Big Write Hook - July 2017

JULY 2017 EDITION

YA R D E v s B A R A N Y I • E U B A N K v s A B R A H A M • B R O N E R v s G A R C I A

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In This Months Issue Of Big Write Hook..

Edito r ’s Letter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Monthly Rou nd-Up.... ..... ...... ...... ...... ....... ...... ..... ....4 Buglioni v Summers ................................................5 Pacquiao v Horn ......................................................7 Go ld en Yea rs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Front Cover Image: Eubank vs Abraham Fight Preview Page 13

Yarde v Baranyi .......................................................11 Eubank v Abraham ................................................13 Po ets’ Corner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Broner v Garcia ......................................................17 Th in k Piec e : Ag ei s m i n B ox i n g. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 C ontac t List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1 Next Months Agenda ........................................... 22

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Editor’s Letter .

Mon

Agony And Ecstasy : In The P

June 10: Burnett (SD) vs Haskins R Burnett’s energy and output was the to victory as he systematically br down Lee Haskins over 12 rounds, sco two knockdown in the process. Bur deserved the wide scorecards of 119 from two judges, but Clark Sammart scored him losing 118-108 in a shock case of mistaken identity, making the fi officially a split decision. As a result American judge will be banished f the UK and unable to officiate here in future. That did not dampen the spirit Burnett though, who said after his “A dream that became reality, Every that came to support me I thank you f the bottom of my heart. Belfast we did

June 17 : Rigondeaux v Flores.

Contest There was widespread controv on the bill which saw Guillermo Rigondea fight end in confusion, after he delive blatant punch after the bell, for which probably should have been disqualif Flores fell to the canvas, possibly feigning severity of his injury, to try force the DQ the Cuban was given the knockout deci after some deliberation from the refe This marks yet another unchalleng fight for Rigo, whilst the boxing waits f dream match-up with genuine world c opposition in Vasyl Lomachenko. The re has now been declared a no contes the Nevada State Athletic Commiss

nthly Round Up.....

Pursuit Of Greatness Some Will Trip And Some Will Triumph

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No versy aux’s ered h he fied. g the Q, but ision eree. ging for a class esult st by sion.

Ward (Rd 8 TKO) vs. Kovalev Andre Ward’s second win over Sergey Kovalev is shrouded in just as much doubt as his first, after the American hit his opponent with hard shot below the belt before an attack to the midriff, before being stopped. It may also have been halted a few seconds too early for a championship fight, but in a rare and much welcomed show of honesty from a boxing official, referee Tony Weeks took to twitter in defence of his decision. He said: “I am being criticised a lot unjustly. I have watched the replay and have to admit I was wrong I missed the low blows from Ward. I stopped the fight due to Kovalev not protecting himself, had I saw the shots were low, I would not have stopped the fight. My mistake.”

Rumours have been circling that Ward may move up to cruiserweight to challenge WBC champion Tony Bellew.

Tyron Zeuge (UD) v Paul Smith Paul Smith’s final attempt at winning a word title ended in failure. The Liverpudlian was berated by some fans for even taking the shot for the WBA “regular” belt, as if he was supposed to say no. Smith came close to winning the title, leaving it all in the ring for his challenge against the tough German. Sadly though, that was back in 2014, in his first fight with Arthur Abraham. Unfortunately, this time around, the criticisms of him seemed warranted in what turned out to be a meager attempt at victory. He did not attack enough

and was clearly beaten by the younger and stronger Tyron Zeuge. Credit to the champion, his stiff and powerful jab jolted the Brit’s head back almost every round and acted as the best form of defence.

Smith could have a few British dust ups left in him, with Martin Murray being touted as a potential opponent, whilst Zunger will go on to bigger and better things and has been challenged by WBA “Super” champion George Groves to enter the World Boxing Super Series, which could also see Paul’s brother Callum take part. Jamie Cox has also signed up to the tournament.

first-round knockout win over Monika Antonik. There were also wins Anthony Fowler, Bradley Saunders and Stuart Hall.

July 1: Buatsi Begins Olympian Joshua Buatsi marked his debut with a win.

Extended fight reviews of Frank Buglioni versus Ricky Summers and Manny Pacquiao versus Jeff Horn can be found within the rest of the magazine.

