Pick of the Week: Jean Pascal vs Lucian Bute

After finishing the year with the upset of Maidana beating Broner, boxing fans needed another bout to come around that wet their appetite and the Bell Centre in Montreal will provide the setting of a potential Civil Canadian War between Jean Pascal and Lucian Bute.

There is usually fight card every weekend throughout the year happening somewhere in the world. Although watching a bout for a regional title held in Mexico wouldn't get to many boxing fans clambering their TV sets to watch the contest live or view at a later date.

We need a main event to kick off 2014 in style and we have a great main event.

This week, boxing is back with a bang. Nothing beats a passionate crowd with two boxers competing to be ‘King of Quebec’, although Adonis Stevenson may dispute that. Will they set their house afire?

Jean Pascal vs. Lucian Bute (Saturday Night/ Sunday Morning, SKY Sports 1HD, 2AM GMT)

The contest should have happened before Carl Froch steam rolled through Bute when he reigned as the IBF Super Middleweight titlist, and whilst Pascal was the Light Heavyweight king. It would have been seen as the best vs the best. As a boxing fan, you come to realise some fights take a little bit longer to take place due to promotional issues, TV rights and good old fashioned injuries. While there hasn’t much coverage in the build up to the contest in Europe (Sky Sports have acquired the broadcasting rights for the UK), In Montreal, the city will come to a stand still for the contest and the atmosphere will be electric in the Bell Centre.

Pascal (28-2-1, 17 KO) has won two straight since losing his title to the wily old veteran Bernard Hopkins in 2011. Bute hasn’t looked the same since being bulldozed by Carl Froch in 2012. Bute won a close decision against Denis Grachev but his confidence looked shot. Both men need a win to stay relevant in the light heavyweight division and with the lineal crown now held by Adonis Stevenson, the chance for more domestic payday’s and recognition awaits the winner.

It’s hard to imagine this one without drama, although I see Pascal stopping Bute late on after a few shaky rounds early on.

Heavyweight hopeful Irish based Cuban Mike Perez (20-0, 12 KO) is also in action against French based Cameroonian Carlos Takam (29-1, 23 KO). It will be interesting if Perez show any mental effects after the injuries suffered by his last opponent, Magomed Abdusalomov.

Injuries are part and parcel of the fight game but I can see Perez having trouble getting into a rhythm after the injuries he caused to Abdusalomov in his last contest. Injuries are part and parcel of the fight game but I can see Perez having trouble getting into a rhythm after the injuries he caused to Abdusalomov in his last contest. Takam has not been in with the same calibre of fighter as Perez and I expect him to be comprehensively out boxed over the distance.

Prince Arron vs Brian Rose Preview

On Saturday third of December, at the Robin Park Arena, the resurgent Prince Arron aims to stay king of the British light middle weight division when he defends his British title against the English title holder Brian Rose live on SKY Sports HD1 at 8pm.

On the undercard, Karl Place will tackle Steve Williams in a British light welterweight eliminator on this packed eleven fight card.

Frank Maloney Show Preview: Old Fighter-New Blood

On the 24nd of October Frank Maloney presents for one night only: OLD FIGHTER-NEW BLOOD. The promotion will see two experienced pros attempt to derail two top prospects chances of progressing to bigger and better challenges in their respective careers.

Former IBF world title challenger, Jason Booth defends his British title against Bury’s Scott Quigg and former European challenger, Carl Johansson faces unbeaten light welterweight Karl Place.

Last time Booth fought he was facing feared puncher Kiko Martinez for the European title to potentially push him back into contention for a fight for another world championship.

Unfortunately on the night in Madrid, Booth fell short and his career is now at a cross roads. Now he facing one of the many up and coming super bantamweights from the British Isles, in the shape of Scott Quigg.

Quigg, who turned pro at eighteen, has looked impressive stopping fifteen opponents out of nineteen fights, but there are no notable names on the record that come close to the calibre of Booth. Venezuelan Franklin Valera,was the best opponent on paper, but if you dig little deeper, 10 of his 19 wins are against debuting fighters or boxers with more losses than wins on the record. It’s also worth noting that Quigg only fought in twelve amateur fights. While he did win ten of them bouts and represent England, he still has a lot to learn to cope with different situations.

Booth has fought for titles in the four weight classes he has operated in. Even after his much publicised battle with alcohol and drugs, he has been able to regroup, win, Commonwealth titles in two weight classes, the British title in one weight class and challenged for an IBF world title.

