Essex fighter has schemes on British World title fight with two-weight Champ
By Adam Appleton
Kevin Mitchell is pursuing a summer fight with WBO lightweight champion, Ricky Burns, Appleton’s Edition can exclusively reveal.
The Dagenham Destroyer was at York Hall, Bethnal Green last night attending a Five Live radio special, “Future of Boxing”, hosted by Mark Chapman, Steve Bunce and Mike Costello.
He was joined there by the likes of Frank Warren, Eddie Hearn, Darren Barker, Enzo Calzaghe, Spencer Oliver, Colin Hart as well as representatives of the Amateur Boxing Association (ABA), British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) and BBC and ITV officials.
We asked Mitchell whether he was eyeing up a fight with the Scottish World champion as he posed for a photograph.
He replied: “It’s a fight I’m very much looking at, probably for June or July, but there is still a lot of paperwork to get through first.”
Burns first has to negotiate Namibian, Paulus “The Hitman” Moses on the 10th March.
He was changed from interim to official WBO champion when Juan Manuel Marquez went up to light-welterweight. This will be his first defence.
Mitchell was devastatingly knocked out in 3 rounds by Australian Michael Katsidis, putting his hopes of superstardom on hold.
When he fought John Murray fourteen months later in a much-anticipated return, Mitchell triumphed in an exhilarating 8th round TKO.
After the fight, he told reporters he had suffered personally around the time he fought Katsidis.
Whether true or false, the same Katsidis was out-boxed by Ricky Burns in a unanimous 12-round decision in a title-eliminator.
However Mitchell has matured since his sole defeat in 33 fights, not only as a boxer, but as a man.
He is currently working in several inner-city schools, trying to encourage a re-introduction of boxing in school to infuse youths with the same discipline and goals that he had.
Oh, you Bute!
Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn also announced that his new charge Carl
Froch has agreed to take on the much-untested, but undefeated IBF super-middleweight champion Lucian Bute.
The Cobra will take on the 32 year old Canada-based Romanian in Nottingham on the 26th May.
Hearn was delighted that they had managed to get Bute to fight outside adopted home, saying: “I have to respect Lucian and his team for agreeing to enter the Lion's Den and face Carl in his hometown, but am fully confident that Carl can become a world champion again.”
Read more at: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/boxing/article-2108900/Carl-Froch-fight-Lucian-Bute-Nottingham-May-26.html#ixzz1nzs8v9zE
Showing posts with label Boxing.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Boxing.. Show all posts
Saturday, 3 March 2012
Tuesday, 7 February 2012
Is Klitschko fight Vitali important for Haye?
By Adam Appleton
It has emerged that David Haye is in talks with Vitali Klitschko in spite of the 31 year-old’s October retirement.
The Bermondsey man has allegedly weighed up his options and is negotiating a meeting with the 40 year old Klitschko.
In his final fight before ‘retirement’, Haye lost weakly to WBO, IBO, IBF and now WBA champion Wladimir Klitschko in a unanimous points decision, giving the Klitschko brother’s all the alphabet heavyweight belts.
As a consequence, Vitali is not likely to be so generous with Haye financially as his brother was for their July bout.
The story of David Haye and the Klitschko brother’s dates back to April 2009 with the brash Londoner ruffling feathers with his trash talk, a fight was arranged but Haye withdrew with a back injury.
Haye also wore the now famous “severed heads” t-shirt to cause further animousity.
The Briton then beat Russian giant Nicolai Valuev on points, claiming the WBA title before defeating John Ruiz and later Audley Harrison in one of the division’s most farcical fights.
With these defences won, Haye appeared the only real threat to the Klitschko’s domination. But this hope was shattered by the tentative performance that came in Hamburg.
Now it seems that Haye has vengeful schemes on fighting Vitali Klitschko.
Reports from both camps say that the contract talks are on hold until after Vitali faces Dereck Chisora on 18th February in Munich, but rumours say a fight could happen in November.
Klitschko’s manager Bernd Boente said: “Vitali wants to finish what his brother didn’t do, meaning knock out David Haye.”
If this is indeed true, the man from Bermondsey has much to fear.
Not only is he challenging the man with the record knockout percentage in heavyweight history, not only the same man who arguably chased Lennox Lewis into retirement, but Vitali can also claim to have never been conclusively beaten.
In the last big heavyweight clash before Haye versus Klitschko, Klitschko was controversially stopped in 6 rounds by Lennox Lewis in Los Angeles in 2003. A deep cut above the left eye caused the stoppage and plans for a rematch were dashed by Lewis’ retirement.
His only other loss occurred when a torn rotator cuff forced his withdrawal against Chris Byrd in 2000. In both these defeats, the German-based Ukrainian was unanimously ahead on the judges scorecards.
In spite of this nine year unbeaten streak, Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward believes Haye’s style could work more effectively against Vitali.
“Vitali is bigger and hits hard but he comes straight in and doesn’t have the same balance and elusive movement as Wladimir, so David might give him a little more trouble.”
Indeed it is a style that got Haye a near-flawless record. Until meeting Klitschko, his only previous loss came against Carl Thompson in 2004 when an over-active Haye threw in the towel by the end of the 5th round.
Should Haye decide to dwell on tales from the past, he might be advised to think better of targeting the arguably superior Klitschko.
