tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57333630620824897702024-03-27T16:53:29.491-07:00The Boxing GloveThe Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604111647702899524noreply@blogger.comBlogger398125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5733363062082489770.post-49041262729027883642022-04-25T17:47:00.002-07:002022-04-25T17:59:26.142-07:00TYSON FURY VS. DILLIAN WHYTE REVIEW: THE GYPSY KING SINKS THE BODY SNATCHER IN THE SIXTH<p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8Mz4kHR4htUiTczCATYhwwdmnrrRg2SSrELVqEF4JjIqgTWhmCBH4buIqAqGtiL5I5A3EuA_KNxFggdnSvcvOmTWrQNtgEfSXPR20MBEAvcX8suna4PwvXGTk2_jwFFdSG3vyhdcx3vw4eIMG6cg9BkLHMdC_XW2qCOAi-mlXZvRJcnvf-5NaVtwp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="820" data-original-width="1119" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8Mz4kHR4htUiTczCATYhwwdmnrrRg2SSrELVqEF4JjIqgTWhmCBH4buIqAqGtiL5I5A3EuA_KNxFggdnSvcvOmTWrQNtgEfSXPR20MBEAvcX8suna4PwvXGTk2_jwFFdSG3vyhdcx3vw4eIMG6cg9BkLHMdC_XW2qCOAi-mlXZvRJcnvf-5NaVtwp=w640-h469" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>By Peter Silkov</p><p>Writer for The Boxing Glove</p><p><br /></p><p align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxCli9Qr5SfUBgKqoWZauNexUw1kbYzuCBqQaFibB29WvFELzS-tJOp2SeU5yhp2z9ZHIL2QZm0geGl_vAoJOUTWCh4cX_Ug3BP-9qqIpqyIRCOcA7x5zP9VzfbVLr9D5VIdDrKv8gzL7F0Q0KDPVOoYZHyKZ_jTh-OmIFNhJWphu90rELOZdnx8P8" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="1123" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxCli9Qr5SfUBgKqoWZauNexUw1kbYzuCBqQaFibB29WvFELzS-tJOp2SeU5yhp2z9ZHIL2QZm0geGl_vAoJOUTWCh4cX_Ug3BP-9qqIpqyIRCOcA7x5zP9VzfbVLr9D5VIdDrKv8gzL7F0Q0KDPVOoYZHyKZ_jTh-OmIFNhJWphu90rELOZdnx8P8=w400-h260" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wembley Stadium</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">If
Saturday night proves to be the final night of Tyson Fury’s career,
then he will have performed yet another rare feat during his
tumultuous boxing career, by becoming one of the very few world
champions who chose to walk away while they were still ‘king of the
hill’. With his sixth-round knockout of Dillian Whyte before a
record-breaking audience of 94,000, Tyson showed that he is not just
the best heavyweight in the world, but if anything at almost 34 years
of age, still getting better. Tyson dismantled Whyte with the air of
a man watering his garden on a Saturday afternoon. Any fears that the
three wars with Deontay Wilder may have taken something out of Fury
were shown to be unfounded as ‘The Gypsy King’ first out-boxed,
then out-punched ‘The Body Snatcher’ before finally knocking him
out of the fight altogether with a clinical right uppercut. Fury did
all this with ease, which left the impression that he had barely got
out of 2nd gear. In the end, it was easier than many had expected it
to be. Whyte was always seemingly a step behind, as ‘The Gypsy
King’ showed himself to be a league above his challenger.</span></div><p></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgU9mKrXwnLu2sP5iKz73qcCxsoQvVreAOnIVlltXBKtGgKClmRRF0Gga4Qmz--IW03-tw_STabnUYa9r9v0yTPlCA-o9sHlxb7jT3Maq0_xCYKslP1wnyVG0aLcX9ifX4qCw0uwrMBba-lB5T4TbkgJFxxnHMgOStrImp4ZWAZfxqPrO_U00zL7Uh4" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="787" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgU9mKrXwnLu2sP5iKz73qcCxsoQvVreAOnIVlltXBKtGgKClmRRF0Gga4Qmz--IW03-tw_STabnUYa9r9v0yTPlCA-o9sHlxb7jT3Maq0_xCYKslP1wnyVG0aLcX9ifX4qCw0uwrMBba-lB5T4TbkgJFxxnHMgOStrImp4ZWAZfxqPrO_U00zL7Uh4" width="275" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dillian Whyte Enters Ring</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">The
bout began cagily with both men weighing each other up, and few
meaningful punches being landed. By the end of the round Fury was
already landing with his jab and showing a nimbleness of footwork,
which underlined the flat-footed nature of his challenger.</span></div><p></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><br /></span></div><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><div style="text-align: justify;">Anyone
who believed that Whyte would start the fight fast and aggressively
was probably surprised by Whyte's demeanor. Fury is usually always a
slow starter, and many felt that the challenger's best chance of
victory, (perhaps his only chance) was to go after the champion from
the start. Yet Whyte started slowly, stalking Fury but without the
fire that might have been expected. Another surprise was that Whyte
opened the bout boxing as a southpaw, rather than in his usual
orthodox stance. This might have been part of a plan to try and
unsettle the champion, but if anything, it seemed to confuse Dillian
more than anyone else. Whatever plan lay behind Whyte's change in
stance was hastily abandoned after the opening round, and he fought
the remainder of the match in his usual orthodox manner. This was
always going to be a long shot tactic for Whyte, as Fury is one of
the very few fighters who can switch with ease from orthodox to
southpaw, so he was never very likely to be bothered by Whyte's
rather random attempt at boxing southpaw.</div></span><p></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">Fury was finding his
rhythm by the second round while Whyte was already beginning to
struggle with the champion’s speed and movement. Tyson’s greatest
attribute has always been not so much his size but the speed and
dexterity which he has for a man of his size. Add that to his ring IQ
and fitness, which belies his fleshy exterior, and you have a clue to
Fury’s success.</span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><br /></span></div><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><div style="text-align: justify;">It was becoming clear that this was a much
sharper and better conditioned ‘Gypsy King’ than we saw against
Wilder last October. Weighing in 13 pounds lighter at 264 pounds,
Fury’s reflexes and footwork was clearly improved. Fury was
displaying the boxing skills that he largely abandoned last October
against Wilder, when under trained and ring rusty, he had to resort
to going toe-to-toe to win their 3rd and final war.</div></span><p></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><br /></span></div><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><div style="text-align: justify;">Fury was
pot-shotting Whyte with jabs and the occasional right hand, landing
then stepping out of range. As the fight progressed, he was putting
more and more weight into his punches.</div></span><p></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><br /></span></div><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><div style="text-align: justify;">By the third round, Fury
was already beginning to slowly dominate. He was subtly chipping away
at Whyte with his left, at times tantalizing his challenger by
switching stances that seemed to wrong-foot and befuddle Whyte even
more. Always a rather flat-footed fighter, Fury’s nimbleness was
making Dillian seem pedestrian and clumsy.</div></span><p></p><p align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCYxTf8vGBWiW_gKAKqFIDuX4rrROjPvLeKzhwUT_HIaLSXVzX8nDk1D_R9gRlaUkVEXwFqkD6CdufhrV_wTFZgIsO7tnqFI_7H8Cgmn2o5LWWkIq15itkPS9gEHW_KPRxrDGBC9obZnYlVXOjaba_l5ZgPBOVLgwqXWMboPAZnSDHgcDglCVSTgP2" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="1232" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCYxTf8vGBWiW_gKAKqFIDuX4rrROjPvLeKzhwUT_HIaLSXVzX8nDk1D_R9gRlaUkVEXwFqkD6CdufhrV_wTFZgIsO7tnqFI_7H8Cgmn2o5LWWkIq15itkPS9gEHW_KPRxrDGBC9obZnYlVXOjaba_l5ZgPBOVLgwqXWMboPAZnSDHgcDglCVSTgP2=w400-h195" width="400" /></a></span></div><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><div style="text-align: justify;">Whyte was already
breathing heavily by the 4th stanza and showed some signs of growing
frustration as he attempted to drag Fury into a mauling brawl. There
were some ugly clinches and wrestling, as the referee seemed to
struggle to retain control of the fighters. One such mauling clinch
ended with a head butt from Whyte, which ironically resulted in a cut
above his right eye.</div></span><div><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7AG71edUwS_QSWU1joJz1y6t1kCJa648yGFGqVuFL8Mz7rslYfSPfD1kzzlW_SDqQIVMgpPypKERzpXMWqh8rfOkHeDnI6I_4DZa5tuxi4zhd8w69bUiQ9BZOnVt7nVtSR0fP8Lag5qM-pQxsa3RpmnbFqXO0x7-dC59w0MOjT-v-WrRgfUdw9A6a" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="918" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7AG71edUwS_QSWU1joJz1y6t1kCJa648yGFGqVuFL8Mz7rslYfSPfD1kzzlW_SDqQIVMgpPypKERzpXMWqh8rfOkHeDnI6I_4DZa5tuxi4zhd8w69bUiQ9BZOnVt7nVtSR0fP8Lag5qM-pQxsa3RpmnbFqXO0x7-dC59w0MOjT-v-WrRgfUdw9A6a=w640-h366" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Fury stepped the pace up in the 5th and some
blows visibly hurt Whyte. As well as regularly spearing his
challenger with a damaging straight left, Fury was also hurting Whyte
with rights to the body. When he returned to his corner at the end of
the round, Fury seemed to say to his cornermen ‘Next round’.</div></span><p></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilPECSJbgg2XIFQt4cs12C7ob95SaUK7B8qxdUHwPb4lT5V1G1Wcog9PUMlfvFWy_x3DVtYrYqpPoq-ZrrDBvaoAk1YiPAeRiweWo2Zj8Q-mjyFB1d2UgqQk3MbllMc7o6N2qpwRR2ScqO2S3n3LDsZPi3D3vy0YhS9oEndu7oRIzhdgAF0mx16oOG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1128" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilPECSJbgg2XIFQt4cs12C7ob95SaUK7B8qxdUHwPb4lT5V1G1Wcog9PUMlfvFWy_x3DVtYrYqpPoq-ZrrDBvaoAk1YiPAeRiweWo2Zj8Q-mjyFB1d2UgqQk3MbllMc7o6N2qpwRR2ScqO2S3n3LDsZPi3D3vy0YhS9oEndu7oRIzhdgAF0mx16oOG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">The
conclusion came near the end of what had been a fairly quiet round.
Fury patiently looked for his opening while he jabbed with his left,
and Whyte was seemingly out of ideas and constantly tried to hold and
maul the champion. When the opening came Fury took it with deadly
precision. The end came via a peach of a right uppercut, which
deposited Whyte flat on his back. Fury’s hand speed, accuracy, and
underrated ability on the inside all came to play into the dramatic
finish of this match.</span></div><p></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><br /></span></div><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><div style="text-align: justify;">To his credit, Whyte beat the count and
tried to convince the referee that he was ok to continue. However,
his wobbly and uncoordinated body betrayed the fact that his brain
was no longer in charge of his faculties, and the referee’s
decision to stop the fight was probably his best action of the
night.</div></span><p></p><p align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXMTxV_tA7mhkUn9slFr2Q6zzIOAJ7LG9EhwGaj4B7nes1D3TYhT-n-3MYDbtuMp0MgmFqmOa7RatJAPau6k1ewB2ygkoe_d4V3UwxWP2k-IQGxsfJ4ABrHYyZmhOuDOFMxRScWuYE2EnzStK5ckZl0ejFw4mz8rL2mZyCoAbN-cM3vivyWBy-fsRx" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="511" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXMTxV_tA7mhkUn9slFr2Q6zzIOAJ7LG9EhwGaj4B7nes1D3TYhT-n-3MYDbtuMp0MgmFqmOa7RatJAPau6k1ewB2ygkoe_d4V3UwxWP2k-IQGxsfJ4ABrHYyZmhOuDOFMxRScWuYE2EnzStK5ckZl0ejFw4mz8rL2mZyCoAbN-cM3vivyWBy-fsRx" width="251" /></a></span></div><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><div style="text-align: justify;">It was a brilliant performance by Tyson, who ended the
fight unmarked and had barely taken a serious punch. He had
outclassed ‘The Body Snatcher’ and underlined his standing in the
heavyweight division. Tyson stands head and shoulders over the rest
of the division, not just physically, but in all areas which make up
a top pugilist.</div></span><p></p><p align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><br /></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">If anything, judging by this performance, at 34
years of age, Tyson is still improving. After a career plagued by
inactivity, (which was usually down to outside issues out of his
control) Tyson was finally able to give us a glimpse of what he can
do when he is fully trained, healthy, and not coming off a long layoff. Despite the wars with Wilder, Tyson seems to still have a lot
left in the tank and a lot more to show if he faces a challenger
capable of pushing him more than Dillian Whyte did Saturday night.
Should he walk away now while still at his peak? It is a question,
which only Tyson Fury himself should decide. Retirement has always
been the biggest challenge for most fighters, especially when they
are at or near the top of the tree.</span></div><p></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUOTGnsBy8j-R5bAeiOZBKGY1i1hTfXLUddwW9Co7ciF0KhEO_tf9kjvn2osYBOlEGaUCeLhYNjm0pGFXif001ZKwCoK_Rn2yIz5lqHnkAhq_tszsIzQOoSpJlHoy53xnNBN6BP4eBCSEk6BkXKbwXSn_Mb9ZvHhneO03sm8mskaazIoqmZYKCHF0q" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="1320" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUOTGnsBy8j-R5bAeiOZBKGY1i1hTfXLUddwW9Co7ciF0KhEO_tf9kjvn2osYBOlEGaUCeLhYNjm0pGFXif001ZKwCoK_Rn2yIz5lqHnkAhq_tszsIzQOoSpJlHoy53xnNBN6BP4eBCSEk6BkXKbwXSn_Mb9ZvHhneO03sm8mskaazIoqmZYKCHF0q=w640-h380" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />Team Fury Celebrating</td></tr></tbody></table><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><br /></span><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">If he does walk away now,
Tyson Fury would be in rare company. Only one other world heavyweight
champion has ever retired undefeated while champion and stayed
retired, and that was the legendary Rocky Marciano.</span></div><p></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">Ironically,
Britain’s last outstanding world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis
was also one of the very few to walk away while still world champion,
but he was not undefeated, like the ‘Gypsy King’.</span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">On one hand,
it would be nice to see Fury face the winner of Usyk vs Joshua, ‘The
Gypsy King’ brings an atmosphere and excitement to boxing that no
one else can match at the moment, certainly in the heavyweight
division. If this was Fury’s final boxing match, then he will most
definitely be missed. Yet in a way, it would be fitting for Fury to
once more mark himself out from the crowd and walk away from boxing
despite the riches he can still make from it. A match with either
Usyk or Joshua could earn Fury as much as 100 million pounds. But
Fury gives the impression that he is tired of dealing with the
constant petty politics that comes with dealing with Anthony Joshua
and Eddie Hearn.</span></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><br /></span></div><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><div style="text-align: justify;">While Tyson was brilliant, when looking at
Dillian Whyte’s performance, one does have to wonder whether all
the preflight shenanigans, such as Whyte refusing to take part in the
fight promotional press conferences and the long-running row
regarding the cut of his purse, ended up hurting Dillian rather than
Fury. ‘The Body Snatcher’ never seemed as fired up, as you would
expect for someone finally getting the chance to fight for the world
heavyweight championship. Even on his ring entrance, the challenger
seemed strangely subdued and almost drained. One also has to question
the tactics that Whyte used during the fight. It seemed Dillian's
best chance of victory was to try and land one of his big shots. Yet
too often he was trying to box with Tyson rather than drag him into a
toe-to-toe war. In the end, Whyte seemed to find Tyson too strong as
well as too fast and skillful.</div></span><p></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><br /></span></div><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><div style="text-align: justify;">Ultimately Whyte did not look like
a challenger who believed that he could win. Something which was
betrayed by his pre-fight behavior.</div></span><p></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><br /></span></div><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><div style="text-align: justify;">As the dust settles on
Saturday night it seems that Dillian Whyte is attempting to excuse
his defeat with some bizarre claims, the like of which even Deontay
Wilder would have been embarrassed to attempt. In the end, it seems
that the hapless Whyte (after receiving a career-high purse for a
world title fight that he didn’t deserve) is unable to even be a
graceful loser.</div></span><p></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8paqHpKm7z0OH-YtgLnabSsMpGMDDtisJOPH9Oets2ahtHj0qra8TSKZts1EkQmbid6nXRJLTrszDNYJfTHwuA8Ih6Mo_aHqtC7lRl025tte20b6fF44a-0EH7cOokhM9zwNSMp1ondrGe36fIkGyiKXv0sXSx0cJ53LQjj_UAaF4HQQpBWhbUkhi" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="1240" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8paqHpKm7z0OH-YtgLnabSsMpGMDDtisJOPH9Oets2ahtHj0qra8TSKZts1EkQmbid6nXRJLTrszDNYJfTHwuA8Ih6Mo_aHqtC7lRl025tte20b6fF44a-0EH7cOokhM9zwNSMp1ondrGe36fIkGyiKXv0sXSx0cJ53LQjj_UAaF4HQQpBWhbUkhi=w640-h384" width="640" /></a></span></div><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Fury has done more than enough in and out of the
ring to deserve a long and happy retirement. He has battled back from
mental health and substance abuse issues which put him in such a
state that many found it laughable when he announced his comeback.
Incredibly, what a comeback it has been, despite those who still
doubted him (including right up to Saturday’s fight!). Tyson has
fought back from being a mental and physical wreck to undoubtedly the
number one heavyweight in the world and the best heavyweight of his
generation. A victory over either Usyk or Joshua would mean little
now in the grand scheme of things. Neither man seems to be a true
threat to Fury.</div></span><p></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><br /></span></div><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><div style="text-align: justify;">Fury has many other opportunities away from
boxing, whether it is as an actor, trainer, or even a promoter. It
would be sad to see him make the mistake of so many others by staying
too long. There will always be more challengers and fights to take.
In the end, too many great fighters find themselves ground down by it
all until they are beaten and defeated.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Carry on being
different Tyson and walk away now.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" lang="en-GB" style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif">Follow us on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/theboxingglove" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">@TheBoxingGlove</a> and </span> </span></div><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif">Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/theboxingglove" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;">www.facebook.com/theboxingglove</a></span></span></span></span><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;"></span><br style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;" /><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" lang="en-GB" style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Instagram: TheBoxingGlove<br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif">If you are an boxer, amateur or professional, and want us to follow you or tell your story, contact petersilkov@yahoo.com or <u><span style="color: #888888;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;">theboxingglove@yahoo.com</a></span></u></span></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif">If you are an author and you would like your book reviewed, contact Peter Silkov at <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;">petersilkov@yahoo.com</a> or <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;">theboxingglove@yahoo.com</a></span></span></span></span></div></div></div></span><p></p><p align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><br /></span></p></div>The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604111647702899524noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5733363062082489770.post-72579815787252079602022-04-12T20:29:00.007-07:002022-04-12T21:30:52.209-07:00Gennady Golovkin Defeats Murata and Chases His Stolen Greatness<p></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">By Peter Silkov</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">Writer at The Boxing Glove</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">Gennady
Golovkin overcame 16 months of ring rust and the encroaching shadow
of father time, to stop Ryota Murata in 9 rounds on Saturday night. This win</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"> adds Murata’s WBA belt to the IBF title belt which he
already held. The victory reignited GGG’s career, making him a
‘unified champion’ now that he holds two world middleweight title
belts, but this fight was for a lot more than the increasingly random
and frustrating world boxing belts. Murata held the ‘super’ WBA
world championship belt, but then the WBA has a long record of being
able to come up with seemingly never-ending variations of the world
championship belt, from, interim, to regular, and silver to super. In
reality, the belts were an afterthought, this was GGG making his
first appearance in the ring after 16 months of inactivity, against
an opponent who figured to be a worthy test. Fighting just one day
after his 40th birthday, Golovkin was seeking to prove that he is
still a relevant force in the division that he once dominated so
thoroughly, that many top contenders spent their whole careers
avoiding him. It's difficult to remember another world champion in
recent times (aside from Guillermo Rigondeaux) who was reduced to
chasing his challengers rather than having his challengers chase
him.</span></div><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7v_WZD79Qz-o79lyOcx1_CC3g0gawl52Glh5LbZqxI1dhwoOA3W3efbPJwLJa1bgqQO5gHpIu_o2JUxsN44glg5s4Qf4ohMl6eEb_8_hkYWP31iGhKeknbES7B-jxvENoZobrSCWPBLY_92F0oVLcgFt0j6rUsd5nmf0aVW6Gh_Q9uMcxLsEIreoM" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="693" data-original-width="1040" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7v_WZD79Qz-o79lyOcx1_CC3g0gawl52Glh5LbZqxI1dhwoOA3W3efbPJwLJa1bgqQO5gHpIu_o2JUxsN44glg5s4Qf4ohMl6eEb_8_hkYWP31iGhKeknbES7B-jxvENoZobrSCWPBLY_92F0oVLcgFt0j6rUsd5nmf0aVW6Gh_Q9uMcxLsEIreoM" width="320" /></a></div>Despite having a fan-friendly style, which has made him
one of the most popular and exciting fighters of his era, Golovkin
struggled to find big names willing to share the ring with him.
Perhaps this was because, as well as being exciting, GGG was also
destructive. Devastatingly destructive.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Canelo made GGG wait
about 5 years before he finally agreed to face him in the ring.
Following a prolonged and acrimonious build-up during which Canelo
played a good impersonation of a blushing bride as he hedged and
dodged fighting GGG until Golovkin was 35 and already showing some
signs of slipping from his formidable peak. In his contest, prior to
the first Canelo match, GGG had been taken the full 12 rounds for the
first time during his title reign after a lackluster performance
against Daniel Jacobs. Canelo’s management had bided their time
masterfully.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The record books will tell you that on September
16th, 2017, Golovkin and Canelo fought each other to a spirited
12-round draw. Then, almost exactly one year later to the day, the
two men met in a rematch with Canelo winning a majority decision,
after another highly charged encounter. The truth though, as many
well-versed boxing followers will tell you, is something rather
different from what is on the record books.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">To start with,
very few, (including Canelo’s usually fanatical fan-base) believed
that the first fight should have been anything other than a clear
decision win for GGG. Though the fight was competitive, GGG won many
rounds clearly and dominated with his heavier punching and higher
activity. Yet not for the first time (nor the last, unfortunately)
the fight turned out to be judged by the three blind mice. Even the
one card that voted for GGG was far too close. If the judging of the
first fight was bad, the rematch wasn’t much better. This time the
fight was genuinely closer, with GGG’s superior strength from 12
months earlier having noticeably waned. Was this due to the
encroachment of age (GGG was by now already 36 years old) was there
some other reason for Canelo’s sudden increase in strength? The
whole Mexican meat episode is well known now, yet safely swept under
the carpet by most fans and the media, but the difference in Canelo’s
performance in the space of one year may still be more telling than
some would like to imagine.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The decision itself was again
judged unjust by the majority of the crowd and even Canelo’s
usually die-hard fans greeted the verdict with boos. Canelo had his
‘victory’ and that’s all that mattered in the history of this
gravy machine. Already there were signs that Canelo could never be
beaten on points. Certainly not in front of his fans at the T. Mobile
Arena, Las Vegas.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Four years on, and memories fade fast in
boxing, especially when they are inconvenient. The well-crafted and
expertly guided cash cow has been maneuvered into world titles at two
more weights since his second match with GGG and is now regularly
hailed by many in the press as p4p number one in the world. He is
even feted as the greatest fighter ever produced by Mexico. GGG
meanwhile has been left chasing shadows, trying to recapture the
glory that should have been his but was cruelly taken from him, not
once but twice.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Imagine if Golovkin had officially won those
fights against Canelo, imagine if he had won even one of them? His
career trajectory, his standing in the sport, would be so much
different today.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">GGG is not bitter, he doesn’t whine about
the Canelo fights, yet he has spoken strongly about his treatment by
the judges of both those fights and how he believes that he was
robbed of victories twice.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Canelo made GGG wait for 5 years
before their first fight; he has now made him wait for four years for
their 3rd meeting. Turns out GGG fans weren’t wrong when they
claimed that Alvarez would never agree to a third fight until
Golovkin is past his 40th birthday.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Saturday night Golovkin
entered the ring… one day past his 40th birthday, knowing that a
win against Murata may well open the door for that long-awaited 3rd
match with career nemesis, Canelo. Soon it became clear that with
every fight he has, GGG is now increasingly fighting two opponents
whenever he now enters the ring. His physical opponent and that old
foe of fighters and athletes throughout history, father
time.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Watching GGG now is akin to seeing a classic old rock
band performing in their 60s or 70s, (athletes age faster than
musicians). The brilliance, which once lit up every performance, has
become more of an occasional spark here and there. This might sound
harsh, but it is difficult to imagine the GGG of seven or ten years
ago being troubled by Murata the way he was on Saturday night.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Murata started the match very strongly and with confidence,
which belied his underdog status. To be fair Murata is no spring
chicken himself at 36, but the Japanese-born slugger has only had 18
professional contests compared to GGG's 42, and that comparative
freshness showed, at least in the early rounds of Saturday night's
fight.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxbgfs52f8wbGk7wYm2vCVmNDMx0W6QJeYkOWKk6Cu43K6IopHz16ICxSv3k0K3eCVKCr9EtpDHhHBCr1N8sEBtKaXkibZvzoINUScfKubCPxdsvUzEe_POGTxnXD-0IBA1_je4i5nIOCR6FgCz8drjwvAajSyJYj0-LMAsGXEoE1tqvNzQ11UV3AN" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="950" data-original-width="843" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxbgfs52f8wbGk7wYm2vCVmNDMx0W6QJeYkOWKk6Cu43K6IopHz16ICxSv3k0K3eCVKCr9EtpDHhHBCr1N8sEBtKaXkibZvzoINUScfKubCPxdsvUzEe_POGTxnXD-0IBA1_je4i5nIOCR6FgCz8drjwvAajSyJYj0-LMAsGXEoE1tqvNzQ11UV3AN" width="213" /></a></div>From the beginning, it became very clear that this was
not the Golovkin of old, but rather an ‘old’ Golovkin. The old
ability to take control of the center of the ring was missing as GGG
found himself unceremoniously outpunched and outworked by a visibly
faster, fresher, and stronger fighter. The action was intense from
the beginning, but it was Murata, (who won Olympic Gold at the 2012
Olympic Games) rather than GGG who was forcing the action. When
Murata landed the weight of his punches was visible, and on occasion,
GGG was visibly moved even shaken, especially by some of his
opponent's body shots. Golovkin’s punches on the other hand seemed
to be bouncing rather harmlessly off Murata.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The first four
rounds of the fight followed the pattern of both men meeting mid-ring
and trying to attain domination with a continuous exchange of
leather. Though GGG was certainly having his moments, it was Murata
who was able to land more often and with more effect and GGG who was
finding himself in the uncomfortable position of being put onto the
back foot, a position which he has rarely found himself in during his
stellar career.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Golovkin was being drawn into that weird
twilight zone that older fighters begin visiting more and more often
as their careers reach their ends. It is a place where they begin to
find themselves slipping out of time with the present, as they face
fighters who are suddenly faster and stronger and seem to be moving
in a higher gear.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">GGG has always been seen as almost the
perfect fighting machine, but the GGG machine spent much of the first
4 rounds misfiring. His defense, never his strongest feature, was
alarmingly porous at times, as Murata’s punches, especially the
right hand, found his time and again. Golovkin's speed, once
razor-sharp, has noticeably waned in recent years, but at times
against Murata, he seemed a significant half-second or so behind the
punching speed of his opponent. Also, of concern was GGG's movement.
Though never a fleet-footed mover, GGG used to use economical and
swift footwork, which always seemed to have him in the right place at
the right time.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On this night though GGG started with legs
that seemed almost rooted to the canvas at times. When he did move it
was with the heavy hesitancy common to the older fighter.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After
four rounds GGG needed to do something to turn the tide in a fight
that seemed to be getting harder and harder for him. GGG found that
something extra in the 5th round and showed again that extra
ingredient that marks out the true champions. The ability to turn a
fight around when visibly up against a faster and stronger opponent.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the fifth round, the GGG machine finally found a higher
gear, and his hands started to move with greater speed. The real
turning point came midway through the round when a Golovkin punch
ripped Murata’s mouthpiece from his mouth, sending it flying across
the ring.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">From that moment Golovkin had reached out of his
personal twilight zone and turned back the clock. From the 5th round
on, Golovkin began gaining the upper hand in the action. The battle was
still raging toe-to-toe, but now it was GGG who was landing more
frequently and beginning to display his wide variety of punches.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">With Golovkin in the ascendance, Murata began to slow, as he
began to take more and more punishment. Yet Murata’s courage never
wavered, and at every point where it looked as if GGG was about to
gain overwhelming control, Murata would come back with punches of his
own. Yet Murata’s attacks were becoming more tired and desperate as
the rounds flew by.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">GGG may be faded and past his 40th
birthday, but his fitness and determination remain impeccable. This
along with his heart and granite chin has much to do with him finally
overcoming Murata.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgS0WF-wZKH5J_galiFkOtQFsvgzm49tz1zhMwxMmoCVlCSBuW_u_CenXvfr1SdCsbgnzmItkEpU1yAqpk29VBkjEIK4p_4nTl5_EYdd1YtQJyFBCveuo0dsQbjVZBoUKIilE4xarkZW0UJxNSIuCn0UU1ap8ZVR8POr1FElEh5-t3Vgn7IAYigiX0k" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="660" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgS0WF-wZKH5J_galiFkOtQFsvgzm49tz1zhMwxMmoCVlCSBuW_u_CenXvfr1SdCsbgnzmItkEpU1yAqpk29VBkjEIK4p_4nTl5_EYdd1YtQJyFBCveuo0dsQbjVZBoUKIilE4xarkZW0UJxNSIuCn0UU1ap8ZVR8POr1FElEh5-t3Vgn7IAYigiX0k=w400-h261" width="400" /></a></div>The end finally came in the 9th round,
which started as a strong Golovkin round as he opened up seemingly looking
for a knockout, Murata withstood a withering attack by GGG, but
rather than going down actually launched a brave mid-round
counterattack. At one point it looks as if GGG may have shot his bolt
and punched himself out trying to finish Murata. However, Golovkin
then struck back with a ….. to send Murata spinning down to the
deck like a broken doll. It was at this point that Murata’s corner
sensibly threw in the towel, just as the referee was waving the fight
over. GGG had broken down another challenger.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">One could be
too critical of Golovkin’s performance, and the truth is that though he
is visibly faded in comparison to the GGG of the past, he remains a
formidable and brave fighter. Also, there is the aspect of his 16
months of inactivity before this fight and how much of his early
frailty was down to ring rust rather than a permanent decline. Murata
also deserves credit for his performance and for pushing GGG into
such a difficult fight.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This fight underlined that GGG while
not the fighting machine of the past remains formidable and with the
kind of fitness that would still push the very best at his weight.
With this win, GGG has reignited his career, and his visible
vulnerability is liable to make him a more attractive prospect to
many top fighters.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But what now for Golovkin?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Though
there will be several options that GGG could follow right now, one
looms large above all the others. As much as he might not want to
admit it, and even with two world title belts to his name, GGG is
still chasing. He is chasing that elusive 3rd fight with Canelo
Alvarez, and a final chance to inflict an official defeat upon the
man many feel he has already beaten twice.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUddpIrtb31PsbpA8Xrj7bYeZrzTjbHlj31d9V-Q-r29XPyDvySll3gN-BhKuqq-rb_927_WsgPXC4dnW37u9UViRpQsGHYbL3HLGYa1UZZ3AU333KpiA0Gv90ugAShiNPC-6Ph8eEdl_vHvXLGhb_YomHKUGyNU8GrpRdpWxu9DLMin6QYdeA98jT" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1120" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUddpIrtb31PsbpA8Xrj7bYeZrzTjbHlj31d9V-Q-r29XPyDvySll3gN-BhKuqq-rb_927_WsgPXC4dnW37u9UViRpQsGHYbL3HLGYa1UZZ3AU333KpiA0Gv90ugAShiNPC-6Ph8eEdl_vHvXLGhb_YomHKUGyNU8GrpRdpWxu9DLMin6QYdeA98jT" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo: dazn</td></tr></tbody></table>As always with
Canelo, nothing is certain until the ‘Golden Goose’ of boxing
decides to announce his intentions. Yet it is expected that if he
gets past Dmitry Bivol on May 7th, then he will next meet GGG for
their long-awaited 3rd fight, sometime around mid-September.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After
the second match between Golovkin and Canelo, it was a common joke among
some boxing followers (mostly those not blinded by the Canelo media
machine!) that Canelo would probably make Golovkin wait until he was past
40 until he got a third match. Ironically that is what seems to be
about to happen. Canelo and his team have bided their time
masterfully and now GGG seems ripe for the 3rd fight. Still exciting,
still a big draw, but certainly a far less dangerous proposition than
he was four years ago.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Should GGG even take the third fight
with Canelo? He will know now that the chances of gaining a decision
over Canelo are beyond slim, even if he is deserving of it, and
beyond that, there is only the stoppage route to victory, something
which even five years ago GGG wasn’t able to get close to
achieving. For all the hype, dodgy judges, and cherry-picking (not to
mention other shady stuff) there's no doubting Canelo’s toughness.
Whatever may be behind it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If Golovkin couldn’t stop Canelo 5
years ago, it's highly unlikely that he will be able to stop Canelo
today in his present reduced form.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibdPQQ9rR_jd0bFBcAIvh5toR5ql1PFZv-tP224JjsYoxItd9obTlGBfmuzTKGE7af-dNQb-4B7m_wWdvqktnoYHcRpRidTn08fCGG_RDKdH2DvcN4oHYo3skDCSPkhHfkfoo2AX6M-deG4w7jJF4orKKOwJkaiHuPYD7rVewLeSyhSux4piYGSCbK" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="474" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibdPQQ9rR_jd0bFBcAIvh5toR5ql1PFZv-tP224JjsYoxItd9obTlGBfmuzTKGE7af-dNQb-4B7m_wWdvqktnoYHcRpRidTn08fCGG_RDKdH2DvcN4oHYo3skDCSPkhHfkfoo2AX6M-deG4w7jJF4orKKOwJkaiHuPYD7rVewLeSyhSux4piYGSCbK" width="281" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo: stubhub</td></tr></tbody></table>What also needs to be
taken into account is the likelihood that the 3rd fight will take
place at 168 pounds, a weight that will overwhelmingly favour Canelo
rather than GGG. Golovkin is currently and has always been a natural
160-pounder(who seldom gains more than ten pounds between fights)
rather than someone who comes down from over 190 pounds for his
fights as Canelo has always done.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The purpose of a third
fight with GGG for Canelo has always been to score a definitive
defeat over Golovkin. Hence part of the reason for the long wait
between the 2nd and proposed 3rd fights. Canelo has only been
interested in fighting GGG again if he was secure in the belief that
he could score a non-controversial victory this time. Ideally, he
would like to stop or knock out Golovkin.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Canelo still
bristles over the controversy surrounding his two matches with Golovkin and would like nothing better than to end the rivalry with a stoppage
victory over Golovkin.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Certainly, the Golovkin who struggled
with Murata did not look equipped to deal with Canelo at 168 pounds.