The level of experience that Booth will be able to draw on will be almost double (in the professional ranks) then what Quigg can draw upon. Booth has been the distance twelve times in his career and a number of them have been on the continent. While the fight is not abroad - it is six miles away from Quigg’s home town, Bury, I am sure Quigg’s fans will try and make the Reebok Stadium an intimidating atmosphere.

Quigg is the taller fighter by ten centimetres, but Booth has fought taller men. He stopped Michael Hunter in the fifth round and also squeezed through with a split decision win against Jamie Arthur. He was dictating the fight with his jab for a number of the rounds and was able to get in the inside and rough his opponent up.

The quality of sparring sessions that Quigg will have been involved in would be of the highest calibre.

Quigg has been moving around gyms the last six months but now he has based himself in Gallagher’s Gym in Bolton under the guidance of Joe Gallagher, where Quigg will have been in sparring sessions with the likes of Stephen Smith and Gary Sykes before their respective title fights.

Whichever boxer wins the bout, there are a number of potential, challengers out there that would love a shot at either fighter.

I am sure Booth would love to settle the score and gain revenge against Kiko Martinez, should the opportunity arise, and then face the IBF title holder Takalani Ndlovu.

Top prospect, Carl Frampton, who recently won the Commonwealth title, would be a great fight with Quigg. Also Kid Galahad, who has quietly been making progress, is another option should be beat Willie Casey in November.

At 33, Booth still has the tools to cause Quigg problems. He throws fantastic hooks and uppercuts when he can get into range. Booth has a underrated jab and impressive footwork that allows him to dance around his opponents and select his shots.With the reach advantage Quigg has it will be difficult for Booth to manoeuvre himself inside to let his punches fly. The hand speed of Quigg will give Booth problems, but with the experience that Booth has, I can see him enticing the youngster in and counter punching.

I can see this fight being a scrappy affair with Booth slipping and sliding, luring Quigg into range but, I am hoping that Booth can come through this fight and earn himself a crack at a world title again and complete a turnaround in his life once again.

I would love the prospect of a British and Commonwealth title unification battle between Scott Quigg and Carl Frampton.

I can see the fight being similar to the Booth vs Arthur fight. Lots of heart, guts and determination will be shown. Booth will take Quigg to places he hasn't been before and Booth will be tagged with a number of shots that would put a lesser boxer down, all for the hope of another crack at the grand prize, a world title belt.

Expert opinion:

Darren Wilson, the owner of Fight Acadamy Wales, is the current trainer of Jason Cook. He was the trainer of retired super bantamweight Commonwealth champion Jamie Arthur when he faced Jason Booth in a British and Commonwealth unification fight. In what was a real battle, Booth prevailed and won via a split decision, but it was a hard night at the office of Booth.

"This is a really interesting fight. Quigg is a good up and coming boxer and he has looked impressive when I have seen him fight.”

“Booth is tough as they come. He showed great heart against Jamie Arthur in what was a tough, fight for both boxers. He has a massive amount of experience and knows every trick in the book, although I see the younger Quigg winning on points."

Undercard Preview

Chief support will see star for the future, Karl Place continuing his ring apprenticeship when he takes on old war horse, Carl Johanneson over eight rounds.

Last time Place fought, he beat Michael Grant over six rounds. Place landed the harder blows over the six round distance. Place’s jab was thrown with bad intentions and he fought at a high pace and Grant wasn’t able hold the taller framed Place off. While Grant didn’t win the fight he did catch Place with a few lead right hands, but Grant’s lack of power was ultimately, his downfall.

To hardcore British fans, Carl Johanneson really no needs no introduction. He has been in wars with Michael Gomez, Kevin Mitchell and dropped Gary Sykes. After campaigning around the featherweight, super featherweight and lightweight limits for a number of years, Johanneson has taken the leap to 140lb division.

At 5’5 it is going to be hard to contain the constant pressure from Place. Johanneson has been stopped three times at lighter weights. Place has stopped, the tough Maurycy Gojko, who has only been stopped five times in forty four fights.

A great fight down the line would be Karl Place against either Jason Cook or Curtis Woodhouse who collide in November.

Other bouts on the promotion will see Tony Hill faces Kerry Hope in another crossroads battle in a British middleweight title eliminator. Joe Hughes battles Chad Gaynor and someone’s ‘0’ has to go when Ali Shah faces Glenn Foot in the welterweight division.

