Big Write Hook March 2018

v Parker v Parker Joshua Joshua v ParkerJoshua Joshua Joshua v Parker Joshua v Parker Joshua v Parker Joshua vv Parker Parker Joshua v Parker

ISSUE 015 // MARCH 2018

Joshua v Parker Joshua v Parker Joshua v Parker Joshua v Parke Joshua v Parker Joshua v Parker Joshua v vParker Joshua vJoshua Parker Joshua v Parker Joshua Park Joshua vvParker Parke Joshua v Parker Joshua vJoshua Parker vvvParker Joshua Joshua Parker Parker vJoshua Parker v Parke Joshua v Joshua Parker Joshua v Parker Joshua v Parker Joshua v Parker Joshua v Parker Joshua v Parker Joshua v Parker

“I’ll box anyone. I just enjoy it. I do it for fun, not because I think I’m going to be a world-class fighter. I just do it purely for entertainment and I’m glad we can put on a show and keep everybody entertained.” - Scott Westgarth The hearts of the sporting world go out to Scott Westgarth and his family, after he lost his life to boxing. Our deepest sympathy and utmost respect are with all who knew him. Please donate to help his family here: www.gofundme.com/scott-westgarth

htnom siht

R A M 0 0 M A 0 0 A M 0 M 0 M 0 M

8 C 1 R 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 H 8 C 1 R 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 H 8 C 1 A R 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 H 8 C 1 A R 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 H 8 C 1 R A 0 M 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 H 8 C 1 R A 0 M 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 H 8 C 1 R 0 M A 2 0 ISSUE 015 // MARCH 2018

4// EDITOR’S LETTER // LEWIS CALVERT

6 // MONTHLY ROUND UP // JAIME INGLEBY

8 // COLLECTING MEMORIES // SHAUN GREENE 10 // ARGUMENT FOR EDDIE // SWEET SCIENTIST

12 // ARGUMENT FOR FRANK // STEVEN BATESON 14// HOW TO COPE WITH LOSS? // LIAM LAWER

16 // THE MIND OF A FIGHTER // CANVAS BOXING

18 // WHERE DO ALL THE LOSERS GO? // SAM YOUNG 20 // 12 ROUNDS WITH // HARRY LIONHEART BASRAN 22 // PREVIEW // VALDEZ VS QUIGG

24 // PREVIEW // WHYTE VS BROWNE 26 // PREVIEW // JOSHUA VS PARKER 28 // POETS CORNER

30 // GOLDEN YEARS

PAGE 8

PAGE 10

PAGE 12

GET IN TOUCH ON TWITTER @BIGWRITEHOOK

EDITOR’S LETTER // Written By: Lewis Calvert @BigWriteHook & James Normile his month’s Editor’s Letter is a plea from a good friend of mine, James Normile.

A few years ago, in the the early days of my boxing writing career, I covered a white collar boxing match Jay competed in. He began training weighing more than 20 stone and though the result didn’t go his way, the weight he shifted has been a lasting success. Oh and only a few weeks later, the first ever Big Write Hook was born.

T

“I am raising money on behalf of my brother Simon. He is a devout father of six beautiful kids and a loving husband to his one love, Leanne. He lives a relatively simple life, which in a huge part revolves around caring for Jessie and Tim, two of his youngest kids who suffer from Autism.

If anyone spent time with the family, you would see that it is one full of love and the care and friendship they family share is completely unrivalled.

Josh is Simon’s eldest, at 22. Josh is in the process of developing his own computer game. Then there’s Courtney, who at 16, after acing her GCSE’s is currently an A level student aspiring to be a surgeon whilst Elle, is just in the midst of her GCSE’s.

Tim, 13, is a beautiful, kind, young man. Tim has his challenges and is one of the aforementioned autistic children Simon dotes after.

The glue holding this family together is Leanne. She is one of the most hardworking women you will know.

She reminds me very much of my nan; her life is spent serving her family.

Nothing is too much trouble and their home denotes a show home, with Leanne’s every waking hour spent ensuring everyone else is happy.

Her reward is a cup of Yorkshire tea before bed, the only 10 minutes she gets every day. Her care for her family and more recently for my brother has touched many. She is a superstar.

All of this equates to the gut wrenching news that Simon has been diagnosed with an ‘incurable’ cancer. It is hard to comprehend.

This vile disease has already travelled through his lungs, bones, pancreas, liver and lymph nodes.

The fight officially started at the very beginning of 2018, however, it should have started a good 9 months earlier, but due to misdiagnosis from Simon’s GP, the possibility of an NHS related recovery have been eliminated.

I have now taken it upon myself to help my brother tackle this illness by the scruff of the neck, and using a combination of CBD oil, an alkaline diet and a specific cancer protocol, hopefully we can prolong his life and ensure that every moment is a memory that will live on with Simon’s legacy.

The treatments I am researching are far from cheap, far from easy and in some cases really difficult to source. This means that it doesn’t come cheap.

This page is designed to fundraise for not only his treatment, but also for adjustments at home to make his life as comfortable as possible. I also hope it help with days out and maybe even a foreign holiday together.

I will be arranging, along with our loving and close knit family, a series of fundraising events associated with our fundraising page and I pray that the generosity of the people I know and anybody reading this will prevail.”

To contribute to S i m o n ’s fight, please visit: https:// w w w. g o f u n d m e . c o m / s i s - f i g h t

THE GLUE HOLDING THIS FAMILY TOGETHER IS LEANNE. SHE IS ONE OF THE MOST HARDWORKING WOMEN YOU WILL KNOW. SHE REMINDS ME VERY MUCH OF MY NAN; HER LIFE IS SPENT SERVING HER FAMILY. NOTHING IS TOO MUCH TROUBLE AND THEIR HOME DENOTES A SHOW HOME, WITH LEANNE’S EVERY WAKING HOUR SPENT ENSURING EVERYONE ELSE IS HAPPY.

EDITORS LETTER LETTER EDITORS LETTER LETTER Page 4 // Big Write Hook // March 2018

@BigWriteHook

@Ryan_The_Designer

LETTER

Leah, who at 11, is developing a beautiful nature too and is so kind and caring. Finally there is Daddy’s

little princess Jessie. My brother Simon and Jessie are inseparable and owing to her needs and Simon being her carer, their bond is like nothing you’ve ever seen before.

EDITORS

Since that time, I have continued to submerge myself in combat sports and the sweet science and every now and then, I come across a fight more important than any boxing match could ever be. As James explains below:

TORS

LETTER

LETTER EDITORSEDITORS EDITORSEDITORS

A Bigg Fight @BigWriteHook

@Ryan_The_Designer

March 2018 // Big Write Hook // Page 5

MONTHLY ROUND UP // Written By: Jaime Ingleby @Jaime_ingleby79 Date: 17/2/18 Groves v Eubank Jr. George Groves successfully defended his WBA Super Middleweight title with a 12 round unanimous decision over bookies favourite Chris Eubank Jr. and in doing so, booked his place in WBSS Super Middleweight final.

As a child when I started boxing, one of the first things my grandfather told me was, “the jab is as important to a boxer, as a white cane is to a blind man”. Evidently George Groves was given similar advice all those years ago when he started boxing at Dale Youth ABC, and Christopher Eubank Jr. perhaps missed or forgot that fundamental teaching.

Throughout the fight, which was gripping but not particularly competitive or a classic, Groves used his jab to control the fight. He maintained the distance and landed strong right hands whenever the opportunity arose. As a result, Eubank Jr. was out boxed and reduced to swinging wildly for the majority of the fight.

The much talked about Eubank Jr. combination punching, uppercut and inside work were nullified perfectly by the Team Groves game plan; masterminded by trainer Shane McGuigan, who Eubank Senior had branded a “PE teacher” prior to the fight.

The psychological game played by the Eubank camp worked perfectly, but on the wrong fighter. Eubank Jr. was so convinced of his superiority he appeared to have no plan B when Groves didn’t capitulate under pressure and was in fact hurting him in return.

Perhaps the only opportunity Eubank Jr. had to apply some pressure came in the final round, when Groves suffered a dislocated shoulder but despite the late onslaught Groves survived to final bell.

The score card totals were generous to Eubank Jr. and read 115,112, 116112 and the more realistic 117-112 in favour of George Groves. Like many other observers, I struggled to give much more than 2 rounds to Eubank Jr. Post-fight, Groves said he was never in doubt he would get the victory. Eubank Jr. slightly delusional commented he thought he’d done enough to nick it in the later rounds, but did acknowledge and give credit to Groves for having the right game plan and his performance.

Groves progresses on to the WBSS final with his reputation enhanced, and is now arguably the No. 1 Super Middleweight in the world.