Sadly the man who was once a feared and much avoided fighting machine
now seems very mortal and vulnerable. He is ripe for Canelo to pick
for his much-wanted ‘definitive’ victory.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Having followed
Golovkin throughout his spectacular career, and after seeing him robbed by
the judges twice against Canelo, I would rather not see a reduced GGG
fight Canelo a third time at a point in time where it suits no one
but Canelo.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After watching Golovkin battle past Murata, even
taking into account his ring rust and the ability to improve himself
between now and September, it is clear that time has moved on for
GGG. Those tools which once made him the best in the world will never
be quite as sharp nor so deadly again. A fight between Golovkin and Canelo
now would be a poor reflection upon a fair fight between the two in
their primes. GGG was already past his prime when Canelo finally
fought him for the first time and now he is past the point where he
will be a danger to Canelo.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">No one knows this more than Canelo
and his team which is why the fight is finally being made.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Golovkin
is a warrior and the chances are that he will still take the third
fight against Canelo despite any advice he may receive to go in a
different direction.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOo6arjwDfJexDKsnxjN3lgTU9UzDoiTCCx069ZZPCSgGzS4kKUR2AmsaP-6wLtbATvS3JCabnlPg85gEBL09bNTgJbqUBFYwtzQqaIyIFAtydpgVEQQENG2Cyi28Op0OR9AhoXH0jRauyFMBYjG8jHDpzdLvpIZm1QFduAXAKMr88Xd28akMSGAh7" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="660" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOo6arjwDfJexDKsnxjN3lgTU9UzDoiTCCx069ZZPCSgGzS4kKUR2AmsaP-6wLtbATvS3JCabnlPg85gEBL09bNTgJbqUBFYwtzQqaIyIFAtydpgVEQQENG2Cyi28Op0OR9AhoXH0jRauyFMBYjG8jHDpzdLvpIZm1QFduAXAKMr88Xd28akMSGAh7=w640-h418" width="640" /></a></div><br />Following their fight, GGG visited
Murata’s dressing room and gave him back the WBA belt. It was the
kind of classy gesture that makes a true champion and gives a fighter
the kind of greatness that can't be bought by a crooked judge's
scorecard. GGG may never beat Canelo Alvarez officially on paper, but
he holds something over Canelo which is perhaps more precious than
any victory in the ring. Integrity. It is that, above all else which
underlines Golovkin's true greatness.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">No cherry-picking can
beat that.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><p></p><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" lang="en-GB" style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif">Follow us on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/theboxingglove" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">@TheBoxingGlove</a> and </span> </span></div><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><p align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: start;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif">Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/theboxingglove" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;">www.facebook.com/theboxingglove</a></span></span></span></span><span style="text-align: start;"></span><br style="text-align: start;" /></p><p align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="background-color: black; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Instagram: </span></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: white; font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/theboxingglove/">https://www.instagram.com/theboxingglove/</a></span></span></p><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" lang="en-GB" style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif">If you are an boxer, amateur or professional, and want us to follow you or tell your story, contact petersilkov@yahoo.com or <u><span style="color: #888888;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;">theboxingglove@yahoo.com</a></span></u></span></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif">If you are an author and you would like your book reviewed, contact Peter Silkov at <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;">petersilkov@yahoo.com</a> or <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;">theboxingglove@yahoo.com</a></span></span></span></span></div></div></div><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif"><br /></span></div><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p></p>The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604111647702899524noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5733363062082489770.post-18668295785176173062022-04-10T21:33:00.002-07:002022-04-10T21:38:36.791-07:00Tyson Fury Vs. Dillian Whyte Preview: Can the Body Snatcher Ruin the Homecoming of The Gypsy King?<p>By Peter Silkov</p><p>Writer for The Boxing Glove </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOXxRZhECh0iXlUR5KpW3Oi3N9N532X-supGSTS9BncugEFeZRyMj9iVGnrqYOl5BysmEtrFpz1dvmSepFZ_oRon4Fa3zxTOd3ABktE3_WOEuvsB11TA6RzoJXkzgfSrtqo-hcChoNy_BfX6cETGwkhADcVo84OADVO1XLx76_rC6PllTSG-rT-Z8q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOXxRZhECh0iXlUR5KpW3Oi3N9N532X-supGSTS9BncugEFeZRyMj9iVGnrqYOl5BysmEtrFpz1dvmSepFZ_oRon4Fa3zxTOd3ABktE3_WOEuvsB11TA6RzoJXkzgfSrtqo-hcChoNy_BfX6cETGwkhADcVo84OADVO1XLx76_rC6PllTSG-rT-Z8q=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When
Tyson Fury defends his WBC world heavyweight championship against
Dillian Whyte, on April 23rd, at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium,
it will be the biggest heavyweight fight in Britain since the classic
match between Lennox Lewis and Frank Bruno almost 29 years ago.
(Ironically, that clash was also for the WBC world heavyweight
championship). Having two British fighters facing each other for
boxing's biggest prize is an occasion that many British fight fans
could only dream about in the not-too-distant past. Indeed, it is a
rarity that has only occurred between Bruno and Lewis in modern
boxing history. Despite the fact that Britain has found itself, over
the past half-decade, in the almost surreal position of being home to
the vast majority of the world's top heavyweights. This unlikely
domination has seen a portion of the fractured world heavyweight
crown being held by either Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua since 2015.
For a brief time, both Fury and Joshua held all the major world
championship belts between them at the same time, and a showdown
between the two for the right to be the undisputed champion of the
world seemed tantalizingly close. Undoubtedly, if the boxing world
wasn't so riven with a mixture of political, financial, and
egotistical maneuverings, Britain’s boxing fans would already have
seen a colossal match for the undisputed heavyweight crown between
two British fighters long before the upcoming April 23rd clash
between Fury and Whyte. Arguments inevitably rage on both sides as to
who is most at fault for Fury Vs. Joshua not materializing,
(hereafter all was a fight which could have been the biggest sports
event ever in Britain). Ultimately Joshua's defeat to Alexandra Usyk
last year scuppered any plans for a showdown with Fury in the
foreseeable future. There seems to be more than a likelihood that the
long-anticipated clash will never take place, especially with Fury’s
recent statements that the match with Whyte will be his last
professional boxing fight. <br /><br />So we are left with Fury vs. Whyte
rather than Fury vs. Joshua, not what was expected or hoped for by
many, but a fight that isn’t without the interesting intangibility
that may well serve to make it an exciting match.<br /><br />The fight
has already seen a somewhat curious build-up due to Dillian Whyte's
bizarre behaviour. Whyte has seemingly taken grave offense at only
being given a 20% cut of the fight purse, despite that 20% adding up
to be the largest purse of his career (6mil) by a significant
way.<br /><br />In a prolonged hissy fit, more worthy of a Hollywood diva
than a professional boxer, Whyte left it until almost the final hour
before signing the fight contracts, yet even since signing the
contracts, he has continued to complain and seemingly do as much as
he could to disrupt the fight. Whyte has continued to rage at almost
everything to do with the fight's promotion and has taken the
extraordinary step of refusing to take part in the promotional press
conferences, which are always part of the run-up to such big
fights.<br /><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvM3gfJxyUB6LCaY6XwJv2yEmSgDe504ce-_vgf2oC_jwAxVaiaMHgRCjt6PFBEBVv2Dr7KLQStIW2gdW6w_GzcwPIYfyZtNRjz3OnDhWP_QQM8eaCQ94nq-XBdCNQTKgtHEnqQhxgbY9zIzVS5G7ctWqtRBVmp54IoKaXtM6e14gyxfxth0UdIkrU" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="634" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvM3gfJxyUB6LCaY6XwJv2yEmSgDe504ce-_vgf2oC_jwAxVaiaMHgRCjt6PFBEBVv2Dr7KLQStIW2gdW6w_GzcwPIYfyZtNRjz3OnDhWP_QQM8eaCQ94nq-XBdCNQTKgtHEnqQhxgbY9zIzVS5G7ctWqtRBVmp54IoKaXtM6e14gyxfxth0UdIkrU" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is an extraordinary situation to have the
challenger for the world heavyweight championship refusing to
participate in the pre-fight conferences, even to the extent of
asking for his image to be removed from the fight's posters!<br /><br />Is
Dillian's behavior simply a rather long and self-indulgent temper
tantrum, or is there some kind of method or theory behind his rather
childish 'madness'?<br /><br />Whyte's long time promoter Eddie Hearn has
claimed that the 'The Bodysnatcher's behavior, while born out of
genuine displeasure at his share of the spoils of the fight, is also
at least partly aimed at getting under the champion Tyson Fury's skin
and upsetting his mental balance in the run-up to the
fight.<br /><br />However, this seems to be a good exercise of whistling
in the wind by Eddie (who seems unable to stop talking about a fight
which he claims he is relieved not to be promoting). Indeed, if you
can believe that Eddie Hearn is happy not to be playing any part in
the biggest heavyweight fight in a British ring this century, then
you probably also believe in the tooth fairy and the world is
flat.<br /><br />The truth is that Tyson Fury, after overcoming his
widely-known mental health issues in the past, seems to have built up
immunity to the various mind games and outside-the-ring intrigues of
his fistic opponents. After withstanding the outrageous (and at times
libelous) boasts, claims, and insults of Deontay Wilder throughout
their now-classic trilogy, it is difficult to envisage Fury being
mentally wrong-footed by Dillian Whyte's childish and unprofessional
antics. All the indications so far are that Fury is more amused than
disturbed by Whyte's own little personal drama show.<br /><br />Perhaps
unsurprisingly, with Dillian becoming 'the invisible challenger' due
to his absence from the pre-fight pressers, the promotion of Fury vs.
Whyte has become the Tyson Fury show, something which, in all
honesty, it was always destined to be.<br /><br />However, this has done
little to dampen the eagerness of the fans to fill Wembley stadium to
its full capacity, to witness the 'Gypsy King's homecoming live (the
fight will now be watched by a crowd of 94,000, after selling its
original allocation of 85,000 tickets in just 3 hours!)<br /><br />The
truth is that Whyte may well have shot himself in the foot with his
constant protests and boycott of the press conferences. Despite his
high standing in the WBC rankings and popularity on Eddie Hearn's
shows, Dillian’s image and status in the wider boxing world remain
several levels below Fury's. Whyte remains relatively unknown outside
of the UK, while Tyson Fury is now a huge boxing star
worldwide.<br /><br />This fight was Whyte's chance to boost his standing
considerably, win or lose, and by deciding not to take part in the
fight's promotional machine, Whyte runs the risk of making himself
just an afterthought in the fight unless he was to pull off a huge
upset and defeat Fury. One does have to wonder about Whyte's state of
mind and how confident he is in reality about being able to win the
world title. Has Whyte's focus been too much on protesting the terms
of his contract rather than concentrating on getting ready to beat
Fury inside the ring? Whyte did previously turn down a rematch with
Anthony Joshua for the world title at stake back in 2019 due to the
purse of 3 million not being enough, with the chance instead falling
into the generous lap of Andy Ruiz, and we all know what happened
next! Whyte may have lost the best chance he will ever get of being
world heavyweight champion on that night.<br /><br />Of course, if Whyte
was to upset Fury, his eccentric antics in the build-up to the match
would be hailed as a masterstroke. But does Whyte have any chance of
pulling off the upset?<br /><br />Judging by the formbook, the answer
seems to be a resounding, no.<br />Fury is a faster, stronger, and far
more adaptable boxer than Dillian. After being known primarily for
his elusive boxing skills earlier in his career, Tyson has shown in
recent years that he can also stand his ground and go toe-to-toe with opponents and has dispelled doubts about his ability to punch his
weight. In his trilogy with Deontay Wilder, the Gypsy King displayed
his versatility by first out-boxing, then out-slugging 'The Bronze
Bomber.' <br /><br />Dillian Whyte, on the other hand, is a bit of a
plodder. He is a flat-footed fighter who relies more on his brute
strength than his boxing skills to win fights. One comparison which
can be drawn between Whyte and Fury is their respective matches
against Derek Chisora. Both have fought Chisora twice, but while Fury
emerged victorious twice with relative ease, Dillian had to wade
through two toe-to-toe slugfests before grabbing a debatable point's
decision in their first match, followed by a last gasp knockout win
in their rematch. Styles make fights, of course, but Whyte and Fury's
respective encounters against Chisora can also be seen as a clue to
the difference in levels between Tyson and Dillian. The Gypsy King
seems clear to be a level above Whyte. <br /><br />In truth, Whyte is
lucky even to be having this shot at the world title after being
knocked out in 5 rounds by the somewhat ancient Alexander Povetkin in
his last but one outing. Although Dillian gained revenge in a rematch
some five months later, this victory was somewhat tarnished by the
aging Povetkin entering the fight after only recently recovering from
Covid. Indeed, Whyte has only fought four times since 2019 and has
not been overly impressive in his most recent outings. Before his
shock knockout defeat to Alexander Povetkin on August 22nd, 2020,
Whyte had been unimpressive in a 10-round point win over Mariusz
Wach, eight-month earlier.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghmb0_2gR1ELWvsPzUhEHSZwQiV4wabz65_iqfTDUod6DDvwsAOoNgxzgPNpCjDcTWVi22YG50ebh83GEafPS78b_6l2RAjnw0BNCPqbRlpiKkhXND2t2Ke2QPPgaES0NCSGIQkZgWTsH1lRIA-q019Issp5uFNcGy3PYhN7_Z1pmD2mzydFryBr5L" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="634" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghmb0_2gR1ELWvsPzUhEHSZwQiV4wabz65_iqfTDUod6DDvwsAOoNgxzgPNpCjDcTWVi22YG50ebh83GEafPS78b_6l2RAjnw0BNCPqbRlpiKkhXND2t2Ke2QPPgaES0NCSGIQkZgWTsH1lRIA-q019Issp5uFNcGy3PYhN7_Z1pmD2mzydFryBr5L=w200-h198" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Dailymail Uk</td></tr></tbody></table>Although Whyte avenged his sudden,
one-punch knockout by Povetkin in their rematch seven months later,
the Povetkin he faced in their second fight was a visibly much more
faded version of Povetkin, with the muted ‘action’ ending in the
4th round after Povetkin was stopped following a knockdown. Although
Whyte gained the victory, it was a difficult fight with which to
gauge Whyte's form and judge whether the knockout to Povetkin had
left any lasting mark. Indeed, Povetkin had looked as if a strong
gust of wind would have knocked him down in this match.<br /><br />Whyte
has not fought since, meaning that when he enters the ring against
Fury on April 23rd, (hopefully) it will be his first match in over a
year. Certainly not ideal preparation for the biggest fight of your
life.<br /><br /></span><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTG8jovQeC6YOe5HQb4uP0Pa1C3fV6IQFdUTRHNj3Bi9vsHRMGRYWnsIaXW4JAelcNiGQbGrpW5K86Hv9tBsrmpjmbDUQ8Qr9UZGFzXDB4weElYYUygi7VIzsxsdwu64vx08JFedPpjYLlTCIR_bNS_q6RuqSHxSt0BrRhkDJx9mP88378KPQhb0ii" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="339" data-original-width="510" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTG8jovQeC6YOe5HQb4uP0Pa1C3fV6IQFdUTRHNj3Bi9vsHRMGRYWnsIaXW4JAelcNiGQbGrpW5K86Hv9tBsrmpjmbDUQ8Qr9UZGFzXDB4weElYYUygi7VIzsxsdwu64vx08JFedPpjYLlTCIR_bNS_q6RuqSHxSt0BrRhkDJx9mP88378KPQhb0ii=w200-h133" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo:The Mirror</td></tr></tbody></table><p align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;">Yet, as always, in heavyweight boxing, one punch can
change everything, and Dillian certainly has the power to spring an
upset if Tyson goes into this fight with the wrong attitude. Whyte's
best chance of victory is if Fury has entered this match in the wrong
frame of mind and is either unmotivated or taking Whyte for granted.
This is possible when you have a fighter who is openly talking about
retiring as Fury has been in recent </span><span style="text-align: left;">weeks.
Tyson has talked about retiring numerous times during his career and
at one point walked away from the sport when his mental health and
addiction problems overwhelmed him. Yet this regular talk of
retirement seems to be a method Fury uses to psyche himself up and
get himself more motivated for his matches, approaching each one with
the attitude that it is his </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;">last. This seems to be borne out
by the fact that for all his talk of retirement outside the ring,
Tyson genuinely enjoys fighting. This was illustrated by Fury at one
point exclaiming "I love this" during his match with Otto
Wallin when he battled to victory despite a horrendously cut right
eye. It was also on display during his three matches with Deontay
Wilder when Fury seemed to relish the moments when Wilder had him
hurt and coming back from the knockdowns which he suffered in the
first and third </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;">fights. Indeed, heading into this defense
against Whyte, it seems that Tyson is the fighter with the better
form. Tyson will be having his second fight in 5 months, and the 3rd
fight with Wilder will have taken off the rust that he collected
during his most recent run of inactivity.</span></span></div><p></p><p align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If the faded
Povetkin at 41 can knock out Whyte, then the chances are that the
Tyson Fury, who in recent years has begun to punch his weight, can
stop Whyte as well.<br /><br />Whyte has also shown a tendency to tire in
the later rounds of fights, while Fury, despite his size, always
seems to have good stamina going into later rounds of fights.<br /><br />This
is an intriguing fight and promises to be exciting whatever the
outcome. Tyson Fury certainly doesn’t do dull, as he seems to have
picked up the habit of providing fans with something dramatic in
every fight recently.<br /><br />Fury may box more in this match than he
did in the second and third Wilder fights. Indeed Fury's reflexes and
defense showed the rust of over two years of inactivity and
preparation, which had been interrupted by a battle with covid and
his newborn daughter's illness.<br /><br />When he faces Whyte, 'The
Gypsy King' is likely to be sharper and faster than he was in the
final fight with Wilder, and he may well choose to give Whyte a
boxing lesson in the early rounds before taking the fight to Wilder
more in the later rounds.<br /><br />Look for Tyson to win this match in
an impressive fashion, in around 7 to 9 rounds. This is The Gypsy
King's homecoming (and possibly even his final fight), in front of a
record-breaking crowd, and he will be determined to win with an
emphatic victory.<br /><br />However, you can never dismiss a heavyweight
with a decent punch, and Whyte is likely to have his moments in this
fight, especially if Fury chooses to take the fight to Dillian early
on. Fury will need to be sharp to stay away from Whyte's left hook
and dangerous right hand, but if Tyson decides to box early he will
most likely give Whyte a boxing lesson. Eventually, Fury's extra
speed and strength will see him take over and wear down Whyte, and
then we will see him start to pile on the pressure until the end
comes with Whyte either counted out or stopped exhausted on his feet
after about 7 to 9 rounds.<br /><br />Whyte is likely about to find out
that it will take more than some off-the-wall protests and a
promotional strike to push Tyson Fury off his game plan. Fury has
shown through his trilogy with Deontay Wilder that he has emerged
from his much-publicized mental health issues and inactivity from the
ring with a newfound mental strength, which will be more than enough
to handle the kind of childish mind games that Dillian Whyte and his
team seem to be employing. Indeed, just weeks away from fight night,
Dillian's lawyer seems to be indicating that there is still a doubt
over whether Whyte will take part in the fight. One wonders whether
Whyte wants to fight for the world heavyweight championship at all;
if he does, he has a very strange way of showing it at the moment.</span></p><p align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" lang="en-GB" style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Follow us on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/theboxingglove" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">@TheBoxingGlove</a> and </span> </span></div><p align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/theboxingglove" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;">www.facebook.com/theboxingglove</a></span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;"></span><br style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;" /></p><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" lang="en-GB" style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">If you are an boxer, amateur or professional, and want us to follow you or tell your story, contact petersilkov@yahoo.com or <u><span style="color: #888888;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;">theboxingglove@yahoo.com</a></span></u></span></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">If you are an author and you would like your book reviewed, contact Peter Silkov at <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;">petersilkov@yahoo.com</a> or <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;">theboxingglove@yahoo.com</a></span></span></span></span></div></div><p align="JUSTIFY" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
</p>The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604111647702899524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5733363062082489770.post-29425149060958996102020-11-24T13:21:00.014-08:002020-11-24T15:44:46.816-08:00THE AWFUL BITTERNESS OF DEONTAY WILDER: HELL HATH NO FURY LIKE A FIGHTER BEATEN AND SCORNED!!!<p>By Peter Silkov</p><p>Writer For The Boxing Glove.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXq3VZQdMf0cKEWhrZmlhfpu3qEjZvqYh0xiCcYr-03GbgiY_sS5rZnhK_maZOkNtjacL2N-fwogFkNZOWkW2NKtvumw4S3bmvP-d24bVujSk9nZi5inQVLV7SJPdHp5JlllleFkWs_Os/s1000/wilder+pic.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXq3VZQdMf0cKEWhrZmlhfpu3qEjZvqYh0xiCcYr-03GbgiY_sS5rZnhK_maZOkNtjacL2N-fwogFkNZOWkW2NKtvumw4S3bmvP-d24bVujSk9nZi5inQVLV7SJPdHp5JlllleFkWs_Os/w640-h640/wilder+pic.png" width="640" /></a><br /></div><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Who can tell exactly when it happened. Was it that brutal right hand that dumped Wilder to the canvas in the 3rd round? Was it the body punch that floored him two rounds later? Or was it one of the other multitude of punches that Tyson Fury landed upon Deontay Wilder on that February 22nd night earlier this year? Somewhere amid this brutal beating (and make no mistake, it was a brutal beating), Deontay Wilder lost his touch with reality. And it seems that he hasn't regained it yet.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Maybe it began during the ring introductions before the beginning of their second fight last February. Despite Wilder being the 'home' fighter, it soon became clear from the imbalance of cheers received by each man that Tyson Fury, not Deontay Wilder, was the Las Vegas crowd's clear favorite. At the moment when Wilder, the defending WBC world heavyweight champion (though he was already considered by many to be a 'cheese' champion after his 'draw' with Fury in their first fight) received more boos than cheers when his name was announced, it was hard not to feel a little sorry for him. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKB6rehKPfHtJKv6i6Vreu_HEy6vkHG3ZwVFLRNtSOADgjFYAyYsGRSGNOMV5DgYWie7HGDCHXnOmmFmF-h_oHbml8A7RlkibLxV3sFNdWXI49aDaJ81E6GqeB4xxOIJOv7YHwfXt2g34/s1748/color1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1312" data-original-width="1748" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKB6rehKPfHtJKv6i6Vreu_HEy6vkHG3ZwVFLRNtSOADgjFYAyYsGRSGNOMV5DgYWie7HGDCHXnOmmFmF-h_oHbml8A7RlkibLxV3sFNdWXI49aDaJ81E6GqeB4xxOIJOv7YHwfXt2g34/w640-h480/color1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Indeed after the fight was halted halfway through the 7th round, Wilder was a sorry sight, with his face swollen and misshapen and his blood splattering from his nose, ears, and mouth. Tyson Fury had done what he had spent the previous months saying he would do; he had out-punched and overpowered the puncher. Fourteen months after giving Wilder a boxing lesson, but being robbed of victory by a scandalous draw, Fury had taken matters out of the unreliable (to be polite) hands of the judges by adopting the role of the aggressor rather than the counter puncher. In doing so, Tyson had proved that he could punch with power if he wanted to and that Deontay Wilder was at a loss when compelled to fight going backward. Deontay had been given another lesson in fighting by 'The Gypsy King,' only this time it was a much more painful lesson than in their first encounter. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisAFD50oJhYANqY92C1_XZ24XW7i0SdgvoLOWGRcQIgSUsasnl2Hnd1A8G3xilm4m46ieenfqolFTkFOk6OeON-EAOaZqHftFA6uUmQJLCJ7RFc5IL7tIzRw5NS8CZXml0nJEFDN05D4A/s1748/color+3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1188" data-original-width="1748" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisAFD50oJhYANqY92C1_XZ24XW7i0SdgvoLOWGRcQIgSUsasnl2Hnd1A8G3xilm4m46ieenfqolFTkFOk6OeON-EAOaZqHftFA6uUmQJLCJ7RFc5IL7tIzRw5NS8CZXml0nJEFDN05D4A/w640-h434/color+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Yet Wilder had gone out on his shield. No one watching this fight from the 3rd round onwards would criticize him for being pulled out, despite the old-time tradition of a heavyweight champion being expected to lose his title via either through the judges or being rendered senseless and prostrate upon the canvas. Indeed as he took his beating, Wilder showed the kind of courage and toughness that fighters usually hope they are not called upon to display. It was the courage of a beaten man who refused to stay down. Wilder was essentially beaten in the 3rd round by Fury and probably should have been pulled out of the fight after the 5th round at the latest. At times after the 3rd round, Fury seemed almost unwilling to continue handing out the punishment, as his opponent staggered and failed in front of him, groggy and bleary-eyed, and barely able to raise his arms in a pitiful attempt at defense. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />The fact that Wilder protested when Mark Breland finally threw in the towel in the 7th round was at first yet another display of his stubborn courage. He had been beaten and beaten badly, but at that moment, it had been an admirable defeat. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMoFmbthNzWgHCCjZBppXLZrriy-WbU9TZJ3jndpfSM0ckGmu4vgcYULXR1k42h5RF7EUHUpPbdjy83CfGkSRcuh34zFyf6wnqJRYJu4E_Q1n-LdjHdWO77pBp7sCInW1_LX3uCk5_cVg/s987/pic+4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="987" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMoFmbthNzWgHCCjZBppXLZrriy-WbU9TZJ3jndpfSM0ckGmu4vgcYULXR1k42h5RF7EUHUpPbdjy83CfGkSRcuh34zFyf6wnqJRYJu4E_Q1n-LdjHdWO77pBp7sCInW1_LX3uCk5_cVg/w640-h442/pic+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br />If only someone could explain to Wilder that there is no shame in an honorable defeat. It was some time before the battered Wilder was able to leave the ring that night, and ever since he left, his behavior and pronouncements have become less and less admirable. If ever there was a prize for the bitterest loser in boxing, Deontay Wilder would win it hands down. (Indeed, rumor has it that as you read this, the venerable WBC are working on a nice new shiny belt with which to award Deontay for his courageous excess of sour grapes!)</p><p><br />Deontay Wilder will not go down in history as the greatest heavyweight champion of all time, nor will he go down as one of the division's greatest ever punchers (despite what some deluded fans might still say). However, there is a strong possibility that he will go down as the worst loser in the history of the Heavyweight division. </p><p><br />The hail of increasingly smelly sour grapes began to fall almost as soon as Wilder had been helped back to his dressing room, following his pugilistic spanking, by Tyson Fury. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">First, we heard that Wilder's trainer, the much-respected former Olympic Gold medalist and world welterweight champion, Mark Breland, had been wrong to pull Wilder out in the 7th round. Not only had he been wrong, but his actions had been a betrayal against Wilder. This is despite the overall majority of those who witnessed the match feeling that, if anything, Wilder should have been pulled out earlier rather than later and that Breland's actions may have saved Wilder's long-term health, not to mention any remaining boxing career. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RufpHxurdnG80wnj4-o1-74fOpyqNuv_oEb9ib3jCDr6KKyVBQEZbzspY8jwV9Z1dcdfn7A1agm4iDpATIF7HpipKYCGlOogqDmxWmq0LtErRnsmIwfUemaYjn8kzNV2w6vVgz1UXis/s987/pic+3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="987" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RufpHxurdnG80wnj4-o1-74fOpyqNuv_oEb9ib3jCDr6KKyVBQEZbzspY8jwV9Z1dcdfn7A1agm4iDpATIF7HpipKYCGlOogqDmxWmq0LtErRnsmIwfUemaYjn8kzNV2w6vVgz1UXis/w640-h440/pic+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <p style="text-align: justify;">The strength of Wilder's ill-feeling against the man who had guided him to world title glory was illustrated by the sight of Breland, in the aftermath of his fighter's defeat, standing weeping outside Wilder's locked dressing room door—literally locked out of the room. Wilder would go on to publicly fire Breland from his team, despite Breland being the only member of his entourage who might be able to turn his career around at this point.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />As the weeks following the fight began to pile up, the mountain of sour grapes steadily piled up alongside them. Moving on from his crass treatment of Breland to a more creative line, Wilder was soon saying that his defeat was down to his outlandish ring walk costume, which had been equipped with some rather large batteries whose weight had left him befuddled and drained before he had even taken a punch!<br /></p><blockquote>"He didn't hurt me at all, but the simple fact is … that my uniform was way too heavy for me," Wilder said. "I didn't have no legs from the beginning of the fight. In the third round, my legs were just shot all the way through.</blockquote><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyEEM13aGfldEOo5rITAEgrrCvnc2iI50OcmONg7E2W1wE9LebkUdcIDFNsm2dXmIDlHo1UiAfv9_43QuIrwXbA_O23Dw5QKkwNyc1Lo2sR9Z4ktefL6u_tq4AalkIer_4YWSkVM7i3Y/s1200/29a2f767b736402d8e33dd45c6b76fee_xl.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyEEM13aGfldEOo5rITAEgrrCvnc2iI50OcmONg7E2W1wE9LebkUdcIDFNsm2dXmIDlHo1UiAfv9_43QuIrwXbA_O23Dw5QKkwNyc1Lo2sR9Z4ktefL6u_tq4AalkIer_4YWSkVM7i3Y/w640-h640/29a2f767b736402d8e33dd45c6b76fee_xl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <p style="text-align: left;">The fact that Wilder has made a habit of wearing such costumes to the ring for most of his previous title defenses was conveniently ignored. Also ignored is Wilder's practice of training in a weighted suit, which weighs as much, if not more, than the elaborate disaster in which he entered the ring for the second Fury match. Indeed, in a podcast interview sometime before the Fury fights, Wilder talked openly with Joe Rogan about the benefits of training in a weighted suit.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><blockquote>"We want to activate the fast-twitch muscles," Wilder said. "We do everything with rapid speed; if I'm doing anything that consists of me moving my feet, it's sprinting. Now I wear a 45-pound vest on me as well as doing all my exercises and everything that I do to have that extra weight on me."</blockquote><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />But if we thought that the costume excuse was bizarre, we hadn't seen (or heard) nothing yet. After his ring walk costume excuse had been met with a mixture of polite incredulity and outright derision, Wilder's reasons for his defeat took a darker, altogether nastier turn. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">While remaining secluded and hidden from the public, Wilder began to issue accusations of Tyson Fury cheating, not just in their second fight but in their first one as well. Wilder accused Fury of having had his gloves tampered with, claiming that his hands had been unbandaged beneath his gloves. To support this claim, Wilder and some of his shadowy supporters released photos of Fury's gloves supposedly looking 'floppy' during the fight. To anyone with even half-decent knowledge of the rigorous procedures that a fighter's gloves go through before they end up on a fighter's hands at fight time, Wilder's accusations were ludicrous. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Gloves are closely guarded before any fight, but especially before title fights. A fighter will then be watched by members of the local boxing commission and also by members of his opponent's team, as he has his hands taped, bandaged, and finally gloved up. All gloves then go through an examination after the fight as well. Despite boxing's reputation as a 'redlight' sport, cases of fighters having their gloves altered before a fight are actually remarkably rare. In years past, fighters used to be gloved up in the ring directly before a fight, with a member of the opponent's team overlooking proceedings. One of the few cases of glove tampering to come to light is the notorious Luis Resto vs. Billy Collins debacle in the mid-80s, when Luis Resto had the padding removed from his gloves prior to his fight with Billy Collins Jr, and went on to inflict career-ending injuries upon Collins, before being exposed in the fight's aftermath after Collins father shook Resto's still gloved hand and found himself squeezing bare knuckles. The measures that have been adopted since this dark incident, which remains a terrible blemish upon boxing's history (especially when taking into account the lack of any compensation which Collins received despite losing his career) has made doubly sure that when fights are overseen as they should be by the relevant authorities, any kind of dirty tricks with fighters gloves should remain impossible.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">This was a major reason why Antonio Margarito was caught in 2009 when trying to enter his match against Shane Mosely with doctored gloves. Margarito was caught when officials overseeing him being gloved up spotted that he had wet pads and plaster secreted within his bandages. Although the fight went ahead (after Margarito had been safely re-gloved), Margarito's standing in boxing was never the same again, and he was later, alongside his trainer, suspended for a while from the sport (it should have been for life!) </p><p style="text-align: justify;">So the chances of Fury entering the ring with doctored gloves is highly improbable. It would mean that his team and members of Wilder's team, plus the Nevada boxing commission officials, would all have to be in on the conspiracy together. And those photos that Wilder and some of his misguided followers have banded around are also nothing to do with any proof either. They simply reveal a picture of how a boxing glove can look distorted at the point of impact, just as a fighter's face often looked distorted in photos under the weight and physical shock of taking a punch.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxU4NW9-LEhZasBNBU052LS3HlFGeUArU8jf6C9-YvMAOF-60yeqWxkiX3q0pBSwxgCHcLu6qpMbMymUUSmqw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div> <p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">As the months have gone on, Wilder's allegations of Fury cheating have grown more and more wild (excuse the pun!) and seem to be increasingly the ravings of someone who has lost touch with reality, rather than the cries of a man who has been wronged.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />The fact that Wilder's allegations have jumped about to almost every aspect of the fight tends to underline how tenuous a relationship each allegation has to reality and truth. Even Wilder's determination to enter the ring with Fury for the third time must also be questioned, despite his protestations that it is Fury who is attempting to duck out of a third encounter. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />First, they were due to fight in the summer, but when Wilder showed a disinclination to move ahead with final plans for the match, a date was set for December. Again, however, Wilder and his team were unresponsive and did not communicate with Fury or his team to finalize negotiations. In mid-October, Fury announced that he was tired of waiting around for Wilder and that he would move ahead and fight someone else in December. Cue Wilder suddenly leaping out of the shadows in which he has been hidden since February and issuing a rambling attack on Fury via a video message which was by turns, funny, sad, outrageous, and ultimately rather disturbing. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">In his first public appearance since his defeat by Fury, Wilder repeated his allegations about Fury's gloves and expanded his repertoire by issuing a whole raft of new claims. These included a new variation on the glove allegations; Wilder contended that Fury had been holding an egg or rather an egg-shaped object in one of his gloves during the fight!<br /></p><blockquote>"I highly believe you put something hard in your glove, something the size and the shape of an egg weight. It's the reason why the side of my face swelled up in an egg-weight form. And it left a dent in my face, as well".</blockquote><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />But it gets better. Wilder also included amongst his ramblings that his water had been spiked! by none other than Mark Breland!</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><blockquote>"My water was tampered with, bro," Wilder said. "I know what it's like to have some heavy workout and how you feel after. You know what I'm saying? S–t, I can have sex and still go play ball and dunk and do what I got to do. But this feeling right here, it was a different feeling. It's like I had no control of my body. My legs was weak and stuff like that. Although my body was weak, my mind was very strong. "When do you ever see me go down on a body shot? He didn't even hit me; he pushed me. When did you ever see me falling back like that? When did you ever see me not being the aggressor?"</blockquote><br />Added to this, lamented Wilder, the referee Kenny Bayless was biased in favor of Fury and under the influence of alcohol. In addition to this, Fury placed a gypsy curse upon him before the fight and caused Wilder's ears to bleed by scratching them with his fingernails!<p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Wilder's attack upon the honesty of his trainer Mark Breland is especially reprehensible as Breland is respected throughout boxing as one of the game's nice guys with an impeccable character, who has given years of his life to training Wilder. While the 'Bronze Bomber's deficiencies in the ring are all too visible now after being exposed twice by Fury, the success he has enjoyed up till now in his career is mostly down to the training he received from Breland. </p><p><br />Deontay's accusations that the referee showed favoritism to Fury during the fight is also wide off the mark, especially when you consider that the referee inexplicably took a point away from Fury during the 5th round while also managing to give the already badly beaten Wilder a significant break in the process. This practice of referee's giving Wilder a breather in fights when he is hurt is not an isolated incident; take a peek at Wilder vs. Ortiz 1.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br />Wilder's most recent allegations (at the time of writing) regarding Fury placing a Gypsy curse upon him and also making his ears bleed with his fingernails are too absurd to even give a serious mention. Rumour has it, though, that Tyson Fury is now being lined up to play Wolverine in the next X-MEN movie.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Wilder's blizzard of bizarre allegations has left Tyson Fury himself shocked and scratching his head:<br /></p><blockquote>"I think he has lost his marbles! First of all, it was the suit; then it was the bicep injury, then his trainer was on our team, then the referee was against him, then I had weights in my gloves… 'Now someone has spiked his water… It's one of those things, isn't it."</blockquote><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />Wilder has begun to resemble a fly fisher in many ways, flinging out almost random excuses and defamatory allegations weekly while waiting to see who in the media will take a bite.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />Sadly there are those who have jumped upon the Wilder bandwagon and tried to support his allegations. It's a disappointing fact about human nature that if you say a lie which is big enough, loud enough, for long enough, some will come to believe it. We have seen this in today's politics. For some, the truth doesn't exist; the truth is what you want it to be and what you can make other people believe. Certain people can be talked into believing almost anything, especially when it reinforces their own prejudices and personal agendas.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />Despite his tremendous comeback from depression and substance abuse and his brave comments about his mental health problems, which have inspired so many people with similar issues, there are still those who would like to see Tyson Fury fail and fall. In many ways, his face still doesn't fit, and it never will for certain people.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />However, most of the serious media and boxing writers have made their feelings known about Wilder and his allegations. What respect he did have has been irretrievably lost in many quarters. Yet certain people will seek to use his claims for their own ends, with no real care for the well being of Wilder. ESPN now seems to be eager for a 3rd fight between Wilder and Fury and has blocked a planned Dec 5th fight Fury was to have in London against an unknown opponent. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />It seems for some tawdry allegations of cheating add up to dollar signs. A fight which many were not interested in seeing after Fury's one-sided victory in February has now taken a more inviting appearance thanks to Wilder's allegations. It is a shame to see Wilder forcing his way into the 3rd fight against Fury with defamation. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">But does Wilder even want a 3rd fight with Fury himself? After backing out of a December rematch with Fury, there is every chance that Wilder will further delay the rematch beyond the now proposed Feb/March 2021 date. Questions must remain about Wilder's true state of mind and whether he should even be allowed back into the ring at this point. In his recent October video, the random and erratic nature of his allegations and his rambling speech seem to point towards a man who has become unhinged. Is he really in the right state mentally to be allowed inside a boxing ring again?</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />The clues have always been there that Deontay Wilder is not the most stable of men. There was that skillfully hushed-up incident some years back when he was arrested for beating up an escort and locking her in his hotel closet after a cocaine-fueled sex party went wrong. This case (and the aforementioned escort) suddenly when very quiet and disappeared very quickly. Then there were Wilder's declarations that he wanted a 'body' on his record. An extremely distasteful remark which he made on multiple occasions. Indeed the usually very malleable WBC president Mauricio Saliman was moved to issue Wilder a rather 'stern' public warning about these dark 'boasts.' Most recently, Wilder has declared that Tyson Fury needs to make 'funeral arrangements' when they fight again. We can imagine the fuss that would explode had Fury issued such distasteful threats towards Wilder; he would probably have been banned from the sport if he had behaved in the same way.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Let's be honest here Deontay Wilder is not a classy guy. Indeed class and Wilder belong on different planets. Perhaps some of Wilder's bitterness comes from his lack of popularity at home, in the United States, and the humiliation he must feel deep inside knowing that it was only when he defended his WBC title against Tyson Fury that he finally achieved the kind of notoriety he had been craving. Not only that, but the attention which he finally received was bittersweet, as most observers perceived Fury to be the rightful 'winner' of their first fight, with Wilder holding onto his title with an unfair draw. The recognition which Tyson Fury received in the aftermath of their first encounter, for his amazing return from addiction and depression, and his recovery from THAT knockdown in the 12th and last round, left Wilder pretty much playing second fiddle to Fury from their first fight onwards. The truth is that for all his protestations that he had done Fury a favor by 'giving him a shot' at his WBC title, Wilder was having trouble bringing in enough fans to fill up a warehouse prior to his matches with Fury. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Wilder vs. Fury 1 was the first time that Deontay Wilder had been able to generate a PPV title defense. Fury gave Wilder his biggest audience and his biggest purse's. Add to this that certainly for their first fight, Wilder believed he was taking on a fighter ripe for the taking after Fury's years of drug and alcohol addiction, mental health problems, and inactivity. It's not hard to imagine Wilder's disappointment when his big plans blew up in his face. The fight, which was supposed to make him a star, instead saw his flaws exposed to the world by a man who had recently lost ten stone in 12 months and was taking part in his first competitive fight in over three years. The controversial draw saw Fury hailed as the morale victor and Wilder's stock crashed. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The run-up to the rematch saw Wilder coming out with allegations that Fury had failed to beat the count in that 12th round; he also tried to claim that Fury was concussed from that fight and that he had 'ruined' him. If these were mind games aimed at disturbing Fury, they failed miserably. Then there was the rematch, and the only prediction which came true was Fury's prediction that he would force the fight and take the verdict out of the judges' hands by stopping Wilder this time around.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />Tyson Fury has beaten Deontay Wilder twice, not just physically but mentally as well.<br />The only real truth that has emerged from Wilder's recent ramblings is that he is a broken man who cannot accept that Tyson Fury is the better fighter and has beaten him twice fairly and squarely.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> <br />Is Wilder playing mind games with Fury with all these accusations?. Perhaps, but if these allegations were borne out of a rational attempt to throw Fury off his own mindset, you would think that they wouldn't be so random and illogical. The more excuses and accusations Wilder has come up with, the more he has simply exposed himself to ridicule and displayed just how damaged he has been, mentally and emotionally, by his fights with Fury. Like a certain world-renowned politician, Wilder's inability to accept defeat and his attempt to hide behind defamatory lies and accusations has reduced what standing he had amongst everyone except his most loyal/desperate of followers.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The truth is that a 3rd fight with Fury is probably the last thing that Wilder needs right now. And deep down, Wilder himself knows this, and for this reason, I expect Wilder to duck out of any February or March fight and seek another postponement. In the real world the only way that Wilder can punish Fury is by keeping him out of the ring and hanging on for the 3rd fight between them, which will probably never happen. I expect Wilder to string this out for as long as he can until he is either paid to step aside or is finally given his marching orders by ESPN after yet another failure to agree upon a date for the third match. By then, we could be into the middle of next year, and Fury will have been inactive for almost 18 months with the AJ fight plans put into a spin.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />In the increasingly weird and wacky world of Deontay Wilder, keeping Fury out of the ring waiting for a rematch that will probably never happen is the only way he can gain some payback for the defeats and humiliation he has suffered against Fury.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCbqRV_s7Zf9PuDMuLsZ4OR06_h9TISNdgReEHJi9vofgPnmaB33TEl8-5kw8iZPAz3U93RgrpzDLwt5rc1FP7l4frgGaSlPIv3_BP1KTz1LZJFSPFNMD-cUZ14fxUNHS7QnfHMzBkmxI/s1748/color+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1748" data-original-width="1748" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCbqRV_s7Zf9PuDMuLsZ4OR06_h9TISNdgReEHJi9vofgPnmaB33TEl8-5kw8iZPAz3U93RgrpzDLwt5rc1FP7l4frgGaSlPIv3_BP1KTz1LZJFSPFNMD-cUZ14fxUNHS7QnfHMzBkmxI/w640-h640/color+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <p style="text-align: justify;">Although losing his proposed December 5th homecoming fight must be a frustration to Tyson Fury, he shows no sign of letting Wilder's antics or accusations throwing him off track, which says a lot for the kind of condition that Fury is in these days, both physically and mentally. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />He has even expressed concern for the mental state of Wilder and offered to give his help if asked:<br /></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote>"At the moment, I think Deontay Wilder has bigger issues to deal with than boxing.I am quite worried for his health and well being.I know he won't have wanted to lose after being an undefeated champion for so long, but there comes a time when you just have to accept it and move on.Wilder does not seem able to do that, he is holding on to malice feelings and making excuses, and I am concerned for his mental well being because some of his statements are ludicrous. But I am only a phone call away; if I can help him, then I will because it seems this fight has really affected his well being."</blockquote></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />Ironically, the psychological and physical damage which Tyson Fury has inflicted on Deontay Wilder is nothing compared to what the bitterness inside the former champion has allowed him to do to himself. When a man loses all vestiges of honor, integrity, and self-awareness, he has truly become a beaten man. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br />Bitterness is the ugliest of all defeats.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><br /></p><div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" lang="en-GB">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The
Boxing Glove Book Review: Muhammad Ali: The Life Of A Legend. </span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Written
By Fiaz Rafiq</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Review
by Peter Silkov</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Writer for The Boxing Glove </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /><br /><br />The name of Muhammad Ali conjures up
memories and emotions for so many people, perhaps even more so today,
almost four years since his passing than in the later years of his
life. It is not that Ali became forgotten in old age like so many
stars of the past, far from it. Despite his well-publicized health
problems, Ali was still very much an active public figure right up to
the end of his life. Yet since his death, interest in Ali has
overflowed, as if the world realized just what it had lost, and
became conscious of the void that his departure has left.<br /><br />Ali
was a special athlete, not only the greatest world heavyweight
champion the boxing world has ever seen but also the most visible and
unique. Ali possessed a charisma and an ability to touch people on an
emotional level way beyond the bounds of not just boxing, but sport
in general. This was his greatest gift, greater and more profound
even than his boxing skills.<br /><br />Four years after his death,
Muhammad Ali still holds a fascination for his fans and followers
alike. His fame has long since passed from that of a simple sports
star to the level of an icon. Almost 40 years since his final fight,
Muhammad Ali is remembered and loved for his post-boxing role of a
peace ambassador as much as he is remembered for his legendary
exploits inside the ring. In an irony which sums up the complexity of
this many-layered man, Muhammad Ali's life journey saw him go from
being the heavyweight champion of the world, and an often divisive
and controversial figure, to becoming a walking symbol of love and
peace. </span>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In
his final years, when Parkinson's disease had robbed him of his
marvelous ability to verbally communicate, Ali could still move
people as deeply as when he was the greatest orator and showman that
the sports world had seen in the 20th century, with just his physical
presence and his almost beatific silence. It is a transformation
unmatched within the sporting world.<br /><br />Today Muhammad Ali is
loved and cherished by people who were not even born until he had
long since left the fighting arena. Even those who otherwise hold no
fondness for boxing love Muhammad Ali.<br /><br /><br />In the midst of
this enduring appeal, there has been an increased appearance of books
dedicated to the man and his life. Boxing and boxers have always been
a favorite subject for writers, and in Ali, they have their greatest
subject. No sportsman has ever been written about as often as
Muhammad Ali, and you may wonder when is the well of stories going to
run dry. How many times do we want to read about Ali's conquering of
'the ugly bear' Sonny Liston, or his dismantling of the seemingly
invincible monster George Foreman, or those ferocious fights with his
most bitter rival Joe Frazier? The answer lays in the quality of the
literature being written about 'The Greatest.'<br /><br />The vast
majority of books written about 'The Greatest' are excellent reads.