One final point, people who are involved in this promotion need to be given credit for matching these two gifted boxers. There was a trend a few years back where once an older more established fighter would vacate his title rather than fight the up and coming boxer. Thankfully this trend is slowly going away now from British shores.

15th-16th-17th September Recap- What next for the Boxers?

On Thursday, Jhonny Gonzalez defeated Rogers Mtagwa, stopping him in two rounds. 

The featherweight is stacked with talent so there is a lot of competition out there for Gonzalez to face. A fighter who may not be deserving but will make a fight of it, is the Indonesian, Daud Cino Yordan. Althought he lost to Celestino Caballero and Chris John, he does throw alot of leather and is an entertaining fighter to watch.

Realistically we want to see the best fight the best but it isn't always going to happen. A unification fight with Orlando Salido would be a great fight but Top Rank have their own agenda to pursue with Gamboa, Juanma Lopez and top prospect Miguel Garcia.

Mtagwa has now slipped into the catagory of gate keeper in my eyes. He has lost to the the divisions elite and there is a new wave of up and coming boxers that will need challenges and names on their record.


On Friday, Seth Mitchell stopped weak chinned Hector Ferreyro in two rounds. 

There are a number of good American heavyweights coming through but they are just to small physically and an ample skill set to deal with the Klitshko's at the moment.

I would like to see Mitchell in with Neven Pajkic , but I couldn't see Golden Boy Promotions or Pajkic promoters taking a risk. There are a lot of old faded heavyweight contenders out waiting for their chance to defeat an unbeaten prospect and catapult them back into the big time. Monte Barrett, Jason Estrada and Nicolai Firtha  is a name that springs to mind. Barrett recently defeated David Tua and a former world title challenger, so he still has some promotional value.

In fairness, Jason Estrada's career never really took off, he is a light punching small heavyweight but he is as tough as they come, only stopped once and went the distance with current, regular WBA Champion Alexander Povetkin.

While Firtha may not have the best record he is a tough and durable boxer, like Estrada he took regular WBA champion Alexander Povetkin the distance. He fights with his heart on his sleeve and won't back down from a challenge, he doesn't have the finesse of technician in the ring but he will give 110% and make Mitchell work.


Felix Diaz won a lopsided decision against Larry Smith over eight rounds.

Golden Boy have just signed the 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist, they need to keep him in the ring so he doesn't get ring rusty. Also, the level of competition he would have been facing for the two years before winning a medal out in Beijing would of been high class, if he keeps fighting journeymen he is more likely pick up some bad habits. It will be hard to match this quick, crafty southpaw banger.

Am sure Diaz could fight an unknown, tough Mexican road sweeper that will go into a shell once he know's he hasn't got a legitimate chance of wining the fight, but a fight against DeMarcus Corley, Jose Miguel Cotto, Paul Delgardo or Nate Campbell would be great, its a development fight and also it would be one of four names on his record.

Saturday was a fantastic night of boxing starting with Tyson Fury defeating Nicolai Firtha, stopping him in the fifth round.

Fury used all of his 6'9 frame and tried to box at long range but he did get caught with a big right hand over the top in the third round which noticeable  wobbled him.

Fury has improved but to me, he looks unpolished and looks crude throwing punches. With Martin Rogan's WBU title not being sanctioned by the BBBofC, their is an open date for Martin Rogan to face Fury who come away with no injuries to his hand or face. If Mick Hennessey wants to keep the Tyson Fury hype train rolling on to its next station, this is the perfect opportunity. It helps Fury's development and settles a grudge that has been bubbling up nicely.

The shock of the night was Stephen Smith losing his title against huge underdog Lee Selby.

Credit to Selby he took the fight to Smith from the opening bell and caught the Scouser with numerous clean shots. Am guessing Smith's camp believed Selby would box at range.

Credit does need to go to Stephen Smith he recognises that he had a bad night at the office and wants to get back in the ring as soon as possible. It was a refreshing change than boxers blaming obscure injuries for their own performances.

Billy Nelson has already stated on Eastside Boxing that John Simpson is interested in the contest with the new British and Commonwealth title holder.

Paul Smith stop's Paul Samuels in the first round. 

Smith is already pencilled in to face George Groves in the Echo Arena on December the 17th, who has also disposed Samuels in the first round, although not as impressive as Smith. Personally I would of liked to see Paul campaign at 160lbs but if it makes sense to the promoter and both fighters why not?