Eubank Jr. on this display needs to go back to the drawing board and work on his fundamentals.

The Undercard An exciting British Featherweight title clash between champion Ryan Walsh and challenger Isaac Lowe was an early contender for FOTY. At the final bell it was announced a draw, which was perhaps a fair result and could see an immediate rematch.

Earlier in the night, Tommy Langford successfully defended his British Middleweight title against Jack Arnfield, taking a unanimous decision over the awkward Blackpool fighter with scores of 117-113 & 116 -113 twice.

Zach Parker recorded another stoppage win over Spain’s Adasat Rodriguez. Parker is quietly creeping up the Super Middleweight rankings and could turn out to be the surprise package of 2018.

One Eubank did record a victory; long before the TV coverage started - Sebastian Eubank successfully made his professional debut.

Despite sending his opponent Kamil Kulczyk to the canvas in the third, Sebastian Eubank had to settle for opening his professional ledger with a 40-36 points win.

Date: 27/1/18 Fighter Names: Smith v Holzken Callum Smith joined George Groves in the inaugural Ali Trophy Super Middleweight final, with a unanimous points decision over late substitute Nieky Holzken. The judges scored it 118-110 and 117111 twice in the favour of Smith.

Holzken, a successful kick boxer, but relative novice in the boxing ring even at 13-0, was a late replacement for Jurgen Braehmer who was forced to withdraw at the start of fight week through illness.

Coming off his 3rd round stoppage win on the Groves – Eubank Jr. Undercard; British Super Middleweight Zach Parker was initially offered the fight with Smith, but sensibly turned it down, deciding he had too much weight to shed at a week’s notice.

Smith, who set a new record for Jabs thrown and landed was never troubled

by Holzken and did what he needed to do to book his place in the final and set up a mouth-watering contest against fellow Brit, George Groves. It is not yet known when the final will be after Groves suffered a shoulder injury.

Date: 3/3/18 Fighter Names: Wilder v Ortiz Deontay Wilder answered all of his critics as a legitimate heavyweight champion in a rousing comeback against hard southpaw Luis Ortiz.

It was a career defining fight for the Bronze Bomber, who up until now has taken criticism for his previous opponents who have put up little challenge to his crown. In what was an unusual cagey opening three or four rounds, neither man was willing to risk throwing power shots through fear of counter attacks.

Wilder though continued to showboat into the middle rounds and began to find the measure of his man, clipping him with blows on the top of the head with long awkward punches, dropping Ortiz in the 5th. Ortiz did battle back and the fight blew up in the seventh round.

The Cuban rocked the home fighter and began his 2-minute assault; power shots rained in and a dazed Wilder tried to hang on and smother Ortiz who was now teeing off. The pair wobbled to the ropes and the champion showed true resolve in making it to the bell amidst rapturous applause.

Into the 8th and it looked as though Ortiz had blown himself out, despite a 10-8 previous round. Wilder had somehow managed regain his composure after weathering a fierce storm and began to look for the killer blow.

Though many people have stated Wilder was behind on the scorecards going into the 10th round, he was in fact, one round ahead. Wilder went on to catch Ortiz and when he seen him off balance, he pounced. Slashing rights dropped Ortiz a second time and then a third with an uppercut ending a pulsating bout. The focus now switches to Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker at the end of the month.

Mo n th ly Round U p Mo n th ly Round U p Monthly Round Up Page 6 // Big Write Hook // March 2018

@BigWriteHook

@Ryan_The_Designer

Monthly Round U

p p p

@BigWriteHook

@Ryan_The_Designer

February 2018 // Big Write Hook // Page 7

COLLECTING MEMORIES THE FIRST SIGNED GLOVE I RECEIVED WAS OFF MY FAVOURITE FIGHTER KEVIN MITCHELL. I WAS SHOCKED TO EVEN GET A REPLY, LET ALONE A NUMBER, HIS GYM ADDRESS AND AN ARRANGED TIME TO BE THERE TO SIGN IT.

Page 8 // Big Write Hook // March 2018

@BigWriteHook

@Ryan_The_Designer

A FAN’S PERSPECTIVE // Written By: Shaun Greene @fixygizy

I

have been a boxing fan ever since I was little. Some of my earliest memories consist of staying up late with my dad to watch the likes of Roy Jones Jr., Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera tear it up.

I sat in amazement at the silky skills of Prince Naseem Hamed. I loved British legends like Joe Calzaghe, Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton and Carl Froch. And more recently, I’ve had a growing fondness for Kell Brook and Anthony Joshua.

The list it seems, is ever growing.

There has always been a love of the sport and since last year, it has been my mission to turn memories into tangible things. Last year was my big chance to go and secure tickets to two live events and I was determined to make the most of them; from the prefight ticket stubs, t-shirts sold around the stadium and a programme to read in between fights. The first bell rang and began my journey to collect all the personal boxing memorabilia I could.

After buying the merchandise from the shows I attended, like the quenching of thirst between rounds, I was thirsty for more. I thought of some ideas of how I could get other pieces I genuinely wanted not just from the shows I attended, but from fighters I have followed and watched on TV. So I asked a few, well, a lot of boxers and trainers on the internet about the possibility of getting some gloves signed and lo and behold, it actually worked! I sent gloves to gyms around the country and they were signed and sent back. Such is my passion for this hobby, I will continue to ask (politely) over social media to try to obtain more pieces.

The first signed glove I receive was off my favourite fighter Kevin Mitchell. I was shocked to even get a reply, let alone a number, his gym address and an arranged time to be there to sign it. But due to the distance I would of had to travel from Wales to London, so we organised a way to post it. One nervous week later, my first glove was back with me and signed. This was the referee raising my hand in victory.

The fact that it actually worked only fuelled the fire, as I realised just how much potential there was here. I continued to send messages and emails to gyms and fighters with little success, until, in quick

@BigWriteHook

succession, the wonderful Welsh duo of IBF World champion Lee Selby responded and agreed, along with retired champion Enzo Maccarinelli.

My home garage gym proudly boasts both of there gloves personally signed. The continued interaction after receiving the glove from Enzo was indeed further satisfaction to the ever increasing pastime, talking fight predictions to general boxing chit chat was as just as much a pleasure as the memorabilia itself.

The biggest mention though, must go to Dave Coldwell and Tony Bellew, who were both instrumental in getting me a one off special glove. Dave, helped me get five signatures from his team at the gym: Gavin and world champion Jamie McDonnell, big David Price and the other world champion he trained, Tony “The Bomber” Bellew. The wait for that one was agonising, but totally worth it.

Initially, Dave informed me that Tony would not be in the gym for a while after his training camp and most recent victory. After waiting over a month or two with hopes dwindling and being told all gloves had been signed and sent back out to me, Dave again went above and beyond and actually found the glove in the gym reception above or below his boxing gym. And just one week later, it showed up at me door signed by his talented stable and complete with pictures too! But it doesn’t end with pictures.

I also came across a fantastic artist Patrick Killian, whilst messaging boxers hoping for a reply on social media, who has just as much a love for boxing as I do. I have purchased many of his art prints depicting scenes from my favourite fighters or fights I enjoyed watching. He has been attending events worldwide, painting live at weigh ins and has hundreds of head to head paintings and memorable art prints that have made up most of my collection to date. I hope that in the future I could try and get some of these prints I have purchased signed by the boxers themselves. Well, a boy can dream…

tickets to. There are so many places to purchase such mementos and souvenirs from, websites, shops or auctions sites and like me, through luck and perseverance on social media. Public talks, weigh ins or press conferences are ripe hunting grounds to see a boxer face to face.

The fighters themselves have there own merchandise and brands that can be purchased for supporters and collectors alike. They will also have all their own collections, from gloves worn and superstitious clothes, boots or gum shields, to their belts or photos from there favourite tear ups.

All will have priceless sentimental value to them and a steep monetary value to collectors depending on which fighter and what the item is.

Some fighters are more than happy to interact with fans and give something back to the supporters and others will use there signatures on the items to help fund a charity, event and auction a prized keepsake to the highest bidder for a great cause.

Which is one of the greatest ways to get your hand on some merchandise because everybody wins then.

Food for thought but what piece of boxing memorabilia would you most like to have and signed by if you could have any? Mine would be a personally signed glove from Kell Brook or AJ after they were the two headline fights that I attended last year. I don’t have the biggest collection and I do not have a special USB stick with any pre fight predictions on, but I won’t throw the towel in on my quest for more collectables. I will continue to gather memorabilia from boxers past and present and proudly look after it until one day I have enough things to turn that garage gym into a garage museum.

