. The individual nature of the sport encourages fans to find alternate ways to deepen their support for a fighter, and ‘The Nickname’ provides the perfect opportunity to do so.

Branding. This point is vital and grows exponentially in importance as the years tick by. It is not enough in the current business climate of boxing to ‘just’ be a good fighter. Of course, if you are talented enough, then merit alone will take a fighter to their rightful position and destiny. However, in a world dominated by advertisement and sponsorship, a fighter must present himself as the complete ‘product’. An effective nickname can transform ‘just’ a fighter into a corporate, money making machine. I don’t even need to give the full names of ‘Pretty Boy’ or ‘AJ’ to clarify who I am talking about. The power of branding. The power of the nickname.

Legacy. Some nicknames serve no

other purpose but to strike fear into their opponent and leave a unique footprint that will be studied and mimicked by future fighters. Taglines such as ‘Lights Out’ James Toney and ‘Bonecrusher’ Smith conjure powerful imagery of violence and power. These nicknames provide the platform for a fighter to go forth and leave their mark in boxing long after careers have ended. Names like ‘Sugar’ will forever be closely linked to the unforgettable styles of Ray Leonard and Ray Robinson.

It may be more apt in which case to suggest that perhaps a fighter builds the legacy of a nickname, and not vice versa.

Take Adrien ‘The Problem’ Broner. Loud.

Foul mouthed. Arrogant. Thus, when his first defeat came at the hands of Marcos Maidana, quips such as ‘The Problem has been solved...’ began to circulate press mills and social media alike. This is the prime example of when a nickname can be the ultimate downfall of a fighter.

The roots of ‘The Nickname’ can be traced back to the beginning of this ancient sport.

Fast forward to modern day boxing and nothing much has changed from the tales of yesteryear. ‘The Nickname’ is just as much for the child as it is the adult.

Growing up watching your favourite boxer enter the ring to their music of choice, draped in a robe with their name or slogan on the back stand true as fond memories that would often be remade and imitated in parent’s front rooms. The immortalisation of ‘The Italian Stallion’ will forever live on in the iconic Rocky Balboa franchise, further asserting the love and importance of a recognisable nickname in boxing.

Fighter’s come and go, but ‘The Nickname’ is a lynchpin in boxing, and will continue to be reinvented, reconceptualised and remodelled for years to come.

Yo u r s s i n c e r e l y, Thomas ‘The Hitman’ H u m b e r.

Some nicknames serve no other purpose but to strike fear into their opponent and leave a unique footprint that will be studied and mimicked by future fighters.

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Hands Of Stone

The Italian Stallion

The Problem

Sugar

Bonecrusher

‘Lights Out

Pretty Boy

Jersey

‘If you were a fighter, what would your nickname be?’

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Boxing and Wrestling

Written By: Cai Bradley @AStarBoxing Written By: Cai Bradley @AStarBoxing

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Written By: Cai Bradley @AStarBoxing

ake no mistake, this is not a comparison of sports.

Boxing is boxing – real, punch for punch, and tragically every so often, life-or-death. WWE, on the other hand, is of course simply a bit of light-hearted entertainment. Strangely enough though, the two domains have crossed paths multiple times over the last few decades.

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Some of boxing’s biggest names have associations with the WWE, Gorgeous George the inspiration behind Muhammad Ali’s bold public persona. One of the most publicised names to crossover in recent years was Iron Mike Tyson back in the late 1990’s, where he entertained millions as the Baddest Man on the Planet during a stint with DX. His unpredictable real-life temperament was perfect for sports entertainment, perhaps even a template for any outlaw persona to follow, so there’s no real shock that the WWE capitalised on this and made it happen.

Strangely, Tyson was scarier in real-life than in the WWE. Nevertheless, his iconic association with DX granted him a place in the organisation’s Hall of Fame, being inducted in 2012, a year before Donald Trump. Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather has also made a few appearances in recent years, certainly making his mark, reportedly breaking The Big Show’s nose with a not-so-fake right hand.

Aside from obvious crossovers, there are some more subtle connections between the two.

An entity crucial to both domains is showmanship. Beginning with the obvious, and the legendary, Muhammad Ali, possibly the greatest showman of all time. Like it or not, personalities are vital in boxing, as well as the WWE. It is no secret that Ali inspired one of the best mic-handlers in WWE history, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, with his captivating gimmicks and the ‘People’s Champ’ handle.

Boxing will never be short of gifted pugilists, but the art of handling a microphone can open the door to boxing eternity. Great speakers’ voices will echo forever, imprinting their mark on the sport. From Ali, the most eloquent of all, to the unpredictability of Iron Mike Tyson. WWE-like showmanship is occasionally needed in sport, but especially in this brutal individual business, where a fighter paves his own path.

For me, the ground-breaking Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. The Rock in Wrestlemania X-Seven made for one of the best pre-fight build ups in history.