Sugar Ray Leonard and Muhammad Ali succumbed to breaking retirements and both paid for it. Ali was beaten up by Larry Holmes before losing to Trevor Berbick. Leonard did beat Marvin Hagler, Tommy Hearns and Roberto Duran, but eventually lost to Terry Norris and Hector Camacho.
However Floyd Mayweather made it work, coming back from retirement to beat the likes of Juan Manuel Marquez and Shane Mosley.
Haye has much to consider before stepping back into the ring. Fitness and age are no issue to him as they were to Leonard and Ali, at 31 he has been training lightly in case of such an offer from Vitali. The issue is his legacy, if there is to be one.
He must consider the risk:reward; If he beats Dr Ironfist, great, that will add to or maybe even give him legacy.
If he loses, he will be remembered as the man who could not back up his infamous trash-talk, and as the man whose only big heavyweight scalp was Nicolai Valuev, hardly a Hall of Famer.
Although his reputation as one of the finest Cruiserweights remains untarnished, his performances in boxing’s headline division will live long in the memory of many fans.
To me, Haye the heavyweight still has much to prove. So go on David, show us what you are made of and take on Vitali, you owe your fans a better lasting memory than excusing your performance on a broken toe and ultimately failing on the biggest night of your career.
ENDS
It has emerged that David Haye is in talks with Vitali Klitschko in spite of the 31 year-old’s October retirement.
The Bermondsey man has allegedly weighed up his options and is negotiating a meeting with the 40 year old Klitschko.
In his final fight before ‘retirement’, Haye lost weakly to WBO, IBO, IBF and now WBA champion Wladimir Klitschko in a unanimous points decision, giving the Klitschko brother’s all the alphabet heavyweight belts.
As a consequence, Vitali is not likely to be so generous with Haye financially as his brother was for their July bout.
The story of David Haye and the Klitschko brother’s dates back to April 2009 with the brash Londoner ruffling feathers with his trash talk, a fight was arranged but Haye withdrew with a back injury.
Haye also wore the now famous “severed heads” t-shirt to cause further animousity.
The Briton then beat Russian giant Nicolai Valuev on points, claiming the WBA title before defeating John Ruiz and later Audley Harrison in one of the division’s most farcical fights.
With these defences won, Haye appeared the only real threat to the Klitschko’s domination. But this hope was shattered by the tentative performance that came in Hamburg.
Now it seems that Haye has vengeful schemes on fighting Vitali Klitschko.
Reports from both camps say that the contract talks are on hold until after Vitali faces Dereck Chisora on 18th February in Munich, but rumours say a fight could happen in November.
Klitschko’s manager Bernd Boente said: “Vitali wants to finish what his brother didn’t do, meaning knock out David Haye.”
If this is indeed true, the man from Bermondsey has much to fear.
Not only is he challenging the man with the record knockout percentage in heavyweight history, not only the same man who arguably chased Lennox Lewis into retirement, but Vitali can also claim to have never been conclusively beaten.
In the last big heavyweight clash before Haye versus Klitschko, Klitschko was controversially stopped in 6 rounds by Lennox Lewis in Los Angeles in 2003. A deep cut above the left eye caused the stoppage and plans for a rematch were dashed by Lewis’ retirement.
His only other loss occurred when a torn rotator cuff forced his withdrawal against Chris Byrd in 2000. In both these defeats, the German-based Ukrainian was unanimously ahead on the judges scorecards.
In spite of this nine year unbeaten streak, Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward believes Haye’s style could work more effectively against Vitali.
“Vitali is bigger and hits hard but he comes straight in and doesn’t have the same balance and elusive movement as Wladimir, so David might give him a little more trouble.”
Indeed it is a style that got Haye a near-flawless record. Until meeting Klitschko, his only previous loss came against Carl Thompson in 2004 when an over-active Haye threw in the towel by the end of the 5th round.
Should Haye decide to dwell on tales from the past, he might be advised to think better of targeting the arguably superior Klitschko.
Sugar Ray Leonard and Muhammad Ali succumbed to breaking retirements and both paid for it. Ali was beaten up by Larry Holmes before losing to Trevor Berbick. Leonard did beat Marvin Hagler, Tommy Hearns and Roberto Duran, but eventually lost to Terry Norris and Hector Camacho.
However Floyd Mayweather made it work, coming back from retirement to beat the likes of Juan Manuel Marquez and Shane Mosley.
Haye has much to consider before stepping back into the ring. Fitness and age are no issue to him as they were to Leonard and Ali, at 31 he has been training lightly in case of such an offer from Vitali. The issue is his legacy, if there is to be one.
He must consider the risk:reward; If he beats Dr Ironfist, great, that will add to or maybe even give him legacy.
If he loses, he will be remembered as the man who could not back up his infamous trash-talk, and as the man whose only big heavyweight scalp was Nicolai Valuev, hardly a Hall of Famer.
Although his reputation as one of the finest Cruiserweights remains untarnished, his performances in boxing’s headline division will live long in the memory of many fans.
To me, Haye the heavyweight still has much to prove. So go on David, show us what you are made of and take on Vitali, you owe your fans a better lasting memory than excusing your performance on a broken toe and ultimately failing on the biggest night of your career.
