JANUARY 21

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THE SUPERFIGHT 24 Looking back on the timeless Leonard-Hagler rivalry

UNMISSABLE HIGHLIGHTS

>> 12 JOSHUA vs FURY 36 >> 8 STEVE BUNCE The blockbuster fight that everyone Nigel Benn’s toughest inner battle wants to see is drawing ever closer >> 10 CONOR McGREGOR >> 16 TONY BELLEW Could he really fight for a world title? Transitioning from fighter to manager >> 14 POVETKIN vs WHYTE II >> 20 DAVE COLDWELL Matchroom announce their schedule The childhood that made him a man >> 18 NICKY BOOTH >> 30 MARGARET GOODMAN Saying goodbye to a troubled talent A pioneering, respected ring physician >> 34 LEO vs FULTON >> 36 NEIL LEIFER The WBO super-bantam belt is on the line Boxing’s most celebrated photographer >> 40 AMATEURS SAVE £££ WITH A SUBSCRIPTION Ryan Fillingham hangs up his gloves >> 42 FOREMAN vs LYLE For more details visit One of the greatest heavyweight brawls WWW.BOXINGNEWSONLINE.NET/SUBSCRIPTIONS >> 44 BOB WILLIAMS The boxer-turned-ref’s fistic heritage

>> 46 BRIAN ROSE The proud owner of a Lonsdale Belt

www.boxingnewsonline.net JANUARY 21, 2021 l BOXING NEWS l 3 EDITOR’S LETTER

Photo: STEVE MARCUS/GETTY IMAGES

TIME’S UP: Time to Kovalev is surely subscribe running out of chances l THERE are numerous ways to subscribe, including special offers.

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l FOR more information on all the subscriptions THE DESCENT OF THE KRUSHER plus our special bookazines, Kovalev failing VADA test the latest in a long line of misdemeanours please visit www.shop. kelsey.co.uk ERGEY KOVALEV on Instagram a month before he was due so keen to hear his excuses. A positive or call 01959- was once deemed to fight on that channel. test, which can tarnish an entire career, 543-747. the most dangerous The DAZN transgression was not will do more harm in the eyes of boxing man in boxing. exactly on a par with the rest. Even so, it fans than any of his previous crimes. l THE next S Back then, when was more evidence of a mind that was Will this be the end for him? Probably issue will be at the peak of his making bad decision after bad decision. not. Even at 37 and facing a suspension, in shops on destructive powers, Those lapses in judgement have been it’s still easy to envision the door being January 28 and such a tag was a getting more frequent since he lost that left ajar where certain promoters will wait available to compliment. His controversial decision to Ward in 2016. to peddle what’s left of his reputation. download on ability to break his Unbeaten in 31 bouts before that reverse, The wider question, irrespective of his January 26. opponents with he’s 4-3 since. His rap sheet got longer innocence or guilt, should be whether skill and menace as he took more punches to the head. the sport can really afford to carry people The left many seasoned A coincidence? Maybe, but it’s not an who muddy its reputation so frequently. Opening Matt observers predicting uncommon theme. In 2021, as boxing strives to make the Bell... Christie greatness for the One can make an argument that right noises in its battle to be heard, Russian. Kovalev needed psychiatric help instead there’s no place for men as dangerous l IN this week’s @MattCBoxingNews Though never of being encouraged to don his boxing and damaging as . show, available Editor quite invincible – gloves and beat people up. Our sport is on Wednesday nobody ever is, let’s superb at cultivating a villainous image - ONE hopes that boxing returns (January 20) face it – the crucial thing for him and his but less effective at dealing with the to Britain in February as planned. The we talk to Frank persona was that he believed he was. He consequences of that villainy when it sport showed last year that is capable Warren about was fearless, or at least acted that way. spills over into real life. of operating in exceptionally difficult his battle with Recognition of fear creates boundaries; Should Kovalev have been allowed circumstances; the bubbles worked and coronavirus and boundaries that keep us in check, inside the ring at a time when he was positive tests, at least when compared to his 2021 plans. boundaries that Kovalev chose to ignore. being accused of hitting women outside other sports, were rare. l There is a And it worked to a point. of it? Whatever one’s opinion on that, Matchroom have put together an bonus episode Like many boxers whose reputations it’s certainly hard to name another enticing schedule and Queensberry, now this week, too. are built on destroying all-comers and in high-profile industry that would be so that is returning to health You can hear turn getting their own way, it was difficult forgiving of such woeful behaviour. after contracting coronavirus, are also a special, and for him when he realised, after losing two Regardless, sympathy for Kovalev is set to announce some quality matchups barely heard, bouts to , that he was human now thin on the ground. with the pick-em clash between Jamel Muhammad Ali after all. Last week, the Russian – still a cult Herring- set for February interview from The descent was perhaps always hero in the eyes of some – failed a 27. We wish Frank a full and speedy 1972. inevitable. He’s since been accused of VADA test after synthetic testosterone recovery. racism, of assaulting a woman and her was discovered in his system ahead of a Credit to everyone involved in keeping l Listen (& rate dog, of kissing a woman on a plane who scheduled comeback bout with Uzbek the sport’s flag flying in the face of this & subscribe) via didn’t want to be kissed, of driving under prospect, Bektemir Melikuziev. He claims horrible pandemic. Apple, Spotify the influence and, at the end of last year, innocence, of course. and all major Follow us and keep up to date of streaming the DAZN broadcast of Some will say Kovalev deserves the platforms. Canelo Alvarez vs for free right to defend himself. Others won’t be @BoxingNewsED BoxingNewsOnline