So I have a small collection of signed gloves personnel to me, art prints, shirts, programmes and tickets stubs from fights I have managed to get

@Ryan_The_Designer

March 2018 // Big Write Hook // Page 9

Edd i i s nati Ei d Eo dh d ? na -xEd

Head 2Head

Page 10 // Big Write Hook // February 2018

@BigWriteHook

@Ryan_The_Designer

e Hea rn ?

F ra n k Wa r r e n ?

M at chr oom?

Q u eens b u r y?

B o xa W k n a r F ? n r a e H e i d d E r e t o m o r p t s e b s K ’ U e h t s i o h x o B ? y r u b s n e e u Q ? o r h c t a M ? n e r r a W k n a r F ? n r e H ee ii s the U K’ s b e s t pr o m o ter ?

E ddieH ear n?Fr ank W a rre n? i on ?

B T ?

S k y ?

Wh o i s t he UK’ s b es t p r omot er? s n e e u Q ? m o o r h c t a M ? n e r r a W k n a r F ? n a e H e i d d E ? n ?aarn rW ek tn oamr oF r? pnkrWa ta ser eH be sd K ’?Mat U?y ek h t? s iBo? hn W ? y ka Snx ?

T B? ?y nr o Ei d? dn ieeHe ?Fr a n r ein chr oom?

Qo ui eens bo ury?

Buo r r d S T t B e Hea rn ?

F ra n k Wa r n ? ?m n er rat Ws ke nb aomot rs FK ne re ah et Hes er ra nr ret o ’?U nat io nW ?kn Ba Tr ?F? Sk ya ?e WH he oid id sEt? he UK’ so bp es p r r? yruarn bsn?Fr eeuaQnk?Wa mororren? hctaM?nerraWknarF?nraeHeidd EdBdi?eHe ?retomorp tseb sK ’ U eht si ohW?ykS ?TB ?noita ?nerraWknarF?nraeHeidd

d

EDDIE HEARN //

Written By: The Sweet Scientist @boxingbloggeruk

E

ddie Hearn was just 8 years old in 1987, when under the Pro-Box banner his father, Barry, promoted his ever first boxing show.

Fast forward to 2018, Hearn, now 38, sits at the top of British Boxing.

As the Head of Matchroom Boxing, he is the only promoter signed to TV giant Sky Sports with an exclusive deal to provide the network with up to 20 shows per annum, until 2021.

Hearn ended up in Boxing almost by accident. His involvement stemming from a chance meeting with underachiever Audley Harrison at a World Series of Poker event in Las Vegas in 2009.

Drawn on the same table the pair talked about Harrison appearing on a Matchroom Show and Eddie, hatched a plan for the often ridiculed Brit, which resulted in him winning both Prizefighter and the European belt before fighting David Haye for the WBA Heavyweight title in November 2011.

Regardless of the performance his fighter put on, Hearn’s involvement saw his stature grow. Many in the game appreciated just what he had achieved with someone so damaged as Harrison.

His phone started ringing with fighters actively seeking his council and guidance. Eddie Hearn had arrived!

Since its formation, Sky had always shown boxing. However, in the late 1990’s and throughout the 2000’s, the quality of its shows deteriorated and we were often brought promotions for WBU or WBF belts from a half empty leisure centre on a Friday or Saturday night. Casual and hardcore fans lost interest, as did Sky, who post Ricky Hatton, were without a star.

In 2011 Hearn, sat down with then head of boxing of Sky, Barney Francis, and mapped out a 5 year plan to re-invent British Boxing. Hearn promised to bring boxing back to Britain and the network with quality competitive fights. Taking risks he would book and fill large arenas and via competitive matchmaking, doubled Sky’s viewing figures for the sport.

@BigWriteHook

Sensing an opportunity, Hearn pushed Sky for an exclusive agreement to supply the channel with its boxing content in 2012, to which the broadcaster agreed. All other promoters including including Frank Warren, Frank Maloney and the afore mentioned Ricky Hatton were dumped without warning.

In the period since, British Boxing has soared under the guidance of Hearn, who continues to relished his role as pantomime villain. Yet there are those who still feel that the monopoly which Hearn has with Sky is unhealthy for the sport. However, you can counter this by looking at what Hearn has achieved in those few short years and the revival of boxing in the UK. With Matchroom at the forefront, Britain is enjoying a golden period with record post war attendances being set, firstly with Froch v Groves II when 80,000 turned up at Wembley, and then when 90,000 turned up at the same venue for the Joshua v Klitschko mega fight.

We also had a point where Britain had 13 recognised world champions, the majority of which were linked with Matchroom.

Fighters themselves have spoken of their admiration and respect for Hearn and of how he works alongside them, providing numerous options and a defined career path. We only have to look at Tony Bellew as proof of what Hearn is capable of delivering.

Pre-Hearn, Bellew (promoted by Frank Warren), was unable to sell large numbers of tickets, yet with Eddie, he has won European, International and world honours and become a genuine PPV attraction. In the process, Bellew has become a multi millionaire, as has Carl Froch, Anthony Joshua, George Groves and Kell Brook.

PRE-HEARN, BELLEW (PROMOTED BY FRANK WARREN), WAS UNABLE TO SELL LARGE NUMBERS OF TICKETS, YET WITH EDDIE, HE HAS WON EUROPEAN, INTERNATIONAL AND WORLD HONOURS. handful of fights with Matchroom than he had in his entire career with Frank Warren, which included WBO world title reigns in two weight classes.

The recent emergence of BT Sport, ITV Box Office, Channel 5 and smaller channels such as Dave and Freesports to the boxing market is therefore no surprise. These outlets have seen the success of Hearn, Matchroom and Sky and want a slice.

Hearn is in many respects the saviour of British Boxing. He has delivered the fights we wanted, and the fact that he recently sold over 8,000 tickets for a fight involving two novices, is testament to his genius as a promoter and entrepreneur.

Few would bet against him repeating that success in the US, following his recent signing of Danny Jacobs.

Backed with ground breaking sponsorship deals with JD Sports and Stub Hub, Matchroom continues to be in great shape, as does British Boxing.

This is due to Eddie Hearn and the gamble he took one night in Las Vegas!

Matchroom fighters have the ability to earn more than with previous promoters and it is well published that Ricky Burns earned more in a

@Ryan_The_Designer

February 2018 // Big Write Hook // Page 11

FRANK WARREN // Written By: Steven Bateson @StevenBateson1

F

rank Warren. Queensberry Promotions. Boxnation. To the die hard boxing fans those three things mean something, but it seems to many others who are on the outside looking in, they’re overlooked.

Nowadays, if you’re not Matchroom and your not on Sky, apparently you’re not big news. If Eddie Hearn doesn’t hype your fights and talk about you on iFLTV, then you have no profile.

The boxing fan can be a fickle one at times; but perhaps we are far to quick to forget the man that paved the way...

You know those big Wembley nights for Anthony Joshua and Carl Froch?

They aren’t new or designed by Mr Hearn. Frank Warren promoted Frank Bruno vs Oliver McCall in September 1995 in the mega stadium. 54,000 filled the Millennium Stadium to watch Joe Calzaghe unify against Mikkel Kessler on a Frank Warren show.

Warren has never been handed a thing. He’s showed longevity in a sport that eats you up and spits you back out. 37 years on since Warren first promoted a show and he is still at the forefront of British boxing. He doesn’t need Sky to bang the drum that he is the best. The proof is in the facts and until another promoter can boast the same accolades and achievements, it is a non-debate.

“Uncle” Frank brought boxing to mainstream in the early 80’s on BBC then he flipped the script and turned it up a notch in the late 80’s and 90’s with the “Big Fight” on ITV. Nobody can deny the beauty of staying up to watch Nigel Benn-Chris Eubank, the amazing Prince Naseem nights, the rise of Calzaghe and Ricky Hatton. Frank Warren made that night at the MEN possible in 2005 when Hatton produced a career defining performance against Kostya Tszyu. Frank also signed Amir Khan - that’s right, Olympians were turned professionals and world champions

in the public eye long before Eddie Hearn got hold of Anthony Joshua.

Sky’s PPV and Box Office model was first initiated because of the strides made by Warren and his team. The first British promoter to host a show in the hallowed halls of Madison Square Garden and now the only promoter that offers a dedicated channel to the sport of boxing.

Every time they wrote him off, he found a way to bounce back, forge an opening for himself at the top table and continuously provide opportunities for his fighters to win world championships on the biggest stages. He tried to make Setanta work, but it bombed after a brief stint at the top. But Frank didn’t throw in the towel and he didn’t lose faith. Warren is not adverse to taking chances and

“UNCLE” FRANK BROUGHT BOXING TO MAINSTREAM IN THE EARLY 80’S ON BBC THEN HE FLIPPED THE SCRIPT AND TURNED IT UP A NOTCH IN THE LATE 80’S WITH THE “BIG FIGHT” ON ITV. the failure of Setanta only spurred him on the succeed once more.