ENDS
Sunday, 16 October 2011
MY TOP 20 ALL-TIME POUND-FOR-POUND BOXER’S!
Over the past 4 years I have become engrossed in the “art” of Pugilism, or Boxing. It has been known as a variant of things down the years, from the Sweet Science to a barbaric practice.
Some people look for heart, guts and determination. Others look for speed both of mind and body, combinations and entertainment. Others still look for grace, defensive prowess and slick counter-punching. In this piece I will be looking to find the best 20 fighters that possessed all over these aspects of their game.
It will not include current boxers as their careers are still on-going and the rises and falls of their records are unfinished. It will be an endeavour to try to judge the fighters’ whole careers and not just the peaks. However, fights seen as ridiculous will be given more lenience, for example; Ali v Holmes and Leonard v Camacho when many said Ali and Leonard were not fit to fight.
So, enough talking, here is what you want, I hope it sparks debate.
20. Jimmy Wilde 152 fights 137 wins (100 by KO) / 4 losses / 2 draws / 8 no contests
19. Joe Frazier 37 fights 32 wins (27 by KO) / 4 losses / 1 draw
18. Roy Jones Jr 62 fights 54 wins (40 by KO) / 8 losses
17. Marcellin Cerdan 117 fights 113 wins (66 by KO) / 4 losses
16. Sandy Saddler 162 fights 144 wins (103 by KO) / 16 losses / 2 draws
15. Harry Greb 298 fights 261 wins (48 by KO) / 19 losses / 18 draws / 6 no contests
14. Gene Tunney 86 fights 81 wins (48 by KO) / 1 loss / 3 draws / 2 no contests
13. Roberto Duran 120 fights 104 wins (69 by KO) / 16 losses
12. Julio Cesar Chavez 115 fights 107 wins (89 by KO) / 6 losses / 2 draws
11. Rocky Marciano 49 fights 49 wins (43 by KO)
10. Lennox Lewis - Heavyweight - 44 fights 41W (32 KO’s) / 2L / 1D
He is probably the most controversial inclusion in the top 10. But in a good era for heavyweight boxing, Lennox Lewis stood top of the pile as undisputed Champion.
He was stripped of the WBA title for not fighting John Ruiz, but held the lineal titles (WBC, IBF and IBO) in two separate periods.
A man who can say he beat everyone he shared a ring with as he avenged his two shock loses to Hasim Rahman and Oliver McCall. His subsequent wins against Rahman, Holyfield and Tyson gave him his legacy.
His two losses called in to question his biggest criticism; a poor chin. Lewis was KO'd in both of his losses, but his strong defence meant that his chin wasn't too frequently tested.
Whether he would have beaten Vitali Klitschko had the Ukrainian not been stopped for a severe cut nobody knows. The only other question was whether he would have been Riddick Bowe if they had thought, but as Bowe dodged the fight it suggests he was scared of Lewis. Whilst these questions may linger, Lewis' superb technique, record and the fact he was never tempted out of retirement like many before him has ensured him a place in my top 10.
9. Tommy Hearns - Various - 67 fights 61W (48 KO’s) / 5L / 1D
The "Hitman" astonishing (and at the time record-setting) five world titles at five weights under the tutelage of Emanuel Steward is held in high reverence. He boxed at Welterweight, Super-Welterweight, Middleweight, Super-Middleweight, Light Heavyweight and Cruiserweight winning belts in all divisions apart from Super-Welter.
He is unfortunate in that he is probably best remembered for losing the two biggest fights of his career; "The Showdown" against Sugar Ray Leonard and "The War" against Marvin Hagler. The latter is one of boxing's most famous matches and it does its name full justice and in the former he was ahead on all cards at the end of the 13th before Leonard KO'd him in the 14th.
He did, however, beat Wilfred Benitez and KO Roberto Duran in two rounds.
At 6ft1, he had unusual dimension to be boxing at welterweight and middleweight and he was often able to utilise his long reach to great effect.
That he won belts at 5 weights within 15 years also shows the longevity of his greatness.
8. Henry Armstrong - Various - 180 fights 149W (101 KO’s) / 21L / 10D
Henry "Homicide Hank" Armstrong was a special boxer in many ways, he remains the only man two have ever held three belts at three weights at the same time. In an era when there was only eight weights to choose from, it is quite some achievement.
He was Featherweight, Lightweight and Welterweight world Champion.
According to many experts, he should been a four weight Champion, but his rematch with Ceferino Garcia - who he had beaten in their first mach before Garcia became Champion - was scored a harsh draw that many thought Armstrong had won.
He managed to successfully defend his Welterweight belt eighteen times, still a record at that weight.
At the age of 31 however, he lost to a 22 year old future world Champion and hall of famer Sugar Ray Robinson in a unanimous decision. This loss marked the end of Armstrong's competitive career and after a few more fights he retired. But by this point he had already set the benchmark for all welterweight boxers before and after him.
7. Marvin Hagler - Middleweight -67 fights 62W (52 KO’s) / 3L / 2D
Marvelous Marvin Hagler was the undisputed Middleweight Champion of the world from 1980 - 1987 and still owns the highest KO% of any Middleweight.
In his 14 year career, he only had one un-avenged defeat to the great Sugar Ray Leonard.