4 l BOXING NEWS l JANUARY 21, 2021 www.boxingnewsonline.net GUEST COLUMN

‘I AM NOT GETTING ANY YOUNGER’ Photo: RICHARD HEATHCOTE/GETTY IMAGES

Now I have Roy Jones by my side I can make up for lost time

EOPLE always before I go back to the gym and get cent, having a coach is a beautiful the ultimate target for me. I was ask me when ready for a fight this year. thing. I wish I’d met him earlier. supposed to fight him a few years I’m coming Roy Jones Jnr is my trainer. He’s I’m looking for the world titles. ago and it fell through. I’ve always back to England the main man and I’ll be with him I am not getting any younger. I regretted that. It’s been a thorn in P but I can’t until for the rest of my career. I’ve been understand that the pandemic has my side. the lockdowns training with him for a year and I’ve made it harder for these fights to It’s unlikely that talk about a have been learnt so much from him. Not only happen. But I’d take a warm-up rematch with will loosened. Right that, I’ve been reminded of so much. fight because I have been out of the go away until we fight again. But for now, out here in There’s things you lose track of over ring for 13 months, and that fight now, he’s not in my mind. My focus America, I am the years that you used to practice against Matvey Korobov only lasted is and he’s not in my free. and perfect; you get to an age when two rounds. So there will be some division. He’s been ducking me for I don’t get you think that’s not important. I’ve ring rust that I’ll have to get over. many years and I’m not wasting homesick. I was come to realise that those things But if it was up to me, I’d get straight anymore time and energy on that. Chris in America as are always important. To become a back into the deep end. I feel I have But whenever they decide to be Eubank Jnr a kid, at high master you have to practice the small the beating of any of the leading serious about it, they know where to school, training things every day. That’s one of the , with or without a find me. Middleweight to be a boxer, good things about COVID; it brought warm-up. It’s up to my promoters, If you put the right name in contender having my first me to Roy. Team Sauerland, but I’m ready to roll. front of me I will move back up to amateur fights. I used to say I didn’t need a trainer I had a great relationship with the 168lbs. The goal is to win world I was away from home at a young when I was winning fights and I was Sauerlands during the World Boxing titles at middleweight and then I age so I’m used to it. I’m somewhat dominating guys. But spending time Super Series and I liked the way call the shots. I was never a super- Americanised with a lot of close with Roy has opened my eyes about they work. The opponents they put middleweight; I was having to eat on friends out here. I’m comfortable, I’m what the right trainer can do. If you’re forward were the right names and I the day of the weigh-in, eat before happy. with the right guy, and you click and know they can deliver what I need. the fight, and I was still only 168 on I took a little break over Christmas you trust and respect them 100 per is of course the night. These guys were 20lbs after training non-stop throughout heavier than me. But I made it work, 2020. I spent a week in New York and I did what I needed to do. If they put then went out to Las Vegas before ‘I HAVE ALWAYS REGRETTED NOT Canelo Alvarez in front of me, I will heading back to Florida to resume move up. But the opportunities lie at my training. It was good to reset FIGHTING GENNADY GOLOVKIN’ middleweight.