June 23: NXT GEN The NXT GEN show in Newcastle produced a host of expected A-side wins. An impressive Josh Kelly beat Tom Whitfield with an exceptional first round knockout.

T h e dazzling minute a n d a half d i s p l ay, culminated in a bombardment of 10 left hooks, before Whitfield dropped to the canvas. Natasha Jonas got her professional debut off to a flyer with @BigWriteHook

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FIGHT REVIEW.

Buglioni v Summers July 1st 2017

Buglioni vs Summers

Summers Over.

Written By: Lewis Calvert @Lewcalvert91 @BigWriteHook

Frank Buglioni asserted his dominance over the british light heavyweight scene defending his title with a unanimous victory over Ricky Summers on June 1.

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uglioni provided yet another entertaining fight and took the result: 116-113, 115-114 and 118-111 on the scorecards for the second defence of his belt. The 28-year-old moves to 20-2-1 and is just one more defence away from owning the Lonsdale belt outright. “It was a massive occasion, a lot of pressure, but I will excel from this and move on, come back stronger.” said Buglioni.

The fight turned out to b e

“It was a massive occasion, a lot of pressure, but I will excel from this and move on, come back stronger.” somewhat of a technical slugfest, with both men pouring on the punches with pretty limited defences themselves.

But it was the experienced champion who was much lighter on his feet and slicker in the continuous exchanges.

Buglioni used his feints and head movement well and was a clear class above Summers, who suffered his first loss in a 14 fight career. The latter gave a very good account of himself in a highly enjoyable trade fight and both men were truly deserving of the standing ovation they received come the final bell.

Summers was understandably disappointed having put so much effort into the bout, gesticulating throughout the fight that he could take the punishment and even wanted more after some seriously h e a t e d exchanges. An

exhausted Summers said: “I want to be on the big stage and am absolutely gutted - I could cry.”

After 12 rounds of non-stop action, with combinations flying in from all angles, it was a performance that seemed to be both a gift and a curse for Buglioni. If he is to push

Chudinov two years ago, who was recently beaten by George Groves for the WBA “Super” world super middleweight title, would suggest he may not be ready for the elite level of world champions yet, however, he is at a fighting at a different weight and is fast approaching 30, so he will have to test himself sooner or later if he is to fulfil his own ambition.

Domestically, there is decent decent competition from unbeaten opponents in the British ranks: Doc Spelman, Tommy Philbin or Charlie

“I want to be on the big stage and am absolutely gutted - I could cry.” on to world level opposition, like promoter Eddie Hearn has been talking about with a potential world title challenge against the reinvigorated Nathan Cleverly, then will have to tighten up his defence.

However, Buglioni put on such slick attacking boxing display, you have to question why he is even fighting at British level at all when he is more than capable of European glory. A loss to Fedor @BigWriteHook

Schofield would all be interested in his third title defence, but should a bigger offer come in from elsewhere, dropping this belt in order to challenge for world title, may be the best move for his career.

The next decision Buglioni makes must be an intelligent one and nobody would argue with a fight between Cleverly and Wise Guy to determine who has the better boxing brain.

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FIGHT REVIEW.

Pacquiao v Horn July 1st 2017

Locking Horns.

Written By: Lewis Calvert @Lewcalvert91 @BigWriteHook

Manny Pacquiao was robbed of his WBO world welterweight championship in front of 55,000 Australia fans against plucky home fighter Jeff Horn.

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he Battle of Brisbane was not the walkover many anticipated with Pacquiao, 38, expected to get his first knockout in over ten years. But despite out punching and out boxing his comparatively unknown counterpart, the champion was on the receiving end of a three disgraceful scorecards: 117-111, 115-113 and 115-113. “That’s the decision of the judges. I respect that.” Pacquiao said. Many news outlets will run with terms like “debatable” or “controversial”, but let’s be clear; there was

no debate about it. Manny Pacquiao was robbed of victory and of his word title.

The Australian, like many of Manny’s former foes, looked markedly bigger than the champion, use his size advantage to good effect, clinching when in close and using his weight to try and tire out Manny. Horn was rough as well and he led with his head in the opening rounds, cutting the champ twice, though not on the face.