Heading over to the states, Jesse Vargas beat Josesito Lopez over ten rounds.

It was a robbery that Lopez didn't win. It would be good to see a rematch, I believe it was a case of HBO house fighter getting the nod AGAIN.

Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez stopped Sergio Mora, to retain his WBC light middleweight title in California. 

There has been talks that he will fight Julio Ceasar Chaves Jnr in the future in an all Mexican super fight. Golden Boy Promotions have just signed Alfredo Angulo so that could be another potential Mexican super fight down the line.

Canelo has been pencilled in to box again in December, a unification fight with Cornelius Bundrage would be great on paper, but it may be awkward to negotiate a deal with Don King promoting Bundrage and am sure he would want some kind of partial ownership of Canelo. Another option would be Ricardo Mayorga which would be a war for as long as it lasts.


Erik Morales defeated Pablo Ceaser Cano stopping him in tenth round.

The Mexican legend Morales is now a four weight world champion, but realistically Timothy Bradley should still be the title holder as he was stripped due to 'contractual issues'.

Morales showed us that he still has something to offer but am weary of father time catching up on him over night. If he doesn't want to retire just yet, a fight with Juan Manuel Marquez would be great for the Mexican public and perfect finish in both of their illustrious careers.

Credit to Cano who come in at ten days notice, he showed that he has got a future in the sport and he can only be proud of his efforts. I think he needs to have a few gimme fights and rebuild his confidence.

Floyd Mayweather Jnr stopped Victor Ortiz in the fourth round


People are bemoaning the stoppage, but I could hear on the telecast Joe Cortez does say "Lets go! Box On!" Ortiz has been in the boxing game long enough to know that he should protect himself at all times, but if he didn't hear the instruction that's just hard luck. Mayweather has pulled that stunt before against Shane Mosley so it wasn't a one off action.

In the post fight press conference, ESPN's Dan Rafael reported Mayweather gave ten minutes of excuses why he won't fight Manny Pacquiao. If that fight cannot be made and Mayweather still want's a star name to cash in on, Amir Khan is the hottest ticket available for Mayweather.

Amir has pushed himself up the pound for pound league table after an impressive stoppage over former Mayweather victim Zab Judah. Floyd wants to fight in the UK and it's a much more appetising fight than Matthew Hatton, which was thrown around a year or two ago. 



For Ortiz, this loss is not the end of the world, many fighters who have lost to Mayweather have continued to have successful careers. His promoter, Richard Schaefer is looking to set up a competition, similair to the Showtime Bantamweight  tournament which took place over the last year.

Potential participants include former 140lbs titlist's Devon Alexander and Paulie Malignaggi. Argentinian bangers Lucas Matthysse and Marcos Maidana. So Ortiz has the opportunity to show people he is a quality operator and there are fantastic boxers outside of the big two names.

Finally, in the Dominican Republic Elio Rojas returned after seventeen months out stopping Mexican Arturo Gomez in eight rounds. 

Rojas is the WBC Featherweight Champion in recess, so a fight with the actual WBC Champion Jhonny Gonzalez should be on the card in the near future, although the WBC may drag their heels sanctioning a mandatory defence for Gonzalez. If an agreement cannot be made am sure a sanctioning body will make a bogus title for him to challenge for

Bragging Rights Preview

Boxing returns in Great Britain for another season and it begins with a three title contest between European bantamweight and Commonwealth title holder Jamie McDonnell against current British title holder Stuart Hall in the Doncaster Dome.

Chief support will see Tony Jefferies return against Paul Morby over eight rounds. The contest will be screened live on SKY Sports HD 1.  

McDonnell aiming to cash in on the recent bantamweight divisions recent publicity 

McDonnell has been on a wave of success since suffering a defeat back in 2008 first against Chris Edwards and Lee Haskins. After bouncing back with wins against Anthony Hanna, Alain Bonnel, Krastan Krastanov and James Ancliff, McDonnell captured the British and Commonwealth championship against Ian Napa in what was a very close fight.

McDonnell’s next fight , in what seemed to be mission impossible McDonnell travelled to Le Cannet in the south of France to challenge Jerome Arnould for the European bantamweight title. To the surprise of the British boxing fans McDonnell stopped the Frenchman in the tenth round, as Arnould succumb to the pressure of the Yorkshire man’s punches.