If you have not seen it yet, I urge you to YouTube the promo. Everyone knew it @BigWriteHook

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was fake, but somehow, you convinced yourself it was real. At the pinnacle of the WWE in the 1990’s, the showmanship of those two characters was what every boxing promoter dreams of in terms of intensity, passion and the (manufactured, of course) animosity.

Imagine that type of build-up to a boxing contest, only with genuine fighters. It would be sensational. MayweatherMcGregor gave it a go, but it all seemed

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THE SQUARE CIRCLE //

to letting their true personalities flow. If they clash, great, if not, keep it respectful.

Not every build-up to every fight is going to be like Austin vs The Rock or Lewis vs Tyson. A fake persona in boxing can go terribly wrong if it isn’t handled correctly.

And there is one thing that may just be worse than a boring fighter – a fake villain.

As boxing purists, technique and skill is always admirable to us, but for the sport

Perhaps our boxers today are pushed to be too PC, meaning that the promoters often take charge, masking the fighters’ personalities at times. terribly fake. One that stands out to me in terms of real, intense build-up is Lewis vs Tyson back in 2002 - their hatred was real. As it would be if another man said he would eat your children.

Their big personalities shone through.

As humans, we love watching combat sport. It has been part of our culture for centuries. In addition to this, we love the genuine animosity between two combatants. Some boxers have gifted us with their outspoken and often clashing personalities - Ali-Frazier, Eubank-Benn and even Froch-Groves, are all examples of legendary rivalries that will live on for generations due to their intense build-ups and equally staggering fights.

Perhaps our boxers today are pushed to be too PC, meaning that the promoters often take charge, masking the fighters’ personalities at times. Some of today’s promotion can be relatively thrilling of course, the ‘Gloves Are Off’ programmes are enjoyable, but the boxers regularly seem to be holding back. It may also be down not wanting to lose sponsorship from advertisers who want to steer clear from controversial subjects. The WWE-esque showmanship is brilliant in boxing when it is believable.

But when it isn’t, it can go horribly wrong.

Today’s boxers seem very inclined to force some sort of ‘beef’ upon every single pre-fight promotion, as opposed

to reach its optimum popularity, personalities and showmanship are of utmost importance to the general public. Entertainment value is crucial in boxing, inside and outside of the ring – just remember how disappointment fans were after Mayweather-Pacquiao after all that hype.

Of course, a boxer can be remembered and appreciated without the gift of great stagecraft, but to remain in the minds of sports fans forever, it takes some degree of showmanship alongside their boxing prowess. Self-promotion is as important today as it ever has been. Take MayMac, probably the closest pre-event build-up to WWE that we will ever see – in a contest we all knew was a mismatch, but it just so happened to make a fortune.

Personalities, and more specifically personality clashes, generate widespread interest. Yes, it appeals to casual fans, but boxing purists like myself would be lying to say that they aren’t drawn in by these verbal conflicts. Though it is only wrestling which provides the illusion of violence, to be the greatest in either field these men and women must have one thing in common... they must be believable characters. Luckily for boxing fans, our heroes do not wear masks or capes. Just bumps and bruises.

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Does

SIZ

Matter?

Written By: Chris Weatherspoon @Christoph_21

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s Canelo Alvarez reeled in his right hand, he could have been forgiven for mistaking what he heard next. Amir Khan’s head rebounded off the canvas with a thud, the Olympic silver medallist having been knocked out cold instantly, but to Alvarez and the many thousands watching on, the clunking of skull on ring mat sounded much like something else - inevitability.

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ZE Khan had stepped up two divisions to fight the Mexican superstar, and few saw the bout as anything other than a big payday for the man from Bolton. Alvarez, fighting at his favoured middleweight level, was seen as much too big for Khan. So it proved, that right hand not only ending proceedings in the sixth round but also earning Alvarez Ring Magazine’s ‘Knockout of the Year’ gong for the second year running.

It was a bout which once more gave airing to an argument that has surrounded the sweet science since time immemorial: does size matter?

Certainly, in the case of Alvarez-Khan, it did. Despite what the scorecards of two judges may have said at the time referee Kenny Bayliss waved the fight off without even offering Khan a count - realising it would have been an entirely pointless endeavour - many felt Khan was ahead on points. Yet they were also only too aware of the Brit’s inability to hurt the lineal middleweight champion. For all his sharp jabs and quick feet, Khan was perennially on borrowed time; once Alvarez connected, the game was up.

But if this was a matchup ended decisively, it did not definitively settle the size debate. @BigWriteHook

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Alvarez, as well as possessing dynamite in his fists, is also a supremely talented technician. Khan may well have looked the part for much of those six rounds, but to put Alvarez’s victory down to his physique and that alone would be misleading.

Indeed, to argue that size always dictates the outcome of a fight would be erroneous in the extreme. One of the more glaring examples in recent years came in 2009, when David Haye took on an opponent fully nine inches taller and ninety-nine pounds heavier than him. The sight of Haye literally leaping into the air to land a punch

came across Thomas ‘Hitman’ Hearns a few fights after stepping up to light middleweight, Duran found himself on the end of a brutal one-punch knockout as early as the second round.