In his most famous fight, "The War" versus Tommy Hearns, he dispatched the Hitman in three of the most aggressive rounds ever seen in boxing. He also defeated the last of the "Four Kings" Roberto Duran in a fifteen round unanimous decision.
Possibly the most interest facet of Hagler was that he was completely ambidextrous and just as good a boxer in a southpaw stance as he was in an orthodox one.
He had to overcome controversy when he was awarded a high-contested draw in his first title fight against Vito "Mosquito" Antuofermo when even referee Mills Lane thought Hagler had won easily.
Many also say that Hagler was robbed in his fight against Leonard as Sugar Ray simply put in a few flashy-looking combinations per round to convince the judges.
However, Hagler's grit, determination and commitment to training and boxing as an art has him in my top 10.
6. Benny Leonard - Lightweight - 217 fights 183W (70 KO’s) / 19L / 11D / 4NC
One of boxing's most articulate fighters, Benny Leonard beat many of his opponents with the words he said and combined them well with the speed of his fists.
He was world Lightweight Champion for seven and a half years, setting a precedent for those that followed him and set many gate receipt records with his popularity.
An adaptable fighter, when tired he would often talk to his opponents, making them think while he recovered himself. He was also renowned for his superb technique and wasn't hit too often in his prime.
He could have become a two-weight Champion when he challenged then Welterweight Champion Jack Britton, he was subsequently disqualified in their match as he hit
He even died in the ring whilst refereeing a bout in 1947, a fitting place for him to go.
5. Sugar Ray Leonard -Various - 40 fights 36W (25KO’s) / 3L / 1D
To many, he was a smaller reincarnation of Muhammad Ali. Sugar Ray does indeed claim that he tried to be like Ali. He is set the precedent for the high purses that fighters like Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao now know as second nature.
The most successful of the "Four Kings", he managed to beat Marvin Hagler, Tommy Hearns and Roberto Duran, though he famously lost to the latter in their first fight. Indeed the trilogy with Duran is a watermark in Leonard's career with Duran quitting in the infamous "No mas" rematch before winning again in their rubber match.
He defeated Tommy Hearns in "The Showdown" with a stunning finish to takeout the Hitman in the 14th after Angelo Dundee warned him: "You're blowing it son!". He was also given a debatable draw in their rematch.
After retiring, he finally granted Hagler a fight in 1986. Leonard boxed his way to a decision that many believe could have gone either way.
After two ill-advised comeback fights against Terry Norris and Hector Camacho in 1991 and 1997 respectively, Leonard finally called it quits on his career. He was a 5 weight champion, at Welterweight, Light-Middleweight, Middleweight, Super-Middleweight and Light-Heavyweight. He only lost a belt once, retiring whilst champion or vacated the title with all the others.
He was the most stylish and talented boxer of his generation and the king in a supreme era of welter/middleweight boxing.
4. Willie Pep - Featherweight -249 fights 229W (65 KO’s) / 11L / 1D
Will o' the Wisp's record speaks for itself; to step to the ring 249 times and fail to win only 12 of those times is truly staggering.
He is another fighter that used his speed, reactions and finesse to out-do his opponents.
He went 62-0 before losing to Sammy Angott, another champion. He reigned as world Featherweight Champion for 6 years (1942-1948) in his first stint before falling at the hands of his biggest nemesis, Sandy Saddler. He beat Saddler in a rematch 6 months later to have another 18 month spell with the title before being once more defeated by Saddler, the only boxer to ever get the upper hand over Pep in some questionably dirty fights.
His career is particularly spectacular as he was severely injured in a plane crash in 1947 but still made it back to the ring.
His skill was such that a legend says he once one a round without throwing a punch, whether it is true, nobody is sure but Willie Pep was definitely that special.
3. Muhammad Ali - Heavyweight - 61 fights 56W (37 KO’s) / 5L
What is there to say about this man that hasn't already been said? Not only one of the greatest boxers ever, but one of the greatest people of his generation. The Louisville Lip transcended the sport when he chose to refuse to go to war, but we're going to concentrate on his boxing.
As a fighter, he beat everyone in a golden Heavyweight era; Liston, Frazier, Foreman, Paterson, Norton and Spinks to name a few victims.
The three-time World Heavyweight Champion is famous for so many things; the "Ali Shuffle", the "Rope-a-Dope" as well as his famed trash talk.
When he beat Sonny Liston at 22, he became the youngest Heavyweight Champion to dethrone another Champion.
The only two fighters to beat him in his prime were Ken Norton and Joe Frazier, both of which he avenged. Indeed with Frazier, Ali shared a memorable trilogy which culminated in the "Thrilla in Manilla" which Ali won by 14th round TKO, after which Ali would claim: "that was the closest I've been to death."
He was beaten by Larry Holmes and Trevor Berbick in fights he should never have fought and for which he was barely healthy.
Parkinson's disease may have slowed him down over time, but no one will ever forget Ali, his legacy will live forever.
2. Joe Louis - Heavyweight - 72 fights 69W (57 KO’s) / 3L / 1NC
The Brown Bomber is best remembered for his record of defending his World Heavyweight Championship belt successfully 25 times. But he was also one of the first nationally popular Black men in American and helped to pave the way for the likes of Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard.