The challenger was not without

genuine success either, with many telling blows, but Manny was connecting with cleaner shots whilst Horn kept missing.

The numbers seem to highlight just how badly the fight was scored as Pacman landed 182 punches to 92, according to CompuBox, connecting with 32% of those thrown compared to just 15% of Horn’s.

The fight was close to being over after the ninth round, as Manny beat an unsteady Horn around the ring for a full three minutes in a vicious attack. Credit

“That’s the decision of the judges. I respect that.”

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must go to the Australian, who miraculously stayed on his feet.

The round was so bad referee Mark Nelson took to the home fighter’s corner and said: “I will stop the fight if you don’t show me something in the next round.”

Horn, 29, did regain his composure to see out the fight, defying all his critics in the process, but the decision came as a shock to everyone and even prompted the outspoken trainer and commentator Teddy Atlas to tell him to his face, that he thought he had lost the fight.

There is a rematch clause but a result of this nature has

careers and lie to the fans.

There is a rematch clause but a result of this nature has besmirched the entire nation of Australia,its judges and unfortunately, through no fault of his own, tarred Horn’s reputation as much as it has raised his global profile. besmirched the entire nation of Australia,its judges and unfortunately, through no fault of his own, tarred Horn’s reputation as much as it has raised his global profile.

Horn did show great courage when the heat was on and he will no doubt be inundated with invitations to fight in the USA, as he will be seen as the

weakest world champion out of the 147 pounders. Only fighters who are in desperate need of the money or believe they are certain of a KO will travel to the Suncorp Stadium in future.

This was not the blistering Pacquiao we have seen in years gone by, but he is not “shot” or “passed it” by any means. Now Manny must decide what where his heart and his future lies.

Pacquiao is one of the most prominent politicians in boxing and he has just fell victim to one of the most disgusting forms of boxing politics: an unjust decision going to the home fighter. He might might not want to risk that again.

Time and time again these results go unchallenged with no consequences towards judges who ruin @BigWriteHook

There clearly needs to be a change. Maybe boxing needs a revolution where former professional fighters are the judges instead of these imposters, punch stats could be taken into account and video technology can be utilised more, because these results are killing the sport. The infamous Jospeh Stalin once said: “you cannot making a revolution with silk gloves”, it seems you can not make a revolution with boxing gloves either. But if anyone can, it would be a politician and maybe that could be Manny’s next fight.

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GOLDEN YEARS. John L. Sullivan vs Jake Kilrain (1889)

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he 3-minute round of gloved combat is so synonymous with boxing it’s easy to forget that the history of the sport goes far further back than the Queensbury Rules.

Before they were drawn up in 1865 the sport was governed by the London Prize Ring Rules, devised in 1838 and revised in 1853.

Naturally it took some time for the new rules to be adopted and so on July 8, 1889, two eras of boxing were bridged together when the last world title fight fought with bare knuckles took place.

after going 106 rounds with Englishman Jem Smith in 1887.

Thousands of fans and the two fighter’s parties left New Orleans packed on trains, some clinging to carriage rooves and others to connecting rods between carriages! The destination was shrouded in secrecy to evade the law, with local militia placed at the state line as the trains sped past from Louisiana into Mississippi.

The edge of a pine forest near Richburg was chosen, remote enough to prevent police interruption but close enough to the line to allow

Written By: Jim Marshall @BoxingTriviaGuy

put in place, seating the press and top end $15 ticket holders; this area was controlled by a further 40 men. 10-foot high tiered seating surrounded three sides of the ring and when 25 beers sold out, buckets of water were peddled at 75.

came to scratch for the 44th round and vomited, Kilrain asked for a draw. Sullivan instantly refused, somehow gaining a second wind and by the 50th Kilrain looked a beaten man, constantly retreating and falling without a blow.

“Stand up and fight like a man!”

As some welcome clouds spread over the sun, Kilrain appeared and in time honoured fashion threw his hat into the ring. The determined champion appeared soon after. A 39 round draw with Kilrain’s corner man, Charley Mitchell, last time out meant an impressive showing was imperative.

The fight began with Kilrain rushing in and throwing Sullivan to loud applause.