www.boxingnewsonline.net JANUARY 21, 2021 l BOXING NEWS l 5 ON TWITTER ON FACEBOOK LETTERS @BoxingNewsED www.facebook.com/boxingnewsonline

LETTER OF THE WEEK AUTOGRAPH MEMORIES

I ENJOYED reading Steve Bunce’s SUPER- vs on January 18, 1939. He has been an avid piece in last week’s issue of THERE’S lots of talk at the moment about reader of Boxing News for 72 years – he Boxing News (January 14). a new and exciting era at 135lbs, and has never missed a copy! When he was I agree with him that you can’t beat a rightly so, given the quality of the top 10 years old, his uncle, a local boxer good autograph. It reminded me of fighters at lightweight. Unfortunately, called Bert Sanders, lent him a copy of being at York Hall with my young son however, due to promotional politics, BN and since then he has been hooked. and asking Paul “Scrap Iron” Ryan for his it’s unlikely that we’ll see them all face He went on to join Stowe Boxing Club smudge for my boy. Despite telling him each other in the near future. With this in in Maida Vale and has been a boxing fan how to spell Casey, he still spelt it with mind, I think that we should take a look ever since. a ‘K’! My favourite autograph memory, south. There are four boxers at 115lbs – Neil, Lynda, Chris and Becki however, came at The Point in . Juan Francisco Estrada, Roman Gonzalez, Wishing you a very happy birthday, As we were leaving the arena, the crowd and Srisaket Sor Rungvisai Thomas! Thank you for being such a loyal all swarmed over to . – who have all shared the ring numerous reader for all these years. From everyone at Meanwhile, I noticed Emanuel Steward, times, with more fights among this group Boxing News. who’d been working with that in the offing. With other exciting super- night. I went over to Emanuel and asked also in the mix, the division is SPARE A THOUGHT him if he’d mind signing an autograph. on fire. NOW that we have a ludicrous amount We ended up having a lovely chat for five James Ingleby of world titles in each division to contend minutes – what a gent! That was the last with, could they not at least make the show at The Point and it was headlined HAPPY BIRTHDAY! belts a bit smaller? It’s hard enough for by being stopped by Kiko PLEASE can you wish a happy 82nd to hold them all, so spare GREATLY MISSED: Martinez. birthday to our dad, Thomas Francis a thought for the … Steward in those famous Kronk Eddie Crispin Gillam, who was born in Kilburn, John R. Smith colours Photo: STEVE GRAYSON/WIREIMAGE

6 l BOXING NEWS l JANUARY 21, 2021 www.boxingnewsonline.net ON INSTAGRAM EMAIL POST boxingnewsonline [email protected] Boxing News Letters, Kelsey Media, The Granary, Downs Court, Yalding Hill, Maidstone, Kent, ME18 6AL

10 COUNT

THE PANEL BOXING BOUQUET OF THE UPCOMING FIGHTS THAT HAVE BEEN A freshly picked bunch of boxers

CONFIRMED, WHICH ARE YOU MOST LOOKING 1. PERNELL ‘SWEET PEA’ WHITAKER Regarded as one of the greatest defensive boxers of FORWARD TO? all time, Whitaker was a tremendous technician who claimed world titles at lightweight through to super- , as well as winning Olympic gold.

2. GEORGES ‘THE ORCHID MAN’ CARPENTIER A former world light-heavyweight champion, the supremely gifted Carpentier famously challenged for the world heavyweight championship in what was boxing’s first-ever million-dollar gate.