He beat Max Baer and giant Primo Carnera before succumbing to a shock lose to Schmelling. In spite of this loss, he fought for the World Title a few fights later and disposed of James Braddock in eight rounds.
This begun his long reign on the throne, beating the German Schmelling in a rematch famous for its political ramifications in 1938, and Jersey Joe Walcott twice before announcing his retirement.
It only lasted 18 months. He had ten more fights, the most notable of which were losses to Ezzard Charles and later Rocky Marciano in his last fight when he was well past his best.
He was famed for his power punching and his humility in the ring. Sportswriter Jimmy Cannon once said of him: "He is a credit to his race - the human race."
1. Sugar Ray Robinson - Various - 200 fights 173W (108 KO’s) / 19L / 6D / 2NC
Simply the best, Ray Robinson was a magician in the ring. "The King, the Master. My Idol." is how Muhammad Ali described him. No praise is high enough for the 5-time Middleweight and 1-time Welterweight Champion.
His style was all about rhythm and timing, he was as fluid a boxer as there ever has been with KO power in both hands and supreme instinct.
He was so good that the pound-for-pound ranking system - where fighters are compared regardless of weight - was created around his brilliance. He defeated such big names as; Kid Gavilan, Jake LaMotta, Rocky Graziano, Carmen Basilio and Gene Fulmer.
He went 85-0 as an amateur before turning pro and enjoying a 26 year career.
He was a flamboyant man and is likely the originator for entourages.
Sugar was the fighter of the decade for the 1950's and is rated as the greatest of all time by Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Leonard and Muhammad Ali.
He is most famous for his six fight series with Jake LaMotta, LaMotta dealt him his first loss but whom Sugar Ray would go on to beat five times.
The only man to get some measure of Robinson was Gene Fulmer who managed 2 wins and a draw over Sugar.
Sugar Ray will always be synonymous with boxing as everyone wants to be the next "Sugar" he is the only one fit to be number one in this list as this quote from Sugar Ray Leonard exemplifies: "Someone once said there was a comparison between Sugar Ray Leonard and Sugar Ray Robinson. There is no comparison. Sugar Ray Robinson was the greatest."
Some people look for heart, guts and determination. Others look for speed both of mind and body, combinations and entertainment. Others still look for grace, defensive prowess and slick counter-punching. In this piece I will be looking to find the best 20 fighters that possessed all over these aspects of their game.
It will not include current boxers as their careers are still on-going and the rises and falls of their records are unfinished. It will be an endeavour to try to judge the fighters’ whole careers and not just the peaks. However, fights seen as ridiculous will be given more lenience, for example; Ali v Holmes and Leonard v Camacho when many said Ali and Leonard were not fit to fight.
So, enough talking, here is what you want, I hope it sparks debate.
20. Jimmy Wilde 152 fights 137 wins (100 by KO) / 4 losses / 2 draws / 8 no contests
19. Joe Frazier 37 fights 32 wins (27 by KO) / 4 losses / 1 draw
18. Roy Jones Jr 62 fights 54 wins (40 by KO) / 8 losses
17. Marcellin Cerdan 117 fights 113 wins (66 by KO) / 4 losses
16. Sandy Saddler 162 fights 144 wins (103 by KO) / 16 losses / 2 draws
15. Harry Greb 298 fights 261 wins (48 by KO) / 19 losses / 18 draws / 6 no contests
14. Gene Tunney 86 fights 81 wins (48 by KO) / 1 loss / 3 draws / 2 no contests
13. Roberto Duran 120 fights 104 wins (69 by KO) / 16 losses
12. Julio Cesar Chavez 115 fights 107 wins (89 by KO) / 6 losses / 2 draws
11. Rocky Marciano 49 fights 49 wins (43 by KO)
10. Lennox Lewis - Heavyweight - 44 fights 41W (32 KO’s) / 2L / 1D
He is probably the most controversial inclusion in the top 10. But in a good era for heavyweight boxing, Lennox Lewis stood top of the pile as undisputed Champion.
He was stripped of the WBA title for not fighting John Ruiz, but held the lineal titles (WBC, IBF and IBO) in two separate periods.
A man who can say he beat everyone he shared a ring with as he avenged his two shock loses to Hasim Rahman and Oliver McCall. His subsequent wins against Rahman, Holyfield and Tyson gave him his legacy.
His two losses called in to question his biggest criticism; a poor chin. Lewis was KO'd in both of his losses, but his strong defence meant that his chin wasn't too frequently tested.
Whether he would have beaten Vitali Klitschko had the Ukrainian not been stopped for a severe cut nobody knows. The only other question was whether he would have been Riddick Bowe if they had thought, but as Bowe dodged the fight it suggests he was scared of Lewis. Whilst these questions may linger, Lewis' superb technique, record and the fact he was never tempted out of retirement like many before him has ensured him a place in my top 10.
9. Tommy Hearns - Various - 67 fights 61W (48 KO’s) / 5L / 1D
The "Hitman" astonishing (and at the time record-setting) five world titles at five weights under the tutelage of Emanuel Steward is held in high reverence. He boxed at Welterweight, Super-Welterweight, Middleweight, Super-Middleweight, Light Heavyweight and Cruiserweight winning belts in all divisions apart from Super-Welter.