Unfortunately, Jake frustrated John L. by clinching and falling without a blow to avoid punishment, a common ploy to gain some respite when a knockdown ended a round.

After 75 rounds Kilrain’s second, Mike Donovan, threw his sponge. Despite protests from Jake, now bleeding from his ears, nose and mouth with his body covered in welts, Sullivan was declared the winner. Boxing’s bareknuckle championship era was now at an end.

On Sullivan’s death in 1918 his former adversary Kilrain served as pallbearer. When the frozen ground had to be blown with dynamite for the grave Kilrain simply said, “Old John L. would have approved.”

“Stand up and fight like a man!” shouted Sullivan.

During a clinch in the 7th round, a clubbing left from Kilrain to Sullivan’s ear drew first blood.

The next round then saw the challenger score the first knockdown blow. Was an upset about to be in store?

John L. Sullivan had been generally accepted as heavyweight champion since defeating Paddy Ryan in 1882.

Jake Kilrain was recognised by the National Police Gazette (the editor of which loathed Sullivan) as their champion ROUND

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access

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fans.

A 24-foot inner ring was pitched in the sweltering heat and 20 local toughs were hired to keep order.

Several times Sullivan made sure he landed with his knees across the throat of Kilrain as he threw him. Cries of “Foul!” were quickly dismissed.

A second 45-foot outer ring was

When a weakening Sullivan

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FIGHT PREVIEW. Rising star Anthony Yarde will get his first chance at international honours and a world ranking when he takes on Richard Baranyi for the WBO European light heavyweight belt on July 8 at The Copper Box Arena.

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nthony Yarde is a name that has echoed among fight fans ears throughout 2016 and 2017. The 25-year-old from Hackney has recently moved to 11-0 (10) with a fourth round stoppage over Chris Hobbs to win the Southern Area Title. Young fighters often get talked about as being ‘The Next Big Thing’, this time though we might actually be seeing the real deal.

Growing up trying to avoid trouble in an area which held the 2012 Olympic games, Yarde was a gifted athlete: he had football trials for Queens Park Rangers, rugby trials with Harlequins and even had a successful stint in youth athletics. But Yarde chose the squared circle, having only started boxing

He signed with Frank Warren in May 2015 and quickly racked up a string of victories in devastating knockout fashion.

Yarde is making waves in an already electric division with top pound for pound fighters such as Andre Ward and Sergey Kovalev.

Domestically though, the light heavyweight scene isn’t as competitive as it has been in the past: WBA Regular champion Nathan Cleverly currently tops the tree followed by British Champion Frank Buglioni.

The Brit’s most recent fight was was a one sided victory over army boxer Chris Hobbs on the Davis v Walsh undercard.

Hobbs’ corner were forced to throw in the towel, after their man was put down six times in a four round mauling by Yarde.

Yarde is making waves in an already electric division with top pound for pound fighters such as Andre Ward and Sergey Kovalev. late in his teenage years. He swiftly turned professional after twelve amateur fights, which for someone with the ability he possesses, is quite unheard of.

The Londoner lived up to his nickname of ‘The Beast’, with his tenth stoppage in eleven outings.

In doing so, Yarde picked up his first title as a professional and

Yarde v Baranyi July 8th 2017

this could be the first of many.

Immediately after that victory, Warren announced that Yarde would soon be back in action, as if the win was never in doubt.

This time around, a much tougher test is in order as the inexperienced cockney goes up against Baranyi 18-1(12) for the Hungarian’s European title.

For Yarde the spoils are great: if he wins, not only will he get a nice new belt, but he will also slingshot himself above Baranyi, who is ranked 10th with the WBO, and that will surely see him into contention for world honours, even at this early stage of his career.

Yarde is a very good technical fighter: possessing a quick jab and solid footwork, with a style similar to that of David Haye, but he doesn’t really get to show it in the ring because he has been blasting his opponents out too quickly. But even with the talent Yarde has Baranyi is no pushover. On paper this is the toughest fight of Yarde’s life but he goes into the fight with great confidence.

He said: “Preparation is fantastic, we work everyday.

My next opponent is ‘Chicken Biryani’ - that’s my focus now.”

Obviously, Yarde is hungry.

Hungry for a win, hungry for a title and hungry for greatness. It is time then to unleash… The Beast.