Barry Natasha Matthew Chris 3. TIGER FLOWERS The first African-American to win the world Jones Jonas Macklin McKenna Former WBO Leading World title Sports middleweight crown, Flowers took the title from Harry Greb, before successfully defending against the same champion contender challenger reporter man. He lost the belt to in controversial If it still goes I think Conor I’m really looking Miguel Berchelt circumstances. ahead, then Benn performed forward to JJ vs Oscar Valdez. Gonzalez vs brilliantly in his Metcalf and Ted That’s a proper 4. ‘CHRYSANTHEMUM’ JOE CHOYNSKI Estrada is just last outing so it’s Cheeseman. fight put on A member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame like a superb fight. great to see him I can’t see it being by Whitaker, Carpentier and Flowers, the dynamite-fisted But out of the with yet another anything other in the US. Carl Choynski fought the best of his day, domestic schedule step up. Josh than an absolute Frampton’s including Jack Johnson, whom he defeated via KO. Avanesyan vs Kelly finally gets ding dong. challenge against Kelly is intriguing the Avanesyan Cheeseman is a 5. LIONEL ROSE as it’s a huge fight. Chantelle volume puncher, may not be a Rose’s defining night came when he dethroned step up for Kelly. Cameron defends he’s standing in thriller but will be Fighting Harada on away turf in Japan to become the Though Cacace v her world title and range and he’s intriguing to see if world king. With the victory, he was also Woodstock looks there are a few throwing a lot of the fighter recognised as the first Aboriginal boxer to secure world the barnstormer female rematches. shots. Metcalfe can make history honours. of the bunch. vs is a bit of a dark while Josh Kelly Kiko Martinez and horse in that against David 6. CALEB PLANT Plant is the reigning IBF super-middleweight champ, JJ Metcalf vs Ted weight division. Avanesyan will be having taken the title from Jose Uzcategui. He is set to Cheeseman will It’s going to be a an exciting test make the third defence of his strap later on this month be good. really good fight. for the former. against previous titlist Caleb Truax.

7. JOSEPH ‘POPPY’ DECICO HOW DOES A FAILED PED TEST AFFECT YOUR After fighting to a draw in his opening European bantamweight title attempt against Nicolas Petit- VIEW OF A BOXER AND THEIR REPUTATION? Biquet, Decico went one better in his second tilt at the belt. A win over Maurice Dubois saw him crowned Barry Natasha Matthew Chris champion. Jones Jonas Macklin McKenna It always makes I thinks it’s very There’s always It questions 8. HEATHER HARDY you wonder how damaging, going to be a everything they’ve Hardy became the WBO female boss long they have especially as a stain against their ever done. after prevailing against Shelly Vincent. In her initial been using PEDs competitor myself. name. I think Someone like defence of the title against Amanda Serrano, she and if they have It’s an unfair, there’s going to Canelo Alvarez suffered the first loss of her career. actually ever illegal advantage be that question: should already fought without in an already ‘Has he always be going down 9. BRIAN ROSE Prior to challenging Demetrius Andrade for the WBO them. So it dangerous sport. been doing it and as one of the all- super-welterweight strap, Rose boxed his way to a time greats but certainly tarnishes It casts a doubt is this just the Lonsdale Belt for keeps at 154lbs, having retained the their reputation, on all of their first time he got that will always British title on three separate occasions. but also as the achievements up caught?’ I think be a black mark punishments until that point. people are always with him, even in 10. DAISY LANG are so soft, you There should be going to think light of new rules Lang enjoyed significant success when competing for start to become no place in any that. I think that’s on clenbuterol. Women’s International Boxing Federation titles. She desensitised to the sport for it. understandable. Repeat offenders collected WIBF belts at super-flyweight, bantamweight news that a boxer should never be and super-bantamweight. has infringed the allowed to box rules in that way. again.

www.boxingnewsonline.net JANUARY 21, 2021 l BOXING NEWS l 7 THE BUNCE DIARIES MOUNTAIN Photo: JOHN GICHIGI/ALLSPORT TO CLIMB