He is unfortunate in that he is probably best remembered for losing the two biggest fights of his career; "The Showdown" against Sugar Ray Leonard and "The War" against Marvin Hagler. The latter is one of boxing's most famous matches and it does its name full justice and in the former he was ahead on all cards at the end of the 13th before Leonard KO'd him in the 14th.
He did, however, beat Wilfred Benitez and KO Roberto Duran in two rounds.
At 6ft1, he had unusual dimension to be boxing at welterweight and middleweight and he was often able to utilise his long reach to great effect.
That he won belts at 5 weights within 15 years also shows the longevity of his greatness.
8. Henry Armstrong - Various - 180 fights 149W (101 KO’s) / 21L / 10D
Henry "Homicide Hank" Armstrong was a special boxer in many ways, he remains the only man two have ever held three belts at three weights at the same time. In an era when there was only eight weights to choose from, it is quite some achievement.
He was Featherweight, Lightweight and Welterweight world Champion.
According to many experts, he should been a four weight Champion, but his rematch with Ceferino Garcia - who he had beaten in their first mach before Garcia became Champion - was scored a harsh draw that many thought Armstrong had won.
He managed to successfully defend his Welterweight belt eighteen times, still a record at that weight.
At the age of 31 however, he lost to a 22 year old future world Champion and hall of famer Sugar Ray Robinson in a unanimous decision. This loss marked the end of Armstrong's competitive career and after a few more fights he retired. But by this point he had already set the benchmark for all welterweight boxers before and after him.
7. Marvin Hagler - Middleweight -67 fights 62W (52 KO’s) / 3L / 2D
Marvelous Marvin Hagler was the undisputed Middleweight Champion of the world from 1980 - 1987 and still owns the highest KO% of any Middleweight.
In his 14 year career, he only had one un-avenged defeat to the great Sugar Ray Leonard.
In his most famous fight, "The War" versus Tommy Hearns, he dispatched the Hitman in three of the most aggressive rounds ever seen in boxing. He also defeated the last of the "Four Kings" Roberto Duran in a fifteen round unanimous decision.
Possibly the most interest facet of Hagler was that he was completely ambidextrous and just as good a boxer in a southpaw stance as he was in an orthodox one.
He had to overcome controversy when he was awarded a high-contested draw in his first title fight against Vito "Mosquito" Antuofermo when even referee Mills Lane thought Hagler had won easily.
Many also say that Hagler was robbed in his fight against Leonard as Sugar Ray simply put in a few flashy-looking combinations per round to convince the judges.
However, Hagler's grit, determination and commitment to training and boxing as an art has him in my top 10.
6. Benny Leonard - Lightweight - 217 fights 183W (70 KO’s) / 19L / 11D / 4NC
One of boxing's most articulate fighters, Benny Leonard beat many of his opponents with the words he said and combined them well with the speed of his fists.
He was world Lightweight Champion for seven and a half years, setting a precedent for those that followed him and set many gate receipt records with his popularity.
An adaptable fighter, when tired he would often talk to his opponents, making them think while he recovered himself. He was also renowned for his superb technique and wasn't hit too often in his prime.
He could have become a two-weight Champion when he challenged then Welterweight Champion Jack Britton, he was subsequently disqualified in their match as he hit
He even died in the ring whilst refereeing a bout in 1947, a fitting place for him to go.
5. Sugar Ray Leonard -Various - 40 fights 36W (25KO’s) / 3L / 1D
To many, he was a smaller reincarnation of Muhammad Ali. Sugar Ray does indeed claim that he tried to be like Ali. He is set the precedent for the high purses that fighters like Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao now know as second nature.
The most successful of the "Four Kings", he managed to beat Marvin Hagler, Tommy Hearns and Roberto Duran, though he famously lost to the latter in their first fight. Indeed the trilogy with Duran is a watermark in Leonard's career with Duran quitting in the infamous "No mas" rematch before winning again in their rubber match.
He defeated Tommy Hearns in "The Showdown" with a stunning finish to takeout the Hitman in the 14th after Angelo Dundee warned him: "You're blowing it son!". He was also given a debatable draw in their rematch.
After retiring, he finally granted Hagler a fight in 1986. Leonard boxed his way to a decision that many believe could have gone either way.
After two ill-advised comeback fights against Terry Norris and Hector Camacho in 1991 and 1997 respectively, Leonard finally called it quits on his career. He was a 5 weight champion, at Welterweight, Light-Middleweight, Middleweight, Super-Middleweight and Light-Heavyweight. He only lost a belt once, retiring whilst champion or vacated the title with all the others.
He was the most stylish and talented boxer of his generation and the king in a supreme era of welter/middleweight boxing.
4. Willie Pep - Featherweight -249 fights 229W (65 KO’s) / 11L / 1D
Will o' the Wisp's record speaks for itself; to step to the ring 249 times and fail to win only 12 of those times is truly staggering.
He is another fighter that used his speed, reactions and finesse to out-do his opponents.
He went 62-0 before losing to Sammy Angott, another champion. He reigned as world Featherweight Champion for 6 years (1942-1948) in his first stint before falling at the hands of his biggest nemesis, Sandy Saddler. He beat Saddler in a rematch 6 months later to have another 18 month spell with the title before being once more defeated by Saddler, the only boxer to ever get the upper hand over Pep in some questionably dirty fights.