Unleash T Written By: On The Canvas - @CanvasBoxing - onthecanvasboxing.wordpress.com

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Unleash The Beast.

The Beast.

@ B i g WArtwork riteH oBy: o k Ryan @ R yJames a Wilson n _ D eWilson s i @Ryan_Designer g n e r @Ryan_Designer ROUND Artwork By: Ryan 2 James

K J O N A B B Eubank v Abraham

Artwork ROUND By:1 Ryan James @ BWilson i g W r i t @Ryan_Designer eHook @Ryan_Designer

FIGHT PREVIEW.

Eubank v Abraham July 15th 2017

Written By: Lewis Calvert @Lewcalvert91 @BigWriteHook

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hris Eubank Jr. continues to carve out his own distinctive lane in boxing when he takes on Arthur Abraham in the first defence of his IBO super middleweight title on June 15. Cynicism continues to stalk Eubank as he avoids the traditional routes to stardom taken by Matchroom and Boxnation fighters: he is being pushed on new pay-per-view platform ITV Box Office despite his IBO “world” title not being recognised as a legitimate belt by most of the boxing world.

The choice of opponent is a debatable one too, Abraham is a solid fighter, the issue is for hardcore fans is that they do not think it is PPV worthy.

Had this fight been the Abraham of five or six years ago, for a legitimate world title and a prime Eubank had a notable scalp on his CV, it would almost certainly be a PPV fight. But to try and convince fans that this current spectacle is the real deal is tantamount to fraud.

It is still a good test for the Brit, but it will not act as springboard to legitimacy as his team still crave. This fight is in essence a bout built on names

a contender on the rise crossing paths a former champio n on the way down and “King Arthur” is not slacking even in his twilight

“I will make sure I’m in top shape and ready to secure a great victory. I know Chris Eubank Jr is a good fighter, like his father.

I’m expecting a tough fight, but I’m confident I will beat him.’’ associated with glory of yesteryear: Eubank’s whole career thus far has been a cash in on the legacy his father created two decades ago - Abraham’s, through his own hard work 10 years ago.

It is a step in the right direction for the fledgling career of the British prospect, who said: “I respect every fighter. Anyone who enters the ring has my respect, but it’s my time now.

I’m the next generation.”

It is always interesting to witness

It is hard to say “Junior” talks a good game, because it is in fact Senior that does most of the talking. In part doting father, in part deluded promoter. However, pulling out to Gennady Golovkin and Billy Joe Saunders twice, along with tactless remarks over Kell Brook amongst others have irked some fans.

Eubank will never be as eccentric as his dad when it comes to pre-fight build ups and interviews, nor does he try to be, but there is the potential to have just as much talent in the ring. And it is there, not

It is hardly a fight of biblical proportions, yet there is g e n u i n e intrigue here. @BigWriteHook

Twitter, where he does the best of his talking.

Expect the 27-year-old to deliver a high output of punches with his superior energy, although Abraham is very tough and it is unlikely he will back up an inch. The cash cow of German television has made a living out of constantly plodding forward, cutting off the ring quickly, soaking up enough punishment in order to dish out his own. Eubank could end up gassing late on, as he has show before, though he may have rectified his stamina issues. And you would imagine the pressure fighting style of Abraham would play right into the hands, that is to say fists, of the man from Brighton.

It will also be about footwork.

At 37, Abraham is not as quick as he once was and a prime Eubank can stick, move, run and dance to his corner’s content until the final bell.

Should King Arthur look to rough up his younger foe and get an unlikely victory, Eubank’s unkindly words towards his fallen advisories could come back to haunt him: you live by the sword, you die by the sword.

Religion talks of Abraham attempting to sacrifice his first born

son in order to obey the Heavenly Father. On June 15, Chris Eubank Srn has done quite the opposite; nurtured his first born son in order to sacrifice Abraham. There can only be one victor and only God knows.

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Poets’ Corner .

by Andy Brierley - @AndybbBrierley

The Brown Bomber Joe Louis was a genius, A man who lived without fear, He stalked his prey with a keenness, That nobody else could come near.

Explosive with a right hand, And as deadly with his left, Opponents sink like quick sand, When the hooks start to connect.