Just a year later, Hearns himself learnt the errors of fighting a larger man, in a bout with ‘Marvellous’ Marvin Hagler that is seen by many as one of the greatest in the sport’s long history. Hearns, through either spunk or stupidity, decided to go toe-to-toe with arguably the most feared middleweight ever to walk the planet.

As Hearns, naturally more of a superwelterweight, rained down punches, Hagler kept moving forward regardless. The Hitman succumbed in round three, bringing to an end eight minutes of sheer mayhem.

The answer, then, must lie somewhere in the middle. Size may not be enough to win a fight in and of itself, but without skill and a game plan it may well be nullified. Alternatively, if the

Khan may well have looked the part for much of those six rounds, but to put Alvarez’s victory down to his physique and that alone would be misleading. on Nikolai Valuev would have been comical were the heavyweight title not on the line, and Haye’s significant size disadvantage did not deter him from wresting the WBA belt from the gargantuan Russian.

If size were the overarching arbitrator of boxing outcomes then it is unlikely messieurs Mayweather and Pacquiao would have scythed through as many weight divisions as they did, particularly in the former’s case. Pacquiao moved more naturally upwards as he aged, but his fight against Antonio Margarito made a mockery of the ‘big always beats small’ line of thinking. In a bout which ended in a unanimous decision for Pacquiao, the Filipino had implored referee Laurence Cole to stop the fight. Margarito’s beating was so severe that he was rushed to hospital as soon as his much smaller opponent’s arm had been raised.

That is not to say that heft can always be overcome by skill. Roberto Duran’s well-documented excesses may see him carry round a portly frame in retirement, but back in his punching days Manos de Piedra did much of his best work at lightweight and welterweight. When he

latter components are present, their combination with a physical advantage will prove rather difficult to overcome.

Mentioning Mike Tyson in boxing arguments is something akin to pugilism’s own form of Godwin’s Law, but is it hard not to see the invocation of him here as appropriate.

Tyson arrived on the scene like a whirlwind, refusing to allow his shorter build to encourage him to proceed with caution.

Yet Tyson’s pre-1990 record of knocking out all and sundry was punctuated by four tussles with four bigger men, all of whom took him the distance. James Tillis, Mitch Green, James Smith and Tony Tucker all lasted until the final bell with Iron Mike, though none were able to manage anything better than a unanimous points loss. Tyson’s knockout power had been negated by size; in turn, his boxing abilities had ensured size wasn’t the defining factor.

Perhaps, then, it is best to leave it to phraseology that has long been derided: it’s not really the size that matters but, rather, how you use it.

February 2018 // Big Write Hook // Page 13

n paper, the two are worlds apart.

One, a team sport where contact is met with outrage these days. The other, totally focused on the individual, where two separate minds and bodies are pushed to their very limits.

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However, boxing has enjoyed an explosion in popularity in recent years, with big British stars like Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury gaining the same household name status as Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard. But what does the rise of boxing in Britain in particular, have to do with football? The answer? A hell of a lot.

Possibly the most significant thing football offers boxing is the use of stadiums for big fights; with the huge expanse in the public interest in boxing, promoters have been forced to provide bigger grounds, enabling them to sell more tickets, and ultimately make more money.

Bar stand alone arenas like the 02 and the MEN arena, there are very few major stadia that aren’t primarily used for football in this country, and even then, those stand alone arenas would never be able to accommodate a mega-fight, such as Joshua-Klitschko which was staged at the 90,000+ capacity Wembley stadium.

By opening their doors to boxing the likes of Wembley, Goodison Park and Bramhall Lane, in recent times, have all given boxing the freedom to expand as an attraction. By being able to accommodate so many fans, promoters are able to push mega fights far more than they have ever been able to before. Those events bring with them huge media coverage, putting boxing in the spotlight and allowing its audience to grow exponentially.

Football also gives boxing an advertising platform that cannot be met elsewhere.

Hundreds of thousands of people go to watch football every week in the UK, with millions watching on TV. On advertising hoardings at the grounds and on the television, especially with Sky holding a strong share of both the football and boxing markets, promoters have the potential to push their shows not only a mass market, but a mass market that are more likely than a normal section of the public to engage with the sport. Sky are able to ruthlessly promote their Saturday Fight Nights as well as PPV packages

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Bellew interacts with football; he engages with the fans, he appears as just an ordinary bloke who supports his team.

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during football broadcasts, and by doing so, promoters are provided with a ready-made market who they merely need to sell to, rather than engage with.