Boxnation was a pipedream in 2011, it was laughed off and placed on a life support machine before it even got off

the ground. But here we are, seven years down the line and hundreds of live shows later. He has overseen countless more world champions in that time, helped forged the careers of so many upcoming prospects and yet now he may be on the cusp of his greatest chapter to date.

Currently he boasts just as many world champions as Hearn (Billy Joe Saunders, Lee Selby and Zolani Tete) and arguably the more renowned upcoming prospects in Anthony Yarde and Daniel Dubois. Warren isn’t off the boil, he isn’t straggling behind. He doesn’t charge one off pay per view prices for shows that are not worth it and if you delve into his stable you can see that over the last twelve months he is taking huge strides in recruitment and output once more. The signing of Carl Frampton and the huge nights in Belfast to come, the link up with MTK are just the beginning. Tyson Fury is likely to be Warren promoted.

Lee Selby and Josh Warrington will sell out Elland Road and there is every chance Billy Joe Saunders will be meet either Canelo Alvarez or Gennady Golovkin by the years end.

Frank didn’t come in at the top. He started at the bottom and created his legacy. He’s taken chances and experienced failure, but come back stronger than ever. It is a damn sight harder to rise from the ashes than to sit at the head of the table with your big silver spoon, never experiencing what it is like to feel the pressure that one bad show could mean your whole broadcast deal falls through.

Boxnation and the link up with BT is yet another step and another string to his bow. He is an innovator and history will remember him as such.

Head 2 Head

is the UKs ’ best promoter?EddieHearn?FrankWar? Eddi e Hear n? ?FB rT a? nkS Wk ay r? ren?

Mear atchr oom ? War Queen s?W - ho y?th Bo xn a tio n ddi eH n?

Fr ank r e n e U s ’bes be set p r o m o t e rt?

E ddi eH ear n?

Fr ank Warthe UK s ’rK t p r o m o t e r ?

E ddi eH ear n?

Fr ank War r e n?

W k n a F ? n r a H e i d d E ? r e o m o r p t s e b s K ’ U e h t s i o hW dd ieHe a rn ?

F r a n k W a r r e n?

M at chr oom ?

Qu eens ieH e arn ?

Fra n k W a r r e n ?

M a t chr oom ?

Qu eens b u r y ?

B o xs n e e u Q ? m o o r h c t a M ? n e r r a W k n a r F ? n r a e H e i d d E ? n e r Bo x nat io n?

B T ?

S k y ? d d i eH ear n?

Fr ank War r en?

Wh o io n ?

BT ?

Sky ?

W h o i s t he U K’ s b es t p r om ot er ?

WHO IS THE UK’S BEST PROMOTER? e r r a W k n a r F ? n r a e H e i d d ? y k S ?

T B ? n o i t a n x o B ? y r u b U K s ’ arn bes t p r o m o t e r ??

E ddi eH ear n?

Fr ank War r e n ? n a F ? n r a e H e i d d E ? r t o m o r p t s e b s K ’ U e h t s i o h W r r a W k n a r F ? n r e H i d d E ? r e t o m o r p t s e b s K ’ U e h t s i ieH e ?

Fra n k W a r r e n ee u Q ? m o o r h c t M ? n e r r a W k n a r F ? n r a e H e i d d E ? n e r ea rn ?F ra nkW a r ra e n ?

M a t c hr oom ?

Qu eens b u r y ?

B o x? y r u b s n e e u Q ? m o o r h c t a M ? n e r r a W k n a r F ? n r a e H e i ddE r r a W k n a r F ? n r a e H e i d d ? y k S ?

T B ? n o i t a n x o B ? y r u b ?aBT ?

Sky? W h o i s t h e U K s ’t b es t p r om ot er ?

W k n a r F ? n r a e H e i d d E ? r e o m o r p t s e b s K ’ U e h t s i ? r e t o m o r p t s e b s K ’ U e h t s i o h W ? y k S ?

T B ? n o i t an ea rn ?F ra nkW a r r e n ? yrubsneeuQ ?moorhctaM?ne ?r nr ea rW rk an Wa kr nF a? rn Fr ?a ne rH ae ei Hd ed iE ddE retomorp tseb sK ’ U eht si ohW?ykS ?TB ?noitan

March 2018 // Big Write Hook // Page 13

@Ryan_The_Designer

@BigWriteHook

Head 2 Head Head 2 Head 2 Head Head Head Head 2 Head 2 Head Head 22 Head Head 2 Head Head Head 2 Head 2 Head Head 2 Head Head 2 Head Head 2 Head Head 2 Head Head Head 2 Head Head 2 Head Head 2 Head Head 2 Head Head Head 2 2 Head Head Head 2 Head Head 2 Head Head 2 Head Head 2 Head Head Head 2 Head 2 Head

Head 2Head

Page 14 // Big Write Hook // March 2018

@BigWriteHook

@Ryan_The_Designer

COPING WITH LOSS // Written By: Liam Lawer @Longcountboxing It is not without good reason that boxing is so keenly used as a metaphor for life. Strength of character is needed to will oneself into the ring to face painful punishment, and a mental toughness must be forged to continue when that punishment becomes difficult to bear. Just about anyone who has lived can understand how the allusion to human experience is drawn.

I

Rocky Balboa eloquently imparted this to his son in the eponymous film.

Life, he says, ‘ain’t about how hard you hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.’

Boxers in this sense are treated as exemplary. The heart and courage they display between the ropes rightly make them inspirational figures, especially in the midst of a losing battle. But away from the fighting, boxers have to live with their defeats, in addition to the personal losses in life that all have to face. The different ways this has been dealt with, and how that is mirrored in the ring, proves that although it may sometimes be hard to believe, boxers are human after all.

“Excellent fight, excellent game plan, excellent execution.”

These were the words of praise from commentator Barry Tompkins as the final bell rang, marking the end of an entertaining 1993 clash between Freddie Pendleton and Tracy Spann.

Pendleton was the rightful victor, using all of his guile and experience to outpoint Spann over the twelve round distance, capturing the vacant IBF World Lightweight title in the process.

Freddie had seventeen losses on his record going into the fight, Tracy had just one.

An extreme example, it is nevertheless clear that by coming up the hard way, Pendleton had learned all he needed to overcome the protected Spann.

Losses had not worn Freddie down, they appeared to have emboldened him. He had faced better boxers, he had been hit harder, and he knew he could take what Spann was giving him.

“Unsatisfactory… he looked a little bit like the fire wasn’t there.”

This time the words belong to Glenn McCrory, and they are directed at an unlikely source: Naseem Hamed.

Spoken at the end of Hamed’s final fight, against the solid but unspectacular Manuel Calvo, Glenn expressed politely in words what the crowd were expressing less so in jeers.

‘Prince’ had looked a star from his debut, and seemed unstoppable through many of his first 35 fights, all wins. His exciting style and braggadocio was for many their

@BigWriteHook

gateway into the sport. In April 2001 however, he was memorably humbled by the great Marco Antonio Barerra in the MGM Grand. The Calvo fight, thirteen months later, was long his awaited comeback.

Despite winning comfortably, he looked flat and uninspired, as if his fighting spirit had been burned up by the arena lights the previous year. * * * Compare the two examples above.

Unmistakably the better fighter, Naseem Hamed nevertheless coped with loss in a less productive manner than Freddie Pendleton.

The Prince’s immense confidence was bolstered largely on continued victory, whereas Pendleton’s was built on learning and experience. In terms of foundations, don’t look in ‘Fearless’ Freddie’s boots for sand.

Without in any way meaning to diminish Naz’s achievements and resume, the modern aversion to testing prospects on the way up is likely to produce a similarly poor response once that fighter eventually loses. No wonder, when so much more value is precariously placed on an unblemished record. Sugar Ray Robinson, a boxer so great that Muhammad Ali took him as an idol, had nineteen losses.

AWAY FROM THE FIGHTING, BOXERS HAVE TO LIVE WITH THEIR DEFEATS, IN ADDITION TO THE PERSONAL LOSSES IN LIFE THAT ALL HAVE TO FACE.

produced remarkable results…

“She was his centrepiece” 23 days before James ‘Buster’ Douglas stunned the world, beating the imperious Mike Tyson in one of the greatest upsets in sporting history, his mother had suffered a stroke and sadly passed away. Above is how J.D. McCauley, uncle and trainer, described what mother had meant to son. Lula Pearl Douglas’ death was the impetus that intensified Buster’s training routine, and made fighting Iron Mike a mere bagatelle. The Selby brothers showed similar resolve after their mother’s death late last year, Lee in particular showing superhuman strength to cruise past Jonathan Victor Barros just four days after his loss.