He represented a nation, When he was second class at home, A patriot of servile adulation, Right down to the bone.

Joseph Louis Barrow, The original “Bomber”, A pugilist by trade, Defined by his honour.

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FIGHT PREVIEW.

Broner v Garcia July 29th 2017

Written By: Paul J Daley @TopClassBoxing topclassboxing.co.uk

Current WBC Lightweight champion Mikey Garcia will move up to the super lightweight division in a mega money fight with Adrien Broner at the Barclays Center, New York, on July 29.

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he bout is a clash between two men at opposite ends of the social spectrum: the quiet, calm demeanour of Garcia will mix with the brash, loud persona of fourweight world champion Adrien Broner, in one of 2017’s most highly anticipated fights.

Coming into the contest, both men have gained momentum, Garcia having spent a couple of years on the sidelines due to promotional issues made up for time lost, sending both of his opponents for an early showers.

The lightweight division on the whole is one of much promise, a hotbed of talent vying for position amongst the upper echelons of the weight class, which only acts to increases its prestige. Garcia lifted his title from its previous owner, Dejan Zlaticanin, in such spectacular knockout fashion that most boxing fans are now proclaiming him to be the best there is; numero uno.

Cincinnati resident, Broner wanted to put

that theory to the test. He himself is undefeated at 140 and under, with three solid victories in the run up to this contest coming over Khabib Allakhverdiev, Ashley Thophane and Adrian Granados.

“He’s 36-0. He’s undefeated at [140] and under. And if people don’t know, I’m really undefeated at [140] and under, also.” Broner said.

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“I just hope nobody puts their house on this fight against me because if you do that, then you’ll be living like Will Smith in ‘Hancock’ after the fight, man”.

It is uncharted territory for Broner who finds himself in the peculiar situation of being the underdog in this fight. Which is something of an issue that doesn’t sit well with the ‘Can-Man’.

“I don’t be gettin’ into this, the media and stuff like that,” Broner said. “But I heard that they got Mikey like 5-to-1. You know what I’m saying? I just feel like you got

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come to beat me and I’m coming 100 percent to beat him. The fans will be the winner on fight night, but my hand will be raised.”

Whoever comes out victorious will have the biggest name on their resume to date and have the the bragging rights over the entire division to go with it.

Will Broner bring back the “Can-Man” whose moniker is to have never been defeated or will he resort to “About Billions” once again, a fighter who believes he needs only turn up to win? Mikey will be happy

Whoever comes out victorious will have the biggest name on their resume to date and have the the bragging rights over the entire division to go with it.

“And, you know, somebody 0 gotta go, even though mine already left. [At 140] and under, somebody 0 gotta go.

You know what I’m saying?

“I could’ve came up here and been mean and rude to these guys.

But I have to say, man, I got love for Robert Garcia and Mikey. It’s never really been bad blood. But for this fight, fuck y’all. But for real.”

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some serious betters out there, looking at that like, ‘5-to-1?’ They don’t give me no chance. But y’all can sit up and say McGregor gonna beat Floyd. Man, this boxing game crazy, man!

“After this fight, I just feel like if I come out untouched, you know, I feel like I’m gonna be victorious, I feel like I should come back and fight on Floyd’s undercard against Nate Diaz.

In the run up to the fight, the media will lap up every comment Broner makes because that is where he shines brightest: under the spotlight. His bravado knows no bounds as the fight draws closer.

“I could’ve came up here and been mean and rude to these guys. But I have to say, man, I got love for Robert Garcia and Mikey. It’s never really been bad blood. But for this fight, fuck y’all. But for real.”

But a smile never seems too far away from Garcia’s face whilst performing his media duties. The champion remaining true to his morals of humility, giving Broner plaudits before further enhancing his already out of control ego.

Garcia said: “Adrien is going to

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either way, now that his career is back in motion, he has sights on making the most of the time taken from him and a win over Broner is very much in his forecast.

The contrasting styles of these two men outside the ring makes for great viewing and it may just make for two contrasting styles in the ring.

And if styles make fights, then we are in for a great fight.

Clash Of Personalities

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n n i i m m s s i i ee g g AA

Benn v Collins

Manchester, 1996: Collins Defeates Rival For The Second Time In The Space Of Four Months.