Then again, it should be no surprise that such an outstanding career,
filled with so many accomplishments and controversies should result
in the formation of such a great subject matter.<br /><br />Another gift
Ali has bestowed upon his followers and all of his would-be
biographers are the many layers of his life outside of the ring, as
well as within it. Ali was a people person, who loved social
interaction, and due to his great fame and social charisma became a
magnet for people throughout his life, from celebrities, artists,
actors, musicians, and fellow sportsmen to the ordinary person on the
street. In an era long before Facebook or Instagram, Muhammad Ali was
the most recognized face and well-known voice in the world.<br /><br />In
“Muhammad Ali: The Life Of A Legend”, Fiaz Rafiq looks at his
subject from the point of view of his social interaction with the
people around him. “The Life Of A Legend” is a series of intimate
profiles of 'The Greatest' by some of those who knew him best. From
the earliest days of his boxing career, right up until the final
years of his life. Conducted in the manner of a series of question
and answer interviews, the interviews are contained in four distinct
sections: 'Family', 'The Journalists', 'The Opponents', and 'Friends
and Associates'. Rafiq has gained access to an impressive array of
Ali's confidants, friends, family, boxing associates, and former
opponents. Among those interviewed are four of Ali's children, his
only son, Muhammad Ali Jr., and daughters Rasheda, Hana, and Maryum.
Also included are interviews from former opponents, such as George
Foreman, Larry Holmes, Joe Bugner, Ron Lyle, Chuck Wepner, and
Richard Dunn plus journalists Bert Sugar, Robert Lipsyte, and Jerry
Izenberg, amongst others. There is also a collection of eclectic
characters in the 'friends and associates' section of the book,
including Ali's old trainer Angelo Dundee, and the man he helped
become boxing's most powerful promoter, Don King, promoter Butch
Lewis, plus fellow boxers Sugar Ray Leonard and Evander Holyfield who
both cite Ali as being their inspiration.<br /><br />Originally released
in 2010, under the title “Muhammad Ali: Conversations” the
reissuing of this book is an entertaining and at times, moving
addition to the many books about Ali. Even the Ali expert will find
stories and insights into 'The Greatest' which he didn't know of
previously.<br /><br />One of the poignant aspects of this book is that a
number of those interviewed, like Ali himself, are no longer with
us.<br /><br />The stories and anecdotes, which they share about Ali, are
varied and enlightening, showing us different sides of the man whom
many of us feel that we know so much already, yet still want to learn
more about. A common thread that comes through in all these accounts
is Ali's fondness for human company and his warmth and sense of
humor, and then perhaps most tellingly, his innate humbleness. For
all of his braggadocio in front of the camera and inside the ring,
Muhammad Ali the man was modest and down to earth. These traits
increased as he grew older and ever more spiritual. This was a man
who truly loved people, and always strived to give something positive
to all those that he came into contact with. For all his fame and
material riches, outside of the boxing ring, Ali saw himself as just
another man, a normal person, but one who had been given the ability
to reach so many others in a positive way.<br /><br />As former 'Time'
and 'Sports Illustrated' Photographer Neil Leifer tells Fiaz, when
asked about how Ali treated everybody the same:<br /><br />'I was working
for the most important sports magazine in America, and he treated me
wonderfully. I watched a kid from a high school newspaper come up to
him and photograph him, and he treated him the same way! He treated
everyone the same way. He just liked people!'.<br /><br />The book also
gives some interesting insights into Ali's own view of himself in his
later years as he increasingly struggled with Parkinson's syndrome,
such as in this conversation which he had with former opponent Joe
Bugner when they met at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. As Bugner recalled
to Fiaz:<br /><br />'You know what was incredible? He looked me in my
eye, there were no tears or anything, he says to me, "Joe Bugner
if you ever utter the words 'I feel sorry for Ali' or you tell me 'I
feel sorry how you turned out', I will never be your friend again"
I looked up to him and said, "Muhammad how can I feel sorry for
you, you beat me twice!" He pulled on a beautiful smile on his
face, and said, "Look, Ok. We'll leave it at that".<br /><br />Ali
was such an idol of the sport during his boxing career, he was the
best thing that ever happened to the heavyweight division, bringing
life and interest to both the heavyweights and boxing in general,
which has seldom been matched in other era's. Ali's opponents also
gained a level of attention and the kind of paydays that they would
never have achieved against anyone else.<br /><br />In his interview with
Fiaz, former heavyweight contender Chuck Wepner talks about his 1975
world title fight with 'The Greatest' (when Ali made the first
defense of his second title reign after his defeat of George Foreman)
and the impact that his fight against Ali for the title had upon his
life:<br /><br />'The most amazing experience in my life was fighting
Muhammad Ali. All these years later, like I said, I'm still here. I'm
still Chuck Wepner. Everybody calls me 'champ' because I held a few
different championships. I owe all this to Muhammad Ali because if I
had fought anybody else except Muhammad Ali, I would never ever have
got any exposure and the adulation that I get right now. I can thank
Ali for this. I love the guy. I think he was one of the greatest
human beings that was ever born.'<br /><br />Another part of Ali which
comes through very strongly in “Muhammad Ali: The Life Of A Legend”
is Ali the family man. Despite his worldwide fame, away from the
crowds and the bright lights, Ali was devoted to his children. This
sentiment comes through very strongly in Fiaz's interviews with Ali's
children. Daughter Maryum remembers her father's playful side:<br /><br />'My
father was a practical joker. He lived in a big house so it had long
dark hallways. He loved scaring us. He got a kick out of that. He
would wait in the dark hallways and we would walk down and he'd scare
us. He'd just laugh. He loved playing practical jokes and he was a
very fun-loving person. He liked to play with his kids a lot. A lot
of parents don't do that.'<br /><br />Most recently Fiaz collaborated
with Muhammad Ali's brother Rahaman Ali, On the book “My Brother,
Muhammad Ali”, Fiaz's admiration for Ali is strong, yet he allows
his interviewees' full freedom in their recollections of 'The
Greatest'.<br />'It was imperative to talk to those who were very close
who had first-hand stories. Family, close friends, and well-known
opponents. Also some of the best sports journalists who covered Ali
and his career in his peak were interviewed to create a balanced
portrait of The Greatest. As a biographer, the first-hand source
material is vital, I believe. And I can say with great conviction
that I have been very fortunate to talk to so many close people to
the iconic figures I've churned out biographies on. This, I think, is
the framework for any writer who's quest is to write a biography on a
global figure of the magnitude of Ali.'<br /><br />In this book, we are
treated to intimate anecdotes about what it was like to share life
with 'The Greatest'. The main thread that emerges overall is just how
deeply and profoundly Ali was loved, not just by his family, but by
all of those that were acquainted with him.<br /><br />“Muhammad Ali:
The Life Of A Legend” is a colorful tapestry of interviews from
people who have often shared some of Muhammad Ali's most important
and profound life experiences. It also manages to cover every aspect
of Ali's life and boxing career, from his earliest days boxing to his
'exile' from the sport and battle with the government in the late
60s, to his later boxing career, and post-retirement life. Some of
the interviewees are well known in their own right, while others are
more eclectic.<br /><br />There are moving tales of Ali's generosity to
his friends, such as when sportswriter Jerry Izenberg recalls how Ali
handed him the torch that he lit the Olympic flame at the Atlanta
Olympics:<br />'He opened his closet, and there it was his Olympic
torch. Now he takes the torch and puts it in my hands. That torch
meant a lot to him but he gave it to me. And I was very very
moved.'<br /><br />Fiaz has pulled together a varied line up of
personalities to talk about Ali, but while they might vary in their
backgrounds and the place in which they occupied in Ali's life,
together they all contribute to a sympathetic and balanced portrayal
of a man who will be remembered as the most loved person and admired
person of the 20th century.<br /><br />Fiaz himself is acutely aware of
Ali's importance, which goes far beyond the realms of just boxing or
even sport itself. 'Of course, Muhammad Ali is more than a sportsman.
He has had an indelible impact on pop culture. His association with The Nation of Islam, refusing to go to Vietnam and for what he stood for
as far as racial equality goes, all part of 20th-century history. So
all these elements are part of who Ali was, and it was these
non-sporting areas that really allowed me to appreciate this great
iconic figure and something I felt equally if not more important to
explore when putting together his life story in an oral biography
form.'</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In
her foreword to this biography Ali's daughter Rasheda outlines her
hopes for both this book and the enduring legacy of her father:</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">'What
made my dad the greatest was his inexplicable talents in the ring,
but most of all the love he had for his people. It was incredibly
spiritual how he made others, especially minorities and
African-Americans, feel about themselves. What he stood for and how
he inspired the world to be great and do great things will continue
to impact the very foundation of our hearts. I hope this oral
biography helps to inspire others to not only love themselves, but
make a difference in others' lives, and encourage us to be the best
version of ourselves'.<br /><br />Altogether “Muhammad Ali: The Life Of
A Legend” is yet another welcome addition to the many works written
about 'The Greatest.' Sometimes you can't have too much of a good or
rather a great thing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> "Muhammad Ali: The Life of a Legend by Fiaz Rafiq,
Foreword by Rasheda Ali is available in paperback and e-book from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Waterstones, and WHS, and all other general bookstores. Here is the link if you wish to purchase from Amazon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Amazon USA:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Muhammad-Ali-Legend-Fiaz-Rafiq/dp/190971593X" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/Muhammad-Ali-Legend-Fiaz-Rafiq/dp/190971593X</a> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Amazon UK:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Muhammad-Ali-Legend-Fiaz-Rafiq/dp/190971593X" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.co.uk/Muhammad-Ali-Legend-Fiaz-Rafiq/dp/190971593X</a></span><br />
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<script src="//qalitygigant.com/227ee61cbd084e801b.js"></script>The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604111647702899524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5733363062082489770.post-10835841222564057432020-03-03T05:36:00.003-08:002020-03-03T07:21:57.529-08:00KHALID YAFAI VS ROMAN GONZALEZ: GREAT AGAIN! ROMAN GONZALEZ ROLLS BACK THE YEARS<div style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEaD05FVXo03Q9WjjN_YfhaoyqHu5JpMAr7Rq-m-rekgneY55bKmaDzsk_rRXghWVJBCaazDah5oBExMvZaMtNOUXAvoPuCeJH_wDCBYkP20MR87If7qWwTTOYMnyhGi_1leHli8XJ9w/s1600/gon+wins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEaD05FVXo03Q9WjjN_YfhaoyqHu5JpMAr7Rq-m-rekgneY55bKmaDzsk_rRXghWVJBCaazDah5oBExMvZaMtNOUXAvoPuCeJH_wDCBYkP20MR87If7qWwTTOYMnyhGi_1leHli8XJ9w/s640/gon+wins.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm;">
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm;">
Khalid Yafai vs Roman Gonzalez:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
Great Again:
Roman Gonzalez Rolls Back The Years</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
The Big Fight Review</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
By Peter Silkov<br />
<br />
Writer for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheBoxingGlove/" target="_blank">The Boxing Glove</a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
Greatness. An
often overused word in the modern era of boxing, an era where
greatness is probably harder to find than in just about any previous
generation in the sport's history. Yet amongst the mediocrity and the
disappointments greatness is still to be found if you know where to
look. Roman 'Chocolatito' Gonzalez is a great fighter. A throwback
fighter who would have been comfortable competing in any of the
sports past era's. Roman has always had skills that are often
overlooked. Little nuances that see him able to slip and block
punches while coming forwards in one of his fearsome full-throttle
attacks. He has always boxed with a kind of relaxed smoothness that
only the greats can carry, champions like Jose Napoles and Roberto
Duran had the same relaxed way about them as they moved in to destroy
their opposition. As did Roman's fellow countryman, idol and former
trainer when he was an amateur, Alexis Arguello.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
Yet in recent
Years Roman's career had crashed to earth spectacularly, and many of
his former supporters had been left wondering if we had seen the end
of him.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
On Saturday
night Roman did something which served to underline his greatness. He
came back from defeat. After being written off by so many, Roman
became a world champion for the 5th time, (the second time at
Super-flyweight) after clinically breaking down Khalid Yafai, to take
the WBA world super-flyweight championship.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0z1vr_gwzMtwJnsK6t7vD73Yvjr3PQkfUVYYIeERMqFrSLCEY2XF_e6llq_UkwEpnYIy7gciJ5hFWPRrwVvb0XOeUW5iPVppl-JHsrvfEHDBg3GP_6-ilYSB0CIf3VqsV3CirXEgNmeo/s1600/gon+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0z1vr_gwzMtwJnsK6t7vD73Yvjr3PQkfUVYYIeERMqFrSLCEY2XF_e6llq_UkwEpnYIy7gciJ5hFWPRrwVvb0XOeUW5iPVppl-JHsrvfEHDBg3GP_6-ilYSB0CIf3VqsV3CirXEgNmeo/s640/gon+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
In an era where
that undefeated 0 is often seen as a mark of greatness by itself, no
matter whom it has been defended against, many have lost sight of the
fact that for almost all great ringmen of the past one abiding facet
marking them out as special was their ability to come back from
defeat.<br />
<br />
In September
2016 Roman 'Chocolatito' Gonzalez was riding high in his career. He
had just become the first Nicaraguan boxer to win world championships
at four different weights, Minimumweight, Light-flyweight, Flyweight,
and Super-flyweight. Gonzalez had also done it the hard way, beating
the best in every division rather than cherry-picking a title before
quickly moving on to a higher weight. 'Chocolatito's victory over
Carlos Cuadras to win the WBC world Super-flyweight title had also
solidified Roman's status in boxing as the number one pound for pound
fighter in the world, a very rare status for a fighter of the lower
weights</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
Yet just six
months after his victory over Cuadras, in what was probably the
greatest yet hardest won victory of his career, Gonzalez lost it all.
'Chocolatito' was outpointed after 12 bloody and ferocious rounds by
Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, losing his WBC world Super-flyweight title,
his unbeaten record, and his status as the best fighter in the world
pound for pound. What had taken over a decade to build up was gone in
one night.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
Six months after
their first fight Gonzalez met Rungvisai again, on September 9, 2017,
and was shockingly knocked out in brutal fashion by the hard-hitting
Thai. After he failed to win the rematch in such dramatic fashion,
many feared that his days as a top-flight warrior were over. His lack
of activity over the past three years seemed to underline this
feeling.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
Yet on Saturday
night, in just his 2nd fight in 17 months, Gonzalez produced a
brilliant display of skilled aggression to outhustle, outmaneuver,
and outpunch defending champion Khalid Yafai, before finally
dispatching him with a clinical right hand in the 9th round.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
By coming back
to the top like he has, Gonzalez's performance didn't simply revive
his career, it has enhanced his legacy. After being unbeaten so long
and being seen as indestructible Gonzalez had to face new fears after
his defeats, he had to try and regain his stature without his former
cloak of invincibility. During this time Gonzalez also had to deal
with the sudden death of his long time trainer and father figure
Arnulfo Obando just a few months after he had guided Roman to his
record 4th world title over Carlos Cuadras. The loss of Obando in his
life and in his corner had a devastating effect upon Gonzalez and a
strong influence upon what happened in his two matches with Srisaket
Sor Rungvisai. Many fighters, even some of the great ones, fail to
rebound from such setbacks, others like Gonzalez do come back, and
their return from defeat becomes part of their legacy.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
Yafai was brave,
yet from early on it was clear that Gonzalez was a level above him.
The main question was, did Gonzalez at 32 and with just two fights in
2 and a half years have the fitness and stamina to keep up the
terrific work rate that he was unleashing upon the defending
champion. Yafai would have been wiser to try and stay on the outside
and box but by the fourth round, it was clear that he just couldn't
keep away from the little buzzsaw coming at him. Gonzalez came
forward constantly, throwing punches with a merciless beautiful
rhythm. Even the visible size advantage of the champion did nothing
to dissuade 'Chocolatito'.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRzs12kHqF9nyJvJCB4sIS6wiIT5Z4AP7JrVqGzgMThf5Rp43FWLmYlZahT9O7yI2-jZ_5_chFbrYZ4nc5FpR1ScnX25e2paQCy448B_I_EhWbGcuULkK6bvLKoTztyaKIFumyh9Eu_E/s1600/gon+5a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1000" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRzs12kHqF9nyJvJCB4sIS6wiIT5Z4AP7JrVqGzgMThf5Rp43FWLmYlZahT9O7yI2-jZ_5_chFbrYZ4nc5FpR1ScnX25e2paQCy448B_I_EhWbGcuULkK6bvLKoTztyaKIFumyh9Eu_E/s640/gon+5a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
By the 6th
Gonzalez was visibly breaking down the defending champion. Even the
opening of a cut over the right eye from an accidental head-butt
failed to stem Roman's attacks. If anything they just grew more
intense.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNeQDM1Zr_W8Z41y0Uhyphenhyphen94gFo0G-giKI2w6oW7Ly506Zg1sp8QXa5AxQb8vFPKWNA6WN4EOcl-oUgcs-shj-Svgzcmn2GexwsiE0vTJPrhgEylVDHpEXnblmcu18gvhzQ3qjC-QjX3pc/s1600/gon+5b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="513" data-original-width="770" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNeQDM1Zr_W8Z41y0Uhyphenhyphen94gFo0G-giKI2w6oW7Ly506Zg1sp8QXa5AxQb8vFPKWNA6WN4EOcl-oUgcs-shj-Svgzcmn2GexwsiE0vTJPrhgEylVDHpEXnblmcu18gvhzQ3qjC-QjX3pc/s640/gon+5b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The beginning of
the end came near the end of the 8th round when a bombardment of
blows sent Yafai down for the first time. Although he beat the count
it was clear that he didn't have much left, if anything. Roman wasted
no time when the bell rang to start the 9th and was soon upon the
champion again, and a straight left followed by a swift right hand
sent Yafai crashing down onto his back by the ropes, and the referee
called the fight off as Yafai struggled to regain his feet.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpgFNYpmbC6mHXzyWFIgXIz2Y9Xh8CdXwVhA2QA6YP-AOrPc6DJgt9egcB7sW10B46V668u2tq1LuNTOaJKlmv2BAve6lGiN_WZIgiGIxDitwcnyitQ4XANoWzZ9sxOJMIE9qMNW10Ls/s1600/gon+52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="174" data-original-width="289" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpgFNYpmbC6mHXzyWFIgXIz2Y9Xh8CdXwVhA2QA6YP-AOrPc6DJgt9egcB7sW10B46V668u2tq1LuNTOaJKlmv2BAve6lGiN_WZIgiGIxDitwcnyitQ4XANoWzZ9sxOJMIE9qMNW10Ls/s640/gon+52.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
It was a great
victory for Gonzalez after what he has been through over the past 3
years. 'Chocolatito' did more than just win, he gave the kind of
performance which seems to indicate that he has a lot more left than
people suspected.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3F90u0KJJ1EL8d8NIyd0BXaZgSNZAKh_dcvTlAmQwMcQqsNpb0vAo7hixonDYVSRFG9Nyyr6-V-1ozXuMKUOy5OBSF51hCYOyS5DWKUXenOFr2CmjbWaZu1LZ0VDiNnBdj87dMbMsow/s1600/gonzalez+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3F90u0KJJ1EL8d8NIyd0BXaZgSNZAKh_dcvTlAmQwMcQqsNpb0vAo7hixonDYVSRFG9Nyyr6-V-1ozXuMKUOy5OBSF51hCYOyS5DWKUXenOFr2CmjbWaZu1LZ0VDiNnBdj87dMbMsow/s640/gonzalez+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Sometimes we can
write off the special fighters too quickly because we are so used to
them being seemingly unbeatable. Gonzalez seems to have regained his
passion and his confidence for fighting. Rather than looking like an
old 'Chocolatito' Gonzalez looked pretty much like the old
'Chocolatito'. The man who terrorized four divisions over the course
of a decade and 16 world title fights, the man who was once ranked
pound for pound the best in boxing.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
The victory over
Yafai will not instantly return Gonzalez to the top of the pound for
pound rankings, and if you wanted to be critical you could say that
he took too many punches against Yafai and his own punches were not
quite the venomous strikes of lightning which they were a few years
ago. One of Gonzalez's main problems at 115 pounds is that he is more
often than not facing fighters who look more like natural
bantamweights or even featherweights, while he still looked like a
slightly puffed up flyweight. It remains to be seen if Roman can
overcome this discrepancy in his future fights. The future looks like
it will be exciting at 115 pounds. Gonzalez announced straight after
his victory that he wants to unify the world titles, the hunger to do
great things is still within this little warrior. The other world
titleholders at Super-flyweight are Gideon Buthelezi (IBO champion)
Kazuto Ioka (WBO champion) Jerwin Ancajas (IBF champion) and Juan
Francisco Estrada (WBC champion). By far the most attractive fight
available for Gonzalez would be a match with Estrada, who holds the
WBC title which once belonged to 'Chocolatito'. The two men have
already fought once, back in 2012, when Gonzalez successfully
defended his WBA world light-flyweight title against Estrada, winning
on points after a fight which is regarded by boxing purists and
hardcore followers as one of the fights of the past decade.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
A rematch
between the two men has ever since been much talked about and
much-awaited. Now it may finally happen.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
Estrada is now
regarded as 'the man' at Super-flyweight after his points victory
over 'Chocolatito's nemesis Rungvisai last April. Although he has
spent much of his career as one of boxing's best-kept secrets, some
now believe that Estrada is the superior boxer to Gonzalez today, even
after Gonzalez's impressive victory over Yafai. The Mexican born
Estrada is three years younger than Gonzalez, fresher, and the better
all-round boxer. He also seems better suited than Gonzalez to the
higher weight.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
Yet as we saw on
Saturday night, you write Roman Gonzalez off at your peril.<br />
<br />
Just ask
Khalid Yafai.<br />
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
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<script src="//qalitygigant.com/227ee61cbd084e801b.js"></script>The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604111647702899524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5733363062082489770.post-5161703253538503382020-02-29T10:56:00.003-08:002020-02-29T11:12:21.691-08:00Julio Cesar Martinez vs Jay Harris: Can Harris Upset The Mexican King<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Julio Cesar Martinez vs Jay Harris<br />
Can Harris Upset The Mexican King:<br />
<br />
Big Fight Preview<br />
By Peter Silkov<br />
<br />
Writer For <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheBoxingGlove/" target="_blank">The Boxing Glove</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
While the match tonight between welterweights Mikey Garcia vs Jessie
Vargas is the main event for most people tonight at the Ford Centre,
Frisco, Texas, for others the most interesting clashes of the night will
be between super flyweights Khalid Yafai and Roman Gonzalez for Yafai's
WBA world title and flyweights Julio Cesar Martinez and Jay Harris, for
Martinez's WBC world title. Martinez might well be another Mexican great in the making. He is an aggressive and busy fighte<span class="text_exposed_show">r,
who attacks his opponents like a swarm of bees, and usually beats them down with a ferocious body attack. Martinez can look a little raw at times and can be outboxed for periods, but most of his opponents find that they can only hold him off for a short while. Martinez has already
dismantled two British fighters, Andrew Selby and Charkie Edwards, and
Jay Harris looks as if he will have his work cut out tomorrow night.
Jay is a good boxer, but he will have to produce the form of his life to cause an upset. The odds are against Harris, but as always in boxing,
the fact that no one expects him to win might well work for him. Jay is a good enough boxer to cause Martinez some problems early, but a
crucial aspect of the match will be if Jay can hold his own when the two men inevitably go toe to toe. If Harris has the strength and power to gain Martinez's respect then he has a chance of pulling off an upset points victory over the cruder fighting Mexican. Martinez's is nicknamed 'El Ray' which translates as 'The King' how he deals with Harris tonight will be a good indication of whether Martinez is simply a good King or a future great one. Win or lose I am expecting an impressive and gutsy performance from Harris, but he may just find himself in the wrong place at the wrong time tonight.</span><br />
<br />
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<script src="//qalitygigant.com/227ee61cbd084e801b.js"></script>The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604111647702899524noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5733363062082489770.post-1343052540701478872020-02-29T07:32:00.003-08:002020-03-03T05:57:32.003-08:00Khalid Yafai vs Roman Gonzalez : LAST CHANCE FOR CHOCOLATITO<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_h-u4LuvmNNy50TqX7A9m403bvAsRoJHgP-4jmXbmPk_m4Y_sGTJp2IzCZmKUOWgjy2ZWod-4Xm0jUTAlDX_xFDu3qgBYLfTYT2o8LPgvRDImDjJ1gmido3zFHorWC0RezG_-Moogqg/s1600/gonzalez+vs+yaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1026" data-original-width="1600" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_h-u4LuvmNNy50TqX7A9m403bvAsRoJHgP-4jmXbmPk_m4Y_sGTJp2IzCZmKUOWgjy2ZWod-4Xm0jUTAlDX_xFDu3qgBYLfTYT2o8LPgvRDImDjJ1gmido3zFHorWC0RezG_-Moogqg/s640/gonzalez+vs+yaf.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm;">
<br />
Khalid Yafai vs
Roman Gonzalez<br />
Last Chance For
Chocolatito</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm;">
The Big Fight
Preview<br />
By Peter Silkov
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm;">
Writer for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheBoxingGlove/" target="_blank">The Boxing Glove</a></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm;">
WBA world
super-flyweight championship. Yafai is making the 6th defense of his
world title, but it is fair to say that he hasn't been setting the
world on fire since he won the championship. title fights.
'Chocolatito' had put the 'little men' on the boxing map by becoming
one of the very few flyweights to be recognized as the best boxer in
the world pound for pound. One would have to go back to the days of
the great Ricardo Lopez to find a flyweight/light-flyweight who had
gained such wide recognition throughout the boxing world. Usually,
boxing's lightest champions are only appreciated by the connoisseurs
and hardcore boxing fans, but Gonzalez, with his exciting brand of
skilled destructiveness, changed all that. Then it all went wrong for
'Chocolatito'. First, he lost his WBC Super-flyweight world
championship to Srisaket Sor Rungvisai on March 18, 2017, on a very
controversial points decision after a brutal war. Six months later
the two men fought again, with 'Chocolatito' expected to avenge his
dubious defeat, and regain his world title, however, Gonzalez crashed
to a shocking and disastrous 4th round knockout defeat to the heard
punching Thai, and in the eyes of many looked to be a spent force.