To sum it all up, boxers appear to cope with loss in the ring well, but the trend towards padding records may increase the shock to the system when it eventually doesn’t go their way. Fighters have also shown an incredible ability to overcome personal loss in the ring, or even use it to their advantage, proving the toughness we all expect of them. On the other hand, by cherry picking opposition; picking up bad habits; amassing large, leaching entourages; making unhealthy lifestyle choices and pricing themselves out of fights, some fighters have proven that it might just be more difficult to cope with victory than loss.

But that’s another story, for another issue.

Floyd Mayweather’s claim to being the greatest of all time rests comparatively lamely on his undefeated ledger.

The ability to cope with loss in the ring has depended on era, level, perception, and of course character.

But boxers are of course not immune to loss outside the ring either, and the effects of that hardship has

@Ryan_The_Designer

March 2018 // Big Write Hook // Page 15

THE MIND OF A FIGHTER // Written By: Connor Hutton @CanvasBoxing

‘T

he greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another’ – A quote from famous American philosopher William James.

The saying is merely just words, words that affect the mind in different ways, but what affects the mind of a fighter walking out in front of tens of thousands of fans? Ready to risk everything they have worked for to better themselves, to win a world title, to perform on the biggest stage of all. Not just in the fight, but training, sparring, press conferences. The mind of a fighter is a delicate subject, but speaking from amateur experience myself, it’s a subject that has next to zero exposure.

Especially in my case, it’s the biggest hurdle to getting in that ring.

Boxing is known for being one of, if not the most physically demanding sports on the planet. You must be strong enough and fit enough to last the gauntlet. You must be technically gifted to adapt and overcome any situation in the squared circle. But most of all, you must have the mentality to get up every day, do those 5 o’clock runs, travel those extra miles to get top sparring, and the hardest thing of all? Walking up those three mountainous steps and dipping your head in between the ropes.

I can’t compare to being in front of a sell-out Wembley Stadium fighting for the Heavyweight title, but the fundamentals are the same. The background I come from in boxing is with the forces. Armed Forces boxing is relentless, the training is the best you’ll get in any amateur gym, and with a good coach you will go far, if you put in the time and effort.

So, how do I fit into this then? ‘The Mind of a Fighter’, well the thing is, I wasn’t strong enough mentally to handle the pressure of boxing. Don’t get me wrong, when I was in the ring having a bout, I loved it. I loved the feeling afterwards. I loved having my hand raised, and I even loved it when my hand wasn’t raised. This all sounds romantic and joyful, but it’s aspects of the camp and the day building up to the fight that is is the bigger problem than getting punched in the face.

Anxiety - a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.

I couldn’t understand it at the time. It took me a while to realise what was going on. I would be about to spar, Page 16 // Big Write Hook // March 2018

slightly nervous like always (which is natural). Twenty seconds in, it doesn’t matter who it is with. I could be sparring with my coach, a friend from the gym or a completely random fighter. The gut feeling of nausea arriving, followed by heavy vomiting.

Right there in the ring. Wallowing in my own sick. Embarrassed and confused, anxiety had dropped me.

This happened time and time again, on the day of a fight. About five minutes before my ring walk my coach has a brown paper bag in my face while I’m heaving. This is nothing to do with making weight by the way, as I was always on weight weeks before a fight. This is nerves. Ultimately one of the reasons why I stopped competing. I’m a man, in his early twenties, struggling with the pressure of boxing in the amateurs and letting it get the better of me. Now imagine what fighting on Box Office in the Pro ranks can do to the mind of a fighter.

So personal experiences aside, let’s talk about the goings on in the brain of a professional. How they feel when the Twitter world is digging them out for not fighting this person or that person, or for berating them for a less than stellar performance. I’m the worst for it by the way. But maybe we should cut boxers some slack. How must the nerves be for a man or woman when they are paraded in front of twenty cameras being broadcast to hundreds of thousands in a press conference opposite someone they have nothing in common with, apart from the desire to beat them unconscious inside the ring. And what for? To sell the fight a little more? To create some fake animosity so the boxing public think there’s some actual dislike between these characters? A fighter must now put on this manipulated act of dislike, even though though they have probably sparred or been former teammates with their future opponent.

There are plenty of factors that can affect the mind of a fighter. Making weight is a sensitive subject as videos circulate of torturous techniques of shedding those last few pounds, including almost boiling hot baths.

Mentally it can be so demanding.

Imagine having every angle of

IMAGINE HAVING EVERY ANGLE OF YOUR LIFE ANALYSED IN THE BUILD UP TO A MEGA EVENT EVERY SLIGHT WORD TOOK OUT OF CONTEXT, EVERY REPORTER LOOKING FOR AN ANGLE TO ATTACK YOU. your life analysed in the build up to a mega event. Every slight word took out of context, every reporter looking for an angle to attack you, all while your starving your body and your mind of what is needed to fuel yourself. You can understand when some boxers seem distressed in the run up to a fight when they must deal with this on a daily basis.

The need to perform for yourself, your family, your team, your wages. Money as big a stress for fighters as it is for the man on the street. Imagine in any other sporting environment, where you have one off day and it affects your earnings and career so vastly that your wages suddenly stop. A bad performance and your management team are quick enough to cut their losses as the hype train derails and start the wheels turning on a new one. Not just this, the career of a fighter is relatively short so the desire to earn the big bucks in a quick as time as possible is essential.

The pressure of the escalator that is professional boxing is relentless.

This is only scratching the surface as the mind of a fighter is so complex, simple in some ways. We put too much pressure on ourselves as humans to be the best we can be, whether that’s in the ring or with our families. More time needs to be invested in the mental side of the sport. Respect to any man or woman that steps between the ropes to better themselves or anyone else because there is much more to it than you may think.

@BigWriteHook

@Ryan_The_Designer

Mind

The

of a Fighter @BigWriteHook

@Ryan_The_Designer

March 2018 // Big Write Hook // Page 17

Be he

WHERE DO ALL THE LOSERS GO? // Written By: Sam Young @RedWhiteGooner

T

elcome to the Losers’ Club. After months of training and promotion, a loss is the last thing on any boxer’s mind when they imagine how fight night unfolds.

The ramifications of a loss is unfathomable. Anthony Joshua sits on the throne as IBF, WBA, IBO champion and is up against a warrior in Joseph Parker, WBO champion.

These men are the first to contest a unification fight in the heavyweight division both being undefeated.

A Parker KO of Joshua shakes the boxing scene. Many feel that with each fight Joshua is creating a dynasty. Many questions would be posed if he were to lose; would he be able to get up and rebuild or would it be too high a fall from grace?

David Higgins, Parker’s promoter, described Joshua as having a “weak chin” and Parker having a “granite chin”. A loss for Joshua could show that his meteoric rise has happened too quickly and maybe Eddie Hearn has created a hype merchant who could seemingly go from being untouchable to being denounced as a glorified body builder.

Parker losing is inevitable in the eyes of the bookies. In defeat he must show he has not peaked and his time has not come and gone. Parker, having fought only once outside of New Zealand, would need to demonstrate that he can come again. Higgins is an incredible promoter and will be pivotal in the next move. Could he look at fighting Lucas Browne in a southern hemisphere clash? What is certain is Parker needs to work on the brutality of his punches and seize any opportunity to rebuild his success, possibly by targeting another who needs a comeback, Hughie Fury. Though their first fight wasn’t all that entertaining.

Dillian Whyte, WBC silver belt holder, is under no illusions this year is his moment and against Lucas Browne he could lose everything.

Whyte’s criticisms mainly are that he is somewhat outspoken. Deontay Wilder, WBC belt holder, decided to duck Whyte as mandatory in favour of Luis Ortiz, who he went on to beat after with a 10 round KO. If Whyte loses to Browne he knows the moment to moot his name alongside the best heavyweights in the division Page // Big Writeis Hook Marchmember 2018 could18go.

Ortiz the// first

of the Losers’ Club and he would welcome any loser from the other fights now that his own apparent invincibility has been shattered.

Here’s a scenario, Whyte loses to Browne and Joshua loses to Parker. British boxing would need a mammoth venture to regain its pride. Joshua vs Whyte 2 has always been on the cards to settle their feud. One thing is for certain neither would want to make that fight out of necessity to rebuild their career.