The potential market of football fans is all the more profitable by the fact that boxers are more often than not, football fans themselves. Tony Bellew for example, a boxer whose stock has risen hugely after winning the WBC Cruiserweight title against Ilunga Makabu at Goodison Park in 2016, then going on to unexpectedly beat David Haye at the O2 last year, with their rematch scheduled for May 5th. Bellew is very public about his love for Everton FC, but what does this have to do with his rise in popularity? Did Bellew being a famous and public Evertonian help secure Goodison as the venue for his world title fight? Undoubtedly. However, it is Bellew’s position as a marketable fighter to Everton, and now football fans more widely which has gifted him the success that he has had. Bellew interacts with football; he engages with the fans, he appears as just an ordinary bloke who supports his team.

Football fans buy into that, they like seeing one of their own succeed in the way Bellew has done. And as ticket and PPV revenues from Haye vs. Bellew show, these fans are more than willing to pay for the privilege.

Boxing and football may be polar opposites as sports go, but it is clear how much football has contributed to boxing’s meteoric rise in recent years. Whilst boxing has in the past, and could undoubtedly again succeed on its own, there is no doubt the in the UK football has enabled boxing to become not only a popular sport, but the mass market enterprise that it is today.

OCaN TBALL

Written By: Tim Hammersley @timhammersley27

xinG LiVe thOUt iT? @BigWriteHook

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February 2018 // Big Write Hook // Page 15

I want to start off by giving God the glory because without him nothing is possible.

Bundrage (36-6) is a two-time former world champion, who rose to fame on reality boxing show the Contender in 2006. His next fight is on March 23 at DeCarlo’s Convention Centre.

1. Who is your favourite all time boxer?

My son is my favourite fighter. I’m being bias and telling the truth, but I will answer the question like you want after my son Lil K9 is not a part of the conversation. It’s a toss up between Tyson and Roy Jones. I’ll go with Roy Jones Jr. 2. Who is your favourite active boxer?

Vasyl Lomachenko 3. What is your opinion on fighters caught taking performance enhancing drugs?

Three strikes and you’re out.

4. What is the key to winning your next fight?

Faith.

5. How has politics in boxing affected your career?

It has cost me millions.

6. Who do you think will win Groves or Eubank?

Chris Eubank 7. What are your thoughts on the World Boxing Super Series?

I love it! It reminds me of the Contender season 2; the winner gets a big prize and that is great motivation.

8. Who is the hottest UK prospect?

You might have to answer that one for me.

There is so many good fighters in the UK. 9. How important is it to remain undefeated?

I was undefeated for 10 years! It very important to remain unbeaten as long as possible because you get more opportunities when you’re winning.

Mayweather retired undefeated and was able to demand over a billion dollars in his career because he never lost.

10. What is the hardest thing about boxing?

The hardest thing about boxing is the business part. There is a lot of snakes out here, so you need a good team to help you.

Boxing is a dirty game.

11. Which two fighters from any era would be your dream fight?

Floyd Mayweather. We were both world champions at the same time, in the same weight, from the same state.

12. What do you want your lasting legacy to be?

To be remembered as a WARRIOR! Page 16 // Big Write Hook // February 2018

CORNELIUS BUNDRAGE

ARRIOR

12 ROUNDS WITH …

I LOVE IT!

FAITH

i t h a cost m millions @BigWriteHook

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12 ROUNDS WITH …

GARY SWEENEY

Sweeney is a 23-year-old Cruiserweight from Ballinrobe, Ireland. He is 4-0 (4 KOs) and his next fight is on March 3 at the Brentwood Centre, Essex.

1. Who is your favourite all time boxer?

Muhammad Ali 2. Who is your favourite active boxer?

I have to go for Saul Canelo Alvarez 3. What is your opinion on fighters caught taking performance enhancing drugs?

They should pay the price like every other athlete did or does 4. What is the key to wining your next fight?

Just to perform to the best of my ability and nobody will beat me 5. Why did you chose to sign with MTK Global?

I believe they are the best management team out there and they are still growing 6. Who do you think will win Groves or Eubank?

I go with Eubank, but it will be a hard fight go both boxers 7. What are your thoughts on the World Boxing Super Series?

I think it is a great idea. It get all the names out there for all of the top boxers 8. Who is the hottest UK prospect?

Young heavyweight Daniel Dubois - he is just a powerhouse 9. How important is it to remain undefeated?

It is very important because I want to prove I am the best and no one will beat me 10. What is the hardest thing about boxing?

Training and watching your weight - I think it’s harder than fighting

s e .

11. Which two fighters from any era would be your dream fight?

I can’t say because they are all good fighters from back in the day and it is different today 12. What do you want your lasting legacy to be?

To be well known, a great fighter and ultimately a world championship @BigWriteHook

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February 2018 // Big Write Hook // Page 17

12 ROUNDS WITH …

HANNAH RANKIN 1. Who is your favourite all time boxer?

Sugar Ray Leonard 2. Who is your favourite active boxer?

Gennady “GGG” Golovkin 3. What is your opinion on fighters caught taking performance enhancing drugs?

They should be banned from the sport in my opinion.

5. With the exposure for women’s boxing growing, what is it like for fighters like yourself who have to convince some fans who may have their reservations about the introduction of female boxers?