Spending N the summer of 1995 Nigel Benn time with ran up a mountain Nigel Benn in Tenerife daily I to prepare for one following fight and forget another. It was, the Gerald trust me, a form of McClellan punishment. He wanted to fight was forget the night unforgettable he had beaten Gerald McClellan for so many Steve in February, left Bunce the American in different @BigDaddyBunce a hospital cubicle reasons Voice of boxing just minutes before emergency surgery. The pair had shared a ring at the London Arena that night, pushed each other way beyond any of sport’s bloody boundaries and in round 10 it finished. Benn won, McClellan lost and the other fight started. It was 10.03pm when it was over and by 1am McClellan was in surgery. Benn had been checked at the same hospital and was taken home, exhausted, swollen and barely making sense. Benn’s friends never left his side that night, lifting him in and out of cold baths twice. He was in pain, hurting in all the wrong places. “I never felt pain like that - I was really worried after the second bath: I hurt all over,” Benn told me during the Tenerife trip. He was talking as he was driving a tiny rental at about 100kmh down the first, gentle slopes of Mount Teide after the runs; Benn drove like a man with three hands, doing four things. It was a white- knuckle ride. The McClellan fight was not Benn’s first visit to the awful, shock, horror and suffering that is possible when a fight goes bad. Four years earlier I was inside the blue-lit Intensive Care Unit Yes, Benn knew all about sacrifice me. “I did not want his mother to slap at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital when long before the first bell against me in the face.” There was a real chance Benn came to see his friend Michael McClellan. And he was always prepared of that at the time because the pre-fight Watson. His face was blank as he stared for it. rituals had been toxic and the post-fight at Watson’s still body and then ran from Benn never went to McClellan’s stupidity included claims Benn had hit the ICU and fell, sobbing into the arms bedside after the fight; his father, Dixon, McClellan illegally on the back of the of Michael’s mother. Benn stayed that went and Benn was left to recover head. Total nonsense, by the way. day, sitting in isolation in the visiting slowly and monitor McClellan’s progress The simple truth of the fight that room, clutching a gold to his heart from a distance. “I had no idea how his night at the Arena was that neither and lips. family would respond to me,” Benn told man went down easily. They both

8 l BOXING NEWS l JANUARY 21, 2021 www.boxingnewsonline.net ROADWORK: Benn trains in the blistering Tenerife heat

a function in London’s Park Lane. The event was wretched, sorry. That afternoon in Tenerife, leaving Teide, Benn had come to terms with his trade and its awful consequences. “It could have been me,” he told me. “But I’m prepared to do it all again. That is what I do, I fight, I go in there and have it with anybody.” I have an A4 envelope with ‘Nigel Benn. Tenerife. 5th July 95’ written on it and inside there are nine pages of transcribed interview from that afternoon - it was Benn speaking for the first time since the McClellan fight. I store it like a sacred document. He later told me he enjoyed the McClellan fight and I know what he meant; it was clear from my position on the apron that Benn was loving the fight, the challenge. It is fair to say that Benn enjoyed the brutal sport of boxing more than any other boxer I have ever covered and he let you know it. “I just want to have it,” he repeatedly said before and after dozens of fights. As an amateur, not far removed from his military service, he stood to attention and still talked about “having it” back then. “I was like the Elephant Man at the end of that fight,” Benn said. “McClellan hit me with too many right hands. It was some fight. I truly wish I could have enjoyed it more, but I was in just too much pain - when he hit me I was so hurt I couldn’t fight anymore.” That July, Benn was back in Tenerife and up Teide to get ready for a return to the ring, a return to the same ring in the same venue later that month. That was just part of the script. “I had to get back up the mountain to see what I had left,” said Benn. “I thought McClellan had banged it out of me, but he didn’t. I’ve still got it.” The interview had long gaps for Benn to take a breath and compose himself, find the words. The McClellan fight and injury was still high-profile news. “As soon as I was running up the mountain I knew the old animal was back,” added Benn. “The oxygen from the runs up Teide got me through the McClellan fight - it was the runs that got me there.” It was the same lung-busting runs at altitude that got him back. Just fifteen days later Benn entered the London Arena ring to the type of standing ovation that boxing fans own. He was emotional and then he pushed each other too far. “I was ready told me that afternoon up the volcano’s was pitiless: Benn stopped Vincenzo after the fight to retire, to walk away,” slopes. Nardiello in eight rounds. And he Benn admitted on the Teide drive. The The two boxers had, for a brief overcame McClellan once more. “It was damage done to both was not a shock, moment, been at the same hospital, the not easy getting back in that ring,” he they were fearsome punchers, brave Royal London, after the fight. McClellan told us late that night. and vulnerable. And there was too was conscious, they acknowledged each The runs up Mount Teide had won much pride. Also, the pair had 33 first- other and then left to very different again. I have put the nine sheets of round between them. Benn lives: Benn went home and Gerald went long-hand away one more time, a was down heavily in the first. “I never to the operating theatre for surgery. record of a happy ending to a horrible imagined ever being hit that hard,” he They were reunited ten years later at story.