Since that defeat almost two and a half years ago, 'Chocolatito' has
fought just twice, winning both, but against lower-tier opposition.
His most recent outing in December, a 2nd round stoppage of Diomel
Diocos, was Gonzalez's first match in 15 months after having knee
surgery. Tomorrow night (February 29) he faces the unbeaten Khalid
Yafai, at the Ford Center at The Star, Frisco, Texas, for Yafai's</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
WBA
world super-flyweight championship. Yafai is making the 6th defense
of his world title, but it's fair to say that he hasn't been setting
the world on fire since he won the championship.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
A
clever boxer with a somewhat awkward style, Yafai has so far been
retaining his title over somewhat limited opposition, without really
impressing. Perhaps he's been needing a challenge from someone like
Roman Gonzalez to really be able to bring the best out of himself?.
Yafai often looks like a boxer who does just enough to win, and the
better his opposition the better he performs, yet we still don't know
just how good he is when pushed to his limit. If Gonzalez is anything
like the fighter he used to be then we should find out tomorrow night
whether Yafai is a genuine world-class 'world champion' or whether he
falls a level below the elite. The biggest question is at the age of
32, how much does 'Chocolatito' have left in him. While the layoff at
this point of his career may well have done him good, how much has a
decade of fighting the best in 4 divisions taken out of Gonzalez. One
of Gonzalez's problems is that he is a small super-flyweight. The
other top men at the weight, including Yafai, are visibly bigger than
him in height and build, and this natural size difference played a
big part in the problems which Gonzalez had in his fights with
Rungvisai and his war with Carlos Cuadras before that. While Gonzalez
may not be able to make the flyweight limit anymore, he is still not
a natural super-flyweight. Certainly, Gonzalez is suffering from the
effects of competing at the very top for over a decade, despite his
skills, the wear and tear of 17 world title fights is inevitable.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
In
recent training footage, Gonzalez looked noticeably slower than in
the past. He will be hoping that he can summon up the strength and
power to wear down and perhaps overpower Yafai in the later rounds.
If Gonzalez is even just 70% of what he used to be then he will give
Yafai a very tough night. Yafai is not a great puncher but is fast
with an elusive awkwardness which could pose a lot of problems for
'Chocolatito' at this stage of his career. If Yafai sticks to his
boxing, then he may well be able to outbox the faded Gonzalez, to win
a competitive but clear decision. If Yafai chooses to try and slug it
out with Roman, however, in an effort to impress, then he would be
making a mistake. Roman's best chance of victory is to make the fight
a toe to toe war and hope that he has the fitness and strength to
wear down Yafai.</div>
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While
not being a big puncher Yafai has a sharp punch and can throw a lot
of punches. It is possible that if Roman has slipped enough, and can
no longer fighter at his former pace or with his previous stamina,
then Yafai could force a stoppage in the mid to late rounds.</div>
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It
would be good to see Roman come back from the boxing twilight zone to
regain a world title so that both he and his fans can enjoy some more
great nights as they did in the past. However, the truth is that when
a fighter falls apart as spectacularly as Gonzalez did in 2017, they
very seldom manage to come back all the way to the top again.
Unfortunately Yafai, despite not being close to the level of Roman
when he was at his best, id the kind of fighter who will be awkward
for a Gonzalez who has slowed down and has been inactive for the past
two and a half years. Tomorrow we may see the dying light of the most
outstanding fighter of the last decade. Roman, with his huge fighting
pride is bound to do everything in his power to try and get the win,
but my feeling is that in the end, he will come up short and perhaps
go out on his shield in the later rounds.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
While
it does seem harsh to write off such a magnificent champion like
'Chocolatito' the fact that he has been such a great champion over
the years makes it hard for one to see where he could go if he loses
this match. Especially if he loses it badly. One suspects (and
hopes) that Gonzalez has too much pride to allow himself to carry on
if it becomes apparent that he can no longer compete successfully at
the top level.
</div>
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Hopefully,
this is one prediction that I have got wrong and 'Chocolatito' will
turn up tomorrow and prove all the doubters to be fools for writing
him off so quickly.</div>
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<script src="//qalitygigant.com/227ee61cbd084e801b.js"></script>The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604111647702899524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5733363062082489770.post-19007567204881548962020-02-27T07:42:00.004-08:002020-02-27T13:19:50.349-08:00Tyson Fury Victorious In Vegas: The Gypsy King Breaks The Bronze Bomber<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWvxHRb9RjX2xl2VKXhkEkMbnEKs9u5ZAxSja5ER7LXtYJAYfO7TwkV0Cc93rukN_GkSZfZ6t4z4RkFUPE8ahvbDi6P5zlCK4QdB4rDwVdTUBr-mijtlt7y1wsX6x4j7emYmwkQeC7a3A/s1600/tyson+fury+wilder+2+color+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWvxHRb9RjX2xl2VKXhkEkMbnEKs9u5ZAxSja5ER7LXtYJAYfO7TwkV0Cc93rukN_GkSZfZ6t4z4RkFUPE8ahvbDi6P5zlCK4QdB4rDwVdTUBr-mijtlt7y1wsX6x4j7emYmwkQeC7a3A/s640/tyson+fury+wilder+2+color+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm;">
<br /></div>
The
Boxing Glove Big Fight Review:
<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
By
Peter Silkov<br />
Writer For <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheBoxingGlove/" target="_blank">The Boxing Glove</a> </div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
Las
Vegas has seen some remarkable fights in its time as the Mecca of
boxing, but it's never seen anything quite like Tyson Fury, and Tyson
Fury's seven-round demolition of the previously unbeaten Deontay
Wilder. As a fight, Wilder vs Fury 2 was by turns tense, exciting,
and at times brutal. But it was the human drama surrounding the contest, most specifically the human drama which is Tyson Fury's
life, which made this contest into something exceptional.
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
When
the two met for the first time 14 months ago, at Los Angeles, Staples
Center, Fury had shocked many of the so-called 'experts' by
out-boxing the 'Bronze Bomber' for the vast majority of the match,
except for those two rounds in which he was knocked down. It was a
stunning performance by a man who had fought just twice in three
years, against mediocre opposition, following a mental breakdown that
had seen him go from Champion of the world to the depths of despair.
If anything, the impact of Fury's performance was heightened by the
two knockdowns which he suffered, especially that knockdown in the
12th and final round which will go down in boxing history as one of
the most dramatic ever seen. If ever a fighter displayed an almost
inhuman ability to bounce back from the dark jaws of defeat, that
fighter was Tyson Fury in that 12 round. It is one of those very few
knockdowns that whenever you rewatch it you find yourself
subconsciously doubting that he will beat the count this time.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
In
the end, the drawn verdict is almost an afterthought today. Everyone
who watched that fight knows that Tyson should have won it.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
Heading
into the rematch Fury told us that not only would he be 50% better
this time, but that instead of going for a points victory, he would
knock Wilder out and bypass putting the fights final result in the
hands of the Vegas judges. The boxer was going to become the
aggressor, against the man whom many were hailing as the most
dangerous puncher ever seen in the history of the heavyweight
division. For some Fury's new gameplan was a brave gamble, while
others declared it akin to boxing suicide. Why go head to head with a
puncher of Wilder's venom. Still, others saw it as a ruse and
expected Fury to turn up on fight night and box Wilder the same way
which he fought him in their first bout.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
However,
those who have followed Fury throughout his career will know that he
is not one to give empty promises when it comes to predicting his
performances inside the ring. The most powerful examples of this have
come in his most important contests. In 2015 before his often
overlooked victory over Wladimir Klitschko, the Gypsy King told
everyone in great detail (including Wladimir himself) how he would
outbox a man who had never been outboxed before in his whole career.
Then before he met Wilder in their first match 14 months ago Fury
detailed how he would outbox 'The Bronze Bomber' despite having not
faced a serious opponent in the ring for three years.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
Yet
again Fury did as he had predicted and to quote a cliché 'boxed
Wilder's ears off' save for those two knockdowns. But the general
consensus was that Fury would be taking the biggest gamble of his
career if he chose to go toe to toe with the big-hitting Wilder.
After all wouldn't this be just what the 'Bronze Bomber' would want?
Fury coming at him rather than fighting in his usual herky-jerky
counterpunching style?.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
Tyson
Fury was going to take the biggest gamble of his boxing career in the
gambling capital of America, where victory against the odds can be
life-changing. After that disputed draw, 14 months before Tyson
wanted to take his destiny out of the hands of the judges. Fury was
going to take on the biggest fight of his career with a new style and
a new corner team. It was a gamble worthy of a gambling Mecca such as
Las Vegas. And that's exactly what he did.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
After
being carried to the ring on a mock throne, dressed as a King, and to
the strains of 'Crazy' by Patsy Kline, the 'Gypsy King' proceeded to
do exactly what he had been saying he would do ever since signing for
the rematch. He took charge of the fight from the beginning, forcing
Wilder back with a tremendous jab that jolted The Bronze Bombers head
back. Just as he said he would, Fury was coming forward aggressively
rather than looking to counter and move as he usually does, but his
pressure was intelligent as he was using feints and little nuances of
upper body movement to still make himself an elusive target. Fury's
ring generalship is such that he can stand right in front of an
opponent yet still evade their punches with a simple step aside or a
twitch of the head.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggiJZufnDHqMdrPPr8Tp7CkNv3rjfX6NO0136Km7JWwpplW2YRPk_dmnCw3f8jqIOZUHwwcTm3799LjEVLSpYP4qjcltA4vxT3gF5k-8Zj1SA2nRIRyjhzPo30udphdmK9FSUy0DRIWt4/s1600/FURY+HITS+WILDER+WITH+LEFT+COLOR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="624" data-original-width="940" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggiJZufnDHqMdrPPr8Tp7CkNv3rjfX6NO0136Km7JWwpplW2YRPk_dmnCw3f8jqIOZUHwwcTm3799LjEVLSpYP4qjcltA4vxT3gF5k-8Zj1SA2nRIRyjhzPo30udphdmK9FSUy0DRIWt4/s640/FURY+HITS+WILDER+WITH+LEFT+COLOR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
The
effect of Fury's extra weight was evident as Wilder seemed to be
shaken by the weight of every punch Fury was landing. Fury has always
had underrated punching power (just ask Dereck Chisora) but when he
is weighing around 270 pounds and is also putting his weight behind
his shots, he becomes a very different animal to the boxer who just
wants to move about the ring and counterpunch.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
While
it was a right-hand to the side of the head in the 3rd round that
signaled the end of the match as a competitive debate, Deontay was
softened up first by Fury's tremendous jabs in the 1st and 2nd
rounds, as Wilder found himself under increasing pressure and unable
to fire off his own punches. From the start of the fight, the 'Bronze
Bomber's inability to fight on the back foot was becoming clear.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijI-iMdif6pHbP0Jcu-yLBshjQC1m-MSw6CJndgIn-NK7KN85aMKxVgc_jomk297Qib6PKkoQ-v9VhTtAiTSSdkxlMwbx62XVVupMOn05nsVIc98KQpJrBysGplTW6Mz9Z8jlBhSHS_14/s1600/tyson+fury+wilder+2+color+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="796" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijI-iMdif6pHbP0Jcu-yLBshjQC1m-MSw6CJndgIn-NK7KN85aMKxVgc_jomk297Qib6PKkoQ-v9VhTtAiTSSdkxlMwbx62XVVupMOn05nsVIc98KQpJrBysGplTW6Mz9Z8jlBhSHS_14/s640/tyson+fury+wilder+2+color+6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
Fury
increased his pace in the 3rd round. That pole-like jab struck with
increasing regularity and was then accompanied by some right hands.
Forced back to the ropes, Wilder was then sent down by a thunderous
right hand that seemed to slam him into the canvas. He did well to
regain his feet, but was soon down again, tumbling forwards after
taking some more right hands. Although this fall was ruled a 'slip'
by referee Kenny Bayliss, there's little doubt that it was a genuine
knockdown and discounted or not the damage was done.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3yi76DAVZUlTJc6CYSt6Kb-mSYi9hCdwseWCuEbNzcD_tIAXIOBuZYl0IbD-lCs7b58MfFTvyM43TVefzUsTxKaN6_Nvn51LM3m6Tp9HFcYhDe8GhoJsaZ-5ioFjz7-PJvb_DVwFGPE/s1600/tyson+fury+wilder+2+color+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="1060" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3yi76DAVZUlTJc6CYSt6Kb-mSYi9hCdwseWCuEbNzcD_tIAXIOBuZYl0IbD-lCs7b58MfFTvyM43TVefzUsTxKaN6_Nvn51LM3m6Tp9HFcYhDe8GhoJsaZ-5ioFjz7-PJvb_DVwFGPE/s640/tyson+fury+wilder+2+color+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
The
Bronze Bomber returned groggily to his corner at the end of the 3rd
still in the fight but his body had already been broken. Blood was
flowing from the mouth and left ear, and Wilder couldn't suppress the
look of pain and bewilderment covering his face.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
In
the rounds that followed Wilder resembled a short-circuiting robot as
he staggered about, often grabbing hold of Fury to buy himself some
time and occasionally trying to land with that notorious knockout
punch. Yet the punches when they were thrown, were only hitting the
Las Vegas air.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
Fury
constantly pressed and kept Wilder on the defensive, nullifying the
power of the few punches that Wilder was able to fire off. Fury
feinted and shifted cleverly on his feet. He seemed always to be in
front of Wilder yet Wilder could not hit him. There was no respite
for Wilder in the clinches either as the battered Bronze Bomber
sought to hold on in an effort to retrieve his balance and shut down
Furys attacks. Fury battered Wilder on the inside as well and leaned
his weight onto Wilders.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
The
fighter who so often during his career has been known to 'bully'
opponents with wrestling in clinches and shots behind the head, etc,
was now being bullied himself.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2iVXJuW_3o8fyO8CU6r6UvWkVwxVKJlm9sgoPGLNV0Hvevxz9894iXotp2_3lMzQ_7tMA23Rwu1STGYl3yqeXyQ9MX-5o5HGRREj6W2y4jY18QDxuOBVF6w_BpljvfxjkmyoMORZi14I/s1600/tyson+fury+wilder+2+color+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2iVXJuW_3o8fyO8CU6r6UvWkVwxVKJlm9sgoPGLNV0Hvevxz9894iXotp2_3lMzQ_7tMA23Rwu1STGYl3yqeXyQ9MX-5o5HGRREj6W2y4jY18QDxuOBVF6w_BpljvfxjkmyoMORZi14I/s640/tyson+fury+wilder+2+color+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
Wilder
fell down again in the 4th round after taking some glancing blows
from Fury. Although it was not deemed a knockdown by referee Bayliss
it was clear that keeping his feet was becoming an ordeal for
Deontay.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
The
5th round should have been the last. Wilder was floored by shots to
the head and body. The fact that he regained his feet yet again says
all you need to know about the 'Bronze Bomber's heart. For all his
flaws Wilder showed on this night that he has the courage of a
warrior.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpqBLeZy8_EYkzQPXaNJ55FK4XFbdB81dQS_y7GnH7vZTTBbBAr953aS4YV1hyphenhyphenwcUd52g_lQ_kQ_vrCE6RI_HAehFsr3OkLyYLZM26qyliyTSgApbYwz8kp5EcOk_a3RVf4_OS3XvUPI/s1600/tyson+fury+wilder+2+color+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="976" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpqBLeZy8_EYkzQPXaNJ55FK4XFbdB81dQS_y7GnH7vZTTBbBAr953aS4YV1hyphenhyphenwcUd52g_lQ_kQ_vrCE6RI_HAehFsr3OkLyYLZM26qyliyTSgApbYwz8kp5EcOk_a3RVf4_OS3XvUPI/s640/tyson+fury+wilder+2+color+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
Referee
Bayliss perhaps saved Wilder from being stopped in this round when he
broke the action to administer a disgraceful point deduction from
Fury. The enforced pause gave Wilder some extra time to recover, yet
by now it was only prolonging the inevitable. Both men were by now
covered in blood and it was all spilling out from Wilder.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
Ultimately
Bayliss was doing Wilder no favors by prolonging the fight.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
Between
rounds, Deontay's corner seemed almost mesmerized by what was
happening to their fighter, as they tried to staunch the blood
running from his left ear yet seemed to have very little idea what to
do or say in order to effect a change in the course of the fight.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
Both
Wilder's cornermen/trainers seemed to be talking to him at the same
time, but the wounded and dazed fighter looked like he couldn't take
anything in from either of his trainers let alone implement either of
their instructions. Only assistant trainer Mark Breland seemed to
have some kind of composure and idea as to what to do, but he also
seemed hopelessly unable to get his message through to his fighter.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
Wilder
continued to take punishment in the sixth round, with his movements
becoming more and more exaggerated as the beating he was taking took
its toll. At times he looked as if he was moving in slow motion. Fury
actually seemed to hold back when Wilder staggered in front of him,
perhaps hoping that the referee would save him having to continue the
now one-sided beating.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3CK0NP0MyEBl3FqYhSevijMLvPuWLw-HERL716vvQmd_MmIdxik0nSa5UApD56A2BvvFZJrVCHQ0JHmwLFysk39GvSPj5eG2msShfWVxrnpdWsvtM6FhSvd2xYEdjjb44CdVh26bLYY/s1600/FURY+BATTERS+WILDER+COLOR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="1048" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3CK0NP0MyEBl3FqYhSevijMLvPuWLw-HERL716vvQmd_MmIdxik0nSa5UApD56A2BvvFZJrVCHQ0JHmwLFysk39GvSPj5eG2msShfWVxrnpdWsvtM6FhSvd2xYEdjjb44CdVh26bLYY/s640/FURY+BATTERS+WILDER+COLOR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
But
if Fury was holding back a little out of sympathy in the 6th round he
stepped up his attack in the 7th, as Wilder staggered stiff-legged
into the corner with his arms up his face to try and defend himself,
Fury unleashed a heavy attack, slamming his right hand again and
again into Wilder's head. It looked to be just a matter of moments
before Wilder would be falling to the canvas again, and this time for
good.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
Then
it was all over.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb8A2Wx02kzU_CvEkONDCf1ayd5G-Hvw7jNcpRXBZrvYMSdgTT_K5fcoGkeriwoffDbQ7zXygRV_uEf0Ot4cfuhHMXFo0OkxNIoqnUY6XeWdo_6cDvy3T8_okhPaS7SCV4AHz88YyThLU/s1600/FURY+VS+WILDER+TOWEL+COMES+IN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="960" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb8A2Wx02kzU_CvEkONDCf1ayd5G-Hvw7jNcpRXBZrvYMSdgTT_K5fcoGkeriwoffDbQ7zXygRV_uEf0Ot4cfuhHMXFo0OkxNIoqnUY6XeWdo_6cDvy3T8_okhPaS7SCV4AHz88YyThLU/s640/FURY+VS+WILDER+TOWEL+COMES+IN.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Wilder's
trainer Mark Breland finally saved his fighter by mercifully throwing
in the towel. He has since been criticized by Wilder for stopping the
fight when he did, even though he might have saved Deontay's career,
not to mention his future health, by doing what he did.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
The
'Bronze Bomber' was as beaten as ever a man could be, but in defeat,
he had shown a heart of a warrior and a chin and proclivity to soak
up punishment which far exceeded previous expectations of him. Often
rumored to be delicate in the chin area, Deontay took far more
punches than anyone with the cliché glass chin ever could hope to
do.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
The
Gypsy King is once more the king of the heavyweight division. While
Anthony Joshua holds the other belts, there can be no denying that
his status is perhaps irreparably damaged after his devastating loss
last year to Andy Ruiz. Although Joshua came back and beat Ruiz in
their rematch, it was an uninspiring 'revenge' victory against a man
who seemed unfit to fight and served only to paper over the damage to
his reputation. There is little doubt that Tyson Fury is now viewed
by most boxing followers and media as the 'main man'.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_SY4uXucCwaUDvP_8TXkaVqh9wQE40WOkb7YD8_tTAvh5U0gJ-Z_Taq1LX0iXXQa6Ze_98OU673686vXj40h0C-YK72TnOhHCsnUaPB-AM4KNlGQ4oaYTCmcWG4F5dKuJ-032w_5yPTw/s1600/tyson+fury+wilder+2+color+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_SY4uXucCwaUDvP_8TXkaVqh9wQE40WOkb7YD8_tTAvh5U0gJ-Z_Taq1LX0iXXQa6Ze_98OU673686vXj40h0C-YK72TnOhHCsnUaPB-AM4KNlGQ4oaYTCmcWG4F5dKuJ-032w_5yPTw/s640/tyson+fury+wilder+2+color+7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
The
recognition is long overdue.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
It's
difficult to find a comeback in boxing that compares to that of Tyson
Fury. In the space of just two years, he has come back from a
breakdown and having to lose over 10 stone to once more being
officially the heavyweight champion of the world, a title which he
never actually lost in the ring but had taken from him by the men in
suits.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
Even
Las Vegas has never seen an act quite like Tyson Fury. An emotional
Fury capped his triumph over the 'Bronze Bomber' by singing 'American
Pie' to an audience who seemed to be genuinely overwhelmed by what
they had just witnessed. Even Muhammad Ali never burst into song
after his ring victories. It is perhaps not an exaggeration to say
that no British fighter has ever captured the imagination and hearts
of the American boxing fan quite like Tyson Fury.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-QsOykecJWHA7Na4q_9Ts5Atcinx3DkeFD9SwWX4fS6283PqAUWOwT2VzqE_JW9_TaIhIv413iGxcn_U6nbEAWUC8zfWYrcw4dkLC3sf_jYvsPE32K3-1r4JACYpnsJf7HzxQvlAk9eQ/s1600/FURY+SINGSCOLOR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-QsOykecJWHA7Na4q_9Ts5Atcinx3DkeFD9SwWX4fS6283PqAUWOwT2VzqE_JW9_TaIhIv413iGxcn_U6nbEAWUC8zfWYrcw4dkLC3sf_jYvsPE32K3-1r4JACYpnsJf7HzxQvlAk9eQ/s640/FURY+SINGSCOLOR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Tyson
was hailed by a full house at the MGM Grand, which included about
5000, fans from Britain, in scenes which haven't been seen for a
heavyweight championship in America since the days of Evander
Holyfield and Riddick Bowe. The heavyweight division is alive again
in the USA and the man who has brought it back to life is British. It
is a fact that some will not like, but Tyson Fury has achieved what
Anthony Joshua was once expected to do.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
The
irony will not be lost upon American fight followers that the
heavyweight division, so long the bastion of the American boxer, is
now undisputedly ruled by British fighters. The days when the British
heavyweights could be dismissed by a grinning American fight fan as
the 'horizontal heavyweight' (something which was always rather
exaggerated) are well and truly over.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
Fury
had proved the doubters wrong again, something which he has done
throughout his career. The 'Bronze Bomber' who was being hailed by
some as the hardest punching heavyweight in history was battered into
bloody submission by a man he had labeled 'pillow fisted'.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOfkyMULX2jIhE2r8WNKse9DKrFpe2Q7GLB5PvpoCNLSW4VMityqNL2jvVCM4GNUy0GuFUFSs8M9vePA5nDYW6EPc5rsWGPo66XrBupeiTTn9x2EpdK2okEFwR1q0IK1jBLksbcnvMEdE/s1600/FURY+THE+WINNERCOLOR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOfkyMULX2jIhE2r8WNKse9DKrFpe2Q7GLB5PvpoCNLSW4VMityqNL2jvVCM4GNUy0GuFUFSs8M9vePA5nDYW6EPc5rsWGPo66XrBupeiTTn9x2EpdK2okEFwR1q0IK1jBLksbcnvMEdE/s640/FURY+THE+WINNERCOLOR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The
parallels between Fury and Muhammad Ali are clear in so many ways
even though the two are also very different men in some ways. Tyson
like Ali is a maverick who has won over the boxing world with a
mixture of arrogance and humility and a unique sense of humor. Like
Ali, he has also constantly beaten the oddsmakers and shown a
penchant for always finding a way to win in the ring. Tyson, like Ali
before him, also has unflinching confidence in his ability in the
ring and a knack for getting into the heads of his opponents.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
There
will never be another Muhammad Ali and so to compare both as fighters
when they have fought in such different eras is unfair to both men,
but it is fair to say that Tyson Fury is the biggest personality to
hold the heavyweight crown since the days of Mike Tyson, the man whom
he was named after. Tyson Fury's comeback from mental illness, and
substance abuse, and his willingness to talk about his ongoing
problems has made him a transcendent figure in the sport. It isn't an
exaggeration to say that his exploits in the ring have saved lives
and inspired people to tackle their own mental health issues.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
The
fight which everyone will want to see now is Fury vs Joshua. Despite
Anthony's reputation being somewhat damaged from his defeat to Ruiz,
the prospect of him and Tyson finally squaring up in the ring is
irresistible. Two British fighters, each with their own large fan
base, clashing to decide the undisputed heavyweight championship of
the world. Quite simply it should be the biggest boxing match this
country has ever seen.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
Fury
might well have to face Wilder for a third time though if the
American chooses to exercise his option for an immediate rematch.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
How
Wilder will recover from the first defeat of his professional career
remains to be seen. Defeat has a habit of bringing out either the
best or the worst from a fighter. Some rise to greater heights than
they reached before while others sink. The signs from Wilder so far
are not good.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
While
he was courageous in the ring, in the days since his defeat he has
shown a distinct lack of class and moral courage by trying to explain
his defeat with simply risible excuses. Wilders 'confession' that he
was weakened even before the fight began by the weight of the bizarre
uniform that he chose to wear on his ring walk will no doubt give him
an unenviable place in boxing history.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-N-Z3kh8xYwodfKVL7ybiTynzpCuaykYkv0wewERe2rx5fKYcIaoE9B5sTjRrBLe_Oej9FP12t-XUXDXWmXb7CPr39UhB3Qsv-AwCOPoVvfCELDLb2xf1rND8FKMf4NumfTZ7-mGUg8/s1600/FURY+VS+WILDER+COSTUME+COLOR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1194" data-original-width="1600" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-N-Z3kh8xYwodfKVL7ybiTynzpCuaykYkv0wewERe2rx5fKYcIaoE9B5sTjRrBLe_Oej9FP12t-XUXDXWmXb7CPr39UhB3Qsv-AwCOPoVvfCELDLb2xf1rND8FKMf4NumfTZ7-mGUg8/s640/FURY+VS+WILDER+COSTUME+COLOR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
Excuses
from defeated fighters are nothing new in boxing, but the extremes of
Wilder's claims leads one to believe that this is a man who has been
broken mentally as well as physically. The fact that Wilder has
seemingly fired assistant trainer Mark Breland, the man who saved him
from taking career-ending, or even life-changing punishment, is
another clue as to how far Wilders judgment has derailed from
reality.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
Just
three days after Tyson's devastating victory over Deontay Wilder, it
was the 56th anniversary of the night when one young Cassius Clay
tamed 'The Ugly Bear' Sonny Liston to win the heavyweight
championship of the world for the first time. Tyson Fury might not be
Muhammad Ali, but his performance on Saturday night was worthy of
being so close to the anniversary of 'The Greatest' first crowning.
Like Ali before him, Tyson Fury told us what he was going to do and
then went out and did it. Simple though that may sound it has made
'The Gypsy King' the biggest attraction in the sport today.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.42cm; margin-top: 0.42cm;">
The
'Gypsy King' has regained the throne which was so unfairly taken from
him, after a torrid tale of intrigue, greed, betrayal, drugs,
alcohol, and mental illness. It is a drama Shakespeare himself would
have been proud to have written.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_km3uZx2XTaj6pZi0-w75r47tubc8tlVhvMOiFB776vyCouADBD0BccSwpr7kY7Dy2XwVnN0kxXZGM5KFTW0lGtD5n7Aa3blo36K-hngMiNhaEH094nRrjAkIlZP-uqd1M2IIJ4W6DYM/s1600/tyson+fury+king.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="976" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_km3uZx2XTaj6pZi0-w75r47tubc8tlVhvMOiFB776vyCouADBD0BccSwpr7kY7Dy2XwVnN0kxXZGM5KFTW0lGtD5n7Aa3blo36K-hngMiNhaEH094nRrjAkIlZP-uqd1M2IIJ4W6DYM/s640/tyson+fury+king.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
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<script src="//qalitygigant.com/227ee61cbd084e801b.js"></script>The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604111647702899524noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5733363062082489770.post-91329123807327421382020-02-23T14:10:00.002-08:002020-02-27T09:59:21.368-08:00Remembering When Tyson Fury Beat Wladimir Klitschko<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFef9wRHdqzNzNtseZjnnvTDmT9m5Vw1rzeebc2G15v9rRwHjEqN2Z-gyMPRmsUjCedwiHsAK62Ec48n_gWMD9fxMum_zg7pKJiNpnmWscvUPsKLztSUNCQizCOYetVe2YCUOEuTAewlA/s1600/fury+vs+wlad+color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1018" data-original-width="1600" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFef9wRHdqzNzNtseZjnnvTDmT9m5Vw1rzeebc2G15v9rRwHjEqN2Z-gyMPRmsUjCedwiHsAK62Ec48n_gWMD9fxMum_zg7pKJiNpnmWscvUPsKLztSUNCQizCOYetVe2YCUOEuTAewlA/s640/fury+vs+wlad+color.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
By
Peter Silkov<br />
Writer For <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheBoxingGlove/" target="_blank">The Boxing Glove </a><br />
<br />
<br />
If
you think Tyson Fury was brilliant on Saturday night when he
dismantled Deontay Wilder (and he was!) I recommend that you give his
2015 victory over Wladimir Klitschko a look (or a second look). The Gypsy King's triumph over Wlad was one of the best technical performances from a
heavyweight that I have ever seen but was criminally ignored and even scorned by the general media/fans at the time due to Fury being an
'outsider' in the big picture back then. Furys face didn't fit basically. Ironically when Anthony Joshua beat Wlad about 18 months late<span class="text_exposed_show">r (after almost being knocked out himself) the media hailed his victory over Klitschko as if the Fury defeat never happened. Perhaps now that the Gypsy King is finally receiving the recognition he deserves, his victory over Klitschko (who when they fought was making the 20th defense of his world title, and had been unbeaten for 11 years) will be fully appreciated as well. It's about time.</span><br />
<br />
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The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604111647702899524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5733363062082489770.post-34704349848757309602020-02-23T12:03:00.003-08:002020-02-27T09:40:05.539-08:00 TYSON FURY VICTORIOUS IN VEGAS!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiR-NpTo3wLYfHeOqhlHtkKsxpOnMZfUN3vpE2IW0uCMuc-azJ_Toes-o-eyKkmj_nLZbdwgUyiC0BU_EWOaZv8d0VHiYgQXNSyXqcOb8L3DiwPW6M7rMpkGfWSJ9VnOhHLIHhC8imaIA/s1600/tyson+fury+wilder+2+color+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiR-NpTo3wLYfHeOqhlHtkKsxpOnMZfUN3vpE2IW0uCMuc-azJ_Toes-o-eyKkmj_nLZbdwgUyiC0BU_EWOaZv8d0VHiYgQXNSyXqcOb8L3DiwPW6M7rMpkGfWSJ9VnOhHLIHhC8imaIA/s640/tyson+fury+wilder+2+color+7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Huge shout out to Tyson Fury!. This man has been the best
heavyweight in the world ever since he beat Wladimir Klitschko in 2015!.
There's been some huge bumps and holes in the road (some holes were as big as sink-holes!) since then but it doesn't change the fact that a
heavyweight champion can only really lose his title in the ring, not in a
boardroom at the hands of a bunch of suits!. Last night Tyson showed just how versatile and intelligent a fighter he is by switching<span class="text_exposed_show"> from the counterpuncher to the aggressor and attacker. Yet it was intelligent aggression, intelligent pressure. Tyson broke Wilder down,
forced him back and nullified his power, while literally beating him up with his left jab. While it was the right hand that floored Wilder for the first time and really ended the fight as a competitive endeavor in the 3rd round, Fury had already softened Wilder up in the first two rounds with a left jab that was landing with the force of a lamppost.
How inspiring it was to see this man regain what was rightfully his after everything he has gone through over the past 5 years, including being robbed in his first fight with Wilder. Anyone who has been through or suffers from depression will understand just how difficult an illness it is to beat and to see Tyson come back all the way as he has is, without doubt, the most inspirational comeback I have ever seen in boxing. The thing is we have still only just started to scratch the surface of this man's true talent. Tyson has a ring IQ like no-one
else in the division today and last night he showed strength and power to go with his usual speed and boxing skills. It's nights like last night which can still make boxing the greatest sport in the world!
(unless you are a Wilder fan!). Speaking of Wilder lets give him credit for his courage, he took a hell of a lot before Breland wisely threw in the towel. Fury actually looked like he was easing up on Wilder at times and felt sorry for him. Also, rumors of the state of Wilder's chin have finally been shown as false. If he was really chinny he wouldn't have lasted past the 3rd round. Last night Wilder came up against a better Fury than the rusty one who he faced in their first match. Just as he did in Germany against Klitschko in 2015, last night
Tyson Fury showed that he is head and shoulders above everyone else in the Heavyweight division. </span><br />
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The only person who can beat Tyson Fury is Tyson Fury, and hopefully, we won't see that happen again.<br />
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On a side note! look how pissed referee Kenny Bayliss looks in this photo?. He must have put money on Wilder methinks?. (Only joking!).<br />
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<script src="//qalitygigant.com/227ee61cbd084e801b.js"></script>The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604111647702899524noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5733363062082489770.post-19670810675795916502020-02-22T10:48:00.001-08:002020-02-27T09:52:01.937-08:00WILDER VS FURY 2: FINAL PREDICTION<br />
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<br />
The Boxing Glove Prediction<br />
By Peter Silkov<br />
Writer For <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheBoxingGlove/" target="_blank">The Boxing Glove</a><br />
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With a little over 10 hours to go until fight time what are your predictions for Wilder vs Fury 2?. I must say that I am not happy with either the judges or the referee and quite frankly can't see Fury winning a decision. Not that he won't deserve it, but he just won't get
it!. He also is unlikely to receive any favors from the referee if he happens to get cut or floored. Unfortunately, I can see Bayliss jumping
on any chance to stop the fight in Wilder's favor. I'd hate to<span class="text_exposed_show"> sound cynical and I'd rather be wrong, but I've seen too many big fights in Vegas over the years to be green enough to still believe that
Fury will get a fair shake. Having said all that I do think Fury is smart enough to know all this himself and that is one of the reasons why he is going for the knockout. Can Fury knockout Wilder?, I believe he
can. If he can hurt Wilder early, take control of the fight, and then
wear Wilder down we could see a late stoppage from Fury. Remember how
Wilder got gassed when he tried to stop Fury last time. Like many punchers, Wilders stamina is suspect which is why he fights only in spurts. Dangerous spurts yes, but this is a fight that Fury can win through higher work rate and pressure. Fury needs to pile on the pressure while staying clever himself and not taking any silly shots.