It’s great that women are starting to get recognition in the sport. You’re always going to come up against fans who aren’t used to seeing women in the ring and are maybe against it. However, as a female boxer I work just as hard as the men and aim to show my skills in the ring on fight night. Often I get people coming up and saying that they actually enjoyed the fight, even though they originally didn’t think they would because they thought it wouldn’t be as exciting or as technical as the boys.

6. Who do you think will win Groves or Eubank?

I have Groves down to win. I think his experience will show in the later rounds.

7. What are your thoughts on the World Boxing Super Series, would you like to see a women’s version?

I love the World Boxing Super Series!

It’s been well organised and it’s exciting.

I’d love a female version in my weight category (super welterweight) or welter weight or lightweight. I think it would be a great way to promote women’s boxing!

I’d love a female version in my weight category (super welterweight) or welter weight or lightweight. I think it would be a great way to promote women’s boxing!

4. You won your last fight back in Scotland, what was it like to be back home?

It was amazing to box at home in Glasgow!

I had great support and lots of my friends and family were able to attend who haven’t seen me box before, so that was pretty special.

8. Who is the hottest UK prospect?

For me it’s probably Josh Kelly for the guys and Chantelle Cameron for the girls.

undefeated and was able to demand over a billion dollars in his career because he never lost.

9. How important is it to remain undefeated?

Personally, I feel people are a little bit too protective of their 0. I think it’s better to go and try and push yourself whenever the opportunity arises. opportunities when you’re winning. Mayweather retired

10. What is the hardest thing about boxing?

All the little sacrifices you make in pursuit of your goals; missing events, family gatherings, birthdays, social events and having a strict diet to name a few.

Page 18 // Big Write Hook // February 2018

11. Which two fighters from any era would be your dream fight?

Floyd Mayweather Jr and Errol Spence Jr would be a dream fight for me I think.

12. What do you want your lasting legacy to be?

I would like my legacy to be that when I finish I can say it was possible to have two jobs you love and achieve in both.

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To submit an article for consideration please email: bigwritehook@gmail.com

anny G a rc i a is aiming to get his name back into world title contention when he takes on Brandon Rios in a final eliminator.

D

Garcia is the clearly the favourite but his reputation has taken a bit of a beating since his split decision loss to now unified welterweight champion Thurman.

Since then, Garcia’s confidence in himself has not took a knock. In fact, it has bordered on delusional with him claiming recently in a Beyond the Gloves interview: “I always felt I was the top pound for pound.”

This seeming inability to see flaws in his own game could serve as his undoing going into the Rios fight. Or this unwavering forthrightness in his own capabilities could do what many expect him to do; knock Rios out.

Before his first career loss, there were question marks about Garcia’s opponents, not from himself of course, but many fans have accused him of cherry picking title defences in order to maintain his unbeaten record. Now that that is gone, negativity has continued to stalk him so a good performance is here could act to alleviate some criticism.

There is also the hope that now his lucrative “0” has been lost, he will have a renewed sense of hunger to take on the best in the division without the fear of losing his unbeaten status.

How Garcia comes back from defeat also begs a question. He can not claim to have more focus now, considering there is no greater incentive than to unify the division.

However, that loss may have ignited a fire just as determined as the last one, to answer people’s burning questions. It may push Garcia to want to make a statement:

Thurman was able to negate Swift’s unquestionable one punch power and in doing so, he may have laid the blueprint for other fighters to follow. Or so Rios may hope.

At 31, Rios knows he doesn’t have too long left in his career and this fight can either be seen as a cash-out or a springboard back into some elite level match-ups.

Written By: Lewis Calvert @BigWriteHook

Though he may not have the ability or tactics to do what “One Time” did, we all know one thing, Bam Bam shoots first and asks questions last: “Everybody knows my style. I’m not here to dance, I’m coming to fight. I’m going in there with my heart out to show the world that I’m still one of the best out there.”

Expect a slugfest with Garcia picking his spots when to unload, using his speed to do so. The come forward Rios will not retreat an inch. Only Tim Bradley has managed to stop Rios in 38 fights (34-3-1) so a stoppage here would be impressive.

Rios’ other losses came against Mike Alvarado, who he later went on to beat in a rubber match, and Manny Pacquiao

It seems to be the perfect fight for each man. Garcia gets an aggressive fighter who will not have to go chasing around the ring and Rios gets a huge name, after his own name has slipped down the pecking order a star-studded division.

The two former world champions find themselves regarded as contenders at this point in time but their talent along with their hunger will only serve to delight the appetite of blood thirsty fans.

If they can become world champions again, it is just a question of time.

?

“I never back down and I know that Brandon Rios sees that in me. I always come to fight. It’s going to be a great match-up with our styles and our determination”, said Garcia, 29.

QUE MAR Lack of activity is another disadvantage to Rios who didn’t even fight in 2016, compared to Garcia (33-1) who fought twice that year, before the Thurman bout.

Both men will be grateful of the ring time.