WITH A HOOK FROM PRICE TO POVETKIN’S CHIN A LOT OF FIGHT FANS WOULD SEE THAT AS THE ICING ON THE CAKE. MANY FEEL POVETKIN DOES NOT WARRANT A PLACE IN BOXING ELITE AFTER HIS RECENT DRUG SUSPENSION. Browne is at the same stage as David Price - the last chance saloon. Both deserve their opportunity on huge cards with a payday. Both know that even in defeat they have power to rock top 20 boxers, but now need to know their level. Even with size and reach advantage Price has low level fight IQ and many give him zero chance against Alexander Povetkin. If Price puts in the performance of his life but loses he will be respected for making the fight but I cannot see anything further than a push for a European Belt in the small time left in his career.

a third shot for a legitimate title.

Povetkin is on the Joshua - Parker undercard as a showcase to be a future Joshua opponent. If he loses, the wilderness of Russia looms, fight fans in the West will not clamour to see him rise again. After such a phenomenal amateur career Povetkin does not have the time or reputation to rebuild after losing to Price.

Bellew vs Haye II is the gravy train and the grudge rematch. Simply a second loss for Haye and he retires. 2-0 against respectfully, a cruiserweight, suggests the end of the road. In the first fight Haye told Bellew that he would hospitalise him and “cave his skull in” and though you wouldn’t want him to back these grotesque words up, he didn’t get the victory he promised.

A second defeat and Haye’s eyes must firmly turn to ‘Hayemaker Boxing’ and his stable of Joyce, Hutchinson and Page to use his expertise in the sport to take them to world level.

Bellew, as WBC cruiserweight emeritus champion, has always maintained he is looking after his family with any fights he takes. If he loses to Haye it will hurt his pride but certainly not his pockets or future prospects at cruiserweight.

Bellew understands he is a cruiser and losing to Haye may show him that this is the end of the heavyweight road.

The WBSS cruiserweight winner, Usyk or Gassiev, could be an incredible opportunity with too much of an allure to ignore. But the heavyweight options could remain open for Bellew if Tyson Fury is looking for a pay day.

Andre Ward has also been touted as a potential Bellew opponent.

Though nobody on the heavyweight landscape would want to be in the Losers’ Club, watching the members battle it out over the next few months will see the fans become the real winners.

With a hook from Price to Povetkin’s chin a lot of fight fans would see that as the icing on the cake. Many feel Povetkin does not warrant a place in boxing elite after his recent drug suspension. Povetkin would lose his WBA mandatory status and importantly his opportunity at @BigWriteHook

@Ryan_The_Designer

Written By: The Sweet Scientist @boxingbloggeruk

@BigWriteHook

@Ryan_The_Designer

March 2018 // Big Write Hook // Page 19

12 ROUND WITH //

HARRY “LION HEART” BASRAN

1. Who is your favourite all time boxer?

My favourite all time boxer is Mike Tyson, the guy was just a natural beast and fighting machine.

2. Who is your favourite active boxer?

At the moment Manny Pacquiao, he’s an amazing boxer and does a lot to give back to his country and the people around him.

He’s a great inspiration of mine.

3. Are tournament competitions like the World Boxing Super Series and Ultimate Boxxer the future and are world titles a thing of the past?

Having tournaments are always great, it’s a great buzz and creates something exciting for fight fans to see. Many people may think titles are a thing if the past, but I believe winning titles shows how far someone has come to claim something so amazing. Being a champion creates hype for other big fights.

4. For people who don’t know about your charity work, why do you box?

I started boxing to improve my health.

I was bedridden for years after 23 surgeries and entered a white collar fight whilst in recovery. I use boxing to get fit and get into shape, but my main thing is to raise money for the

less fortunate with every fight I have and do the best I can to make a difference. No matter how big or small the contribution may be, it all helps.

5. Favourite movie quote?

From a Bruce Lee movie - “ Real Living is living for others”.

6. Who do you think will win Bellew or Haye?

I believe Tony Bellew will win the rematch against David Haye. Bellew has heart and determination. He works hard and gives it his best at all times.

7. How much does religion impact on boxing?

Religion is a big part of people’s lives, it’s something we all, if not many believe in. It’s always good to have the backing of your community and race, but then again, when you work hard and give it your best, it’s something people of all races and religions appreciate. We are all equal and one.

8. Who is the hottest UK prospect?

The hottest prospect in the UK at the moment I think is Connor Benn.

I actually like him as a boxer, he works hard and he’s trying to make his own name. He’s a great talent and will be a future champion.

9. How important is it to remain undefeated?

It is always good to be and remain

undefeated, as it shows others how good you are & how dedicated and serious you are to the sport, saying that, it’s not always about being undefeated, as a loss can open your eyes to many things and help you focus on improving and becoming better, pushing you to limits you did not know you had.

10. What is the hardest thing about boxing?

The hardest thing in boxing is the time you spend away from your loved ones.

You have to put in long hours and stay focused always. I went to camp In Spain with an amazing team and the hardest part of that was not being able to see my family and loving partner.

11. Which two fighters from any era would be your dream fight? would loved to have seen Mike Tyson v Muhammad Ali. That would have been one epic fight 12. What do you want your lasting legacy to be in boxing and in life?

In life and boxing all I want is to do is inspire others out there to work hard and be the best they can be.

To show people hard work always pays off and Boxing isn’t a sport that people should be afraid to participate in. I want to use Boxing to give back to the less fortunate and help people around me, no matter who they are.

Real Living is living for others. @BigWriteHook

@Ryan_The_Designer

March 2018 // Big Write Hook // Page 21

WAR IN CALI FOR NIA Page 22 // Big Write Hook // March 2018

@BigWriteHook

@Ryan_The_Designer

WAR IN CALIFORNIA! // Written By: Josh Campbell @joshcampbell888 wo years ago, Scott Quigg lay dejected following a broken jaw and defeat to Carl Frampton, who would later become a unified world champion, two-weight world champion and be crowned 2016 RING Magazine Fighter of the Year.

T

Following a subsequent change in trainer and relocation across the Atlantic, now the Bury contender bids to become a world champion at 126 pounds.

The featherweight division is beginning to heat up, with several mouthwatering clashes already scheduled this year. Kicking things off will be this potential ‘Fight of the Year’ contender, as Scott Quigg competes to become a two-weight world champion against the explosive Oscar Valdez on 10th March, at the 27,000-seater StubHub Centre in Carson, California.

Valdez makes the fourth defence of his WBO World Featherweight Title, in what his promoter Bob Arum has acknowledged will be “the biggest test of his professional career.” Valdez gained the belt through a brutal second round TKO of Matias Rueda back in July 2016.

The contest in March will follow a thrilling unanimous decision victory for Valdez over Filipino prospect Genesis Servania in September, where he would survive a knockdown late in the fourth round to eventually rally to a comfortable points decision. This would be a quintessentially brutal performance from the Top Rank fighter, showcasing his speed, power and heart in a violent battle over twelve rounds. With a destructive reputation, the 27-year-old, has been touted as the next Mexican star, looking imperious in twenty-three outings (23-0, 19KOs).

Matchroom’s Scott Quigg (34-1-2, 25 KOs) will be entering his eighth world title bout which is more than Lee Selby, Carl Frampton and Kell Brook, but he has arguably failed to endear himself to the British public in the same manner as many other domestic champions.

Occasionally criticised for a tentative approach in big fights, he does have undeniable power and will be looking to test the unblemished record of Valdez. Both camps feel that this will be an actioned-packed affair between two heavy hitters who share 44 knockouts between them. Quigg will be the bigger of the two men at 5’8” compared with Valdez’s athletic 5’5” frame and

@BigWriteHook

boasts a three-inch reach advantage.

Although smaller in stature, Valdez’s power at the weight is unquestionable with 19 of his 33 wins coming inside the distance. The British challenger is also famed for his heavy hands, but has been a notoriously slow starter at times, appearing sluggish during performances against Yoandris Salinas, Viorel Simion and the infamous defeat to Frampton. Not only can Valdez end the fight at any stage with his power and combination punching, it could be a frustrating night for Quigg should he lose the opening rounds and be forced to chase the nimbler Valdez, who possesses a ferocious array of counter hooks with both hands.

Valdez absorbed substantial damage from both Servania and Miguel Marriaga in his last two fights – perceived weaker opponents to Quigg. His low guard and reliance on speed and movement for defence, saw him struck with heavy shots in both and ultimately dropped against Servania. He was caught by a glancing right hook whilst retreating towards the end of the fourth round and although he did not seem visibly hurt, Quigg will feel that his power will be more damaging, taking comfort from his experience with aggressive opponents. He has the impressive 2015 second-round demolition of pressure fighter Kiko Martinez to call on, who had previously taken Frampton twelve rounds and whilst Quigg may have struggled himself against the fleet-footed Irishman, he has looked relatively assured against foes who prefer to come forward, a prominent trait of Valdez.