www.boxingnewsonline.net JANUARY 21, 2021 l BOXING NEWS l 9 BOXING MEDIA REVIEW Examining the best and worst of the sport’s weekly coverage

Photo: ETHAN MILLER/GETTY IMAGES

TEAM FURY: Arum and Tyson are very keen on TRUTH AND LIES the Joshua fight

Arum and Hearn tell different versions of the same story while Sulaiman does the WBC few favours with his championing of Conor McGregor, writes George Gigney in his weekly round-up of the boxing media

10 l BOXING NEWS l JANUARY 21, 2021 www.boxingnewsonline.net issue of ’s legal pursuit of away from getting a crack at one of their YOUTUBE a third fight with Fury, noting that “I don’t world titles. wanna get into legalities, but the idea of Speaking to Sun Sport, Sulaiman said FOR boxing, 2021 could be off to an anybody stopping the Fury vs Joshua fight that all McGregor needs to do is fight and encouraging start. We appear to be edging just can’t happen.” beat a ranked opponent, then his path is ever closer to a historic fight between clear to a title shot. As things stand, with and Anthony Joshua, as McGregor’s fighting weight, that would be promoters from both sides have expressed WEBSITES against one of the Charlo twins or - say it their confidence in the bout taking place ain’t so - Canelo Alvarez. this year. In addition to this, Arum also spoke to Sulaiman cited Vasiliy Lomachenko as an Speaking to Barbershop Conversations, about Fury-Joshua and went example of a fighter challenging for a world - who co-promotes Fury - said into some detail about ’s title in his second professional bout. He he is almost entirely certain the fight will mandated shot at Joshua’s WBO title. failed to mention the fact that Lomachenko happen and even claimed a location has Usyk – whose agreement with was one of the greatest amateur boxers been agreed. Matchroom Boxing has now ended – of all time, and that McGregor did not “We have a location, that’s true,” he said. appears unwilling to step aside and allow progress beyond the novice stage of his “We have a location and, as far as the Fury and Joshua to fight for all the marbles. journey. date is confirmed, we Hearn and co. suggested The only surprising thing about this haven’t zeroed in on a Usyk fight for is that Sulaiman and the other heads of date. ‘IT COULD an ‘interim’ title – which sanctioning bodies are still trying to explain “It could be as late as BE AS LATE makes no sense given away their ridiculous policies and decisions June because it would give the point of that spurious rather than just letting us see the dollar more time to solve the AS JUNE belt is for it to only be signs in their eyes. coronavirus problem. By used when a champion It would take fights like Fury-Joshua June, most people will be BECAUSE IT is unable to fight – or, as being purposefully conducted without vaccinated, so it’s possible. WOULD GIVE Arum suggested, give Usyk titles on the line to loosen the stranglehold “And then we would do a slot on the Fury-Joshua these organisations have on the sport, but the fight, pay-per-view in MORE TIME’ undercard and then fight it would be truly stunning if that were to the UK and pay-per-view the winner. actually happen. early evening in the United The other option, of What is less surprising is that Sergey States.” course, is for Joshua to drop the WBO Kovalev proclaims his innocence after However, in response, - belt and fight Fury anyway. Hearn has testing positive for a banned substance Joshua’s promoter - told IFL that a location even recently said that both fighters could ahead of his Jan 30 fight with Bektemir has not yet been agreed and that there can all the titles and fight each other in a Melikuziev. are still several in play, but did not want statement to the sport’s various sanctioning Dan Rafael revealed for Boxing Scene to discuss it further until it is officially bodies. An unlikely scenario, but an that the adverse finding had been found finalised. enticing one. in a Voluntary Anti Doping Agency (VADA) Despite that, he did also reiterate that Yes, there is significant and historic test, and that Kovalev’s team maintain “he he too is all but certain Fury-Joshua will weight to the fight being labelled as did not purposefully ingest any banned be signed, sealed and delivered in 2021, ‘undisputed’ - but could anyone seriously substances.” stressing that he sees no major hurdles argue against the victor being the best They have requested the testing of getting in the way at this point. heavyweight on the planet? Kovalev’s B sample, though given his recent One aspect of the negotiations that It doesn’t help that with each passing track record outside of the ring - assault has not been explored too deeply is the week the value of world titles in boxing charges against women, driving under the broadcast rights in both the UK and US. seem to dip. Just this week, WBC President influence, illegally streaming a DAZN card With Fury and Joshua aligned to competing Mauricio Sulaiman said UFC star - who is on social media - he may find a route back platforms in both territories, there would 0-1 as a professional boxer - is just one win exceptionally hard going. apparently be a significant conflict there, Photo: HARRY HOW/GETTY IMAGES but that does not appear to be the case. MAKING PLANS: Arum’s comments confirm what we McGregor’s return already knew, that the fight would be to boxing might be PPV in both countries, suggesting that inevitable streaming service DAZN, with whom Joshua works, will offer up a PPV option for this fight, just as they did for Canelo Alvarez’ win over Callum Smith late last year. While Arum’s and Hearn’s points about a location seem to contradict, it’s likely that Arum was referring to a site that is currently a frontrunner in the negotiations but has not yet been formally agreed. Hearn, having learned from mistakes in the past, is keeping his cards slightly closer to the chest when speaking to the media as was evidenced when he talked to Boxing News and other print media [see pages 12 and 13]. In his chat with Barbershop Conversations, Arum also touched on the