“I never back down and I know that Brandon Rios sees that in me. I always come to fight. It’s going to be a great match-up with our styles and our determination” Page 20 // Big Write Hook // February 2018

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?

ESTION RKS ? @BigWriteHook

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February 2018 // Big Write Hook // Page 21

gro ves V E R S U S

Euba Page 22 // Big Write Hook // February 2018

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he World Boxing Super Series, promoted by Kalle & Nisse Sauerland, has been a huge success. 2 weight divisions, 16 fighters, 1 winner in each division.

Champions fighting champions.

T

What made it even more appealing was that the UK was well represented with 4 fighters in the Super Middleweight division. As the first round draw concluded we all rushed to predict potential semi-final pairings and for many, the stand out potential clash was George Groves v Chris Eubank Jnr. At the Manchester Arena, on 17th February, this dream fight becomes a reality. Tickets sold out in just 7 minutes.

Having turned pro in 2008, following a successful amateur career (2x ABA Champion), Groves (27-3, 20KOs) seems to have been around for an eternity. It’s easy to forget that the Hammersmith born fighter is only 29.

His career has been a rollercoaster and includes an early “super fight” win over James Degale, British, Commonwealth, European and International belts, two bitter stoppage losses to Carl Froch and a below par points loss to Badou Jack.

Feared he would be remembered as a nearly man, Groves finally became a world champion at the 4th attempt when securing the “Super WBA” strap against Russian, Fedor Chudinov in May 2017.

Now trained by Shane McGuigan, following periods with both Adam Booth and Paddy Fitzpatrick, Groves will enter the ring the natural 168 pound fighter and the betting favourite. He is also brimming with confidence following a run of 6 straight victories that includes capturing that elusive world belt.

In 28 year old Eubank (26-1, 20 KOs) however, he meets a man similar in age but with less miles on the clock and an unwavering self belief.

It’s fair to say that Eubank’s time in the unpaid ranks was fairly low key (24-2 record) and when he turned over little was known about the Brighton man, other than that he shared a name with his famous father. Many felt that he

would be found wanting and was simply cashing in on the family name. Thus, when 18-0 Eubank was offered the opportunity to fight Billy Joe Saunders in 2014, no one quite knew what to expect.

In a superb contest, Eubank started slow, losing the early rounds, before coming on strong and while he lost a 12 round Split Decision, in defeat Eubank grew.

He learned how to go 12 rounds, to pace himself and demonstrated that he had the potential to become a world class fighter.

His form since has been almost punch perfect: 8 fights, 8 wins. He secured the British and “interim” WBA World belts at 160lbs, prior to moving up

This is a true “pick em” fight.

Expect a close and exciting contest, with both tactics and brutality on display. and capturing the 168lbs IBO strap; defeating Australian Ronald Quinlan. A successful defence against Armenian veteran Arthur Abraham followed.

So when the two fighters stand in the now infamous WBSS circle of lights, they do so in the best form of their careers.

This is a true “pick em” fight. Expect a close and exciting contest, with both tactics and brutality on display. Groves, under McGuigian, is a happy, thinking fighter, disciplined and capable of

Written By: The Sweet Scientist @boxingbloggeruk

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boxing to a game plan, although he can be drawn into a war and places great reliance upon his booming right hand.

Trained by Ronnie Davies, in Brighton, Eubank is a different proposition for Groves than recent opponents. While not a huge puncher, he’s fast, spiteful and accurate.

He is a volume puncher, landing clusters, before moving out of range stalking the ring looking for angles. He softens opponents up with body and head shots, until it’s time to attack once again. Although he can look a little laboured in fights he’s controlling.

As to the fight itself, after a solid start, where he controls the opening rounds with his jab, I can see Groves begin to tire in the mid rounds. The years of battles have taken take their toll and recent fights have seen Groves, bruising up quickly. With his opponent a sharp, accurate puncher I can see Groves reddened and cut as the fight approaches the mid point, despite being ahead of the cards. Eubank will begin to strut and grow in confidence, adding power shots to his combinations.

Groves has a very wide stance and as such, when he comes forward, he loses a few vital seconds and reveals his attack as he adjusts his feet. A fighter like Eubank, with his movement, should be able take advantage of this and my pick is for him to do this as Groves tires, leaving Eubank to pull ahead in the later rounds on work rate.

While Groves may take a couple of brutal late rounds, Eubank should secure a hard earned points decision win, before moving on the final in May, where it is expected he will meet Callum Smith in another all British affair.

Groves v Eubank Jr 17th February 2018

BATTLE OF BRITAIN //

February 2018 // Big Write Hook // Page 23

It aint over

brook rabc IT AINT OVER ‘TILL IT’S OVER // Written By: Connor Hutton @CanvasBoxing t’s not how hard you hit, it’s how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward” Rocky Balboa Most fighters experience defeat, in fact it is very rare when a professional goes a whole career without being beaten. That’s why Stallone’s famous quote in the Rocky movies applies to almost all boxers.