This style will hearten both Quigg and trainer Freddie Roach, especially knowing that they will likely offer a more elite examination of the Mexican starlet. In his second contest outside of Britain and first in the US – it will be a thankfully short trip from Roach’s Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, California.

Whilst most fans will be anticipating a slugfest between these two heavyhitters, the meticulous Hall of Fame coach will be cautious of allowing his man to simply trade against a crafty

@Ryan_The_Designer

WHILST MOST FANS WILL BE ANTICIPATING A SLUGFEST BETWEEN THESE TWO HEAVYHITTERS, THE METICULOUS HALL OF FAME COACH WILL BE CAUTIOUS OF ALLOWING HIS MAN TO SIMPLY TRADE AGAINST A CRAFTY COUNTER PUNCHER. counter puncher. Much of Servania’s success in Valdez’s previous bout came through the jab and considering the pressure applied in parts by the bigger Marriaga in the fight prior, Roach will likely construct a game plan to employ their superior size and range advantages. Quigg has exceptional endurance and will also hope to be the stronger of two men should the fight go into the deeper rounds. As both show an intent to attack the body, Quigg will feel that this an area he can profit from if he is able to invest shots early, demonstrating his experience and endurance as the fight goes on.

Should he exploit these advantages without taking too much damage, he will feel that he has every chance of providing a shock in California.

Although Valdez will be the bookies’ favourite heading into their clash, the stakes could not be higher for Scott Quigg. At 29, he still has a number of years ahead in the sport but a defeat at this stage of his career, could spell a long way back to championship level, with potential domestic opponents tied to rival promotions. Should he emerge victorious however, the prospect of being crowned a twoweight world champion beckons, with exciting potential matchups to look forward to in one of boxing’s most intriguing divisions. Both men are yet to have been stopped and with so much to gain for these hardhitting competitors, the 10th March is shaping up to be a fiery affair.

March 2018 // Big Write Hook // Page 23

T w t t h , w W t e w p

at @BigWriteHook

@Ryan_The_Designer

at

Page 24 // Big Write Hook // February 2018

WHYTE V BROWNE // Written By: Connor Hutton @CanvasBoxing illian Whyte and Lucas Browne will square off to become a recognised world title challenger when they face each other at the O2, London, on March 24th. The start of the year has been filled with big announcements, but this fight has really stood out. Whyte has a lot to prove after a disappointing performance against Robert Helenius back in October while Browne comes into the fight holding a 25-0 with 22 knockouts record, and a real chance to put his stamp on a division teeming with quality contenders.

D

This fight will be brutal. Both men have strong records, can punch very hard, and have good chins. The undeniable skill of both fighters is helped by the fact that they genuinely dislike each other.

A lot of the hype surrounding this fight has been orchestrated by the fighters themselves, but for once it seems genuine. Even with Whyte’s notorious temper and Browne not exactly being known for his mild manners either, this seems to be personal. Whyte slammed Browne for comments he made on Twitter, comparing him to an orangutan. This led to a fiery, albeit

the deciding factor. Despite Browne’s clear power and skill, his stamina will be pushed to the limit. Whyte has consistently show how strong his chin is, and may well opt to try and let Browne burn himself out then take advantage of his youth in the latter rounds when Browne begins to tire.

Those latter rounds should see a thorough examination of Browne’s defensive technique, something he hasn’t really faced before. However, if Browne catches Whyte early, then he could be in big trouble, and Whyte

This fight holds, despite not being a world title fight, a lot of significance for the heavyweight division. Should Whyte win, then he must seriously be considered for a shot at a belt and Eddie Hearn has been pushing for the fight to be made into a final eliminator for Deontay Wilder’s WBC title. A Whyte win would also raise a lot of interest in a potential rematch with Anthony Joshua, something AJ has been clear he is very interested in.

If all goes to plan, it could even be a unification bout. But if Browne

THE PRESSURE IS UNDOUBTEDLY GOING TO WEIGH HEAVIER ON WHYTE THAN BROWNE, AND THAT COULD WELL SHOW. BROWNE, BEING AT THE END OF HIS CAREER, DOES NOT HAVE ALL THAT MUCH TO LOSE, WHEREAS A DEFEAT FOR WHYTE WOULD RAISE SERIOUS QUESTION MARKS AS TO WHETHER HE HAS THE QUALITY TO FIGHT FOR THE WORLD TITLE HE SO DESPERATELY CRAVES. not violent, press conference where Whyte made clear his displeasure, vowing to enact revenge in the ring.

The tension between the two was very clear to see and has set up a fight that is set to be a great watch.

Pre-fight tension aside, the style of these two fighters is what makes this such an interesting matchup.

Both can punch, both have good technique, but it looks like the 9 year age difference between Whyte, 29, and the 38-year-old Browne, could be

should be careful not to invite too much pressure in the early rounds when Browne will be at his most dangerous.

The pressure is undoubtedly going to weigh heavier on Whyte than Browne, and that could well show. Browne, being at the end of his career, does not have all that much to lose, whereas a defeat for Whyte would raise serious question marks as to whether he has the quality to fight for the world title he so desperately craves.

wins however, it would give him the potential to earn that very same world title, before he calls time on his career.

A big performance from either man will put the rest of the division on notice, so there is a duty to perform. And whilst bookies might be backing Dillian Whyte to get the win, the outcome of this fight is far from predictable. What we do know is that if they carry their disdain for each other into the ring, then we are in for one hell of a night.

weigh heavier on Whyte than Browne, Thea p r es s u r e i s u ndou b t ed l y o i n g to nd that cou ld well s ho w .gB r o w ne , beweuir gh i er on Why t h a n B r o w n e , ess e s ndou tedly geoitn g t i ngiheav at h e e n d ofth The pru es s urb e is undou b t e do l y g o i ng ois cad t hat ld well how.

B r o w n e beheaanv i Why t e t han r own e , a n d rer e e ron , cou do s nsB o t h v e, l w ei g h heav i er on Why t e t h a n ne , lca-t h at t e e n oo fwa his ouilndgm w ell ihn g a tdBr u c hshow. t oBrowne, l o s ebe , a nd hat cou ld s h o w .

B r o w n e , ber r , o e n o h a v a l t h dTh oe st car dwell ot s t efei phi res sd ur eeer is s, undou betedl ynt go oe i ne gn tl oof ng at h e d his ca am u c h o l o s e , a l l a t m u h l we i gh heav ih er Why t ec t ro ,s r ee r, tt d oon e s n o thant hBo a vwn eeo ae ll th ap nr d t cou show. uur ceh tundou owell l oedly se, ss isld bt g or io nw gne t, o beaem shat oB ieng a t a d e f e a t fth ere d of his cah e av i er on Why t e t han B r o w n e , rgh e ss u r e i s u ndou b t edly g oi n g t o e w o u l d r ai e s er i ou s q u e s r e e r , d o e s ns o t h a e all that t cou ld well o w n , b eh eh aa vt ier on Why tes thow. han BB rr ow nv ee , ar k s m u c h t o l oms e , as to whethha t t he e n d o f is cah a t c o u ld well s how.

B r owne , b eh he y fi g ht o r h e ra ,s td oq euali s tn oto tt h a vfe a lslca-t h a t t he end o ft h i t i cd hotetlsoe nloohtseeh,asv o e adl e l st-h a t e l ha t to ly o s ec, r a v e s .

The pressure is undoubtedly going to eur igh hseauvnideorubon Whytgeoitng hantoBrowne, The presw s e i t edly and e tr haotn cWohuylt de well sB how.

Browne, beweigh heavi t han r owne, and indg waetll show. Browne, bei the end of his c that coul ng at r e e r , d o e s n o t h a v e a ll t the endTm of h i s c a r e e r , d o e s n o t h e p r e s s u r e is u ndou b t edly g oi ng to heav oraon su eec ,t h a v eweig auh lcl tt h tl o m hhantBorowne lo se h i e Why t , , Theap nd t hu ar taeci os u le dnf well show.

B rowne, re s s u dou b tt edly g oi ng to bewTh h e r e a s d e a f o r ing a t the end we ig h vi e o Why est han B rq owne, The pre ssh ue ra eo i sr ud nn dr ou bs tt edly gou oi ng tes o -of his ca e p ress o ub Ww h y t e w u l ai e er i s u r e e r , d o e s n o t h a v e ahll th an dheav that l l how.

B owne, beweigh iec rou ol ndWw he yt ems t han B rr owne, ei g h y t ti o n ar k s as t o whet m uc c h tw o l oosfi eB , in at t he endbt of his caand tg h a t o u ld e l l show. r owne, ea n d er he h a s t h e q u a l i t y t g ht for he re do h v eof lsslc in ae t the end hi caawo rg ld trc,d i t lsoeesnloon htsoeeth, sva o dla e -htahta m u h t r e e r , o e a e a l t p e r a t e l y c r a v e s .