Next up for McDonnell was a homecoming against the Italian bantamweight champion Rodrigo Branco. McDonnell was ultimately to talented for the man from Florence coupled with height and reach advantage that McDonnell possesses was too great and stopped the challenger in the third round.

McDonnell then faced underrated and dangerous Belgian Stephane Jamoye. Jamoye did not begin the fight as he was fighting in McDonnell’s back yard. From the outset he pressured the Yorkshire man and a strong right hand in the second round rocked McDonnell.

The champion shook off the effects of the shot and gradually exerted his class on the fight fighting boxing at range and boxed his opponent but occasionally was dragged back into a tear up on the inside. McDonnell's accuracy and work rate saw him win a number of the middle rounds.

The contest was scored 114-113, 114-114, 115-113 in favour of McDonnell.

In McDonnell’s most recent bout he fought tough Kenyan Nick Otieno and comprehensively out boxing the African import winning comfortably on the scorecards 108-120, 108-120, 111-118.

McDonnell told Boxing is hoping to challenge for world honours in 2012 and see’s Abner Mares as a potential target down the line:

  

“I’d like to fight someone in the top five and maybe get an eliminator. Nonito Donaire is a bit special but like everyone else he’s got two arms and two legs. I’m a big bantamweight so there’s no reason why I can’t go out and cause an upset.” He told Boxing News online.

“I’ve been watching all the top bantamweights. I saw Abner Mares’ fight with Agbeko and he’s got a good work rate but I don’t think he’s that special. Donaire is the king. Everyone above me in the WBC rankings is top class and I’ve only got to beat one of them to get to be in with a shot at titles”.

Hall hoping this fairytale ascent to the top continues on Saturday night

Stuart Hall, who is currently unbeaten as a professional and has record of ten wins with six wins and no defeats. Hall turned professional relatively late when he was twenty eight.

Halls amateur career was quite successful becoming a finalist in the ABA 54kg in 2005 and was fast tracked in the professional ranks defeating unbeaten Dougie Walton (6-0-0) and once defeated Stuart McHayden, though Hall drew with the ‘Burnley Banger’ in his first few bouts. Hall also stopped former British title holder Martin Power in the eighth round of a gruelling contest in which Hall was cut in the first round by a clash of heads.

Hall won his British title against cagey and tough veteran Ian Napa in only his ninth fight back in June of 2010 at the Peterlee Leisure Centre.
Hall, who is a roofer by day, forced the 28 fight veteran to retire on his stool at the end of the eight round of the contest in what was a close fight. After the contest Napa blamed the heat in the arena and the strain on making the weight, but nothing could be taken away from Hall’s victory.
Subsequent defences of the title against former foe Martin Power and Gary Davies followed, stopping the challengers in the tenth and seven round respectively.
Hall who is quite tall for a bantamweight, stands at 5’8. He uses his height and reach well, making it difficult for fighters to penetrate through Hall's jab and guard, thus making fighters take more chances.

In his fight against Martin power he showed impressive ring general-ship, taking control of the centre of the ring pushing Power back with various headshots.
Hall also showed he has good stamina as he was moving round constantly and throwing punches from different angles targeting the head.
While Hall does not have one punch knockout power, he is on a four fight stoppage streak. In his last contest he stopped John Donnelly in his last contest in the fifth round.

Keys to Victory and Prediction

Both boxers are tall for the weight but I feel that Hall doesn't mix his shots up enough and he seems just target his opponents head, but as they say if it isn’t broke, don't change it.

McDonnell does mix his shots and relies on his skills than his power and he change his tactics as seen in the Jamoye fight. He opted to box midway through the fight and not try to slug it out on the inside as he did earlier in the contest.

It’s also worth noting that McDonnell has struggled with the weight and has needed two trips to the scales to make weight in his fight against Jamoye.

Hall has not been the full twelve round championship distance before but has often looked strong throughout a contest, as he paces his work. McDonnell has been the distance four times and the battle that he faced with Jamoye will serve him well for this contest.

Hall seems to have a bit of difficulty with opponent’s lateral movement. Against Gary Davies Hall struggled to catch the St Helens man for the first few rounds as he showed good head movement.

It is an intriguing matchup but I think it’s going to be a point’s win for McDonnell IF he doesn’t get involved in a tear up and shows a good verity of punches that hurt his opponent and catches the judge’s eye. I also think Hall has the power to stop McDonnell as he a style of boxing where he comes forward and has the power to do damage. Hall does not do anything flashy but he does the basics very well.