His career is particularly spectacular as he was severely injured in a plane crash in 1947 but still made it back to the ring.
His skill was such that a legend says he once one a round without throwing a punch, whether it is true, nobody is sure but Willie Pep was definitely that special.
3. Muhammad Ali - Heavyweight - 61 fights 56W (37 KO’s) / 5L
What is there to say about this man that hasn't already been said? Not only one of the greatest boxers ever, but one of the greatest people of his generation. The Louisville Lip transcended the sport when he chose to refuse to go to war, but we're going to concentrate on his boxing.
As a fighter, he beat everyone in a golden Heavyweight era; Liston, Frazier, Foreman, Paterson, Norton and Spinks to name a few victims.
The three-time World Heavyweight Champion is famous for so many things; the "Ali Shuffle", the "Rope-a-Dope" as well as his famed trash talk.
When he beat Sonny Liston at 22, he became the youngest Heavyweight Champion to dethrone another Champion.
The only two fighters to beat him in his prime were Ken Norton and Joe Frazier, both of which he avenged. Indeed with Frazier, Ali shared a memorable trilogy which culminated in the "Thrilla in Manilla" which Ali won by 14th round TKO, after which Ali would claim: "that was the closest I've been to death."
He was beaten by Larry Holmes and Trevor Berbick in fights he should never have fought and for which he was barely healthy.
Parkinson's disease may have slowed him down over time, but no one will ever forget Ali, his legacy will live forever.
2. Joe Louis - Heavyweight - 72 fights 69W (57 KO’s) / 3L / 1NC
The Brown Bomber is best remembered for his record of defending his World Heavyweight Championship belt successfully 25 times. But he was also one of the first nationally popular Black men in American and helped to pave the way for the likes of Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard.
He beat Max Baer and giant Primo Carnera before succumbing to a shock lose to Schmelling. In spite of this loss, he fought for the World Title a few fights later and disposed of James Braddock in eight rounds.
This begun his long reign on the throne, beating the German Schmelling in a rematch famous for its political ramifications in 1938, and Jersey Joe Walcott twice before announcing his retirement.
It only lasted 18 months. He had ten more fights, the most notable of which were losses to Ezzard Charles and later Rocky Marciano in his last fight when he was well past his best.
He was famed for his power punching and his humility in the ring. Sportswriter Jimmy Cannon once said of him: "He is a credit to his race - the human race."
1. Sugar Ray Robinson - Various - 200 fights 173W (108 KO’s) / 19L / 6D / 2NC
Simply the best, Ray Robinson was a magician in the ring. "The King, the Master. My Idol." is how Muhammad Ali described him. No praise is high enough for the 5-time Middleweight and 1-time Welterweight Champion.
His style was all about rhythm and timing, he was as fluid a boxer as there ever has been with KO power in both hands and supreme instinct.
He was so good that the pound-for-pound ranking system - where fighters are compared regardless of weight - was created around his brilliance. He defeated such big names as; Kid Gavilan, Jake LaMotta, Rocky Graziano, Carmen Basilio and Gene Fulmer.
He went 85-0 as an amateur before turning pro and enjoying a 26 year career.
He was a flamboyant man and is likely the originator for entourages.
Sugar was the fighter of the decade for the 1950's and is rated as the greatest of all time by Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Leonard and Muhammad Ali.
He is most famous for his six fight series with Jake LaMotta, LaMotta dealt him his first loss but whom Sugar Ray would go on to beat five times.
The only man to get some measure of Robinson was Gene Fulmer who managed 2 wins and a draw over Sugar.
Sugar Ray will always be synonymous with boxing as everyone wants to be the next "Sugar" he is the only one fit to be number one in this list as this quote from Sugar Ray Leonard exemplifies: "Someone once said there was a comparison between Sugar Ray Leonard and Sugar Ray Robinson. There is no comparison. Sugar Ray Robinson was the greatest."
Thursday, 16 September 2010
SPORTING NEWS OF THE WEEK 6
FOOTBALL
- Safety fears hit football as 3 legs are broken in 3 days. The unlucky recipients were; Bobby Zamora, Luka Modric and Antonio Valencia.
- Europa League – Man City 2 v 0 Salzburg: Silva and Jo the scorers.
Liverpool 4 v 1 Steaua Bucharest: Ngog x2, Cole and Leiva
CRICKET
- England win both the 1st and 2nd ODI’s versus Pakistan;
1st ODI
England – 274/6 (41overs) = S Davies 87, Trott 70, Strauss 41, Bopara 35*.
Pakistan – 250/9 (41overs) = K Akmal 53, U Akmal 43.
ENGLAND WIN BY 24 RUNS.
2nd ODI
Pakistan – 294/8 (50overs) = K Akmal 74, Shafiq 74, Broad 4-81.
England – 295/6 (49.3overs) = Strauss 126, Trott 50.
ENGLAND WIN BY 4 WICKETS
- Clydesdale Bank Semi-Final’s;
1st Semi
Somerset – 312/6 (40overs) = Trescothick 76, Compton 55, Suppiah 42*, Butler 36.
Essex – 217allout (29.3overs) = Foster 58.
SOMERSET WIN BY 95 RUNS.
2nd Semi
Yorkshire – 257/5 (40overs) = Rudolph 106, Brophy 64.