When a fighter is at the peak of their career and they suffer one or two setbacks, it is all about their response. Truer words could not apply to Sheffield’s own Kell Brook.

“I

Page 24 // Big Write Hook // February 2018

rev

He aims to win another world title after having his 147-strap ripped away by Errol Spence in May 2017. First up on the comeback trail for Brook, will be Belarus fighter Sergey Rabchenko.

March 3rd and in a familiar setting for Brook, The Sheffield Arena, the Yorkshireman makes his debut at 154lbs. With back-toback defeats lingering over him, moving up to a new weight class seemed the only option. Brook has likely outgrown the Welterweight division and with him losing his title last out, there is no better time to try and crack it at Light Middleweight.

Rabchenko though, will be raring to go, having campaigned much of his career in the division. He is a tough fighter with nothing to lose and though he may be a huge underdog with the bookies, he will see this as his chance to shine and become a contender in the division. A

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k vs chenko It aint over

'till it’s over

s’ti llit'

former European and WBC Silver Title holder. The come forward fighter has a very healthy 70% knockout ratio, but Rabchenko also has very limited head movement. The perfect opponent then for Brook to sink his shots into?

Many fans were disappointed with the choice of opponent when the fight was announced. We were sold short a little, as Eddie Hearn said in an interview that ‘Brooks opponent will be known to UK fans’. The only notable fight Rabchenko had in the UK was when he beat an ageing Ryan Rhodes back in 2012. But to be fair to Brook, he is owed a tune up fight after taking two beatings from Golovkin and Spence in his previous outings, even more so as it is his first time in a new division.

Brook has plenty left in the tank to make it back to where he wants to be, but having said that, the new division

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he has entered is not forgiving. They hit harder than Welterweights and with his intention to become a world title holder at 154, it will not be easy. The current champions at the include Erislandy Lara (WBA), Jermell Charlo (WBC), Jarrett Hurd (IBF) and Sadam Ali (WBO). With Ali set to fight the UK’s Liam Smith this year, it looks like Brook will have to beat one of the other three world champions, and that will be a tall order. They all are very good, and it would take some performance to knock them off their thrones. The Kell Brook of old may have to turn up for one last dance if he is to beat the best.

also back in the mix after signing with Matchroom, it seems more likely than ever that these to domestic rivals may finally share a ring together, but that’s one for another edition of Big Write Hook.

After hardships and knockbacks, the true way to judge a person is by their response.

Special K has had a few setbacks of late, but a setback is always the platform for a comeback. Will he rise again for the road ahead and get back to winning ways?

A second world title is over the horizon.

Just like Balboa: “it aint over, ‘till it’s over!”

This fight isn’t just a test of Brooks character, it is also a test to see how those eye sockets can hold up after having two successive eye injuries in his last fights. He will need good performance against a potentially awkward fighter in Rabchenko and with Amir Khan

February 2018 // Big Write Hook // Page 25

MTK LOCAL // Written By: Lewis Calvert, Phrixel and VCM

L

ocal talent Matt McCarthy will top another action-packed fight night in Essex when he takes on Billy Bird on March 3.

MTK Global re t u r n s to the Brentwood Centre which will be streamed live on Youtube by iFL TV. Local light-middleweight McCarthy (18-1, 4KOs) will feature in his first bout since stopping Tony Milch last October, where he extended his winning streak to nine fights and claim his first professional belt.

are also set to feature on the including promising London heavyweight Dan Azeez (1-0) and middleweight Tey Lynn-Jones

night, lightEssex (9-1).

“This a good fight, a good local battle and may the best man win on the night... it will be another win to get me where I want to go,” said the 24-year-old Southern Area champion

Notably, former Prizefighter winner Larry Ekundayo returns since suffering his first pro loss, dropping a split-decision to world-title challenger Gary Corcoran last July. And the sprightly 35-year-old Nigerian insists he will be better than ever when he makes his ring return: “I had surgery, I’ve started to use my hand again in sparring and I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring,” said Ekundayo.

“It’s fairly evenly matched, but I don’t think he [Bird] has ever stepped up in his career – this will be the first time for him really. He’s boxed journeymen nearly all the way, so this might be a step too far for him. We’ll see on the night and we’ll both get in there with no excuses.”

A host of MTK-backed prospects

“I had a bone growing out of place and it was affecting nerves in my knuckles. It was causing me really bad pain before my last fight, but I had to just get on with it. The bone has been shaved back, so I’m recovering well and I can use my hands properly now.”

The stacked card has been further

Page 26 // Big Write Hook // February 2018

boosted by the addition of Essex’s Ben Hall (9-1-1, 2KOs), who is set to return at welterweight in his first bout in 15 months, while London light-middleweight Freddie Turner (12-1) will be on the bill. Irish Elite amateur champion Gary Sweeney, who we have interviewed in this month’s “12 Rounds With” is also be fighting. iFL TV will once again broadcast the action after over 145,000 viewers tuned into December’s ‘Pride & Glory’ card to see Liverpool heavyweight David Price make a victorious return to the ring. Price has agreed to fight Alexander Povetkin later in the year.