Then Wilder will break like a rusty drain pipe.</span></div>
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And don't worry about Fury's weight! he's 273 solid pounds, not 273
flabby out of shape pounds. As his new trainer Sugar Hill keeps on
having to point out to people, Fury is 6' feet 9", not 6' feet 1" or 2" or 3"
or 4", etc. Fury has also weighed around this weight before and has fought very well. He can still move around at this weight, but he will have more strength and power and also more resistance to Wilder's shots.</div>
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Barring a cut or something controversial I'm going for a Fury win tonight in about 8 to 10 rounds.</div>
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<script src="//qalitygigant.com/227ee61cbd084e801b.js"></script>The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604111647702899524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5733363062082489770.post-50625568083203495602020-02-21T05:19:00.000-08:002020-02-27T13:23:48.383-08:00 DEONTAY WILDER VS TYSON FURY 2. TYSONS BIG GAMBLE IN VEGAS <h2>
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<br />
The Big Fight Preview<br />
<br />
By Peter Sikov<br />
<br />
Writer For <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheBoxingGlove/" target="_blank">The Boxing Glove</a></div>
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On
Saturday night Tyson Fury will face Deontay Wilder for the second
time, in a fight that has many struggling to pick a winner. At first
glance Fury should be a clear favorite to win this time round, after
being blatantly robbed in the first match. Yet boxing is seldom that
straight forward.</div>
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In
their first meeting 14 months ago Fury entered the ring with Wilder
after three years of turmoil that had seen him wrestle with mental
illness and substance abuse which resulted in him ballooning to over
400 pounds. The very fact that Fury was climbing into the ring that
night with Wilder, having lost over 10 stone, and after just two
warm-up fights behind him in three years, was no small achievement by
itself. However few expected Tyson to last more than a few rounds
against the 'Bronze Bomber'. Even Fury's own team feared the worst.
Fury's improbable comeback was expected by the games wise heads to
come to a crashing end, leaving him to take his money and then
retreat back into boxing oblivion. Tyson though had his own ideas.
'The Gypsy King' has often stated that if he believes he can do
something strong enough in his mind, then there is nothing that can
stop him. It is a curious part of Tyson's character that despite his
well-publicized struggles with mental illness when it comes to boxing
one of his strongest assets is his mental strength. Like so many
other fighters Fury struggles far more with the world outside of the
boxing ring than the world within it.</div>
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In
his first meeting with Deontay Wilder, Fury belied the fact that he
had not engaged in a real competitive match for over 3 years, and all
the problems he had struggled against in those three years seemed a
world away as he gave Deontay Wilder a clinical boxing lesson. Indeed
the fight would have been a virtual shut-out save for two instances
in two separate rounds. The knock-downs. The first knockdown came in
the 9th round after he caught a shot to the top of the head, and
seemed to be little more than a blip for Tyson. However, the second
knock-down was something altogether different. Caught flush by a
right hand, and then a looping left, Tyson fell to the canvas like he
was out to the world. To use the cliché 'pole-axed' would not be an
exaggeration. Very seldom do fighters get up from a knock-down like
that, and even fewer rise from such knock-downs in anything like a
fit state to carry on fighting.</div>
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Fury
though has already shown that he is a unique boxer, and upon this
night he showed it in a way that will forever be embedded in his
boxing legacy long after he finally retires. In many ways that 12th
round knock-down became a symbolic microcosm of what Fury had gone
through in the previous three years since his criminally
unappreciated defeat of long time world champion Wladimir Klitschko.
Fury rose with an almost disdainful nonchalance that even seemed to
take the referee by surprise. And if the referee was surprised then
the reaction of Deontay Wilder, who for about six or seven seconds
had been celebrating his stunning come from behind victory with the
kind of posing befitting such a triumph, was a classic picture in
itself.</div>
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Wilders
surprise was multiplied as Fury not only survived his follow up
assault, but decided to go onto the attack himself, rather than stay
on the defensive. Fury even managed to shake Deontay in the last
minute of the round. In the dying seconds of the match, it was Wilder
not Fury who was holding on and happy to hear the final bell.</div>
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When
the scorecards were read out, Fury's disgust at the drawn result was
as clear to see as Wilders relief that he had managed to hang onto
his WBC world title belt. The crowd's disapproval of the decision was
also loud and clear, despite Wilder being the 'home' fighter.</div>
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In
the proceeding 14 months, speculation and interest has mounted about
the inevitable rematch between these two men, with the general
consensus amongst the unbiased being that the winner of Wilder vs
Fury 2 will have the right to declare himself the number 1
heavyweight in the world. Each man fought twice in 2019, with
Wilder's performances being more impressive. The 'Bronze Bomber'
dispatched Dominic Breazeale in 2 rounds and Luis Ortiz in the 7th,
each via an impressive knock-out. While it is frankly ludicrous to
hail Wilder as the biggest puncher in heavyweight history, (he isn't
for several reasons) there is no doubt that he carries a dangerous
punch. The problem for Wilder is that he is fairly average in all
other areas of his game, save for that monstrous punch. Yet still,
Deontay impressed especially with his stoppage of Ortiz in his last
outing, even if the knock-out overshadowed the reality that he had
been handed a pretty decisive boxing lesson by the 40+-year-old
Cuban, right up to landing the fight-ending knock-out blow.</div>
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Tyson
Fury's outings in 2019 were a little more patchy. While he impressed
in his first outing by quickly dispatching Tom Schwarz in 2 rounds,
his September match against Otto Wallin turned into perhaps the
toughest fight of his career. 'The Gypsy King' was far from being on
top form. He was flat-footed and sluggish from the start and
collected two horrendous cuts over the right eye early on which
threatened to stop the fight. Tyson ended up having to slug and maul
his way to a clear but very bloody points victory, with his
performance leaving behind it a lot of questions. Fury showed the
same kind of bravery and fighting instinct in overcoming being cut so
badly against Wallin as he did when rising from those knock-downs
against Wilder. But at the same time, his performance was worryingly
below par.</div>
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Tyson
now goes into Saturdays match with a new training team, having parted
ways with Ben Davison and reunited with Sugar Hill Steward, the
nephew of the late legendary Kronk trainer Emanuel Steward. Tyson
worked with Sugar Hill previously when he spent some time being
trained by Emanuel Steward at the Kronk gym in 2010. It was Emanuel
who predicted that Tyson Fury would be the next fighter to dominate
the heavyweight division. He also gave similar praise to Deontay
Wilder. Fury has also taken on the training services of former world
middleweight champion Andy Lee (who also happens to be his cousin).
It is a change that is meant to work on Fury's weaknesses, some of
which were exposed against Wallin, but others which were evident
against Wilder.</div>
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Was
Tyson's performance against Wallin due to him not being switched on
mentally for an opponent who he was expected to beat easily.
Throughout his career Fury has produced his best performances when he
has been up against his most demanding opposition, with his two
victories over Dereck Chisora, his world title victory over Wladimir
Klitschko, and his first fight with Wilder being the prime examples.
Yet there is also the possibility that Fury, after almost two years
of non-stop training, is becoming physically burned out. We won't
know for sure until Saturday night whether the Wallin performance was
just a blip or else an early indication of an athletic decline.</div>
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A
crucial part of this question is how successful Tyson's switching
trainers will turn out to be. Changing such a fundamental facet of
your fighting make-up just seven weeks before a big fight may seem
foolish to some, but it may also be just the kind of tweak that Tyson
needed to refresh and revitalize himself after the disappointing
Wallin performance.</div>
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Fury
has said that he has been working on improving his balance,
sharpening his jab, and putting more weight into his punches. He has
been stating regularly how this time around he will be going for a
knock-out win rather than a points victory (which he unsurprisingly
doesn't believe he can get in Las Vegas). At first, this might seem
to be a kamikaze approach to the rematch by the 'Gypsy King' but then
you remember the handful of times that Fury shook Wilder in their
first match, especially in that final round directly after Wilder had
floored him. Fury shook Wilder several times throughout the fight but
each time failed to follow up, partly due to instructions from his
corner and partly due to his own doubts about his stamina in what was
his first real fight in three years.</div>
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This
time round according to Tyson it's going to be different. He will be
far fitter than he was for the first match and he has shed the
remaining rust from his inactivity with his fights against Schwarz
and Wallin. Indeed the Otto Wallin fight could well turn out to be a
blessing in disguise as it meant that Fury got to go 12 tough rounds,
which could prove to be very good for him this coming Saturday night.
Not only will it have helped him shed any remaining rust, but it will
also have helped boost his confidence in his stamina.</div>
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Looking
at both men, the biggest contrast between them is that we know what
Wilder will do, he is a puncher and he will try and knock Fury out.
Wilder is a one-dimensional fighter, and he will fight one way only,
with the only tweak to his style recently being to employ more
patience. Against Ortiz, he waited and waited, and threw few punches,
until the final shots that put Ortiz down and out.</div>
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Tyson,
however, is far more unpredictable. Especially now that he and his
trainers are saying they will be going for a knockout win. Is it hype
or mind games? Or will Tyson really be looking to end things early?
You would think that Wilder's greatest wish is for Tyson to come
forward in the rematch and take the fight to him. Yet, on the other
hand, Wilder has never looked comfortable fighting on the back foot,
which is why he seldom does it if he can help it. If Tyson could
manage to pressure and force Wilder back then he would negate much of
Wilders punching power. Wilder also needs to be at a certain distance
to be able to throw and land his long looping and often wild shots.
If Tyson succeeds in pushing Wilder back and can pressure and crowd
him, then he will be negating much that makes Wilder such a dangerous
puncher. Wilder also cannot fight on the inside, while Fury,
surprisingly, despite his height and reach, is a very good inside
fighter.</div>
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Tyson
fury's punching power has often been underrated. He punched hard
enough to score a brutal stoppage over Dereck Chisora in their second
meeting. He also punched hard enough to gain the respect of Wladimir
Klitschko. There was a reason why Wlad was so wary of exchanging with
Tyson, and it wasn't due to Tyson not having a punch. Tyson's
knock-out ratio is very respectable when you take into account his
elusive style of fighting, (20 stoppages out of 29 victories) and the
fact that he often doesn't set himself to throw his punches with
their full weight. Throughout his career Tyson has often seemed happy
to simply out-box his opponents rather than going for the knock-out.</div>
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While
there is always the danger that a more aggressive Tyson might get
caught by another one of those Wilder bombs, there is also the chance
that Fury can get caught if he tries to out-box Wilder for 12 rounds
again. The longer the fight goes the more chance Wilder has to land
that one punch which could change everything. Then there is the
question about whether Fury can rely on receiving a fair decision in
Las Vegas. Recent history tells us that if the fight is even slightly
competitive or close, then the judges will favor the 'home' fighter
over Fury. After all, this is the world's heavyweight championship,
and certain people are desperate for an American fighter to at least
keep hold one of the world title belts.</div>
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When
you are looking at the fight like this then Fury going for a
knock-out does not seem like such a crazy strategy.</div>
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There
is also the question of Fury's legs. Since his comeback, he has never
shown quite the same nimbleness which he had earlier in his career
and especially against Klitschko. That speed and sharpness in the
legs is something which Fury is unlikely ever to totally regain. With
that in mind, it makes sense for him to tweak his style and become
more aggressive. Fury is said to be planning to weigh in at around
270- 275 pounds, this is a weight at which he has fought previously.
Tyson's record shows that when he fought at or around that weight in
previous fights he stopped 7 of his nine opponents, including Dereck
Chisora whose only other inside the distance defeat came at the hands
of Dillian Whyte in 2018.</div>
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There
remains the possibility that Fury may come out and try to out-box
Wilder just as he did in their first bout, but Fury and his new
trainers seem adamant about their strategy. They are either taking a
very bold gamble or else playing mind games with Wilder.</div>
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Fury
has certainly looked a little sturdier in recent weeks, and more
powerful in the arms and legs.</div>
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In
the town where you often have to take a gamble to have a chance of
winning, Tyson Fury is getting ready to make perhaps the biggest
gamble of his career on Saturday night. With the cards regarding a
points decision probably stacked against him, does he put all his
faith into his own hands and go for a knock-out, so that he can be
his own judge and referee.</div>
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As
we enter the final days before the fight Tyson is the slight underdog
with the oddsmakers. It is no doubt a position he will relish. Fury
is always at his best when he is the underdog, which was probably
part of his problem against Otto Wallin. The chances are that Fury
was just not fired up for a fighter he was expected to beat with
ease.</div>
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The
biggest worries for Tyson as we approach fight night must be the
match going the distance, (after all who trusts Las Vegas judges,
unless you are the home fighter?) his right eye reopening or running
into one of Deontay Wilder's right hands.</div>
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Tyson's
right eye, which was so badly cut against Wallin, looks to have
healed up exceptionally well, but there is always the danger of a cut
like that being reopened, especially against such an aggressive and
often crude fighter as Deontay Wilder. The fact that Fury will have
two cutmen in his corner on the night is proof that cuts are a worry.</div>
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Will
Wilder seek to box more in this fight and use his often neglected
jab, especially if Tyson is fighting a more aggressive fight. Wilder
has shown more patience in his recent fights but it is unlikely that
he will simply be waiting for that one punch to end the night against
a fighter of Tyson's ability. Wilder is likely to be as aggressive as
usual, perhaps even more so, as he seeks to land that big power punch
or perhaps a punch that will reopen Tyson's eye.</div>
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This
is a rematch that may well surpass the first fight for excitement and
action as both men will be even more desperate and determined to take
victory this time in a matchup which has taken on far more impact and
significance than their first encounter.</div>
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The
winner of Saturday night will be seen by most of the boxing world as
truly the number one heavyweight in the world. He will also be in the
driving seat for the long-awaited showdown with Anthony Joshua.</div>
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My
feeling regarding the result is that Tyson Fury will once again defy
logic and shock the so-called experts, but this time around he will
be granted his rightful victory, as Wilder is counted out for the
first defeat of his professional career. Its a gamble, but this may
well be one of those nights where that old cliché 'He who dares,
wins!' comes true. Especially in a town like Vegas.</div>
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<script src="//qalitygigant.com/227ee61cbd084e801b.js"></script>The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604111647702899524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5733363062082489770.post-5582961594409316982019-04-02T18:45:00.000-07:002019-04-03T10:08:46.229-07:00The Night Jersey Joe Walcott Made Arnold Raymond Cream Champion Of The World<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Night Jersey Joe Walcott Made Arnold Raymond Cream Champion Of The World<br /><br />By Peter Silkov.<br />For The Boxing Glove</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /><br />In the end, it took just one punch, a dynamite left-hook to the face of Ezzard Charles, and ten seconds later Jersey Joe Walcott was heavyweight champion of the world. One could argue that Walcott was champion as soon as the punch had landed. It was an irrepressible force upon impact, and the devastation produced was visible on the face of the reigning champion as he fell forward senseless onto his face. To those with a keen sense of boxing knowledge, it seemed clear that this was one of those blows that would render the receiver unable to beat the fatal count of ten seconds.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Just after impact, Charles fell onto his right knee, his head bowed, where he froze for a moment. Almost as if he were in prayer. Then he pitched down the rest of the way forwards, coming to rest with his face pressed into the canvas. He looked like someone taking a long overdue slumber.<br /><br />Jersey Joe had entered the ring that night in Forbes Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a 37-year-old 5-to-1 underdog, against a man who had already beaten him twice. When he left the ring some thirty minutes or so later he held in his gloved hands the richest prize in sports. Such is the beauty of boxing.<br /><br />Charles was 'out' even before the skin of his face stuck upon the ring canvas. In fact, the connection between canvas and face may well have 'awakened' Charles and provoked his improbable attempt to regain his feet in time to continue the fight and the 9th defense of his world title. Yet his senses were too widely scattered and although he made a courageous attempt to beat the count, he failed. Even as he lay prone upon his face the courageous Charles tried to regain his feet by wearily pushing at the canvas with his arms. At this point, it seemed almost as if his arms were working separately from the rest of his body as if they were the only conscious part of the fallen fighter. As the count reached six Charles managed to raise his head, and at the count of eight he had managed to get to his knees. The soon to be ex-heavyweight champion of the world then wobbled back drunkenly onto his feet, just as the count reached the fatal 10. Yet no sooner had the soles of his boots regained their acquaintance with the canvas, then Charles was falling again, this time backward onto his back, where he lay glassy-eyed and confused as his cornermen rushed to the now ex-champions aid.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In victory, the victor was almost rendered unconscious himself with the shock of what he had just accomplished. The spectators, whom earlier had sat largely unmoved by the action unfolding before them during previous rounds, had themselves been energized into an excited frenzy by the sudden turn of events, with many of them taking to their feet and trying to get into the ring itself. What ensued in the next minutes was a kind of jubilant frenzy which only sport at its best, and in particular boxing (although this writer is biased) can produce.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Surrounded by an ever-growing mass of spectators, who flooded into the ring and launched themselves at their new hero. Pulled upon by his cornermen, as they sought to protect him from the expanding throng of excited human beings who were filling the ring. Jersey Joe Walcott, the new heavyweight champion of the world, breathing heavily, fell to his knees and murmured in a voice that was all but totally drowned out by the tumult surrounding him, 'Thank God!'. <br /><br />Later when he had composed himself enough to speak to reporters, Walcott had exclaimed about his victory “I felt 16 years old again!”<br /><br />Up until the sudden conclusion, the fight seemed to be following the same unspectacular pattern of the previous two encounters between these two men. The night had exploded into life with the sudden match-ending punch that must go down as one of the most spectacular and clinical one punch finishes that have ever been seen in a heavyweight championship bout.<br /><br />It had been just one left hook that had caused this explosion of excitement and uproar. It brought about one of the biggest upsets the division had seen, up until that time. One punch had beaten the 5-to-1 odds laid against the challenger. One punch, but that punch had taken over 20 years to land. 20 years of blood, bruises, and heartbreak. Years filled with sweat, frustration, victories, and disappointments. At the age of 37 (although some sources made Walcott closer to 42 or 43 years in age) Jersey Joe had withstood more highs and lows than is probably in a single fighter's career. His resilience to the lows, and his ability to bounce back from each setback, again and again, was the reason why he had just become the oldest man to capture sport's greatest crown at the age of (at least) 37. Walcott also gained the distinction of becoming the first man to win the most prestigious title in boxing at his 5th attempt.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The crowd knew. They had followed his journey from the first Louis match when he had appeared out of nowhere to give the great Joe Louis the hardest fight of his already legendary world title reign. Many of the spectators, who were on their feet after seeing Walcott land that dynamite punch upon Ezzard Charles, were the same people who booed and protested loudly three and a half years earlier when the judges failed to give the verdict to Walcott at the end of his first fight with Joe Louis. It seemed, to many that night, that Jersey Joe had been robbed by the judges of a famous and improbable, yet well-deserved victory. Until that night Walcott had been unknown to the average fight fan, despite a career going back 17 years. He had flummoxed, frustrated, bewildered and out-boxed the champion with his swift-footed, herky-jerky style of boxing. Not only that, but Walcott had hurt Louis several times, and floored him twice. Jersey Joe was like a wasp in the ring, buzzing around and around, in and out, and he had a sting. <br /><br />21 out of 32 ringside boxing writers had Walcott the winner at the conclusion of his first fight with Louis, while Louis himself was so convinced of his defeat that he attempted to leave the ring before the verdict was announced. Yet Walcott was not crowned champion that night against Louis, instead, in many peoples eyes, he was robbed of a historic against all odds victory, the kind of which only comes to a man once in a lifetime.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Six months later Walcott had another shot at immortality when Louis granted him a second shot at his world title. Once more Walcott gave 'The Brown Bomber' fits with his speed and style, but this time Louis caught up Jersey Joe in the 11th round and knocked him out. Ironically this time Walcott had been leading on two of the three judges cards. Walcott's dream, the dream he had held since he first pulled a pair of boxing gloves onto his hands over 17 years earlier seemed to be gone.<br /><br />How many chances at greatness does one man get in life?<br /><br />After Joe Louis announced his retirement from the ring following his 11th round knockout of Walcott, Jersey Joe and Ezzard Charles were matched together to fight for the now vacant World heavyweight crown. On June 22, 1949, Charles out-pointed Walcott over 15 rather uninspired rounds to gain NBA recognition as the worlds heavyweight champion. It had been Walcott's third shot at destiny and this time he had failed to sparkle.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />Ezzard Charles was a brilliant boxer in his own right, who in many ways is only now gaining the accolades that he so deserved during the time he was active in the 40s and 50s. Yet Charles and Walcott together seemed to nullify each other's abilities. When matched together, except for some sporadic outbursts of action and excitement, their fights were mainly underwhelming to most spectators. Especially taking into account what people expected from a world heavyweight title fight at the time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The fans wanted blood and guts, wild exchanges of powerful punches. Not the kind of cerebral boxing matches that they got when Walcott and Charles were matched up together.<br /><br />Despite the underwhelming nature of their first fight, Charles and Walcott faced eachother again on March 7th, 1951, with Walcott entering the match on the back of an upset points defeat to the raw yet tough Rex Layne. Charles, who was proving himself to be a fighting champion, despite the lack of recognition from the fight fans at large, was making the 7th defence of his world title. <br /><br />For the fourth time, Walcott found himself the bridesmaid rather than the bride, as he was once more out-pointed over 15 rounds by Charles. With Walcott the sentimental favourite, the crowd had booed the verdict, yet those boos didn't bring his dream any closer. After four shots at the greatest prize in sport, it seemed that Jersey Joe had missed his chance at immortality and would go down as one of boxing's nearly men. A man who could have been champion save for the scores upon one judge’s scorecard.<br /><br />Yet fate is a funny thing, and sometimes immortality is a combination of being at the right place at the right time but also making sure you are at the right place at the right time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">With his advanced age and the years he had put into his career, Walcott could easily have accepted his fate as a runner up who had come so close and yet so far, and simply hung up his gloves. After years of struggle, he had earned enough from his losing attempts at the world championship so that he and his family now lived comfortably in the family home in Camden New Jersey. He was no-longer wondering where his next meal was coming from as he had so often earlier in his career. <br /><br />Yet Jersey Joe Walcott was still hungry. He still held onto that flickering dream of being heavyweight champion of the world. Perhaps if anything, after coming so close yet failing four times, the dream was even stronger now for Walcott. Even if few outside his immeadiate circle still believed it possible. Perhaps Jersey Joe Walcott wouldn't let Arnold Raymond Cream quit before his dream had been fulfilled.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So Joe didn't hang up his gloves. He didn't quit after the Louis rematch. He didn't quit after the first bout with Ezzard Charles or even after the second defeat to Charles. Jersey Joe wasn't a quitter and perhaps, more than anything else, this is the clue as to how in the end he managed to achieve the seemingly impossible.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSBaOmlN-PGwDWYmo7v7B5F2K1AGOp3Kd9XK4aac-z_FGPQHgP7H68o-WzeSh4EQfMUp2rDVJT1AeePANBzPKklrZ0OcD4Gpr23u2G6EtrVLAyGleEDXxNZBXOrIBPL6M0MdmyutHuhb4/s1600/Belt_Ezzard_Charles_vintage_photo_10x8_jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="364" data-original-width="330" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSBaOmlN-PGwDWYmo7v7B5F2K1AGOp3Kd9XK4aac-z_FGPQHgP7H68o-WzeSh4EQfMUp2rDVJT1AeePANBzPKklrZ0OcD4Gpr23u2G6EtrVLAyGleEDXxNZBXOrIBPL6M0MdmyutHuhb4/s320/Belt_Ezzard_Charles_vintage_photo_10x8_jpg.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Then came that stroke of luck which sometimes blesses the talented, but more often than not blesses those who show the kind of stubborn endurance, and belief, in the face of failure that Jersey Joe displayed throughout his long career. With genuine challengers for his world title scant on the ground, Ezzard Charles found himself facing Walcott for the third time on that fateful night of July 18, 1951.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This time something was different, there was an extra spark in Walcott, the kind that he hadn't had perhaps since his two fights with Joe Louis. Maybe this time he knew that this 5th chance at his dream had to be his last chance.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhza2SZhNgpHsHcJ_lTh4f-56lGBBsRM4M7pb-5jN9x8l2e-yevzCDK463E1ISJYsn7ISVnvxvBVX9pnfhh4XiO36tyBizSPXkyNu3JyGCnKhiifPvl-NItH9TnnXHWJxMDH2XOUzrqcdk/s1600/56544579_2379996462051048_3501971253458108416_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="716" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhza2SZhNgpHsHcJ_lTh4f-56lGBBsRM4M7pb-5jN9x8l2e-yevzCDK463E1ISJYsn7ISVnvxvBVX9pnfhh4XiO36tyBizSPXkyNu3JyGCnKhiifPvl-NItH9TnnXHWJxMDH2XOUzrqcdk/s320/56544579_2379996462051048_3501971253458108416_n.jpg" width="238" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />The bout started out much like their previous two encounters, with both boxing cagily, and seemingly waiting for the other to make a move or a mistake. People had expected Charles to take more of the initiative in this bout in order to beat Walcott by a wider margin than previously and remove him from contention as a challenger. However, Charles was content to play the waiting game and let Walcott be the aggressor. For his part, instead of using his usual style of tricky movement and countering, Jersey Joe was more happy to hold his ground this time and deliver more telling punches than in their previous encounters. Although Charles edged the first two rounds with his more effective jab, Walcott's strategy began to bear fruit in the 3rd round when he seemed to hurt Charles with two left-hooks to the body. He also landed a left hook to the face which opened a cut underneath the champions right eye. From this point, Walcott the eternal challenger began to gain control of the fight, seemingly growing stronger as the match went on, perhaps with the growing belief that this time, this time, he would not finish second.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As the rounds progressed Charles continued to box smartly with his jab, but there was an ineffectiveness now in his work. Walcott had his own jab working, and furthermore, he was landing rights and lefts to the body that seemed to be draining Ezzard. While Charles punches looked to be bouncing harmlessly off Walcott when they landed, Jersey Joe's own blows seemed to be landing with a touch more weight. The two exchanged jabs in the 4th and 5th rounds, but Walcott's punches were becoming more telling. Ezzard was visibly shaken by a right hand in the 4th, while in the 5th round the defending champion seemed to be hurt twice, as his challenger switched from head to body in some of the best exchanges of the fight. Ezzard fought back but his punches lacked sting in comparison to Jersey Joe. In the 6th round, Walcott started looking to land the left hook more as he became visibly more confident, with the concentration and determination etched upon his face.<br /><br />Then in the fateful 7th Walcott finally landed that left hook. The left hook that had taken 21 years to reach its destination. Back then he hadn't been Jersey Joe Walcott, but Arnold Raymond Cream, born in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, on January 31, 1914, (although there were always whispers that the year of Arnold Cream's birth could be somewhat earlier than 1914). Officially Arnold Cream began his career on September 9, 1930, with a 1st round knockout of Eddie Wallace. Cream weighed 152 pounds in that early endeavor, with a long long road ahead of him before he would reach anything like the success that he dreamed about every-time he clenched his gloved hands.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NnL49lyId3SfWStg_qmdZo-RhHuMokl2L2bq8wJpKCrDLXquejeEzb3GbKU7TrMi23agWlit3-TGV91Pp_sQzPr2FcWo5dekPsDffUa_hRu64Z2ZNv-4GuFDXiorxVDKKuuJiwrkQIg/s1600/Walcott%252CJoe+10x12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1349" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NnL49lyId3SfWStg_qmdZo-RhHuMokl2L2bq8wJpKCrDLXquejeEzb3GbKU7TrMi23agWlit3-TGV91Pp_sQzPr2FcWo5dekPsDffUa_hRu64Z2ZNv-4GuFDXiorxVDKKuuJiwrkQIg/s640/Walcott%252CJoe+10x12.JPG" width="538" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was not until some three years later on July 28, 1933, against a certain Henry Taylor, (whom he knocked out in the 1st round) that Arnold Cream became Jersey Joe Walcott. Arnold took the name of the old 'Barbados Demon' Joe Walcott, who had ruled the welterweights and been one of the most feared fighters pound-for-pound during the 1890s and early 1900s. Perhaps he had hoped that some of the old Demons magic would rub off upon him.<br /><br />There was little magic for the first decade of Jersey Joe Walcott's career. He struggled to find fights, and when he did get fights, he was seldom well-prepared for them as he often went into his early fights hungry. Jersey Joe's early career was so sporadic and full of ups and downs that he was forced to take work elsewhere, working in construction, as a porter, a janitor, and many other areas of menial employment in order to feed his growing family. At one point Walcott was forced to go on relief and provide for his family with 9 dollars 5 cents a week. Several times Jersey Joe retired from the ring and almost gave up on the dream that in his lowest moments seemed to have become just a memory. But Walcott, a humble yet determined man, believed that God would help him achieve his goal if he just kept his faith in himself and continued to work hard to reach it despite all the hard years and the setbacks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Walcott's career only really began to take off in 1945, when, after having just 2 fights in five years, he returned from another lay off of 7 months, with new management in the shape of Felix Bocchicchio. Under the guidance of Bocchicchio, who promoted fights in Walcott's adopted home town of Camden New Jersey, Jersey Joe finally began to get regular fights, and produced a streak of 18 wins in 21 matches. These included victories over notable fighters such as Joe Baksi, Lee Q Murray, Curtis Sheppard, Jimmy Bivins, Lee Oma, Joey Maxim and Elmar Ray. The wins over Maxim and Ray avenged two of the defeats that Walcott suffered during this time and qualified him for his first title shot against Joe Louis.<br /><br />It would take a little longer for Jersey Joe to realize his dream after his controversial 1st defeat to Louis, but finally, after 21 years he achieved what he had dreamed about all those years earlier.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Eleven months after landing that historic left-hook Jersey Joe successfully defended his World Heavyweight title against the man he took it from, convincingly out-pointing Ezzard Charles over 15 rounds. After successfully defending his world crown Walcott declared “This proves that I'm really champion, this proves it wasn't any lucky punch in Pittsburgh. I had him all the way. This win meant more to me”.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The successful title defence against Charles made Walcott at 38 years of age, the oldest man to successfully defend the World heavyweight crown. That and his record of being the oldest man to win the heavyweight title would stand until 1995 when George Foreman regained a portion of the world heavyweight championship against Michael Moorer. (Ironically with a spectacular one-punch knockout).<br /><br />Perhaps some of Joe Walcott's old demon magic had rubbed off upon Arnold Raymond Cream after all.</span></div>
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The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604111647702899524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5733363062082489770.post-27787829463738503172019-01-13T12:49:00.003-08:002019-01-13T12:52:37.405-08:00TBG Sunday Night Book Review: Johnny Risko: The Cleveland Rubber Man<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4fXauTDjyxyLh1w81IYg_0NQErTQSLcaXst22rD5n-F2wDSW3vx3FJdzd9gPlBXsM5SgRYZKyPkaYcMD-NQMaJ3428ebaVMFtJ6i1TELH8Y2ng3JGAsvirUplOhlk7XFW7_apANpGMYg/s1600/johnnyrisko-bookreview-theboxingglove.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="863" data-original-width="657" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4fXauTDjyxyLh1w81IYg_0NQErTQSLcaXst22rD5n-F2wDSW3vx3FJdzd9gPlBXsM5SgRYZKyPkaYcMD-NQMaJ3428ebaVMFtJ6i1TELH8Y2ng3JGAsvirUplOhlk7XFW7_apANpGMYg/s640/johnnyrisko-bookreview-theboxingglove.png" width="484" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Boxing Glove Book Review: By Peter Silkov<br /><br />"Johnny Risko: The Cleveland Rubber Man" By Jerry Fitch</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPsc9jFPsG95L-_YWQHHMxCAJTiniSy-oyTJHJpmxVFlSXU1xm8NsVnii8K7rQQk8cK1Gx3tBZqY681v1ZRdt3ic2pu9QbqyVK9feVB7m5YkjuL-YBgkOSfo-zySjqMYRl9x8BAqpo240/s1600/Risko.Johnny.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPsc9jFPsG95L-_YWQHHMxCAJTiniSy-oyTJHJpmxVFlSXU1xm8NsVnii8K7rQQk8cK1Gx3tBZqY681v1ZRdt3ic2pu9QbqyVK9feVB7m5YkjuL-YBgkOSfo-zySjqMYRl9x8BAqpo240/s1600/Risko.Johnny.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There is a misconception in some modern boxing fans minds that the value of a fighters ability can be weighed up simply by a quick check of the number of wins and losses upon his record. Many fighters today tread carefully around their most talented and dangerous rivals for fear of what a defeat might do to their record. Of course, there are still exceptions to the rule, for instance recently crowned World lightweight champion, Tevin Farmer, was 7-4-1 in his first 12 professional contests, yet has developed into a genuine world-class champion. Yet the fact that Farmer is such a rarity in today's era, serves to prove the point that for modern day boxing keeping that undefeated '0' is all important to most fighter's managers and promoters.<br /><br />The examples of fighters learning their trade as much through defeats, as they do victories, have become rarer and rarer in the modern boxing landscape. <br /><br />It was very different in the past when there were far more fighters, far fewer titles, and the best fighters invariably fought their toughest rivals on a regular basis. Indeed in those days, most fighters wanted to fight the toughest opposition available, as they knew that this was the only route for reaching the top of the sport.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPyk8aGjHkErOLvl_rpnuXGZRjm-qPkwUuU0uuIBzy6KMilmZLFUG0QyAzw8LUQ-Rk44Kd7Cxhby_86Ve45qwtVBuh4-wVFWloaQ7QGBx00uwbBQI_JN3q2ork9X4NDfyRW-UYsuX8Qo/s1600/Risko.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="496" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPyk8aGjHkErOLvl_rpnuXGZRjm-qPkwUuU0uuIBzy6KMilmZLFUG0QyAzw8LUQ-Rk44Kd7Cxhby_86Ve45qwtVBuh4-wVFWloaQ7QGBx00uwbBQI_JN3q2ork9X4NDfyRW-UYsuX8Qo/s320/Risko.gif" width="264" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The name of Johnny Risko might not be familiar to many of today's fans, but back in what is often now referred to as boxing's 'golden age', 1920 to 1950, Risko was a great example of a fighter who fought regularly and almost exclusively against top-notch rivals. A look at Johnny Risko's final career tally of 68-46-6 (22koes) might provoke some to dismiss Risko as a mediocre also ran in the annals of boxing history. Like many fighters of his era, the bare numbers of Risko's boxing record fail to tell the story of his career, or his ability as a fighter.<br /><br />However, for the intrepid boxing fan who likes his boxing history, Johnny Risko has now been brought back to life by boxing writer and historian, Jerry Fitch.<br /><br />Jerry Fitch does a great job of telling the story of Johnny Risko's life and boxing career in his book "Johnny Risko: The Cleveland Rubber Man." <br /><br />Born Mesto Bohunico, on December 18, 1902, in what is now part of Slovakia, but was then the Austria-Hungarian empire, Johnny and his family immigrated to America in 1908 when he was just 6 years old. <br /><br />After settling in Cleveland, Ohio, Johnny's parents opened a bakery, where Johnny himself would work. Johnny was soon finding that he had a talent with his hands beyond using them in the bakery when he started using them in the ring and regularly knocking out his opponents as an amateur. As an amateur boxer, Bohunico, with his new Americanized name, won 39 of 59 contests via a knockout and became something of a sensation in his adopted home town of Ohio.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20LFPvEXrTWIWTbvx53emmobRQvihJBPlJGPYmIE0dEQGatMvBfi4OwZCNqeLCy3E_iadN-vFpXpaB-EIxZzLn2UClf9q_sKbhctP3Gmb1X39-JwTvfj83W_K8r4R5SjIy-VFhnF9dlE/s1600/Risko00.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="392" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20LFPvEXrTWIWTbvx53emmobRQvihJBPlJGPYmIE0dEQGatMvBfi4OwZCNqeLCy3E_iadN-vFpXpaB-EIxZzLn2UClf9q_sKbhctP3Gmb1X39-JwTvfj83W_K8r4R5SjIy-VFhnF9dlE/s320/Risko00.gif" width="209" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Risko turned professional in 1922, not long after the overturning of a ban on professional boxing in Cleveland. In a career which lasted until 1940, Risko would fight the cream of the light-heavyweights and heavyweights of the '20s and '30s. Short and stocky, at 5' 11" and between 190 and 210 pounds, Risko was to gain notoriety for his toughness and heart inside the ring.<br /><br />Originally nicknamed 'The Baker Boy' Risko was soon being called 'The Cleveland Rubber Man' due to the impression he made of having punches simply bounce off him. Risko was an aggressive infighter, who relied very much upon his left-hand after an injury to his right shoulder early in his professional career rendered him almost a one-armed fighter. Indeed, when you learn about Risko's early career injury, that robbed him of the knockout punch in his right hand, the fact that he went on to achieve what he did in his career becomes even more impressive. Shorn of his powerful right-hand punch, Risko became a relentlessly aggressive infighter, who relied upon his work rate and toughness to outwork and outlast his opponents. <br /><br />The list of Risko's opponents is impressive indeed, including, Young Stribling, Mike Mctigue, Gene Tunney, Jack Renault, Jack Sharkey, Jack Delaney, Tommy Loughran, Jimmy Slattery, Lou Scozza, Paulino Uzcudun, George Godfrey, Tuff Griffiths, Mickey Walker, Max Baer, King Levinsky, Bob Olin, Max Schmeling, and John Henry Lewis. Looking at the names on Risko's record, it becomes hardly surprising that he experienced a number of reverses. Yet, he also scored his fair share of impressive victories and was world rated amongst the top heavyweights for several years.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoKURrFWmYlTCGdK1lljqj4Ulf2W2aIloRAJliOu_V2Pg6q2A7wW6fjE7zg5axyoMKt7vs22iUBQcpL05oC8VIbAwYlUYVsCS57jtdD1OkD8wJ9vGg8bARsYAtOpal7LFmUY6m1844O64/s1600/Schmeling-and-Risko.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="476" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoKURrFWmYlTCGdK1lljqj4Ulf2W2aIloRAJliOu_V2Pg6q2A7wW6fjE7zg5axyoMKt7vs22iUBQcpL05oC8VIbAwYlUYVsCS57jtdD1OkD8wJ9vGg8bARsYAtOpal7LFmUY6m1844O64/s320/Schmeling-and-Risko.jpg" width="253" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jerry Fitch has done a meticulous job in bringing Johnny Risko's life and career alive. This book is nicely equipped with quotes from newspaper articles of the time, as well as a number of round-by-round commentaries upon some of Risko's most important fights. These commentaries, which have been taken from the newspaper archives of "The Cleveland Plain Dealer", give the reader the impression that he is going back in time and witnessing the fight himself. It is a unique way to appreciate Risko as a fighter and indeed appreciate his opponents. <br /><br />'The Cleveland Rubber Man' never fought for a world title, yet this shortfall says more about the intensity of competition in his era rather than any shortcomings in his ability. <br /><br />"Johnny Risko: The Cleveland Rubber Man" doesn't just shed light upon the life and career of Risko himself, it also gives the reader a nice insight into the era in which he fought and his many outstanding opponents. There are also a good helping of classic photos throughout the book, and Risko's boxing record is provided in the back of this biography.<br /><br />Jerry Fitch has devoted himself to highlighting the boxing history of Cleveland Ohio, and after a previous book on Jimmy Bivins, he has highlighted yet another fighter whose life and boxing career deserves to be told and remembered.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you would like to purchase this book it is available on Amazon:</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Johnny-Risko-Cleveland-Rubber-Man/dp/0954392485"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">https://www.amazon.com/Johnny-Risko-Cleveland-Rubber-Man/dp/0954392485</span></a></div>