Hall and McDonnell both weighed in for the contest at 8st 6lbs.

Return of the Mighty Mackem!

Chief support will see Tony Jefferies makes his return when he takes on southpaw Paul Morby over eight rounds, after a long period of inactivity.

Tony has been sidelined with a terrible cut he suffered against Tommy Tolan, on route to a second round stoppage, back in December. Unfortunately it reopened again in February.

Tony has been out in LA with renowned trainer, Tommy Brooks for the best part of six months with the odd day off tweaking and making improvements to his style. Tony heaped praise on his trainer Brooks when he spoke to Andy Kerr on Tyne Tee’s region news:

“Tommy picks up on every little mistake, I didn't think I made so many mistakes before I started working with him (Brooks).”

“He has polished my work and my style has changed a little bit. Am impressed on how many different things I have improved on to make myself the full package.”

“I’m not the fully finished article but am getting there and I think you will see a big difference come Saturday compared to my last few fights.”

I can imagine Tony will be like a dog straining on its leach to get back in the ring after being out the ring for around nine months. He will want to put in a top display for the fans travelling down the A1 from Sunderland and show the boxing fans watching on Sky Sports HD1 it is going to be a big year for the Mighty Mackem.

Paul Morby does not have the best record (six wins and six losses), although he has been the ten round distance three times in his last three fights, challenging for the Southern Area Title.

Although Morby will not be there to make up the numbers and I can see him trying to rough Jefferies up.  For all the time Tony has been out the ring he will win this contest, his technical ability will be too much for Morby and the time he has spent out in LA will pay dividends.

I can see Tony going the distance and getting the eight rounds under his belt adding to his ring education and push himself towards his first professional title shot.

In a stacked undercard seasoned pro Carl Johanneson tackles Mark McKray as he tries to push himself back into domestic title contention at lightweight.

Youngsters Liam Cameron, Glen Foot, John Dixon, Scott Gladwin and John Hughes are all in four round contests.

Finally Mehrdud Takaloo and JJ Bird will be taking on Steve Spence and Chris Brophy respectively in preparation of Prizefighter Light Middleweights. 

Brief look back at 2010-2011 season

After a remarkable 2010-2011 season which seen Ricky Burns impressively secure the WBO belt from feared puncher Roman Martinez, Carl Froch losing his WBC title in war with the Viking Warrior Mikkel Kessler and winning the vacant title against Arthur Abraham with a punch perfect performance and who could forget David Haye efforts to become the first undisputed Heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis, but on the night Wladimir Klitshcko just showed he is 'toe' (sorry) levels above the former cruiserweight supremo.

Further a field, Erik Morales returned and put in a spirited performance against powerful but crude Marcos Maidana, Juanma Lopez loses his undefeated record against Orlando Salido. and the acheivement of the season has to be Bernard Hopkins defeating Jean Pascal to become the oldest ever Boxing champion in December when he defeated the 28 year old Jean Pascal in the Bell Centre Montreal, his own backyard.

Boxing returned to terrestrial TV when Hennessey Sports staged  Dereck Chisora vs Tyson Fury for the British and Commonwealth title. Interestingly enough the last terrestrial live boxing broadcast was Carl Froch vs Jean Pascal back in 2008 also promoted by Hennessey Sports.

Unfortunatally though poor judging decision's have been cropping up this year. Matthew Macklin lost his WBA title challenge against in Germany against Felix Sturm. Although you will probably have to send your opponent out on a stretcher just to get a draw in Germany. Cuban excile Erislandy Lara losing against over paid and over hyped HBO house fighter Williams. Lara landed 42% of his punches and Williams landed 19%.

Lucas Matthysse had a unfortunate year. He was defeated by Don King's Devon Alexander and former Welterweight king Zab Judah, both conscious decisions in my eyes and it could be argued that he was on the wrong end of a home town decision.

Boxing has lost some great warriors over the past season. Former British Champion Gary Mason who's only defeat was against Lennox Lewis, was struck down off his bicycle by a careless driver and later died from his injuries.

Former world welterweight champion Virgil Akins passed away and the first Indigenous Australian to win a world title Lionel Rose was laid to rest after suffering a stroke several months previous and failing to recover from infection.

While the previous fighters were fantastic for the sport no one transended the British public like Henry Cooper, who passed away after a long illness.