British boxing legends Nigel Benn and Steve Collins, both in their 50’s, have announced they are set to have a rematch after 21 years out of the ring.

Written By: Lewis Calvert @Lewcalvert91 @BigWriteHook

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othing quite captures the imagination of the casual boxing public like the allure of a former champion returning to the ring for one last hurrah, it is the stuff Rocky Balboa’s dreams are made of.

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cautious fans is that this rematch may tarnish the exceptional legacy each man had built for themselves whilst in their prime.

Hopkins is a prime example of this, his last fight saw him pummeled out of the ring by Joe Smith Jr. to become the subject of viral internet memes, the likes of which were not even a consideration when Benn and Collins fought in their pomp. Memes are the least

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of their worries though when they run an increased risk of head injury, without recovery at their age. And though legacy may be great, they are old enough and wise enough to know there is nothing more valuable than their health.

There are fewer sights more depressing than seeing a once powerful physical specimen of a fighter reduced to nothing

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more than a bumbling, nonsensical, shot fighter; punch drunk from a career that was a few fights too many; James Toney, 48, springs to mind and to a lesser extent Roy Jones Jr., 48.

This is not how our heroes should go out.

For some older professionals fighting is not about money, it is about ego; they miss being centre stage, with the

eyes of the world on them and the adulation of thousands of adoring fans. For others, they fight because they are institutionalised by the sport, in the sense that boxing is all they know and all they have ever known. Once retired, boxers miss the discipline of eating (well maybe not eating), but training, sparring and fighting. Men and women can be at a loss without the life they have led for so long when it is their vocation. Hence why even young boxers with severe brain injuries like Nick Blackwell jump back into the ring, albeit only sparring, just to scratch the itch of fighting.

But much like Blackwell this can have detrimental effects.

Maybe there should be no age limit on who can box. Each fighter should be judged on their own merit by the British Boxing Board of Control but the “where will it end?” brigade will argue that should this fight be sanctioned, what is top stop the world’s oldest surviving world champion Jake LaMota who turns 96 on July 10 coming out of retirement for a seventh fight with Sugar Ray Robinson… who has been dead for 28 years?

Benn, 53, says this is not in the pursuit of a prolonged comeback in pursuit of titles, but more in the pursuit of “closure”. For Collins, 52, it is about the financial gain, he said: “It’s just about money, a payday which will allow me to buy some more land.”

As fans we have every right to be worried, but Benn and Collins are former athletes. It is not like my dad stepping into the ring - he’d probably struggle to get through the ropes what with his dodgy ankles. But no matter how fit the professionals claim to be, Father Time waits for no

man. They will not look as good, be as fast or as strong as they were in their prime. It will not be as competitive. It is merely for the arousal of the nostalgic.

Conor Benn, 20, said: and that is good advice from the Dark Destroyer’s son.

Boxing should be the next generation igniting the sport and carrying the torch, not the previous generation punching each others lights out.

“It’s just about money, a payday which will allow me to buy some more land.”

We must always respect the stars from the past for paving the way for what we have today. The showboating of Prince Naseem Hamed, Roy Jones Jr, Muhammad Ali and Eubnak Sr. spawned the copy cats in our generation.

But these men were great at

their craft and could back it up.

We should look for the next star, not an imitation of the last. And take heed from the detrimental health effects that have blighted the elder statesmen of boxing.

We know with young fighters if you are good enough, you are old enough, but the debate over fighters who maybe “too old” will forever rumble on as their feats of human endurance continue to defy our meer mortal expectations. Doubts remain as to whether Benn and Collins will be granted a boxing license, if so it will not be in this country, but in boxing one thing can be sure, if there is enough money in it, it will happen. “How old is too old?” remains the age old question.

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 Writer: On The Canvas Twitter: @CanvasBoxing Website: onthecanvasboxing.wordpress.com Writer: Paul J Daley Twitter:@TopClassBoxing Website: www. topclassboxing.co.uk Chief Historian: Jim Marshall Twitter: @BoxingTriviaGuy Website: www. topclassboxing.co.uk Poet: Jim Marshall Twitter: @BoxingTriviaGuy Website: www. topclassboxing.co.uk

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