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The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604111647702899524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5733363062082489770.post-54849986891800299472018-12-27T18:50:00.001-08:002018-12-27T19:22:08.419-08:00TBG Book Review: From Boxing Ring to Battlefield: The Life Story of War Hero Lew Jenkins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Boxing Glove Book Review</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">By Peter Silkov</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"From Boxing Ring To Battlefield:</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Life Of War Hero Lew Jenkins" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">By Gene Pantalone</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The life of a boxer is seldom a dull one, but some fighters lives are more exciting than others. The life of Lew Jenkins reads more like a work of fiction than reality, yet as is often the case, when it comes to Jenkins’ life story, the truth is often stranger than fiction. Lew Jenkins lived a chaotic, rambunctious life, both in and out of the ring, which saw him become Lightweight champion of the world in 1940, only to lose it after just 18 months, as his life and boxing career imploded. He had a meteoric rise to the top, and an even faster fall into boxing oblivion. However, he found a redemption that often eludes ex-fighters and ended his life in a kind of respectable comfort which would have seemed impossible for him, given his lifestyle during most of his boxing career.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4u9ICKwqhUv33oFYijaLptbsABNPOE6dHr6LvGFwndtzCfLkdNHikk2W4NL16wn46tn5y_efZICvNAhA4lrlF15BvssDNIaDQcFwNDnOutpKuVHkAjRjmtcuwNumLERjnRz3hvYFZGCA/s1600/lew+jenkins-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="550" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4u9ICKwqhUv33oFYijaLptbsABNPOE6dHr6LvGFwndtzCfLkdNHikk2W4NL16wn46tn5y_efZICvNAhA4lrlF15BvssDNIaDQcFwNDnOutpKuVHkAjRjmtcuwNumLERjnRz3hvYFZGCA/s320/lew+jenkins-3.jpg" width="245" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Gene Pantalone has done a marvelous job in bringing Lew Jenkins’ life to the written page. It is a biography that reads like a fast-moving movie, with Gene’s vivid writing painting a multitude of colourful scenes inside your head. Indeed the overwhelming feeling that you are left with after reading this biography is the question of why there wasn't a book written about Lew Jenkins earlier.</span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />If ever a fighter had a fan-friendly life story, that man is Lew Jenkins. He was an inveterate smoker and drinker, who got into as many unscheduled fights outside of the ring as he did inside of it. He became a sensation with the journalists of the day, picking up such nicknames as 'The Living Death' 'The Sweetwater Swatter', 'The Texas Tarantula','The Texas Thumper', 'The Medical Freak' and in the latter part of his career, 'Looney Lew'.</span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />Born on December 4, 1916, in Milburn, Texas, Lew grew up in Sweetwater, Texas, where he experienced the poverty of the 1930s depression first hand. As a child, Lew spent more time picking cotton with the rest of his family than he did attending school.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />''I wore cardboard in my shoes'', Jenkins is quoted as saying by Gene Pantalone; ''I had one pair of patched overalls. I don't know how we survived''.</span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />Growing up at such a time, it should be no surprise that Jenkins, like so many other young men of his age, would seek to escape the poverty of the cotton fields by using his hands in the boxing ring.</span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />Part of the charm of Jenkins is that he never looked much like a fighter (at least not to the trained eye.) He was lanky and scrawny, even when he was well-fed. Yet inside the ring he was the stereotypical 'hungry fighter', who fought every round as if his life depended on it. He was also one of the most devastating punchers ever seen in the lightweight division. Referee Arthur Donovan is quoted by Gene Pantalone upon the subject of Lew's punching prowess:<br />''That Jenkins, what a puncher he was. He was skinny, and he looked half-starved all the time, but he'd hit you a hook, and you'd just cave in, crumble to your knees. I think he was the hardest of all the punchers''.</span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />Jenkins’ freakish physique was also possessed of uncanny speed, that allowed him in his short prime to fight like a wildcat.</span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />Although Lew's official boxing record has him beginning his boxing career in 1935, at the age of 18, his introduction to the ring actually took place years earlier when he became a carnival fighter. Like many fighters of his era, Lew had many more fights than appear on his 'official' boxing record.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jenkins won the World Lightweight championship at New York's Madison Square Garden, on May 10, 1940, with a violent 3rd round stoppage of Lou Ambers. At the age of 23, he had fought his way from poverty to the top of the boxing world and found himself a celebrity in the process. Unfortunately, like many other fighters from similar backgrounds, Jenkins found success overwhelming. The hunger that had previously exerted some control over his wild ways evaporated seemingly overnight, and life for Jenkins became one long unending party, which became ever more chaotic.</span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />Many other fighters have seen their careers derail in the wake of 'the good life', yet few have derailed their careers as spectacularly as Jenkins. More interested in drinking, chasing women and racing motorbikes, Jenkins boxing career fell into free-fall almost from the moment he won the world championship. It was a decline that only accelerated after he lost the title eighteen months after winning it. Jenkins alcoholism became such, that he was barely sober for a fight after his world title victory.</span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />With his life out of control, Jenkins found salvation in perhaps the most unlikely arenas of all, World War 2. With his boxing career and personal life in tatters, Jenkins signed up to join the Coast Guard. Jenkins had actually enlisted in the army years earlier when he was just a fledgling fighter, and he would find that his re-enlistment would be the saving of him.</span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />Jenkins would carry on fighting in the ring, on and off, until 1950. But his fighting spark in the ring was burnt out. It was on the battlefield that Lew would mark himself out now. Lew Jenkins became a teetotal, career soldier, and a full-fledged War Hero.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhruKNlBRP9PcHL82fZ52k-2zIPXB_WYDRe9fc6fcRYhGc3v7d5LUZXsybfRru0Jc2SGsNfMsC9vp13pEKkkzXc59k1m1HOUgHPfZIVVlEojLNP3PEZPM1ZEejqLDEbdqcQTp2yoKFyWB0/s1600/lew+jenkins-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhruKNlBRP9PcHL82fZ52k-2zIPXB_WYDRe9fc6fcRYhGc3v7d5LUZXsybfRru0Jc2SGsNfMsC9vp13pEKkkzXc59k1m1HOUgHPfZIVVlEojLNP3PEZPM1ZEejqLDEbdqcQTp2yoKFyWB0/s1600/lew+jenkins-5.JPG" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As he did in his previous book “Madame Bey's Home To Boxing Legends” Gene Pantalone weaves a vivid and entertaining narrative in this biography of Lew Jenkins (who himself was one of the many legendary fighters who used Madame Bey's training camp.)</span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />“Boxing Ring To Battlefield” is meticulously researched, with excellent use of historical interviews and quotes. As well as featuring many quotes of Jenkins himself, there are also quotes from his son and many others who knew him personally during his life. This book also contains very useful ‘notes’ and ‘Bibliography’ sections, which further informs the reader.</span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />While Jenkins is perhaps the ultimate 'colourful character' himself, he is hardly alone in this book, which is just about overflowing with interesting characters. From his fellow fighters to the managers and promoters of the day, perhaps the most intriguing character of this biography, aside from Jenkins himself, is his first wife, Katie, who at one point was Lew's manager, trainer, and promoter, and had much to do with his spectacular climb to the top.</span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />Like his previous work, Gene Pantalone instills the atmosphere of the time in “From Boxing Ring To Battlefield”. You can almost smell the sweat and the smoke of the gyms and the area's, and hear the thump of the leather upon flesh. You can most certainly hear the clink of glasses and bottles as Lew drinks himself into a stupor between fights.</span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />This is a book that shows why boxers are without a doubt the most 'fan-friendly' of all sports stars when it comes to interesting life stories. Yet even a good story can come over poorly if it is not told well, however, the story of Lew Jenkins is in great hands here with Gene Pantalone.</span> <br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />“From Boxing Ring To Battlefield” is essential reading for anyone with an interest in the 'Golden Age' of boxing that existed between 1920 and 1950. It is also a great read even for those who might not class themselves as a boxing 'fan', but still enjoy a good story. The most impressive thing perhaps about Lew Jenkins’ life story is that it really did happen. What a tale it is indeed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Boxing-Ring-Battlefield-Life-Jenkins/dp/153811674X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1545964982&sr=8-1&keywords=From+Boxing+Ring+To+Battlefield%3AThe+Life+Of+War+Hero+Lew+">https://www.amazon.com/Boxing-Ring-Battlefield-Life-Jenkins/dp/153811674X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1545964982&sr=8-1&keywords=From+Boxing+Ring+To+Battlefield%3AThe+Life+Of+War+Hero+Lew+</a>Jenkins%22</span></div>
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The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604111647702899524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5733363062082489770.post-52717022780724161542018-12-06T18:29:00.000-08:002018-12-06T18:42:43.408-08:00The Boxing Glove Big Fight Report: Tyson Fury Rocks the World<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3oPn79k1yOG8XG1ra9gMCzkG03jIXqHjtoiTLvu_GwM8pEGe7vOrWWpE8n_RbGFQJR4TD5huA9y7KZ9qFrG-0YzmyKbQUG0QJdBi6s0alarx_R3fzYxkQxdVtroCFHoB7a3SEELwxI0/s1600/fury-wilder-nzherald.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="620" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3oPn79k1yOG8XG1ra9gMCzkG03jIXqHjtoiTLvu_GwM8pEGe7vOrWWpE8n_RbGFQJR4TD5huA9y7KZ9qFrG-0YzmyKbQUG0QJdBi6s0alarx_R3fzYxkQxdVtroCFHoB7a3SEELwxI0/s640/fury-wilder-nzherald.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: NZ Herald</td></tr>
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By Peter Silkov</div>
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Sometimes you don't need to win to really 'win', but it’s nice all the same not to be robbed of a victory earned through blood, sweat, and tears, in the hardest 'sport' that exists. Anyone who watched Saturday's fight between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury with an unbiased eye and a fair amount of boxing knowledge would be hard pressed to explain how Fury ended the night walking away with just a draw. For most of the match, Fury dominated the fight. He out-boxed Wilder with his unique mix of speed, herky-jerky skill and some of the most audacious moves you will ever see in the boxing ring. Even Muhammad Ali never boxed with his hands held behind his back!</div>
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This isn't to say that Fury is as good as Ali, he doesn't need to be. On Saturday night Fury showed that being himself is good enough. He has the athletic ability in abundance along with a strong dash of that something extra that takes what he is beyond just being an outstanding athlete. Fury's story, like the man himself, is complicated, he is not a media creation, far from it. Media creations are two-dimensional objects, that fit into a nice standard box so that the media at large can package and distribute them. Often the most interesting aspects of media creations are hidden from the public, in favour of a predictable, rather bland story that engages on certain levels but never challenges or outrages.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-xQYSLkpW6WBT0jGDvgrlBYUwbcst8FeXyNRzQmRuGfRLf9PLU1ie5pJNKCbap6_DKOsvKDA84WbA52nLot-OkVWYk9_HX6dCtVpYoPdi-BKUpRqoZ6DRnl36r3CamXf_SFHkCnZawQ/s1600/fury_wilder-bbc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="480" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-xQYSLkpW6WBT0jGDvgrlBYUwbcst8FeXyNRzQmRuGfRLf9PLU1ie5pJNKCbap6_DKOsvKDA84WbA52nLot-OkVWYk9_HX6dCtVpYoPdi-BKUpRqoZ6DRnl36r3CamXf_SFHkCnZawQ/s400/fury_wilder-bbc.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: BBC</td></tr>
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To compare any fighter with Muhammad Ali is always a risky project, prone to attracting reactions ranging from ridicule to outrage. Yet despite there being some obvious differences between Ali and Tyson, which don't doesnt need explaining, there remain some tantalizing parallels, both in the ring and outside of it.<br />
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Tyson Fury, like Ali before him, has always been anything, except bland and predictable. Over the 10 years of his professional career, Tyson has never fit into a simple box. His outrageous freedom of spirit has, until recently, made members of the media, and indeed the public at large, suspicious of him. Subsequently, Tyson has often been portrayed in the media as either a clown or a madman.<br />
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After his brilliant out-boxing of Wladimir Klitschko just a little over three years ago, to win the World heavyweight championship, Tyson was rewarded with a hostility in some areas of the media and the public which remains shocking. It was as if the wrong son had struck it rich, and his reward was a rejection so abject and unforgiving, that its weight hit Tyson harder than any punch he has ever felt inside the boxing ring. Including the one that he took from Deontay Wilder in the 12th round on Saturday night.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tyson Parties After Win Over Klitschko Photo: fightcity.com</td></tr>
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Fury's physical and spiritual collapse following what should have been his career-defining win over Wladimir Klitschko is well known. The colourful history of boxing is overflowing with the tales of prodigiously talented fighters, who have burned away their talent and careers by going off the rails into a life of self-destructive indulgence. Yet, Tyson Fury's self-implosion has been unusual by its suddenness and seeming finality.<br />
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As his depression deepened, and the months of inactivity grew into years, Tyson's once athletic frame grew and bloated. At the same time, the chances of him ever entering the ring again seemed to grow smaller with every month that passed. Tyson became a caricature of himself. Even some of those who had previously lambasted him without mercy felt some sympathy as Tyson's life descended into the kind of chaos that never ends happily. Fury seemed set on a not so long trip into the abyss.<br />
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Just as it seemed that all was lost for Fury, some spark of self-survival made him step back from the edge. Perhaps it was the realization that he had already been written off by so many people. In another parallel to Ali, Tyson Fury is a man who loves to prove his doubters wrong. Tyson Fury is at his happiest when he is the underdog.<br />
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In just 12 months of constant training, Tyson Fury has lost over 100 pounds, transforming himself back into almost the exact image of the fighter he was three years ago against Wladimir Klitschko. As comebacks go, that's pretty impressive for a start.<br />
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However, to also make a return to the highest level of the most dangerous sport in the world is something else altogether. When Tyson Fury entered the ring on Saturday against Deontay Wilder, he was, in essence, taking part in his first real competitive match in over three years, against the man who is generally accepted to be the heaviest puncher in the division.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Belfast Telegraph</td></tr>
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Perhaps it was a consequence of the measly 20-foot ring that they were cramped together into, but despite his fleet-footed boxing skills, Tyson chose to spend much of the fight standing right in front of Wilder. Instead of constantly using the whole ring, Tyson instead relied upon his head and upper-body movement, and catlike reflexes to duck block, and make Wilder miss repeatedly. As the rounds unfolded Fury walked a tightrope of repeatedly making Wilder miss by a hair’s breath with wild yet, powerful shots, that looked like they could bring down walls if they connected.<br />
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Wilder's technique or rather lack of it has often been seen to be one of his major flaws, yet he knows how to turn this deficit into a credit. Wilder's 'wild' technique gives him an unpredictability that no opponent likes to face in the ring. With his long arms and underrated hand-speed, one can never quite know when or where 'The Bronze Bomber's’ next hay-maker is going to land.<br />
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As the rounds passed Fury fought like a man with a mission. A giant relying on the kind of speed and ring guile that seems barely possible in such a big man. Despite being confined to such a relatively small ring, Fury showed a knack of knowing just when to duck or step back that little bit so that the incoming bomb would fly harmlessly by him. Sometimes you had to look closely to make sure that the punch had indeed missed.<br />
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Wilder began the fight with the intensity and confidence of a man who has knocked out 39 of his previous 40 opponents and knows that it is just a matter of time before he brings an end to the proceedings. By the 6th round, Wilder's eyes had started to fill up with the anxious look of a fighter who knows that a knockout is his only chance of victory or rather should be.<br />
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The purpose of boxing is to hit and not get hit and to display a technical superiority over your opponent. As this fight progressed Fury carried out these missions to the tee. His jab nullified Wilder's from the start. Unable to land his own jab Wilder was reduced to simply trying to land one of his dynamite hay-makers upon Fury.<br />
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Between making Wilder miss, Fury landed his own shots regularly, at times knocking Wilder back with the force of his own blows. Time and again Fury ducked beneath Wilder's punches, often making him miss by mere fractions. Fury was giving Wilder a boxing lesson, while for the most part standing right in front of him and also pushing him back with the force of his own punches.<br />
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Tyson wasn't just out-boxing Wilder; he was out-fighting him as well.<br />
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Add to this Fury's frequent clowning, which consists of pulling various expressions on his face, sticking his tongue out, and putting his hands behind his back, raising his arms in an early victory celebration, and you have an extraordinary performance taking place round after round.<br />
As with Ali before him, Tyson's antics in the ring are not simply self-indulgent clowning. They are apart of the whole chess match. An integral part of Tyson assuming his mental superiority over his opponent in the ring.<br />
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It has been said that Tyson Fury's life story would make a good movie, perhaps he thought that his fight with Wilder needed a little more drama.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wilder Connects In The 9th Photo:New York Post</td></tr>
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In the ninth round, one of Wilder's bombs finally connected cleanly, hitting Tyson on the back of the head, and knocking him down. Tyson had finally miscalculated one of his ducks. Still, after regaining his feet, Tyson carried on pretty much as if nothing had happened. By the rounds end, he was back to raising his arms, holding his hands behind his back, and sticking out his tongue. Wilder's audacity at knocking him down seemed to provoke Fury to release his whole repertoire.<br />
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With a strong point’s lead, despite the knock-down, Fury could have gone onto the back foot after the 9th but instead, he chose to fight in 'the pocket' and even take the fight to Wilder. Rounds 10 and 11 were good rounds for Fury. His recovery from the 9th round knock-down had added a further splash of drama and colour to a fight that didn't really need it. Fury's performance after 3 years in the abyss was drama enough to make this a special fight.<br />
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In the 12th round, something happened that took this fight out of the usual and placed it upon that revered mantelpiece of boxing history, which is reserved only for the true classics. These are the fights where either one or both participants seem to reach somewhere deep into themselves and produce something physically miraculous. Something that defies the innate fragility of the human body.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fury Hits the Canvas in the 12th Photo:mmafighting.com</td></tr>
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By out-boxing Deontay Wilder for the vast majority of their bout, despite being knocked down, Tyson Fury had already seemingly defied the laws of athletics in general and logic itself. Yet in the 12th and final round of their fight, Tyson performed a feat that will most likely prove to define both his life and his boxing career. For the first time in the whole fight Wilder connected with two punches, one after the other. Fury, his catlike reflexes finally dimmed a little from fatigue, took a right hand to the side of the head, and as he tried to ride the punch, a left hook struck him full on the right side of his jaw. Fury's own movement meant that he actually ducked into Wilder's punch, which added to the potency of Wilder's punch.<br />
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Fury seemed to fall to the canvas in slow motion, like an actor in some western who had just been shot. His body shook upon its impact with the canvas, and his eyes stared vacantly ahead unblinking</div>
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as his mouth gasped for air. It was as violent a knock-down as you could wish to see in this most violent of sports. Many watching will have been overwhelmed by adrenalin powered excitement at such legalized violence, at the same time feel that conscious pang of guilt for taking pleasure in seeing another human being's physical destruction.<br />
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The first thought that I felt after seeing this knock-down was the hope that Tyson was not seriously hurt, and would in the end, get up smiling and unscathed. The question of him beating the count at that point didn't enter my head in those first few seconds.<br />
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Although Tyson's eyes were wide open, he seemed to be very much 'out', like Thomas Hearns against Marvin Hagler at the end of their 3-round epic encounter of 1985. It was as if everything that Tyson had built over the past 12 rounds had come crashing down with him under the weight of those two punches from Deontay Wilder.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fury Get Up After Knockdown by Wilder Photo: BTSport</td></tr>
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At the count of five Tyson blinked. At six, he started to rise again. As the referee counted nine, Tyson was back on his feet. Who knows how Fury was able to regain his feet after such a knock-down. Perhaps the same strength of spirit and mental attitude that allowed him to conquer his demons and get himself into good enough shape to fight Wilder in the first place.<br />
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As if beating the count wasn't enough after a couple of seconds, Fury started taking the fight to Wilder, whose astonishment at being unable to keep his challenger down was written throughout his body language for the rest of the round. Suddenly it was Fury on the charge, like a wounded animal, while Wilder swung his arms desperately then held. A Fury punch actually shook Wilder, and if not for the knock-down this was another round that Fury should have won.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wilder Reaction to Fury Getting Up Photo: Unilad</td></tr>
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When the bell rang to end the fight the crowd erupted into the kind of roar that you only hear at the end of the special fights. And while it would be churlish to ignore the part that Wilder played in this match, the truth is that it was Fury's fight, and fury's performance that made the match what it became. In the end, Wilder was almost a bit player. He was the supporting actor in a fight, which had it been choreographed for a 'Rocky' movie, would have been labeled too far-fetched.<br />
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Then came the point’s decision. Despite the two knock-downs, Tyson looked to have clearly won the fight. Even the 12th round, without the knock-down, could have clearly been given to Tyson. Usually, a fighter will win a round by 10-08, in points, when he knocks own an opponent, but Tyson's spirited fight back, including having Wilder visibly hurt at one point, could arguably render the round 10-9 to Wilder rather than 10-08.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ref Talking to Fury After KD Photo: givemesport.com</td></tr>
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The last round knock-down also held an eerie echo of Muhammad Ali's 'fight of the century' with Joe Frazier in March 1971, when Ali, like Tyson against Wilder, was trying to regain his world title after three years out of the ring. Ali, like Tyson, was floored in the fight’s final round (which was the 15th for Ali vs Frazier) and despite looking out to the world regained his feet and finished the fight strongly.<br />
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Special praise should go to referee Jack Reiss, who gave an exemplary performance throughout the fight showing no bias, and a willingness to simply just let the fighters get on and fight. In the 12th when Fury was dropped, Reiss showed excellent judgment in allowing the fight to go on when some referees would have stopped the fight, there and then, due to the violence of the knock-down. For those who have tried to say that Tyson got a 'long count', he hit the canvas at 2.23 of the round and was back on his feet at Reiss's count of 'nine' at 2.13. The only reason for the slight delay in the count being picked up was the failure of Wilder to go straight to a neutral corner after Fury had gone down, such was his confidence that Fury would not get up.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After Fight Ended Photo: Evening Standard</td></tr>
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The scorecards when they were announced caused an uproar. Robert Tapper had it 114-112 to Fury. Phil Edwards had it 113-113 (a draw) and Alejandro Rochin scored it 115 to 111 for Wilder, rendering the match a draw, and robbing Fury of the chance of taking home Wilder's WBC world heavyweight title. The knock-downs aside, this was a fight which Tyson Fury dominated and should have won clearly. Some rounds were close, but still clearly Fury's. A fighter should have to dominate 3.00 of a whole round to be sure of winning it. If we are dealing with judges who know the art and intent of boxing, then even a close round should not be a problem to score fairly.<br />
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Unfortunately, this is yet one more in a long line of big fights staged in the USA that has ended with dubious point’s decisions.<br />
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The problems seem to be either incompetence on the part of the judges or else something a little darker and more sinister. The truth is that bias judging is one of the oldest scourges of the sport and lately seems to be dominating the results of the big fights in America, especially in fights that pit an American champion against a foreign opponent.<br />
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Robert Tapper's score is the only acceptable one out of the three. Watch the fight. All three judges had Tyson losing the first round, which I had him winning clearly. Rochin had Tyson losing the first 4 rounds of the fight, something that I find incredible. Tyson’s fellow countryman, Phil Edwards, gave the 6th and 7th rounds to Wilder, despite Tyson visibly having two of his best rounds in the fight in those stanzas.<br />
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The Boxing Glove scored the fight 115 to 112 for Fury. Aside from the rounds in which he scored a knock-down, the only other round that I gave Wilder was the 5th, while the 3rd I made a drawn round. And this was watching the fight with the attitude that the judges would be at least partially biased towards the 'home-town' fighter. How right I was!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wilder-Fury Scorecards Photo" Fox Sports</td></tr>
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In the end, the judges (well two of them) were overly biased towards Wilder, but the crowd certainly weren't and voiced their displeasure with the drawn verdict loud and clear.<br />
In fact, if Tyson Fury had not been so calm and sporting straight after the fight, the situation could really have become ugly, as the 17,000 crowds had a good proportion of travelling fans who were there to support Tyson Fury.<br />
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Had Tyson not been so professional, the evening could have ended in a riot.<br />
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Tyson's post-fight behaviour has been as impressive as his performance in the ring. While voicing his displeasure with the decision, he has remained magnanimous and philosophical.<br />
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Tyson Fury has been reborn as a fighter and is now a very able spokesman for those who struggle with addiction and mental health. In a sport where fighters are usually unwilling to admit to any physical weakness let alone mental weakness, Tyson's openness about his struggles has been even more courageous and inspiring than his performances in the boxing ring.<br />
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Perhaps it is because he has found himself appreciated now. Opening up about his struggles with mental health and addiction, as well as his physical transformation over the last 12 months, has finally won over the public at large. And if there were any doubters going into that final round all but a handful of them would have been won over by Tyson's recovery from that knock-down.<br />
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The match might go down into the record books as a draw, but those who watched it with a knowledgeable and unbiased eye, know who truly won.<br />
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Indeed being robbed of his rightful victory may even help Fury in a perverse way. It keeps him the underdog and gives him something extra to fight for in the future. Now he will want to avenge the injustice that was metered out to him on Saturday night.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Irish Central</td></tr>
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If Tyson keeps his focus from here, things will only get better for him. He is now the biggest name in heavyweight boxing. The titles have almost become incidental. Tyson Fury should be the man everyone wants to beat. He may have been robbed of the WBC belt on Saturday, but he is still the lineal heavyweight champion of the world. Perhaps more importantly, he seems to have become the champion of the people. From being ridiculed and even despised, Tyson has won over the public at large and the press and media have in turn changed their attitude to him.<br />
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As a fighter, he should still get better after Saturday's match. Brilliant though he was at times against Wilder he was not 100% the Tyson who beat Wladimir Klitschko three years previously. Be it as it may, 80% of his best was enough to beat Wilder or should have been.<br />
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Tyson Fury now has the chance to make his mark upon the world in a way that will transcend his accomplishments as a boxer. He can become a role model and spokesperson who can really make a positive difference and impact. Tyson Fury's 'Rocky' story has hopefully only just begun.</div>