JOSHUA V PARKER // Written By: Craig Scott @craigscott209

C

ardiff will play host to one of the most exciting unification fights in the heavyweight division. A man with a chin will travel to the United Kingdom to face-off against a man, we are told, has no chin. Metaphorically.

You can tell when a big fight rolls into town. Weird press conferences by the water cooler in New Zealand, Anthony Joshua videoing himself doing pressups... fight fans are buzzing as we approach the Spring showdown! The magnitude of Anthony Joshua’s appeal is something we’ve rarely seen. I can’t walk past a bus, sit on the tube or buy deodorant without seeing his big handsome face on a billboard!

The one question on people’s minds as we approach Anthony Joshua (20-0, 20KOs) v Joseph Parker (24-0, 18KOs) is; has the Kiwi got what it takes? ‘Got what it takes’ is a broad term, so let me break it down.

Can Parker trouble Joshua? Following a couple of hairy moments against Dillian Whyte and Wladimir Klitschko, AJ’s durability has been called into question repeatedly. Is there really a case to be made for Parker exposing Joshua and sneaking all of the belts out of Wales?

Based on raw boxing ability, it could be argued that it is hard to split the pair. Parker had a decent stint as an amateur, without ever scaling the heights previously reached by the WBA, IBF & IBO champion. AJ was a late bloomer, turning to boxing as a means of escaping trouble in Watford and surrounding areas, pouncing on the London 2012 Olympics and using it as a platform to kickstart his professional career.

Has Parker got what it takes to avoid trouble, himself? Joshua is built like a fridge. He punches hard and throws his shots sensibly, meaning he varies his work relatively well for a big guy.

If Joe takes a few clean hooks or a massive uppercut like the one that nearly ripped Klitchko’s head clean

of his shoulders, it could be all over.

Will the underdog crumble under the pressure? We know he’s never been rocked David, but we also know who he’s fought! I’ve never been rocked Higgins, but I’ve never been in a tough fight either.

I can see the fight on March 31st flattering to deceive, sadly. Of course, Joshua is a massive favourite with Parker seemingly up against it. Even

WILL THE UNDERDOG CRUMBLE UNDER THE PRESSURE? WE KNOW HE’S NEVER BEEN ROCKED DAVID, BUT WE ALSO KNOW WHO HE’S FOUGHT! I’VE NEVER BEEN ROCKED HIGGINS, BUT I’VE NEVER BEEN IN A TOUGH FIGHT EITHER.

having Parker narrowly ahead on speed. Joshua will be looking to come in trimmer, most probably just below 18st. That would bode well for the British world-beater, as we know Parker has tasted thirtysix minutes on various occasions.

Chin

or

lose?

If AJ can weather some early pressure for Parker, he wins. If he comes unstuck, it will be under a relentless attack before the midway point - but I’m pretty confident he gets the job done.

But Parker is no mug, and although he has stunk out the venue in Manchester and struggled previously against his Romanian ‘opponent’ Rasvan Cojanu, he has plenty of ability and an Islander’s heart. He will come to win. I think he’ll be paid healthily and lose.

With both men packing TNT in their fists and ready to detonate explosive attacks on each other, it is rather fitting that the man most interested man in this result, is the Bronze Bomber, Deontay Wilder.

Find some cover. The timer is ticking.

There is about to be an explosion.

if they go the distance, it would be fascinating to analyse the scorecards following the strange scoring of AJ v Klitschko. Joe needs a knockout.

Listening to the obsessive ramblings of his promoter David Higgins and the Chin-gate 2017, you can only assume their team know that already.

Do not rule out Joshua touching the canvas again, as he can appear vulnerable under pressure. The fitness of both men will be key, perhaps

Page 26 // Big Write Hook // March 2018

OR

CHIN LOSE? @BigWriteHook

@Ryan_The_Designer

@BigWriteHook

@Ryan_The_Designer

February 2018 // Big Write Hook // Page 27

poets’

corner

poets

THE

SWEET SCIENCE

While shadow boxing Sometimes I kept on Moving, dancing and Prancing.

Just bouncing Off the ropes In my imagination and Suddenly I caught My opponent shadow off guard Standing flat footed So I use The sweet science of boxing With some Stiff jabs plus Some body shots Back up to the head

Then the overhand right That knocked My shadow out cold.

Yeah ten feet off the ground Towards outer space.

Well I just kept on dancing Sticking and moving Popping the jabs with my gloves Weaving in and out Quick-lightning hand speed Toe-to-toe Man-to-man The sweet science Inside the boxing ring.

Written By: Stu Harley https://hellopoetry.com/poem/809658/the-sweet-science/ Page 28 // Big Write Hook // March 2018

@BigWriteHook

@Ryan_The_Designer

SWEET SCIENCE

THE

s’

1897

James J Corbett vs Bob Fitzsimmons (1897) Boxing is perhaps conjoined with cinema like no other sport. From the harsh realism of De Niro in Raging Bull to the farcical (yet still brilliant) Chaplin in City Lights, boxing has always been the perfect subject for the silver screen.

Because like any good story - there’s the set up, the conflict and the resolution.

Not forgetting the hero and the villain.

It’s apt then that boxing in 1897, having recently gone through a rebirth of its own with gloves replacing bare fists, would be the sport to propel the burgeoning art form to new heights.

Golden Years

James J Corbett who was in every sense the modern fighter, had elevated the science involved in the sport to new levels. So in 1892 the former bank clerk having honed his skills in San Francisco athletic clubs, defeated the hard living brawler John L Sullivan to claim the world heavyweight title.

When Bob Fitzsimmons the former middleweight champion with a lethal punch stepped up to the heavyweight division, he must have felt dismayed to find Corbett was too busy acting in plays to fight. He’d even acknowledged Peter Maher as his successor. But when Fitzsimmons knocked Maher out in one round in 1896, Corbett instantly issued a challenge to Fitz.

And so, under the fierce Nevada heat on St Patrick’s Day 1897, three cameras directed by Enoch J Rector whirred away inside a peculiar looking wooden box at ringside to capture every moment. The promoter had tried to reduce the ring size by two feet so no action would be missed but the referee noticed and it was put back to it’s original 24ft. Corbett gained the early upper hand as the wild swings of Fitzsimmons missed their mark while the champion retaliated with vicious head shots.

The sixth saw Fitzsimmons felled for a nine count but his fighting spirit got him back to his feet. Corbett continued the slaughter but by the next round the crowd could see the champion was getting tired and by the ninth Fitzsimmons started to land more accurately.

Fitzsimmons, no bigger than a modern day super middleweight, was bleeding heavily by the tenth but refused to be deterred, spitting out wads of claret as he retreated from clinches.

In the fourteenth, after a left jab from Corbett, Fitz drove the champion back with a tremendous counter to the neck. He saw his chance and took it, driving a sickening punch to the solar plexus of Corbett who fell to his knees in agony. The underdog Fitzsimmons had done the seemingly impossible and become the first former middleweight champion to win the heavyweight title in history. It would take 106 years and the talent of Roy Jones Jr. before it would be done again.

The 11,000ft of film exposed that day was used to create the world’s first feature film which grossed an estimated $750,000 as the public flocked to see the spectacle for themselves.

Corbett and Fitzsimmons each received 15% of the film’s profits.

Naturally, the promoter got 25%.

Some things never change!

Written By: Jim Marshall @BoxingTriviaGuy

In the fifth, both men landed lefts.

Again it was the champion who got the better of it; Fitz coming away with a bloodied nose and mouth.

Page 30 // Big Write Hook // February 2018

@BigWriteHook

@Ryan_The_Designer

Custom Artwork & Graphic Design w: www.ryanthedesigner.uk e: hello@ryanthedesigner.uk t: 07521 313 747 @ryan_the_designer

@rythedesigner

@ryan_designer

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 Shaun Greene @fixygizy Liam Lawer @Longcountboxing Hannah Lines @LinesHannah87 Jaime Ingleby @Jaime_ingleby79 Steven Bateson @StevenBateson1 Chris Weatherspoon @Christoph_21 Sam Young @RedWhiteGooner The Sweet Scientist @boxingbloggeruk Adam @Hellraiserboxing Tim Hammersley @timhammersley27 Page 32 // Big Write Hook // March 2018

@BigWriteHook

@Ryan_The_Designer

Next Month’s Issue: April

Next Month’s Issue: April Billy Joe Saunders vs. Martin Murray

Carl Frampton vs. Nonito Donaire

Katie Taylor vs. Victoria Bustos

www.issuu.com/bigwritehook @bigwritehook