In the modern sport of boxing there is countless distasteful remarks such as Mike Tysons infamous "My style is impetuous, my defense is impregnable, and I'm just ferocious. I want his heart! I want to eat his children! Praise be to Allah!" Or David Haye's little know insult before he fought Jean Marc Mormeck saying he would "Beat him like Rodney King". This was continued with the lack of respect shown towards Wladimir Klitschko before his unification bout.

Cooper was a gentleman in and outside the ring, though his only down fall in the ring was that he cut like a hot knife through butter. Outside the ring, Cooper was a marketers dream and a charitable man.

Cooper detested racism and he was one of the first celebrity sponsor of the Anti-Nazi League, a largely left-wing campaign against far-right groups which were agitating against immigration. He was also active in charity events often appearing for no or a nominal fee.

There will never be another sportsman like him in the UK who transended the sport of boxing and influenced a generation of young men.

The Tale of 'King' Arthur Abraham and his next quest?

It’s recently been announced that former long time IBF title holder King Arthur Abraham will be returning to the middleweight division after a largely unsuccessful stint at super middleweight.

To say that the 31 year old German is 'shot' would be wide of the mark. His height played a big part of his unsuccessful stint at 168lbs. Abraham stands at 5'9 and he was just too short to compete at elite level.

His style of a high guard, high trunks and powerful bursts is what made him a success in what was a poor middleweight division against B class opposition at the time. Looking back, the proposed match up between Kelly Pavlik, who stands at 6'1 and Arthur Abraham would have been one sided as originally thought. 

Before stepping up in weight Abrham defended his IBF middleweight title ten times including a points win over Edison Miranda with a dislocated jaw from the fourth round onwards.
In the Super Six tournament against Jermaine Taylor, Abraham stopped the former middleweight champion, although Taylor has been known to fade towards the end of contests. Also Taylor had campaigned at middleweight for most of his career.

In the second round Abraham fought Andre Dirrell. While Dirrell was winning the bout towards the end of the fight Abraham rallied back and was getting to the Flint fighter as he didn't know how to deal. In round eleven Dirrell was hit just after he was slipped. Dirrell couldn't continue due do the injury sustained. Personally I was suprised I didn't see Dirrell's name in the Oscars nominations for best male after his performance...

In the third round of the tournament he faced Carl Froch and he fought poorly. Some may say he over trained after the fight was delayed for a number of months.

Froch then stayed on the outside and boxed masterfully. Although Abraham did wobble Froch in the final round, his tactics were completely wrong. After the fight Ulli Wegner, Abraham's coach branded him as a coward. I believe this is a bit unfair and taking away the great performance from the Brit.

Against Ward I would have thought Abraham's trainer Ulli Wegner would have changed the game plan for Abraham to implement. He continued to fight 'tall' against the taller man, which again proved disastrous. Ward is a fantastic boxer but the slow, inch forward style of Abraham didn't work at all and it was like he did not learn anything from the Froch fight.

Abraham would benefit from using more of a bob and weave moment movement similar to Joe Frazier and throw thunderous hooks with his reach being quite short, but I cannot see Ulli Wegner changing his coaching methods as they have been successful for a number of years.

I watched a clip of Showtime’s Fight Camp 360 and while the German would not have allowed cameras in to every detail of his camp, one thing was clear to see Ulli Wegner was horrendously slow on the pads and at 69 years, with his trainers hand speed and reaction timing unlikely to improve.

I believe a good trainer for Abraham would have been Teddy Atlas but unfortunately Atlas and Sauerland relationship is now in tatters regarding comments Atlas made about Kalle Sauerland.

Maybe if Abraham hired a trainer from the UK who can show Abraham a varity of shots and teach him how to manouver himeself into position to land a variety of shots, opposed to the pawing jab and then rushing in.    

The problem for Abraham now is that there is a game plan to defeat him, stay on the outside and box in bursts.

Now the middleweight division is packed with talent and it is how he will deal with young, hungry up and coming fighters and if he has enough left to dethrone established champions such as Daniel Geale or Felix Sturm. He has been told by Sauerland that he will have a couple of tune up fights to say in shape. He needs to fight regularly so that the weight stays off or hire a professional nutritionist. At thirty one the weight may not fall off as easy as it used to.

I would love to see Abraham and former EBU title holder Matthew Macklin in the ring together. It just makes for a great fight on the inside, both warriors that love a tear up. 

I believe Sergio Martinez is to slick and quick and will have too Abraham. Dimity Pirog is slick and his taller and a much larger reach than Abraham so again I believe he is out boxed by Pirog.