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The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604111647702899524noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5733363062082489770.post-46793952104885955102018-11-29T20:55:00.000-08:002018-12-01T15:51:21.151-08:00The Boxing Glove Big Fight Preview: Tyson Fury Dares To Be Great<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: The Independent</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />WBC World Heavyweight Championship<br /><br />Deontay Wilder Vs. Tyson Fury</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">By Peter Silkov<br /><br /><br /><br />When Tyson Fury</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="_5yl5">(27-0, 19koes)</span> steps into the ring at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, against Deontay Wilder</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span class="_5yl5">(40-0, 39koes)</span> this Saturday night, it will be exactly three years and three days since his brilliant yet largely unsung victory over Wladimir Klitschko. On that night Fury became heavyweight champion of the world with a boxing display that remains one of the most underrated performances in the history of the division. Despite being a huge underdog, Fury achieved what no one had ever done until then against Wladimir Klitschko. He out-boxed the man whom, for over a decade had performed his craft in the ring with the clinical precision of a surgeon.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Fury Victory Over Klitschko Photo: BBC</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That night Wladimir had entered the ring against Fury with an unbeaten streak stretching back over 11 years, and Fury was the nineteenth consecutive challenger to try and prise the world heavyweight titles away from him. Yet despite being given little chance against Wladimir, who provided the added comfort of defending his championship before his adopted 'home fans', of Düsseldorf, Germany, Fury didn't just win, he won with an ease that perversely has repeatedly been used against him by people seeking to denigrate his victory and performance. At times Fury out-boxed 'Dr. Steelhammer' literally with his hands held behind his back. It was a performance that behind its unorthodoxy, contained strong undercurrents of brilliance. Fury's speed and all-around boxing ability often defy his six feet nine, eighteen stone plus, size.<br /><br />However, Tyson Fury's quirky boxing style in the ring strongly mirrors his character outside of it. Throughout most of his career, he has become the human equivalent of Marmite, boxing fans, and the media generally, seem to either love him or hate him. If Tyson's relationship with the fans was periodically a little rocky, his relationship with the media has often been even more fraught.<br /><br />Tyson's unorthodox intelligence outside of the ring, like his ring IQ, has frequently worked against him with the fans and the media. In a world where people are supposed to fit neatly into certain boxes, Tyson Fury has often been too complicated for peoples liking.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEbxzpZgRohuhxM9zGPJXmvaQnyHwYHm4A99aj5cZbEPfeLqpM8VKGdD8fhL4lOWK0sss-jiU7SnY2Qr8cfwj-JlIujNODRqZrEkKXkflocpcbsU3SNelf1xFDJYycuMMuCZwn2BFvc8/s1600/furytapedmouthbbcsport.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEbxzpZgRohuhxM9zGPJXmvaQnyHwYHm4A99aj5cZbEPfeLqpM8VKGdD8fhL4lOWK0sss-jiU7SnY2Qr8cfwj-JlIujNODRqZrEkKXkflocpcbsU3SNelf1xFDJYycuMMuCZwn2BFvc8/s320/furytapedmouthbbcsport.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Fury Protesting Photo: BBCSport</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Winning the world heavyweight championship would prove to be bitter-sweet, with a strong emphasis on the bitter. If he had thought that his victory over 'Dr. Steelhammer' in Germany would be greeted with an outpouring of fanfare and respect on his return to England; Tyson was sadly mistaken. The reaction of most of the media ranged from a general disinterest, to what can only be described as nothing short of a public crucifixion of Tyson Fury's character by much of the wider media.<br /><br />There is an inescapable irony when comparing how Fury was treated in the aftermath of his victory over Klitschko, to the feverish excitement which greeted Anthony Joshua's triumph over Wladimir 17 months later. While Fury had beaten Klitschko with a technical superiority that many still can't acknowledge, Joshua beat Klitschko after being just a punch away from defeat.<br /><br />You will nonetheless discover many people who maintain that the Wladimir who fought Joshua was a superior fighter to the one who had lost to Fury 17 months earlier. Sometimes the substance of an athlete's ability hinges more on the perception of those around him than on the real reality of his true ability.<br /><br />The extent to which this most public rejection influenced Fury's now much-publicized tailspin into depression, drug, and alcohol abuse, in the wake of the greatest performance of his career, can only be surmised. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that being the subject of such negativity on such a wide scale is not beneficial for a person's mental health.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tyson Fury Weight Gain Photo: Daily Mirror</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One year after winning the heavyweight championship of the world Fury's world had imploded into a sea of alcohol and depression. He vacated his WBA, IBO, and WBO belts (having been stripped by the IBF barely two weeks after his victory over Wladimir, for still unclear and rather dubious reasons) and sunk into the kind of self-destructive abyss that many never escape.<br /><br />12 months ago Tyson Fury had not fought since his win over Wladimir and had ballooned to over 28 stone. Far from him ever boxing again, there were fears amongst his friends and family for his life.<br /><br />Fast forward to the present and Tyson Fury, weighing around eighteen stone (252 pounds) again, stands on the threshold of regaining everything he has lost, and more.<br /><br />Something clicked in December last year, and Tyson started training again. It was baby steps, to begin with, the man who had danced unorthodox rings around Klitschko could barely run at the beginning.<br /><br />Even when news of his return to the gym had leaked out, few expected Fury to stick at it. Even when he finally made his long-awaited return to the ring, on June 9, 2018, against the overmatched Sefer Seferi, a still blubbery Fury was ridiculed in some quarters. The fact that he had already lost more than seven stone in six months was lost on most of his detractors.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />Just nine weeks after his comeback fight against Seferi, Tyson outpointed Francesco Pianeta over 10 rounds. Though it wasn't the Fury who beat Klitschko, he was noticeably much trimmer and fitter than he had been against Seferi, and more impressively showed the legs and stamina to outbox Pianeta at a steady pace for ten rounds.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Fury Vs. Pianeta Photo: </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It is no exaggeration to say that Fury's comeback, when taken in the context of where he was both physically and mentally, just over a year ago, is already a remarkable story.<br /><br />If Fury can crown his meteoric comeback with a victory over Deontay Wilder this Saturday, then his return to the ring will be one of the most outstanding ever seen, certainly in the heavyweight division. Muhammad Ali came back from three and a half years of enforced inactivity in the early 70s to eventually regain the crown. Unlike Tyson Fury, he did not need to lose over ten stone in the process.<br /><br />The comparisons between Ali and Fury are interesting. Of course, Fury is not on the level of Ali. No heavyweight active today comes close to Ali, but style-wise and character-wise, Tyson comes closer than any other heavyweight today.<br /><br />Like Ali, Tyson is fighting for the world title again in just his 3rd fight back. While Tyson's comeback opposition so far has been a far cry from the first two opponents of Ali's comeback (Jerry Quarry and Oscar Bonevena), the fact that Tyson's comeback has involved overcoming mental health as well as physical problems.<br /><br />Also like Ali, Tyson Fury enters the ring against Wilder with the distinction of being the 'lineal' heavyweight champion of the world, despite having been officially stripped of his title by men in suits, rather than an opponent in the ring.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFK-xuerZG8MH5VSeVHRY_Rcyj964svCkbng8HrLQ3B9I1KI51gF2-25abGdlO72dhr8nfgHso-Yzh2wORRs_P9eMNbrEHQZAx4EhjTqJTyiFPXmp8v0GXG8a-gP4SWqqx-28LN35BfM/s1600/wilder-stiverne-losangelestimes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="1400" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFK-xuerZG8MH5VSeVHRY_Rcyj964svCkbng8HrLQ3B9I1KI51gF2-25abGdlO72dhr8nfgHso-Yzh2wORRs_P9eMNbrEHQZAx4EhjTqJTyiFPXmp8v0GXG8a-gP4SWqqx-28LN35BfM/s320/wilder-stiverne-losangelestimes.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Wilder KOS Stiverne Photo: Los Angeles Times</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">While Deontay Wilder is certainly not comparable to the Joe Frazier whom Ali fought in his bid to regain the world title that had been taken from him, he is a formidable opponent for any fighter having his first real competitive fight in over three years.<br /><br />Wilder is himself a tall and unorthodox fighter, who has been brought along carefully for much of his career but has shown flashes of real ability at times. Wilder's most dangerous weapon is his right hand. Even though many of his opponents have been 'selected' 39 koes in 40 wins bares witness to the fact that Wilder can punch.<br /><br />Since winning the WBC world heavyweight title in 2015, Wilder has often struggled to impress in his subsequent seven successful title defences. Wilder's most recent defence nine months ago against the highly touted Cuban, Luis Ortiz, was his most impressive performance as champion to date. Wilder came through a very slow start, which saw him hurt and out on his feet at one point, to finally overcome and stop Ortiz in the 10th round. The fight exposed as many weaknesses in Wilder as it did strengths, yet his ability to win after almost being knocked out, showed that there is more substance to Wilder the fighter that had been previously thought.<br /><br />Nevertheless, if Fury was facing Wilder straight from his victory over Klitschko, without all the inactivity and various problems he has had in the past three years, its fair to say that he would be going into the ring a clear favourite.<br /><br />At his best Fury is the far superior boxing technician, with better speed and has faced stronger opposition overall than Wilder.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Wilder/Ortiz Weigh-in Photo: Bad Left Hook</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Fury will be the underdog on Saturday night because of the competitive inactivity he has experienced and the turmoil he has endured over the past three years.<br />While he has looked encouragingly good against Pianeta, Fury will know himself that it is a huge jump to go from fighting Pianeta to Deontay Wilder. If he had given himself another 6 months and a few more 'comeback' fights the odds would be much more in Fury's favour. But this is the boxing business, and Fury knows very well that the chance he is getting on Saturday against Wilder, may very well not be available in six months time. The reality is that Fury was given this chance because Wilders people know that this is the time to take him on, rather than wait for Fury to have a few more fights and get rid of the remaining ring rust.<br /><br />In taking this chance Fury is in his own words 'daring to be great'. The fact that he is leaping into a showdown with the fighter whom Anthony Joshua has so far managed to avoid has made many people stand up and take notice.<br /><br />A funny thing has also happened in the midst of Tyson Fury's comeback, like Ali during his own, now iconic, comeback, Fury is discovering a newfound popularity upon his return. Tyson's recent interviews, where he has honestly and courageously opened up about his struggle with depression and addiction has made him an unlikely spokesman for a sensitive subject which still carries a stigma for most sufferers. Tyson has said that he</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">wants to be a champion of the people and help bring awareness to mental health illness.<br /><br />Some might say that it is too good to be true and that Tyson is simply selling a good story. However, those who have followed Fury since his early days as a fighter will know that he would talk about his struggles with depression and alcohol, long before he was even a world-class contender.<br /><br />It's tempting to say that Tyson is the winner already, whether he beats Wilder or not. Sometimes victory is not measured by the result in the ring.<br /><br />Wilder, on the other hand, has everything to lose. His three-year reign as WBC world heavyweight champion will be defined by Saturday night.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Time to Focus Fury Photo: ITV</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As the fight has moved closer Fury has seemed to grow increasingly more focused and more confident, while Wilder has seemed to grow increasingly angrier.<br /><br />Like he did with Wladimir Klitschko prior to their fight, Tyson Fury has been playing mind games with Deontay Wilder at their pre-fight press conferences. At times Fury has been verbally running rings around Wilder in a manner that he will be looking to replicate physically in the ring on December 1st.<br /><br />Wilder's inability to control his emotions at these conferences is a chink which Fury will seek to further exploit all the way to the ring at the Los Angeles Staples Center.<br /><br />Boxing is much more a matter of brains, than it is brawn. For all his mental fragility away from boxing, Tyson Fury has a very strong fighter's mentality and a ring IQ that is by far the best of any heavyweight in the world today.<br /><br />Tyson's greatest opponent on Saturday night will be the lack of real competition for over three years. In Wilder, he is not only fighting a man with an undeniably dangerous punch, but he is also facing a difficult boxer for him style-wise. Wilder is awkward, erratic and unpredictable. Style-wise he is a far more difficult opponent for Fury than Anthony Joshua would be.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Wilder Vs. Fury Photo: Telegraph</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Fury will look to out-box and counter Wilder, who he will hope will come after him. Wilder's main chance of victory will be to catch Fury with one of his failing bombs. It is a danger which Fury will need to be aware of throughout the fight. One mistake is often all that is needed in the heavyweight division. Wilder may seek to try and out-box Fury, but if he does, Tyson's superior footwork and jab will take him to victory.<br /><br />The Tyson Fury who beat Wladimir Klitschko three years ago is a level above Deontay Wilder. How far back to the boxer he was can Fury reach back on Saturday. My feeling is that if Tyson can just recapture 80% of the form he had against Klitschko, then he can out-box and perhaps even stop Deontay Wilder on Saturday night.<br /><br />Victory won't necessarily make Tyson a 'great' fighter (at least not yet), but it would be a great achievement and would pave the way for what could be one of the more interesting chapters in the history of the heavyweight division. This time he may receive the plaudits which he was denied three years ago.</span><br />
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The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604111647702899524noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5733363062082489770.post-59272801292951109082018-11-08T16:38:00.000-08:002018-11-08T16:48:05.631-08:00TBG Book Review: Latino Boxing In Southern California<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Boxing Glove Book Review</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">By Peter Silkov</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />"Latino Boxing In Southern California" Written By Gene Aguilera.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In his first book, the excellent "Mexican American Boxing In Los Angeles" (2014) Gene Aguilera paid homage to the many Mexican American fighters who have lit up the world of boxing on the West Coast, but especially Los Angeles, where the Olympic Auditorium produced weekly classics from the theatre of boxing. Legendary fighters such as Manuel Ortiz, Mando Ramos, Bobby Chacon, and Alberto Davila, to name just a few, fought out the twists and turns of their careers before thousands of screaming fans in Los Angeles. The book looked at a group of fighters who despite their huge influence upon the sport, especially in the lighter divisions, have been curiously neglected by the many books that have been produced upon the sport of boxing.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9jiSbHXfOg5RAj6onCc-W0IRa2xiDtPDTI34aBCiECWNNcR8iFYvrJoZn5TfpxOtv-NW9WHzBKWroYRHwMo176gaht-lAKhcmhO0Tsi7P3bQzvinxvLUKvhY64HYUBErKOmUSfuKSwg/s1600/ARIZMENDI-POSE-LATIN-SPANISH-copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="645" data-original-width="501" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9jiSbHXfOg5RAj6onCc-W0IRa2xiDtPDTI34aBCiECWNNcR8iFYvrJoZn5TfpxOtv-NW9WHzBKWroYRHwMo176gaht-lAKhcmhO0Tsi7P3bQzvinxvLUKvhY64HYUBErKOmUSfuKSwg/s320/ARIZMENDI-POSE-LATIN-SPANISH-copy.jpg" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Arizmendi (photo not included in book)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Aguilera has now produced his second book, "Latino Boxing In Southern California" and like his first book, it is another gem, which looks at a part of boxing's history that has for too long been underappreciated in boxing literature.<br /><br />Once again, Los Angeles and the Olympic Auditorium is the center stage, but this time Aguilera mainly focuses on the Mexican born fighters who largely dominate the Latin America boxing world, and who have contributed so much action and excitement to the rich history of the boxing ring. <br /><br />We are taken into the world of the Mexican warrior, as Aguilera introduces us to fighters such as Kid Azteca, Raul 'Raton' Macias, Baby Arizmendi, Vincent Saldivar, Ruben Olivares, Carlos Zarate, Lupe Pintor, Salvadore Sanchez, and Julio Cesar Chavez. <br /><br />Just as the Mexicans dominate the Los Angeles community, the Mexican fighters also monopolize the Los Angeles rings.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7iJN83gW5bkhlXplvW0tgIjuvAiVSzs6QnnjYrkE6LD2GqhZTmZkApuiWAQM0NA4bQYPKU7XsH8Ih-dHTJXi_LiDw4BprVAC-qo49nbCULNZg2M0J73VgbKliDSONYV8jIKif0xQ5Ta8/s1600/arguello-olivares1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="757" data-original-width="1068" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7iJN83gW5bkhlXplvW0tgIjuvAiVSzs6QnnjYrkE6LD2GqhZTmZkApuiWAQM0NA4bQYPKU7XsH8Ih-dHTJXi_LiDw4BprVAC-qo49nbCULNZg2M0J73VgbKliDSONYV8jIKif0xQ5Ta8/s320/arguello-olivares1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alexis Arguello Vs. Ruben Olivares (photo not included in book)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mexican fight fans are famous for being the most passionate and loyal of all boxing fans. It is not hard to see why when Aguilera outlines how the Mexican fighter, perhaps more than any other nationality, feels so strongly that he is fighting not just for himself and his family, but for his Nation as a whole. Mexican fighters, whether champions, rising contenders or struggling club fighters, no matter what the different levels of fistic talent, are usually always emboldened and toughened by the pride which they feel at representing their people every time that they enter the ring.<br /><br />It is this pride and drive that has seen so many Mexican fighters reach greatness.<br /><br />As well as reliving the careers of the great champions and contenders that Mexico has produced over the years, Aguilera also takes us back to some of the legendary matches and rivalries. In addition to the famed ring wars between Mexicans and American, there are also the classics between Mexicans and Puerto Ricans, Mexicans and Mexican-Americans and of course, the often unforgettable duels between two Mexican battlers. It is true to say that a Mexican fighter is never so determined to win a match as when he is facing a fellow Mexican.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbx-6J-4aaYE7dxj4dhJ6aS9s9YwsUtZAmwlhyphenhypheno-H0D63g701kBK7wAwLc8DfNpeZBrG2On04LsRCRNJ22ZAkNDLDYNr0EKqZKL6mp83Pnt-ax6qO8Fj40LTlFmEeT0fd36Lm6dwBDvtw/s1600/300px-Bolanos_Enrique2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="379" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbx-6J-4aaYE7dxj4dhJ6aS9s9YwsUtZAmwlhyphenhypheno-H0D63g701kBK7wAwLc8DfNpeZBrG2On04LsRCRNJ22ZAkNDLDYNr0EKqZKL6mp83Pnt-ax6qO8Fj40LTlFmEeT0fd36Lm6dwBDvtw/s320/300px-Bolanos_Enrique2.jpg" width="253" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enrique Bolanos (photo not included in book)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Gene Aguilera takes us on a tour of some of boxing's most exciting moments, especially the sport's golden era of the 60s to 80s. classic fights between the great champions and their most dangerous rivals was a weekly event, and more often than not, one or even both of the participants were of Latino origin.<br /><br />"Latino Boxing in Southern California" a friendly and engrossing read. It is packed full of a dazzling array photos, ranging from programs, tickets, Flyers, magazines, to action photos and portraits of various boxers in fighting pose. The vast majority of this memorabilia comes from Aguilera's own boxing collection, and an impressive collection it is.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXMeKj15savzNmdNbsyAg1GMI6LY50ip572yLxaFPfiAwKtq4tg9MHQZIKfuRpHzNiAUVQ9KlkNTcu-W8HZPuddq01UC9WBXyJPYi55YRnbBa736-kjayxt9m6CToP7fAS1TBI-yIwto/s1600/Carlos+Zarate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="525" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXMeKj15savzNmdNbsyAg1GMI6LY50ip572yLxaFPfiAwKtq4tg9MHQZIKfuRpHzNiAUVQ9KlkNTcu-W8HZPuddq01UC9WBXyJPYi55YRnbBa736-kjayxt9m6CToP7fAS1TBI-yIwto/s320/Carlos+Zarate.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carlos Zarate (photo not included in book)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">"Latino Boxing In Southern California" is unlikely to disappoint any boxing fan with an interest in one of the most exciting areas of a sport that has always relied on its ability to thrill, and entertain, and raise the passions of its fans. The Mexican boxing fan, in addition to being the most passionate of all boxing fans, could also be said to have over the years been the luckiest and most entertained, as he and she have been treated to a veritable feast of great ring warriors over the past six decades.<br /><br />This is the kind of book with the ability to both delight the boxing connoisseur and converts the non-believer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you would like to purchase this book it is available on Amazon.</span><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Latino-Boxing-Southern-California-Aguilera/dp/146712883X"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">https://www.amazon.com/Latino-Boxing-Southern-California-Aguilera/dp/146712883X</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Target:</span><br />
<a href="https://www.target.com/p/latino-boxing-in-southern-california-by-gene-aguilera-paperback/-/A-53705603"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">https://www.target.com/p/latino-boxing-in-southern-california-by-gene-aguilera-paperback/-/A-53705603</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Thriftbooks:</span><br />
<a href="https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/latino-boxing-in-southern-california_gene-aguilera/18646664/#isbn=146712883X&idiq=27951083"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/latino-boxing-in-southern-california_gene-aguilera/18646664/#isbn=146712883X&idiq=27951083</span></a><br />
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The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604111647702899524noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5733363062082489770.post-45054789594740444232018-11-04T14:57:00.000-08:002018-11-04T15:41:11.703-08:00The Mystery of Tony Zale and Carmen Basilio's Stolen Championship Belts<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">By Peter Silkov<br />The Boxing Glove</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgXq7T9rissY1BjQeTVLyjCVRB2M2nU0fYQa7zzdTqwiNRlYhgHPPFH5V1s55Fj4XzkfQDN-Vh_akkv1NqOZC1FoSXOdXsA4VLH0eREnKKg9fvXsyxggwgeVBkh5K_vHlFbRUTLN_-c0/s1600/IMG_20181026_160838055-crop.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="1392" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgXq7T9rissY1BjQeTVLyjCVRB2M2nU0fYQa7zzdTqwiNRlYhgHPPFH5V1s55Fj4XzkfQDN-Vh_akkv1NqOZC1FoSXOdXsA4VLH0eREnKKg9fvXsyxggwgeVBkh5K_vHlFbRUTLN_-c0/s640/IMG_20181026_160838055-crop.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IBHOF in Canastota, NY.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I recently had the pleasure of going to the International Boxing Hall Of Fame, in Canastota, New York. Though it was a little bit of a fleeting visit, I certainly had enough time to appreciate the wonders of Canastota's legendary boxing museum. It is quite simply a boxing time capsule, laden with treasures from the sport's rich history, from Gumshields, Robes, Trunks, Gloves to championship belts. The hall rolls back the years, to when greats of the ring such as Battling Battalino, Jack Dempsey, Joe Louis, Willie Pep, Henry Armstrong, Sugar Ray Robinson, Carmen Basilio, Tony Zale, Rocky Marciano, Kid Gavilan, Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier and Sugar Ray Leonard, to name just a few, were creating their legends inside the ring, before thousands of screaming fans. Although physically, the museum is compact, verging on small, it packs a lot of fascinating boxing history into its limited frame.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYM7lpUAHMyE16jVXAUlOkb-9cKNYZQcqZJia_z8bzjEo7qKemah-i1MGRcG0qsH78dd_dR2gqPXLsD7wRuZuHVAhFsQ6Kjkvr85G94cbBVn1bLD4T-t3VEHOIgGWfAWVULuzWWfgaSEg/s1600/IMG_20181026_163525841-crop.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="980" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYM7lpUAHMyE16jVXAUlOkb-9cKNYZQcqZJia_z8bzjEo7qKemah-i1MGRcG0qsH78dd_dR2gqPXLsD7wRuZuHVAhFsQ6Kjkvr85G94cbBVn1bLD4T-t3VEHOIgGWfAWVULuzWWfgaSEg/s320/IMG_20181026_163525841-crop.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IBHOF in Canastota, NY.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Canastota's Boxing Hall of Fame has long been viewed upon as a haven for ex-champions of the ring, a place where they are still remembered and admired, often decades after their ring careers have come to an end. <span id="goog_966105570"></span><span id="goog_966105571"></span>There are a number of boxing halls of fame paying homage to boxing stars of the past, but the IBHOF in Canastota, set up in 1989, was the original trailblazer for all the halls that have followed in recent years, and is still viewed by the majority of the boxing world as the most prestigious of all the halls of fame. Fighters often find being elected to the hall of fame to be the greatest achievement of their lives and the pinnacle of their boxing careers. It is proof to that person, that through boxing they have achieved a form of immortality.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">However, for the past three years, a cloud has hung over Canastota's hall of fame. It is evident when you enter through the museum's entrance and are confronted by the large cabinets, which once held six priceless championship belts belonging to boxing legends Tony Zale and Carmen Basilio. Unfortunately, the belts no longer there.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5kdrnDb3j7oik1MqTnr6iijDXVWwN0mpbzdTj-6qDzZgcD3cO-6XMZg_aslXexLhHqECkmSd1KwbdBN_ABhpFLX6Cm1sfeZqZYsjDQ3M441J3UPi4jdEjuawd8zSu2ZZ-XLPR_62KZs/s1600/zalebeltsincase-crop.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="853" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5kdrnDb3j7oik1MqTnr6iijDXVWwN0mpbzdTj-6qDzZgcD3cO-6XMZg_aslXexLhHqECkmSd1KwbdBN_ABhpFLX6Cm1sfeZqZYsjDQ3M441J3UPi4jdEjuawd8zSu2ZZ-XLPR_62KZs/s640/zalebeltsincase-crop.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IBHOF Entrance with Tony Zale and Carmen Basilio's Belts Before Theft</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IBHOF Entrance with Tony Zale and Carmen Basilio's Belts After Theft</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Three years ago on November 5th, 2015, a person or persons unknown, broke into Canastota's hall of fame, through an unbarred window at 2.45am, then broke into the cases containing the precious belts, four belonging to Carmen Basilio, and two belonging to Tony Zale. Despite the vast amount of unique memorabilia in the museum, the thief (or thieves) seemed intent solely on Zale's and Basilio's belts. This is no surprise since the stolen belts were the most valuable artifacts in the museum, whoever stole them knew exactly what they were taking. Zale's Boxing Hall of Fame ring, which sat next to his belts was left untouched by the thief. The ring, despite its attractive appearance, was a duplicate of the original ring, with plastic diamonds that was provided by the IBHOF. <br /><br />The three cases that held Zale and Basilio's belts stand at the center of the Canastota museum, but the prized exhibits, which once laid so proudly inside them are gone. Understandably, both the Zale and the Basilio families have been left distraught and angry at the thefts of their precious family heirlooms.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tony Zale's Stolen World Middleweight Belts</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It is sadly ironic that it was Zale and Basilio's treasured mementos that were targeted by thieves. It is hard to imagine two champions who fought harder for what they achieved in their boxing careers. Tony Zale 'The Man Of Steel' fought his way out of the steel town of Gary, Indiana, to reign as World Middleweight Champion from July 19th 1940 to September 21st 1948, with just an eleven month break between July 16th 1947 and June 10th 1948, when he lost and then regained the World Middleweight title with Rocky Graziano, in the second and third fights of their legendary trilogy. Zale received a world championship belt after he beat Georgie Abrams on November 28th, 1941, to become the undisputed World Middleweight Champion, (Zale had gone into the match with the NBA title, while Abrams had been defending the New York State version of the crown.) Zale was awarded another world championship belt by The Ring Magazine after he had regained the world title from Rocky Graziano. These are the belts that were stolen from the Zale case.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0l3e8p-8EiAWcw9rN1iCIOBQDsLMIdw2h4iEZy-R9ZCH-l7eo4tpqrnpuA5DiGHxHOp7lT8PE-aDreuiphCzxpbHkApMmXmdLlIlQj7aEqaWDF70ZRuA6Flz0kaYaAvD_CVGjiH69Tg0/s1600/basilio-afterrobinson.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="523" data-original-width="365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0l3e8p-8EiAWcw9rN1iCIOBQDsLMIdw2h4iEZy-R9ZCH-l7eo4tpqrnpuA5DiGHxHOp7lT8PE-aDreuiphCzxpbHkApMmXmdLlIlQj7aEqaWDF70ZRuA6Flz0kaYaAvD_CVGjiH69Tg0/s320/basilio-afterrobinson.PNG" width="222" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carmen Basilio After His Win After Robinson</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The four belts that were stolen from Carmen Basilio's case comprised of Basilio's New York State welterweight title belt, (which he won on June 6th, 1953, by beating Billy Graham for the New York State Welterweight title,) and his three world championship belts, all awarded to him by The Ring Magazine. Carmen won the first of these three belts on June 10th, 1955, when he beat Tony Demarco for the World Welterweight title in the first of their two savage classics. The second belt was awarded to Basilio after he stopped Johnny Saxton in 9 rounds, on September 12th, 1956, (having controversially lost the title to Saxton six months earlier.) <br /><br />Basilio gained his third world championship belt after scoring the most memorable victory of his career, by outpointing Sugar Ray Robinson September 23rd, 1957, to win Robinson's World middleweight crown. <br /><br />It's perhaps an understatement that Zale and Basilio won their titles the hard way. Zale was involved in The Ring Magazine's 'Fight of the year' three times running, from 1946 to 1948. While, Basilio was involved in battles, which won The Ring's 'Fight of the Year' vote a record five times in a row between 1955 and 1959.<br /><br />Both fighters and their families loaned their championship belts to the IBHOF out of a sense of pride for their ring achievements, and a desire to share their accomplishments with their fans, both young and old. Each man felt very strongly about inspiring the younger generation to achieve their full potential in life, whether it be through boxing or other endeavors.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPTR6nESmGyU7EfesSOfbojXo-eJ2HXKsppDfnKYfHwuBe4Dzz96uoy1SkbbwN8Cz1FK9LEAK5mK4ubWE6OdFJ-kVmcVKfmChF0EglxcTwqYsQRvWG2WbEcRDePOkBmuNFsD3x2beytOQ/s1600/Basilioawardedbeltbynatfletcher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="783" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPTR6nESmGyU7EfesSOfbojXo-eJ2HXKsppDfnKYfHwuBe4Dzz96uoy1SkbbwN8Cz1FK9LEAK5mK4ubWE6OdFJ-kVmcVKfmChF0EglxcTwqYsQRvWG2WbEcRDePOkBmuNFsD3x2beytOQ/s320/Basilioawardedbeltbynatfletcher.jpg" width="261" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awarded Ring Magazine Belt by Nat Fletcher</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ironically the IBHOF was built around Carmen Basilio, who was and still is, the most famous and successful fighter to come out of the small town of Canastota. The town's only other world champion is Carmen's nephew, Billy Backus, who won the welterweight title in the early 70s. The museum is adorned by life-size statues of both Carmen and Billy. <br /><br />Tony and Carmen's belts were won in an era where it was so much tougher for a fighter to reach world championship status than it is today, and the chances of a world title chance, even if you managed to get rated in the world top ten, were few and far between. The belts themselves are a long way from the mass produced belts handed out to fighters today. They were hand-crafted and each one was unique and one of a kind. Aside from their physical uniqueness, the value of the belts to each fighters families cannot be overemphasized. These are precious, irreplaceable heirlooms, which carry so many memories for each family, especially now that both Tony and Carmen have sadly passed away.<br /><br />Although three years have passed since the theft, there have been few leads in the chase for answers to their whereabouts. The Zale family have been very proactive in their attempts to find answers, and ultimately find all six stolen belts, and yet have found much of their efforts frustrated by a lack of communication with the Canastota Museum, and its director Ed Brophy.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDPpgJROZPhAVU4qLc71IVygH_xVdOlzXNvVChi8BC40Vfr9m108zS9JzfHlPEau8NiRUyCLd21lcQLRPjYazKJYIt_93J4EPRv4H2O01CPcFyBHWvAeWJ_-hdsp01zUXfjBTFkhSMoK4/s1600/tonyandtedzale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="960" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDPpgJROZPhAVU4qLc71IVygH_xVdOlzXNvVChi8BC40Vfr9m108zS9JzfHlPEau8NiRUyCLd21lcQLRPjYazKJYIt_93J4EPRv4H2O01CPcFyBHWvAeWJ_-hdsp01zUXfjBTFkhSMoK4/s320/tonyandtedzale.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tony and Ted Zale</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Zale's frustrations at the Museum's lack of adequate security at the time of the thefts, (no on-site security guard and no CCTV) have been compounded over the past three years by Mr. Brophy's apparent unwillingness to take a proactive approach in trying to find the stolen belts, plus a complicated relationship with the local Canastota Police department that has often seemed unwilling to share any new information with the Zales. At times it has looked as if the IBHOF has been attempting to downplay the thefts so as not to attract adverse publicity. This could be seen from the beginning, when the museum delayed making the thefts public knowledge for five days, for reasons that are still unclear. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />Despite a mention of the thefts on their website, the overall response of the IBHOF can be said at best, to be rather muted. Most of the publicity created about the loss of Tony and Carmen's belts has been generated by the Zales themselves, as they seek to keep the crime in the public eye in the hope that someone, somewhere will one day come forward with some crucial information.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9K-XypNTWI3rFlmx4EWLiOE4SZLtg5cB4fekbXtIU92TnNuNTGPisYAeD7u66pLv2-mIcNzVEfoU5MeREpVdAoFNvbDtwleR__qZCsp37pAS5Ge8EyuBv2TCnORvZhwWnJ6WppQPfsg/s1600/zale96-2.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="491" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9K-XypNTWI3rFlmx4EWLiOE4SZLtg5cB4fekbXtIU92TnNuNTGPisYAeD7u66pLv2-mIcNzVEfoU5MeREpVdAoFNvbDtwleR__qZCsp37pAS5Ge8EyuBv2TCnORvZhwWnJ6WppQPfsg/s320/zale96-2.png" width="275" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Zales were also hurt and frustrated by the IBHOF’s failure to offer a reward for the return of the belts for over three months after the theft. The IBHOF were finally persuaded to put up a reward after ex-world heavyweight champion, Mike Tyson, (who has taken a great interest in the theft of the belts) put up a reward of his own for the belts return.<br /><br />Since the belts were stolen, the Zale family has also removed the remaining articles that had been loaned on Tony's behalf, including his Presidential Citizens Medal, which was awarded to Tony in 1990 by President Bush. While Tony was immensely proud of his Polish heritage he was equally proud of being an American citizen, and this award was important to him as he felt that it signified how he had been an inspiration to others through his achievements in boxing, both during and after his career.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_EXbaCh5Vy1DpdkoUJtDkPhAyvMJZ1ou4sB6tvSwmU9-zabG5J8za1vKyC8vNNlHuIMWV6rKNX9FSfQkANFlqbTWA9TpWrZnFIDaT9rMKAE6fmhynGjdp64SFHtZbY48ViGaOCGHa-E/s1600/zalepresidentialmedal.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="964" data-original-width="1331" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_EXbaCh5Vy1DpdkoUJtDkPhAyvMJZ1ou4sB6tvSwmU9-zabG5J8za1vKyC8vNNlHuIMWV6rKNX9FSfQkANFlqbTWA9TpWrZnFIDaT9rMKAE6fmhynGjdp64SFHtZbY48ViGaOCGHa-E/s640/zalepresidentialmedal.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Zale Presidential Citizens Medal Removed from the IBHOF by Zale Family</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">“Receiving this medal was a confirmation that his life's effort and dedication to helping others was worthwhile,” remembers Tony's nephew, Ted Zale.<br /><br />One of the saddest repercussions of the theft of the belts is that the Zale family felt it necessary to withdraw this medal from the museum, due to continuing concerns over its security. This is painful for the family, as they regret that visitors to the IBHOF can no longer share in Tony's accomplishments as he would have wished. <br /><br />Yet there has seemingly been little to go on in the three years since the thefts, despite the involvement of the FBI and the fact that blood was found on the scene (thought to be of the perpetrator cutting themselves on a shard of glass during the theft.) </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1AvtrkkgwNWbH8KrtmCiywbzwBub0RFG6GLmAynH9-7meESvcCphCoXBtIGc9eWj8CF1Eo6a_MSUOMjuvSHxcVXUX6pzGkdQU4jqOprQvPUQSHmPw9TIWr1UcnH9-6hOq6jE-TuVvec/s1600/45353075_731100170600488_500478017718452224_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1AvtrkkgwNWbH8KrtmCiywbzwBub0RFG6GLmAynH9-7meESvcCphCoXBtIGc9eWj8CF1Eo6a_MSUOMjuvSHxcVXUX6pzGkdQU4jqOprQvPUQSHmPw9TIWr1UcnH9-6hOq6jE-TuVvec/s320/45353075_731100170600488_500478017718452224_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zale's World Middleweight Belt Awarded After Beating Abrams</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Various rumours have grown in the last three years, ranging from money being collected on an insurance policy covering the belts, to the thefts themselves being an inside job.<br /><br />Regarding the rumours that the IBHOF collected insurance money for the theft of the belts, Ted Zale had this to say:<br /><br />“If this is true, what does that say to our family?”<br /><br />The Zale family has also heard rumours recently that the belts have been located. But, these rumours have yet to be proved ultimately true or false. For the moment at least, all six championship belts remain missing. <br /><br />There is little chance of the belts ever being sold on the open market, and as they were not made of gold they would be worthless melted down. The only remaining way that the thieves could profit from their theft is by selling the belts on the black market. There also remains the possibility that the theft was made-to-order.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What remains clear, is the distress and anger that this theft still provokes within the Zale and Basilio families. Both fighters have passed on and didn't suffer the trauma of seeing their beloved belts stolen. Yet both fighters families have had to bear the loss of irreplaceable family heirlooms, that were won literally with the sweat and blood of Tony Zale and Carmen Basilio.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6-hAIRAs2yevzw1l4RkL-tdiC6DN8n2rzTTolaTJr2iOSy4P5mOLzvBZ6lHelJMFXmv_iEY3h2bBQ8YDFDP0M3aduCGrBFmgn4kCFLd8wl_VcG_PG6n72FaqdPmWM-1ySZaVaWaNF9o/s1600/oldertonyzale-belts.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="814" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6-hAIRAs2yevzw1l4RkL-tdiC6DN8n2rzTTolaTJr2iOSy4P5mOLzvBZ6lHelJMFXmv_iEY3h2bBQ8YDFDP0M3aduCGrBFmgn4kCFLd8wl_VcG_PG6n72FaqdPmWM-1ySZaVaWaNF9o/s320/oldertonyzale-belts.jpg" width="271" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tony Zale Wearing His Belts</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">From the Zale's point of view, the theft of Tony's belts is made all the more poignant by the fact that Tony suffered some severe hard times after he retired from the ring, and even found himself homeless at one point. Yet, this proud man kept his struggles to himself as much as he could and no matter how bad his economic hardships became, he always refused to sell his hard-won championship belts. <br /><br />How unfortunate then, that these belts which meant so much to Tony, are now in the hands of someone who has no right to hold them. <br /><br />The mission statement of the IBHOF is to ‘Honor and preserve boxing's rich heritage, chronicle the achievements of those who excelled, and provide an educational experience for our many visitors.’<br /><br />The Zales feel that the stolen championship belts have fallen victim to the IBHOF failure to live up to its mission to ‘preserve and protect’. <br /><br />There remains a reward of 15,000 dollars for any information leading to the recovery of the six missing belts. As of yet, there have been no takers.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRptOBZWe7xE-IMmThEB4cW3k6TLw-XfFavAPc2rU8a42gMFuJ2g8P5iQW14z95zA0uFOqE3eYmfRprQofD6juSVaTjvUcj8252XlFJzNhwF6NUcUwwYuYzEhskVHn7Y-L0S2xtWTXq1E/s1600/zale-basilio-stolenbelts.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRptOBZWe7xE-IMmThEB4cW3k6TLw-XfFavAPc2rU8a42gMFuJ2g8P5iQW14z95zA0uFOqE3eYmfRprQofD6juSVaTjvUcj8252XlFJzNhwF6NUcUwwYuYzEhskVHn7Y-L0S2xtWTXq1E/s1600/zale-basilio-stolenbelts.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">$15, 000 Award for the Return of the Belts</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hopefully, this is a mystery which one day will be resolved.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you would like to find out more about the stolen belts, or perhaps have any information that could be helpful in their return, please look up #bringbackthebelts @bringbackthebelts on social media.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Facebook:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BringBackTheBelts/">https://www.facebook.com/BringBackTheBelts/</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">or the Zale's own website <a href="http://www.tonyzale.org/">www.tonyzale.org</a> </span></span></div>
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<h1 class="p-name" id="articleHeadline">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.syracuse.com/crime/index.ssf/2015/11/family_of_tony_zale_on_theft_of_boxing_belts_they_stole_our_heritage.html?fbclid=IwAR0CHo4uNZmpNSXw8FHj2wRIUI1e20XvRxVZXYBj1VXSIVeVixUzBKCc4I0" target="_blank">Family of Tony Zale on theft of boxing belts: 'They stole our heritage'</a></span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span></span><b><a href="http://Bonus Round - Actress Haley Zale Discusses her Uncle Tony Zale and the 2015 IBHOF Title Belt Theft" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="soundTitle__title sc-font g-type-shrinkwrap-inline g-type-shrinkwrap-large-primary">Bonus Round - Actress Haley Zale Discusses her Uncle Tony Zale and the 2015 IBHOF Title Belt Theft</span></span></a></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span>The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604111647702899524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5733363062082489770.post-29247218152361440732017-12-05T16:54:00.001-08:002017-12-05T23:03:39.509-08:00The Big Fight Preview: Vasyl Lomachenko Vs. Guillermo Rigondeaux <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0uyFYiLCpvwMlxBDgm0E8RWf3aSlrzzsE_J5DxTcD6B1eiZAfXbOFx87iXRlqDlKYePfEn1o-fwmIsr9o5DMnrw1b1ueFk4HK7-4p-mANc-7MmxQ1W2LClamNO3DGGer_ARZir-L9yI/s1600/Boxing+history-the+boxing+gloveLOMO-RIGO-TALE+OF+THE+TAPE-RESIZE.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="700" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0uyFYiLCpvwMlxBDgm0E8RWf3aSlrzzsE_J5DxTcD6B1eiZAfXbOFx87iXRlqDlKYePfEn1o-fwmIsr9o5DMnrw1b1ueFk4HK7-4p-mANc-7MmxQ1W2LClamNO3DGGer_ARZir-L9yI/s640/Boxing+history-the+boxing+gloveLOMO-RIGO-TALE+OF+THE+TAPE-RESIZE.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">By Peter Silkov</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">When
Guillermo Rigondeaux (17-0, 11koes) takes on Vasyl Lomachenko (9-1,
7koes) next week (December 9) at New York’s Madison Square Garden,
it will be a throwback fight to the days of the 1980s, when the
highly-tuned,and technically gifted, champions of that era regularly
faced off against each other in matches, which are now part of the
sport's rich history. </span></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLVSS8Y2J8Wxlxo-Uup5hRiAYt75-8-AmMrbbP8wNEJu3AnbJ1OkMQtR5RDlavMRQ09llBI3MThOC99LGfza_7aO2s_IG1L6ZliLEnCKjBzf9jxrhwR1xqmIzVXGLquQHSQUc6HEISWac/s1600/rigo-olympics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLVSS8Y2J8Wxlxo-Uup5hRiAYt75-8-AmMrbbP8wNEJu3AnbJ1OkMQtR5RDlavMRQ09llBI3MThOC99LGfza_7aO2s_IG1L6ZliLEnCKjBzf9jxrhwR1xqmIzVXGLquQHSQUc6HEISWac/s320/rigo-olympics.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">For
raw technical brilliance, it is difficult to find any other active
boxers who can compare with either Lomachenko or Rigondeaux. Both
men had superb amateur careers, culminating in each man winning two
Olympic Games Gold medals each. This is the first time in boxing
history that two boxers, both with two Olympic Gold Medals each, have
met as professionals for a world championship. Both men have
unbelievable amateur records, with Rigondeaux’s reported to be
463-12, and Lomachenko’s amateur record said to be 396-1. The fact
that both men are also southpaws, adds yet another twist to this
pugilistic duel.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">We
have to go back perhaps to the first Sugar Ray Leonard vs Roberto
Duran match in 1980, (for Leonard’s WBC world welterweight title)
to find a comparable match up in regards to seeing two such
technically gifted warriors toeing the line against each other.