Warwickshire – 260/6 (35overs) (D/L) = Chopra 76, Bell 57.
WARWICKS WIN BY 4 WICKETS ON D/L.
- The sad news has emerged that Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff, one of England’s finest ever all-rounders, has been forced to retire from all forms of cricket due to a troublesome knee. His presence will be missed from the game but his legacy will live on forever as a superb athlete, player, character and performer.
TENNIS
- A great couple of week’s tennis at Flushing Meadows for the US Open has come to an end. After defeating Novak Djokovic in a superb finale in 4 sets, Rafa Nadal finally completed his career slam. This came alongside Kim Clijsters beating Zvonareva in the Women’s tournament.
- The best match of the tournament was not the final though. Instead the epic semi-final between Djokovic and Federer which went to 5 sets with Djokovic finally prevailing after having gone 1-0 and 2-1 down. It was a match played with heat, intensity and rhythm and was the very finest brand of tennis that has been seen for quite some time.
- A very close friend of mine, Pearl, is a huge Djokovic fan. I would like to pay homage to her as, though her hero put her through just about every emotion (something relayed quickly on to me!) she never lost hope in him and supported him to the bitter end with great pride. She also taught me much about the passion in tennis and I must admit, I have more of a soft-spot for Djokovic than I did, even supporting him in his semi and final! “I am so proud of Nole”, says Pearl. “He played so well, I was crying when he had his match point against Federer after Federer had had two of his own”.
A magnificent spectacle for tennis and here’s to hoping for more of it next season!
FORMULA ONE
- After taking a brilliant pole-position, Ferrari man Fernando Alonso backed it up with a superb victory in front of the Tifosi to kick-start his championship challenge. After having been overtaken by Button to the opening corner things didn’t look good for him. His pit-stop managed to catapult him ahead of Button – who finished 2nd – and he never looked back.
BOXING
- Amir Khan agrees a defence of his WBA light-welterweight title against Marcos Maidana for December 13th in Las Vegas.
- Wladimir Klitschko successfully retained his IBF and WBO Heavyweight belts against Samuel Peter, stopping him in the 10th round in front of the Frankfurt crowd.
- Ricky Hatton has entered rehab after allegations of cocaine snorting has appeared.
Thursday, 9 September 2010
SPORTING NEWS OF THE WEEK 5
FOOTBALL
· Theo Walcott, Michael Dawson and Jermain Defoe all pick up injuries on international duty as England win twice, ruling them all out for at least 6 weeks.
· Robin Van Persie’s ankle injury is to keep him out for 6 more weeks.
· John Toshack is sacked as manager of Wales.
· Gerard Houllier is set to take over the reins at Villa Park.
CRICKET
· Eoin Morgan and Michael Yardy are main stars as England cruise to victory against Pakistan in both T20’s.
· Somerset are due to play Essex in the first Clydesdale Bank 40/40 semi-final, with Yorkshire and Warwickshire contesting the other.
GOLF
· After much speculation, Tiger Woods is handed a wildcard for the Ryder Cup by captain Corey Pavin along side; Zach Johnson, Stewart Cink and Rickie Fowler.
TENNIS
· Novak Djokovic will take on Roger Federer in the First US Open semi-final after the Serbian defeated; Troicki, Petzschner, Blake and Fish. Federer beat; Dabul, Beck, Matthieu and Melzer to find his spot in the semi. The other two quarter finals are between; Wawrinka v Youzhny and Nadal vs Verdasco.
BOXING
· Audley Harrison and David Haye agree terms for a World Heavyweight Championship bout for the first all-British title fight in this weight range for 17 years.
· Ricky Burns defeated Roman Martinez in a unanimous points victory to claim the WBO Super-Featherweight Title in Glasgow.
FORMULA ONE
· Theo Walcott, Michael Dawson and Jermain Defoe all pick up injuries on international duty as England win twice, ruling them all out for at least 6 weeks.
· Robin Van Persie’s ankle injury is to keep him out for 6 more weeks.
· John Toshack is sacked as manager of Wales.
· Gerard Houllier is set to take over the reins at Villa Park.
CRICKET
· Eoin Morgan and Michael Yardy are main stars as England cruise to victory against Pakistan in both T20’s.
· Somerset are due to play Essex in the first Clydesdale Bank 40/40 semi-final, with Yorkshire and Warwickshire contesting the other.
GOLF
· After much speculation, Tiger Woods is handed a wildcard for the Ryder Cup by captain Corey Pavin along side; Zach Johnson, Stewart Cink and Rickie Fowler.
TENNIS
· Novak Djokovic will take on Roger Federer in the First US Open semi-final after the Serbian defeated; Troicki, Petzschner, Blake and Fish. Federer beat; Dabul, Beck, Matthieu and Melzer to find his spot in the semi. The other two quarter finals are between; Wawrinka v Youzhny and Nadal vs Verdasco.
BOXING
· Audley Harrison and David Haye agree terms for a World Heavyweight Championship bout for the first all-British title fight in this weight range for 17 years.
· Ricky Burns defeated Roman Martinez in a unanimous points victory to claim the WBO Super-Featherweight Title in Glasgow.
FORMULA ONE
- Ferrari manage to dodge charge of team orders in use after FIA investigation.
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