Tickets for the March 3 bill range from £40, with £60 table tickets (including service) available while ringside table seating (including service) are priced at £70.

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Return to Essex

I had surgery, I’ve started to use my hand again in sparring and I’m looking forward to getting back in the ring,”

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February 2018 // Big Write Hook // Page 27

poets’

poets

TOO

TIRED TO FIGHT

corner

corner

I sacrificed everything for you And what do I get?

You’re pulling away from me, Putting me out like a cigarette.

Sure, it started out okay, Just like anything does.

You were happy, affectionate, I felt it, like a buzz.

But now the buzz is fading fast, And I fight for your love.

Like a boxer, broken and defeated, I’m putting down my gloves.

Written By: Allyssa Jennings https://hellopoetry.com/poem/1150461/too-tired-to-fight/

Page 28 // Big Write Hook // February 2018

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s’

James Lupton @R8UND “Get in touch via Twitter to buy your R8UND clothing”

1990 Mike Tyson vs James ‘Buster’ Douglas

Golden Years

Mike Tyson’s route to the heavyweight title wasn’t so much a march as it was a sprint.

After having stopped 25 of his first 27 opponents before the final bell, 15 in the first round, he breezed through Trevor Berbick in two rounds to land the most coveted seat in the sport.

Page 30 // Big Write Hook // February 2018

Tyson was now the youngest world heavyweight champion in boxing history at the tender age of 20. It seemed he’d fulfilled an almost inevitable destiny envisioned by his trainer and adoptive guardian Cus D’Amato who had been cultivating Tyson’s raw ability into championship material from the age of 13. Sadly, Cus hadn’t lived to see his protégé reach the pinnacle, having succumbed to pneumonia 12 months before his star pupil ripped the WBC belt from Berbick.

The blitzkrieg continued through the 80’s by way of unification wins over ‘Bonecrusher’ Smith, Tony Tucker and the famous 88 second demolition job on lineal champ Michael Spinks.

Without the influence of his old sage Cus however, the young Tyson’s global fame and vast wealth would serve as the catalyst for bringing ‘the baddest man on the planet’ back to Earth with an almighty bang.

His first fight of the new decade would see him travel to Tokyo to take on James ‘Buster’ Douglas.

Seemingly nothing more than a tune up fight for Tyson before a highly anticipated match up with Evander Holyfield, Tyson coasted through training. Despite being a HUGE underdog however, Buster (unlike the 37 men who came before him) was not going to let Tyson’s fearsome

reputation intimidate him.

Fighting a sensible fight, Douglas used his height and reach advantage to control proceedings with a stiff jab, clinching when the champion tried to move inside, nullifying him where he was at his most dangerous. Each round Tyson came out his corner with vicious intent but each time Douglas was one step ahead.

By the midpoint Tyson was running out of ideas. Worse still, his left eye was closing and his new look corner team hadn’t even packed an enswell to help alleviate the distention. A latex glove filled with ice would have to make do.

With the eighth round almost over, Tyson crashed a right uppercut into the chin of Douglas putting the challenger on his back. Tyson looked to have snatched victory from the jaws of defeat but somehow Buster bravely made it up by the count of nine. In the tenth came the unimaginable end when Douglas followed a string of jabs up with a right uppercut of his own and seized the momentum with consecutive right-left combinations, putting Iron Mike down for the first time in his pro career. Visibly stunned, he felt around the canvas for his gum shield but as he shakily got to his feet the referee waved off the contest.

Don King’s attempt to overturn the result on the premise of a long count in the eighth round quickly failed when the WBC and WBA’s decision to temporarily withhold recognition of Douglas was met with a huge backlash and to this day Buster’s win stands alone as the yardstick of pugilistic upsets.

Written By: Jim Marshall @BoxingTriviaGuy www.etsy.com/uk/shop/RyanTheDesignerArt @BigWriteHook

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Big Write Hook Contacts: Editor & Writer: Lewis Calvert Twitter: @LewCalvert91 Email: bigwritehook@gmail.com

Design & Layout: Ryan James Wilson Twitter: @Ryan_Designer Website: www.ryanthedesigner.uk Chief Historian: Jim Marshall Twitter: @BoxingTriviaGuy Writer: Connor Hutton Twitter: @CanvasBoxing Website: onthecanvasboxing.wordpress.com Guest Writers Paul Daley @TopClassBoxing Liam Lawer @Longcountboxing Hannah Lines @LinesHannah87 Jaime Ingleby @Jaime_ingleby79 James Lupton @R8und Chris Weatherspoon @Christoph_21 Tom Humber @Thomas_Humber The Sweet Scientist @boxingbloggeruk Adam @Hellraiserboxing Tim Hammersley @timhammersley27 Cai Bradley @AstarBoxing Page 32 // Big Write Hook // February 2018

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