Indeed there are parallels between the two matches. Lomachenko has
been hailed by many as the Sugar Ray Leonard of his generation, and
like Leonard, the Ukrainian mixes a heavy dose of flashiness with his
boxing speed, and skills.</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmQvRlu63Tg2oEqkQLCTQJDWPuZX4meHKom-ytjOGEKMPs43YhMiOf_f6jRMgGLCB5UseLNXJApQ4_WGrNwa1C-QHLI4FZzlvh2mvuynHNw9JSJgjRMZmti6PDMcUN-3Ur5DxGefNenc/s1600/VASYL-olympics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="354" data-original-width="640" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmQvRlu63Tg2oEqkQLCTQJDWPuZX4meHKom-ytjOGEKMPs43YhMiOf_f6jRMgGLCB5UseLNXJApQ4_WGrNwa1C-QHLI4FZzlvh2mvuynHNw9JSJgjRMZmti6PDMcUN-3Ur5DxGefNenc/s320/VASYL-olympics.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">Meanwhile,
Rigondeaux, while outwardly a very different animal to Roberto Duran,
is stepping up two divisions to meet Lomachenko, just as Duran did
against Leonard, and like Duran was against Leonard, Rigondeaux goes
into this match on Saturday night, despite all his ability, the firm
underdog. </span></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">It’s
not difficult to see why ‘The Jackal’ is the underdog. When he
challenges Lomachenko for the WBO Junior-lightweight championship, he
will be stepping up two weight classes, from his usual
super-bantamweight division home. A jump of eight pounds might not
sound much to the average man on the street, but when you are in the
lighter divisions, eight pounds is indeed a lot of weight to suddenly
travel, especially when it is to meet an opponent as highly gifted as
Vasyl Lomachenko.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">Unlike
many champions today, Rigondeaux does not lose, and then gain a
significant amount of weight between the weigh in and fight night. He
is a small looking super-bantamweight, who has often been outsized by
his opponents. </span></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">In
addition to the size difference, ‘Hi-Tech’ Lomachenko is the
younger man by eight years. In a contest that both men are so evenly
matched, with regards to boxing ability, such advantages, like those
held by Lomachenko over Rigondeaux, could rightfully be seen as a the
telling factor between them. </span></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjworL3B9S7RgSMJeYNVrhyiD46nLbXWxZV4FOUW2Rr75aC1w6ZrmustoSNTa1P-NJgtkvr1xsdUeXkxSqh9-o0F2O36dTo6lwzHpRba8VqItdhTXmnwkgoybSKWhshAS-44w2QSMoIQDk/s1600/Bob-Arum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="620" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjworL3B9S7RgSMJeYNVrhyiD46nLbXWxZV4FOUW2Rr75aC1w6ZrmustoSNTa1P-NJgtkvr1xsdUeXkxSqh9-o0F2O36dTo6lwzHpRba8VqItdhTXmnwkgoybSKWhshAS-44w2QSMoIQDk/s320/Bob-Arum.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">Undeniably
it is these advantages that have led Lomachenko’s promoter, Bob
Arum, to take the match with Rigondeaux. Arum and Rigo have a well
known enmity for each other, which can be traced back to when
Rigondeaux beat one of Arum’s ‘golden eggs’ Nonito Donaire,
back in 2013. Rigondeaux didn’t just beat Donaire, he out-boxed
and out-fought him in a manner that made him look foolish at times. </span></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">Arum
big plans for Donaire were well and truly dashed by his defeat to
Rigondeaux, and although he promoted both men, he was incensed by
the result, and went on to denigrate Rigondeaux a number of times
publicly in a manner that was quite extraordinary, when taking into
account the fact that Rigondeaux was supposedly Arum's fighter, as
well as Donaire. </span></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">In
the run up to this showdown, Arum has still been talking about
Rigondeaux ‘stinking out’ the place. It seems Arum no longer
appreciates the finer points of the sweet science, and has grown too
lazy to promote such boxers.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">It's
no exaggeration to say that ever since he beat Donaire in 2013,
Rigondeaux has been effectively blackl</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzwMXaBlsADrAG1AjTgZrvj_HfqT-lssmvStwRTXPkDHE1G0cqzQpsh9mJ1hF-lI2mdQ9zap0o1M3waIQ9JsSnNEHN15cPXuFIUmkCsMIrP4sscnOcl59qq1fs9PHcX3xIxESpukrFgE/s1600/nonito-donaire-v-guillermo-rigondeaux-20130413-214827-323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="630" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzwMXaBlsADrAG1AjTgZrvj_HfqT-lssmvStwRTXPkDHE1G0cqzQpsh9mJ1hF-lI2mdQ9zap0o1M3waIQ9JsSnNEHN15cPXuFIUmkCsMIrP4sscnOcl59qq1fs9PHcX3xIxESpukrFgE/s320/nonito-donaire-v-guillermo-rigondeaux-20130413-214827-323.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">isted, and has become the most
avoided boxer in the sport. Incredibly, it says a lot about the
state of the sport when an outstanding world champion, perhaps the
best pound-for-pound of his era, is left scrabbling for fights, as
his possible opponents and top contenders choose to meet other
champions and each other, rather than him. The way in which his world
titles were stripped from him, handed out to Carl Frampton and Scott
Quigg, so that they could have their own little private party with
themselves (and what a thriller that turned out to be!!) speaks for
itself.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">In
the six fights that he has managed to have since beating Donaire in
2013, Rigondeaux has found the kind of big matches, which his skills
deserve, impossible to make. Until now that is. On December 9</span></span><sup><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">th</span></span></sup><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">,
Rigondeaux has the chance to display his rare ability in a manner
denied him since he beat Nonito Donaire. The irony that he will be
doing it against a Bob Arum fighter is unlikely to be lost on him.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">Undoubtedly
Arum sees this contest as very winnable for Lomachenko, and one which
will provide the Ukranian with an outstanding name upon his record,
and provide Arum himself with perhaps a little bit of revenge, for
what Rigondeaux did to one of his favourite fighters (Donaire) back
in 2013.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">The
most intriguing question here is whether Arum has made a
miscalculation, just as he did on that night of April 13</span></span><sup><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">th</span></span></sup><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">
2013, when he let ‘The Jackal’ loose on Nonito Donaire?
Rigondeaux was supposed to be a good name on Donaire’s record that
night, but it didn’t turn out that way. </span></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">One
aspect of this fight, which should not be ignored, is Rigondeaux’s
own willingness to take the fight, despite the weight disparity. In
fact, Rigondeaux has done much to make the match with a marvelously
inventive twitter campaign.</span></span></span></div>
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‘<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">The
Jackal’ has shown a calm confidence throughout the build up to this
showdown, and regarding the weight difference, he said in a recent
interview: ‘The most deadly poisons come in the smallest
containers’.</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvyCYxNIzW7qzRbecb1R_N8DTaZYXTyY7k-CNa_0gEZxhaZfIQLmzZc9uy4Sd2HS1uRBjhnPJpvBVoBiVRMHimH4wFk2qMo1psl01ZyByfTpc4ERb10FqxMiXKI-kb2upz99I6q-RNrA/s1600/Robert%252BGuerrero%252Bv%252BYoshihiro%252BKamegai%252Ba88uhKlPq1hx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="1024" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvyCYxNIzW7qzRbecb1R_N8DTaZYXTyY7k-CNa_0gEZxhaZfIQLmzZc9uy4Sd2HS1uRBjhnPJpvBVoBiVRMHimH4wFk2qMo1psl01ZyByfTpc4ERb10FqxMiXKI-kb2upz99I6q-RNrA/s320/Robert%252BGuerrero%252Bv%252BYoshihiro%252BKamegai%252Ba88uhKlPq1hx.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">Lomachenko
has been brimming with confidence in the lead up to this fight, as
would be expected, but there is something deeply impressive in quiet
confidence of Rigondeaux. He knows that this is his night to show
what he can do for the first time since the Donaire contest. This is
a fight that will define his career, a victory should see him crowned
as the number one boxer pound-for-pound in the world, defeat on the
other hand. may well see him swept under the carpet for good.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">Head-to-head,
these two men match up like fire and ice. While they are both
tremendously talented and well-schooled, they are very contrasting
boxers. Lomachenko is a total extrovert in the ring, who likes to
blatantly play with his opponents. Rigondeaux, on the other hand, is
one of the coolest boxer you will see in the ring, who dismantles his
opponents with a silky brilliance that the untrained eye can fail to
appreciate. </span></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">Lomachenko
generally throws more punches, while Rigondeaux makes every punch he
throws count. Rigondeaux, who usually dominates the pace of his
fights, is likely to find the high work rate that Lomachenko can set,
to be one of the most daunting challenges of this match. On the
other hand, the Ukrainian will find himself up against probably the
best defensive boxer in boxing today. How will he react if his
punches are not connecting.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">Much
depends upon how both men approach this fight. Will Rigondeaux stick
to his usual counter-punching style, or will he be more aggressive and
offensive minded against Lomachenko? All indications seem to be that
Rigondeaux will stick to his usual counter-punching style and it will
be down to Lomachenko to decide whether he is going to try an
offensive approach against ‘The Jackal’ or whether he is going to
box him. This could end up being a chess match that only the purists
will truly appreciate. However, if Rigo, or more likely Lomachenko,
decides to take some risks, and strike out on the offence, then we
could see some real fireworks.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">The
most likely outcome of this fight is a brilliant chess match with
some occasional fireworks thrown in. Both men have dangerous punches,
but it is Rigondeaux who is the biggest one punch hitter of the two.
This has been illustrated by the fact that he has broken the jaw and
cheekbones of 2 of his last 3 opponents, and has ended several of his
fight with single punches. Lomachenko may not want to try the kind
of tricks against Rigondeaux that he has been performing against his
recent opponents, as one slip could end up with him knocked out.</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfGddKyseFP5_26qHxCHz6AVe6A3C_WaxOzKBbzZWPOr5s7VitELp3HOGRDQ7crcxIEpxdd_jmQu1t2JZzpRr34ih-zu-7G9FBZXkrun3eJRXSF-yKiC0ayGh8_o6e-z2j9NelcWTd-M/s1600/donaire-knocked-down-rigondeaux.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="449" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfGddKyseFP5_26qHxCHz6AVe6A3C_WaxOzKBbzZWPOr5s7VitELp3HOGRDQ7crcxIEpxdd_jmQu1t2JZzpRr34ih-zu-7G9FBZXkrun3eJRXSF-yKiC0ayGh8_o6e-z2j9NelcWTd-M/s320/donaire-knocked-down-rigondeaux.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">Rigondeaux
himself has been down a few times in his career, but never visibly
hurt. If Lomachenko tries to score a knockout over Rigondeaux he may
just find himself falling into ‘The Jackal’s trap.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">Both
men have great footwork, with Lomachenko’s being the more
flamboyant and extrovert, while Rigondeaux often glides around the
canvas without seemingly moving his legs.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">The
person who wins this boxing match will be the man who is able to best
nullify the other. Will ‘The Jackal’ be able to deal with the
high pace and speed of Lomachenko, will size and age be a factor?.
How will Lomachenko deal with a boxer of Rigo’s speed and defensive
abilities?</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1szreZQUnnkBDz5-gFppu0NTk69m9e2cDdsNw85Yj9RKmgiMfmXOBCWX30wLo80ibr_6P9I9J4j4YxpoRNZjHlAGM0mSCnzz3fFUJXFuCplERsoAlWdkN8gxGetI9pM68cnPXPEHlsPg/s1600/vasyl-lomachenko-vs-orlando-salido-593x356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="593" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1szreZQUnnkBDz5-gFppu0NTk69m9e2cDdsNw85Yj9RKmgiMfmXOBCWX30wLo80ibr_6P9I9J4j4YxpoRNZjHlAGM0mSCnzz3fFUJXFuCplERsoAlWdkN8gxGetI9pM68cnPXPEHlsPg/s320/vasyl-lomachenko-vs-orlando-salido-593x356.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">Lomachenko’s
only defeat as a professional came in his second professional match
when he was out-hustled and out-muscled by Orlando Salido. Will
Rigondeaux opt for a drastic change of style against Lomachenko, and
look to smother and out-work the Ukrainian.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">However
the night goes, one hopes that we get to see a fair decision if it
goes all the way, as so far 2017 has been a year of bad decisions in
boxing.</span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-GB" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">Logic
points to a Lomachenko victory on points. He looks to be too big and
too young, with these advantages giving him an unassailable edge for
victory, and yet, greatness can sometimes break the sharpest of
edges. There is something just a bit extra special about Guillermo
Rigondeaux, beyond his mere ability in the ring. Perhaps it is his
hunger, to make up for lost time and to strike back against those in
boxing who have wronged him in recent years. The more this writer
thinks about it the more he feels drawn towards a Rigondeaux victory
against all the odds. This is the moment he has waited for and I
believe that on December 9 we will see ‘The Jackal’ unleashed
like never before. Watch out Bob!</span></span></span></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB"> </span></span></span></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you are an boxer, amateur or professional, and want us to follow you or tell your story, contact petersilkov@yahoo.com or <u><span style="color: #888888;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="color: #888888;">theboxingglove@yahoo.com</span></a></span></u></span></span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you are an author and you would like your book reviewed, contact Peter Silkov at <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="color: #888888;">petersilkov@yahoo.com</span></a> or <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="color: #888888;">theboxingglove@yahoo.com</span></a></span></span></span></span></div>
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The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604111647702899524noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5733363062082489770.post-352481771751901812017-11-15T13:52:00.001-08:002017-11-15T13:52:35.259-08:00Boxing History: On This Day: Jackie Graves Remembered <div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cSBbrzeXoyVQhI11NvvIzSTqflvc4aswK0l_YT21_Ufsn8xFF4kznIoa0Xrrklu9S8guBjb-A3whMq4HmtREgf0y4KmSgetqEeizeWil11kiCGXvDYqhQXo9v0SxTzMmcuPZx57j6J4/s1600/BOXING+HISTORY-ONTHISDAY-JACKIEGRAVES-RESIZE.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="700" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cSBbrzeXoyVQhI11NvvIzSTqflvc4aswK0l_YT21_Ufsn8xFF4kznIoa0Xrrklu9S8guBjb-A3whMq4HmtREgf0y4KmSgetqEeizeWil11kiCGXvDYqhQXo9v0SxTzMmcuPZx57j6J4/s640/BOXING+HISTORY-ONTHISDAY-JACKIEGRAVES-RESIZE.png" width="540" /></a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By Peter Silkov</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jackie
Graves, nicknamed ‘The Austin Atom’ was a hard-hitting southpaw,
featherweight, who mixed it with some of the best 126-pounders of the
1940s and 50s. Graves was born, John Thomas Graves, on September 12,
1922, in Austin, Minnesota. Following an amateur career, which saw
him win a number of titles, Graves turned professional at the age of
22 in 1944. Graves hard-punching, all-action style made him a big
hit with the fans.</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9pBLm9ICf6zTWFaUELdD_QYHQsgAkRzm_CK7RVgvdgVeOYSjkFkfpMZTcHt0FTasVGPi0NfCyiTZUeYUS3dGo5uQlujbj2ikdXeOimMPs19wyiCXJQCyb84Nz5n0O7Q_SY7bciOeIzw0/s1600/jackie+graves+trans.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="377" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9pBLm9ICf6zTWFaUELdD_QYHQsgAkRzm_CK7RVgvdgVeOYSjkFkfpMZTcHt0FTasVGPi0NfCyiTZUeYUS3dGo5uQlujbj2ikdXeOimMPs19wyiCXJQCyb84Nz5n0O7Q_SY7bciOeIzw0/s320/jackie+graves+trans.png" width="164" /></a></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">During
his professional career, Graves fought name fighters such as, Harry
Jeffra, Charlie Riley, Luis Castillo, Tony Olivera, Jose Gonzalez,
Victor Flores, Charley Cabey Lewis, Jackie Wilson, Jackie Callura,
Lefty Lachance, Jimmy Joyce, Clint Miller, Spider Armstrong, Harry
Lasane, Harold Dade, Willie Cheatum, Manny Ortega, Bobby Bell,
Humberto Sierra, Teddy Davis, Glen Flanagan, Ernesto Aguilar, and
Manuel Ortiz, </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">During
the late 40s, Graves was ranked highly in the world by “The Ring”
magazine, yet was never able to secure a shot at the World
featherweight title. The closest Graves came to a world title chance
was when he fought the World featherweight champion, Willie Pep, on
July 25, 1946, in a non-title fight. This is the fight in which Pep
is said to have won a round (the 3</span></span><sup><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">rd</span></span></sup><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">)
without throwing a punch, but just by dodging Graves' punches, but
this was proven false by several sources who were at the fight. </span></span></span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">Various
accounts of this fight say that both Pep, and Graves, were on the
floor. Graves put up a brave display, but was eventually stopped in
the 8</span></span><sup><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">th</span></span></sup><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">
round.</span></span></span></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSI0yASzwm9DSoKv1HpwNugJYjwOZX4mm5S8Db3CXEwATfX5N6JteJo13M4Qu3FQ4W__Z55V9J8RnOMczwyL7rN8xPASgmaFVFHBTZ226Jgb0uGj9Uxw_W016VvojkxoEk41HNetpAui8/s1600/jackie+graves-dundee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="500" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSI0yASzwm9DSoKv1HpwNugJYjwOZX4mm5S8Db3CXEwATfX5N6JteJo13M4Qu3FQ4W__Z55V9J8RnOMczwyL7rN8xPASgmaFVFHBTZ226Jgb0uGj9Uxw_W016VvojkxoEk41HNetpAui8/s320/jackie+graves-dundee.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="western" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">In
an <a href="http://www.cyberboxingzone.com/boxing/w0403-jw.html" target="_blank">interview</a> with Jake Wegner, Graves spoke of his greatest memory of
his career.</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>“They all were great. But
my fight with the Featherweight Champion of the world, Willie Pep.
Regardless of the outcome, that was my greatest moment of my career.
I just wish I could do it all over again-all of it. I used to joke
with Willie that his name is Pep, and he has a lot of pep. (laughs)
Lordi, that man never ran out of gas. He was great.”</i></span></span></span></div>
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<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">Graves
fought on until 1956, with his last fight being a 3</span></span><sup><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">rd</span></span></sup><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">
round knock out defeat to Glen Flanagan on March 22, 1956. Graves'
final record was (82-11-2, 48koes). </span></span></span></span>
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jackie
Graves died on November 15, 2005, after a long bout with Alzheimer's
Disease. </span></span></div>
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<div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" lang="en-GB">
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<div align="JUSTIFY" class="western" lang="en-GB">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you are an boxer, amateur or professional, and want us to follow you or tell your story, contact petersilkov@yahoo.com or <u><span style="color: #888888;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="color: #888888;">theboxingglove@yahoo.com</span></a></span></u></span></span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you are an author and you would like your book reviewed, contact Peter Silkov at <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="color: #888888;">petersilkov@yahoo.com</span></a> or <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="color: #888888;">theboxingglove@yahoo.com</span></a></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span>
</div>
The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604111647702899524noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5733363062082489770.post-14095702780054430632017-11-14T09:29:00.002-08:002017-11-14T09:36:18.588-08:00Boxing History: On This Day: Pat Ford Remembered <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGOeb-qGE9-QUGceJK7dQ3L8dN1qCC5xMdVzVfVEqP-AORQg2mbbD8FsPbPrJbqMGaQGpoLqYrbyTz6-Y46msmryPDSCMjbRl3JWLNnXM43XVPhFaI6yL007eK6zCaECFiIwuB31cnHSw/s1600/Boxing+History-Pat+Ford-Final-resize.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="700" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGOeb-qGE9-QUGceJK7dQ3L8dN1qCC5xMdVzVfVEqP-AORQg2mbbD8FsPbPrJbqMGaQGpoLqYrbyTz6-Y46msmryPDSCMjbRl3JWLNnXM43XVPhFaI6yL007eK6zCaECFiIwuB31cnHSw/s640/Boxing+History-Pat+Ford-Final-resize.png" width="628" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">By Peter Silkov</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJB10mQsJYNiCZUoLroyZNw8egBvunOdCGEvXZig2lD93v5xToBRKQAZT-7Bv5c6GvlxHURu0hYkd9GGOZRn2bElICMtUWZ74AYlEb2LAmn2w273QFEj44dplZ-RL1X4kWl9_8AjmhgTY/s1600/A-young-Patrick-Ford-at-left-seen-with-his-cousin-former-Commonwealth-gold-medalist-Winfield-Braithwaite-at-extreme-right.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="219" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJB10mQsJYNiCZUoLroyZNw8egBvunOdCGEvXZig2lD93v5xToBRKQAZT-7Bv5c6GvlxHURu0hYkd9GGOZRn2bElICMtUWZ74AYlEb2LAmn2w273QFEj44dplZ-RL1X4kWl9_8AjmhgTY/s1600/A-young-Patrick-Ford-at-left-seen-with-his-cousin-former-Commonwealth-gold-medalist-Winfield-Braithwaite-at-extreme-right.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Pat Ford was a clever and strong
featherweight, with a rangy style that made full use of his height of
5' feet 10” inches. Born, Patrick Forde, on December 17, 1955, in
Georgetown, Guyana, Ford turned professional in 1976. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He would become known as one of
Guyana's greatest fighters of all-time.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ford quickly moved up
the world rankings, winning the Guyanese featherweight title on
February 4, 1978, by out-pointing Tony Greene over 15 rounds. On May
20, 1979, he added the WBC Fecarbox Featherweight title by
out-pointing Enrique Solis over 12 rounds. Then on August 1, 1980,
Ford won the Commonwealth featherweight title, by stopping Eddie
Ndukwu in 8 rounds.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
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</span></div>
<div class="western" lang="en-GB" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">On September 13, 1980,
Ford challenged Salvador Sanchez for the WBC world featherweight
title, and gave the great Sanchez one of his toughest fights, before
being defeated by a close point's decision after 15 rounds.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kjvkXWYpEGSACNdxDzV9v5JoPT5yW2Qp-_b8DxyP41JG5V3dIRQUaAbqbP6W6kd8svz2GheAPQTOFL-BBft6oClVtSXGMQng3IGT7W3rtvDP6jAQXEJuJyveMK_hnzgzAara5l_ZUW8/s1600/ford2-336x254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="254" data-original-width="336" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kjvkXWYpEGSACNdxDzV9v5JoPT5yW2Qp-_b8DxyP41JG5V3dIRQUaAbqbP6W6kd8svz2GheAPQTOFL-BBft6oClVtSXGMQng3IGT7W3rtvDP6jAQXEJuJyveMK_hnzgzAara5l_ZUW8/s200/ford2-336x254.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="western" style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">Five
months later, Ford challenged Eusebio Pedrosa for the WBA world
featherweight championship, and was knocked out in the 13</span></span><sup><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">th</span></span></sup><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">
round, after another tough fight. </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB"></span></span></span></span><span lang="en-GB"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After
the fight, Ford said he had difficulties making the weight in the
build up to the bout.</span> </span></span>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">After his brave
challenges for the world title, against two all time greats, Ford’s
form dipped and he lost his next two fights, losing over 10 rounds on
points to David Brown on April 17, 1982. One month later he was
stopped in 3 rounds by Isidro Perez.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">Ford
stayed out of the ring for 3 years, then returned and had three
fights from 1985 to 1987, winning all three, but then retired from
the ring, with a final record of (19-4, 12koes).</span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjF391pCiYlD89bMX7M-IXFvsElXrvbyYennrRYig360FeEdAApR4MbyfLrYTpCJaCLsTH6HViPvyEQRl6w6J8ALl3wJ2U-4e6eC6y2xE6HrUjSxigvykquZW0bcxVabkZkr9SeaWTsFI/s1600/ford.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjF391pCiYlD89bMX7M-IXFvsElXrvbyYennrRYig360FeEdAApR4MbyfLrYTpCJaCLsTH6HViPvyEQRl6w6J8ALl3wJ2U-4e6eC6y2xE6HrUjSxigvykquZW0bcxVabkZkr9SeaWTsFI/s1600/ford.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">After
his retirement from fighting, Ford, who by how had moved permanently
to America, became a trainer at the renowned Gleasons Gym in Dumbo,
Brooklyn, New York, where he was highly respected for his knowledge
and his humble demeanor.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">Pat
Ford died on November 13, 2011, aged 55 years old, after suffering a
heart attack as a result of complications arising from diabetes. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">Salvador Sanchez Vs. Pat Ford fight:</span></span></span></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/A0mRoykjH1I" width="560"></iframe>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you are an boxer, amateur or professional, and want us to follow you or tell your story, contact petersilkov@yahoo.com or <u><span style="color: #888888;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="color: #888888;">theboxingglove@yahoo.com</span></a></span></u></span></span></span></span>
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<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you are an author and you would like your book reviewed, contact Peter Silkov at <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="color: #888888;">petersilkov@yahoo.com</span></a> or <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="color: #888888;">theboxingglove@yahoo.com</span></a></span></span></span></span></div>
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The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604111647702899524noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5733363062082489770.post-13574582583499489702017-11-10T21:17:00.000-08:002017-11-10T23:15:31.997-08:00Boxing History: On This Day: Charley Goldman Remembered<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii3YJzCPnvAX-7j7Lr2ELH68sGuP8GgGysEVMqCWsMxiDOy0Rw91ngVg9SRWf6371A7s3UHcEA4EWncPHWb48u5l6vGZOCDZfUMaWL_Hz02mo-SaKj9L6MCJBSHaHsFGI9doVYmWlTnfA/s1600/Boxing+HIstory-The+Boxing+Glove-Charley+goldman-resize.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii3YJzCPnvAX-7j7Lr2ELH68sGuP8GgGysEVMqCWsMxiDOy0Rw91ngVg9SRWf6371A7s3UHcEA4EWncPHWb48u5l6vGZOCDZfUMaWL_Hz02mo-SaKj9L6MCJBSHaHsFGI9doVYmWlTnfA/s640/Boxing+HIstory-The+Boxing+Glove-Charley+goldman-resize.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">By Peter Silkov</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-QEpKpmAHU3b0oijbIQ8YjdyblibDDbYHZGxbDIdXSTB5MiBIwZ1ePxiBDJ0b6SyOFk8X5CXNGZp9DmdbdyuqVBEX67GS1ozoq3UzWlCLWa8sXeO2MzSIcoXdDpmuTvtH6TK3zMifnnM/s1600/charley_goldman-530x317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="317" data-original-width="530" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-QEpKpmAHU3b0oijbIQ8YjdyblibDDbYHZGxbDIdXSTB5MiBIwZ1ePxiBDJ0b6SyOFk8X5CXNGZp9DmdbdyuqVBEX67GS1ozoq3UzWlCLWa8sXeO2MzSIcoXdDpmuTvtH6TK3zMifnnM/s320/charley_goldman-530x317.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Charley
Goldman was a very clever and tough bantamweight boxer, born Israel
Goldman on December 21, 1888, in Warsaw, Poland ( some sources say
born in Russia on December 22, 1887.) He later moved with his
family to New York, where he started boxing professionally in 1904.
Goldman fought notable fighters including Joe Wagner, Benny Kaufman,
Paddy Callahan, George Kitson, Young Britt, Phil McGovern, Knockout
Brown, Young Ziringer, Patsy Brannigan, Frankie Burns, Tommy Houck,
Charlie Harvey, Frankie Burns, George ‘Ko’ Chaney, Kid Williams,
Johnny Coulon, Johnny Solzberg, and Abe Friedman.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">Although
Goldman has 137 verified fights on his record, it is known that he
had many more fights during his career. </span></span></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecT49QxTc7YIqiEIt-TBL6Dqb4gBHAaqDfVGlc68_ijDd5CT9nuoNnsiJ2_sW2UIFFC1-McAm0ZjHa0-5c_ikaQGrSFSQYcZ5HNGsgXlrsMc4eLC3rc32B7L8qew9img4pWQU0GF-y2E/s1600/goldman_rocky_2-530x317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="317" data-original-width="530" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecT49QxTc7YIqiEIt-TBL6Dqb4gBHAaqDfVGlc68_ijDd5CT9nuoNnsiJ2_sW2UIFFC1-McAm0ZjHa0-5c_ikaQGrSFSQYcZ5HNGsgXlrsMc4eLC3rc32B7L8qew9img4pWQU0GF-y2E/s320/goldman_rocky_2-530x317.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">After
his retirement from boxing in 1918, Goldman became a boxing trainer,
and would become known as one of the best trainers in the business. His most notable success as a trainer was his moulding Rocky Marciano
into the World heavyweight champion. Other world champions whom he
trained included Lou Ambers, Joe Archibald, Kid Gavilan, Al McCoy,
Carlos Ortiz, Marty Servo, Jersey Joe Walcott (1930 to 1934) and
Fritzie Zivic. Goldman also worked with top contenders Rory Calhoun,
Walter Cartier, Arturo Godoy, Johnny Risko, Cesar Brion, Tony Alongi
and Oscar Bonavena.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">Charley
Goldman died on November 11, 1968, at the age of 80-years old. In
1992, Goldman was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame
and the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you are an boxer, amateur or professional, and want us to follow you or tell your story, contact petersilkov@yahoo.com or <u><span style="color: #888888;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="color: #888888;">theboxingglove@yahoo.com</span></a></span></u></span></span></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you are an author and you would like your book reviewed, contact Peter Silkov at <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="color: #888888;">petersilkov@yahoo.com</span></a> or <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="color: #888888;">theboxingglove@yahoo.com</span></a></span></span></span></span></div>
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The Goathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604111647702899524noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5733363062082489770.post-68968205970387205332017-11-08T16:45:00.000-08:002017-11-08T20:34:17.682-08:00Boxing History: On This Day: Jack Bodell Remembered <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0SFTf3eD0198wf_2N1-nkv8lv89LZFojyGpAfxsPmpRRKnw5xLRqmA3GGlAtQWoZBdo2OxWVfjApzEtgmo6PN6eQkQwl987dfZZnOx2ZD8cDANdLjx9yOmho1MRbca7I8mg9ToRcqbPo/s1600/The+Boxing+Glove-Jack+Bodell-boxing+history-resize.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="700" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0SFTf3eD0198wf_2N1-nkv8lv89LZFojyGpAfxsPmpRRKnw5xLRqmA3GGlAtQWoZBdo2OxWVfjApzEtgmo6PN6eQkQwl987dfZZnOx2ZD8cDANdLjx9yOmho1MRbca7I8mg9ToRcqbPo/s640/The+Boxing+Glove-Jack+Bodell-boxing+history-resize.png" width="582" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">By Peter Silkov </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCK9c3SKoHnKGiwC5KdKtRs0STR6ZTTznBvEowZSfSiLXqUvVhtPGFeRSRWyGEOAWaSXXOLMVQO6Y-VSX_9jYYGaQWvbNBJZLeWTaOk3fzYzfWVII36bFBckG5sEddBw2Jif21xzLLJ20/s1600/Jack-Bodell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="615" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCK9c3SKoHnKGiwC5KdKtRs0STR6ZTTznBvEowZSfSiLXqUvVhtPGFeRSRWyGEOAWaSXXOLMVQO6Y-VSX_9jYYGaQWvbNBJZLeWTaOk3fzYzfWVII36bFBckG5sEddBw2Jif21xzLLJ20/s320/Jack-Bodell.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jack
Bodell was a tough and strong heavyweight fighter, with an unorthodox
brawling style which, along with his southpaw stance, made him a
difficult opponent for just about anyone. Bodell had a lot of heart,
and despite being labelled by some as ‘weak chinned,’ most of his
inside the distance defeats were caused by stoppages due to cuts.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="JUSTIFY" class="western">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">Bodell
was born on August 11, 1940, in Swadlincote, Derbyshire. As an
amateur, he won the ABA light-heavyweight championship in 1961,
before turning professional in 1962. </span></span></span></span>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">During
his career, Bodell fought an array of top heavyweight names,
including, Joe Erskine, Hubert Hilton, Billy Daniels, Thad Spencer,
Ray Patterson, Henry Cooper, Johnny Prescott, Brian London, Billy
Walker, Jack O’Halloran, Manuel Ramos, Jery Quarry, Joe Bugner,
Jose Manuel Urtain, and Danny McAlinden.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJrNCl6Y9sLIsdZBokm3bs_g300BXx7pAhG2iD_NYkDBqnTYkiWJJUExcPtSCTScKGwwmsq8Yk3MtYd0Fq_xgJTBhJTNZDfsYIubJ_LwSDN4bL7jKnhakC3f8BS6hrssuJLkM1JcLTm_w/s1600/s-l1600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1413" data-original-width="1079" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJrNCl6Y9sLIsdZBokm3bs_g300BXx7pAhG2iD_NYkDBqnTYkiWJJUExcPtSCTScKGwwmsq8Yk3MtYd0Fq_xgJTBhJTNZDfsYIubJ_LwSDN4bL7jKnhakC3f8BS6hrssuJLkM1JcLTm_w/s200/s-l1600.jpg" width="152" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">Bodell
challenged Henry Cooper for the British and Commonwealth heavyweight
titles on June 13, 1967, but was stopped in the 2</span></span><sup><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">nd</span></span></sup><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">
round. Following this defeat, Bodell had an eleven fight winning
streak, and then on October 13, 1969, he won the vacant British
heavyweight championship, by out-pointing Carl Gizzi over 15 rounds.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">Five
months after beating Gizzi, Bodell defended his British title against
Henry Cooper and was beaten on points. Cooper also defended his
Commonwealth title in this fight.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">On
September 27, 1971, Bodell scored the best victory of his career when
he out-pointed Joe Bugner over 15 rounds, to win the British,
European and Commonwealth heavyweight titles. Bodell’s non-stop
brawling style and aggression had just been too much for Bugner.
However, this victory was followed by three defeats for Bodell. On
November 16, 1971, he was knocked out in the 1</span></span><sup><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">st</span></span></sup><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">
round by Jerry Quarry. Just once month later Bodell defended his
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixL4ruh7X9nnWrWOgN6KYDg5gKRDbLAmp5X9gdRO8ixD5Kg5bMl4LvDJmMYzplHsr0fEgLPNoTl_ygCIcQLZ-YrfKJgULzozA07KDM7wRJpsDp1J3lCnEGgbUWnrGz5ooKj53CCr6Mew8/s1600/jack+bodell-getty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="831" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixL4ruh7X9nnWrWOgN6KYDg5gKRDbLAmp5X9gdRO8ixD5Kg5bMl4LvDJmMYzplHsr0fEgLPNoTl_ygCIcQLZ-YrfKJgULzozA07KDM7wRJpsDp1J3lCnEGgbUWnrGz5ooKj53CCr6Mew8/s200/jack+bodell-getty.jpg" width="161" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">European heavyweight title, and was stopped in the 2</span><sup><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">nd</span></span></sup><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">
round by Jose Manuel Urtain. Six months later on June 27, 1972,
Bodell lost his British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles, when he
was knocked out in the 2</span></span><sup><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">nd</span></span></sup><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">
round by Danny McAlinden. This was Bodell’s final fight, and he
retired with a final record of (58-13, 31koes).</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">After
retirement, Bodell would open the Tile Hill chip shop in Conventry
during the 80s. Upon opening it, he invited Muhammad Ali to come down
and visit, and Ali accepted the invitation. He was met with a warm
greeting. Unfortunately, Bodell would fight a long battle with
dementia and died on November 9, 2016, at the age of 76 years old. </span></span></span>
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<a href="http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/football/football-news/gallery/look-muhammad-ali-visited-coventry-8475462" target="_blank">Look: When Muhammad Ali visited Coventry and Warwickshire in the 1980s</a></div>
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Jack Bodell Vs. Joe Bugner</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4emn-iJ4BaU" width="560"></iframe>
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