www.boxingnewsonline.net JANUARY 21, 2021 l BOXING NEWS l 11 Highlighting the best NEWS AND OPINION of the week’s stories WWW.BOXINGNEWSONLINE.NET Joshua-Fury edges closer

Photos: GETTY IMAGES Eddie Hearn says the DREAMING BIG: deal is done but not Talks between quite signed, writes Fury and Joshua are at an advanced Matt Christie stage

DDIE HEARN believes the deal that will bring Anthony E Joshua and Tyson Fury together in May or June will be finalised within the next four weeks. Once the contracts between the parties are signed, the not so small matter of the venue will then be resolved. Given the ongoing complications surrounding the worldwide pandemic, the contest might be formally announced before the location of the heavyweight showdown is agreed. “I think that’s exactly how it will work,” said Joshua’s promoter, Hearn. “We will say, hopefully in the next three or four weeks: Deal done, everybody’s on board and signed. Now we’ll collectively go out and speak to these sites we’ve had approaches from and look to do the best deal for the fighters - not just from a financial perspective but from a logistical point of view as well. “Everything is changing - one country is all of a sudden coming out of the pandemic, they’re really aggressive, they’ve got a lot of money for tourism, they want to say: We’re back. And then two weeks later they go into a lockdown so it’s very, very difficult at the moment to move with that much confidence or certainty and it’s not a great time to be discussing international sporting on British soil unlikely. “That’s why I want to get “To stage this fight you’re going events. But we’re at that period We’re told, therefore, that the into a position where we can go to need significant government – end of May, early June – where contest – one of the biggest in out collectively to talk to these support,” he said. “I don’t think a people are a lot more confident boxing history, full stop – could people once a deal is in place. major gate alone [will be enough], that there’ll be in a better place to end up in one of the following: I think the Middle East will be and this is the problem with the US stage it.” Australia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, very aggressive and will be where we could do a huge gate. It The UK is not under Qatar, United Arab Emirates, frontrunners in this. needs to be bigger than that. consideration to host. The Eastern Europe or America. “But we’ve had a lot of other “It’s going to be difficult for a pandemic brings frankly “We’ve had so many approaches interesting approaches from country that doesn’t have financial insurmountable problems given in the past about so many territories that we might not have support from the government to the timescale but, even if that different fights,” Hearn explained. thought were players in this fight land an event like this. You need wasn’t the case, Britain’s lack of “Generally half of them are real but I believe they are.” someone who is going to stage bargaining power always made and half are someone who’s trying Hearn effectively ruled out the fight as a statement for their the British superfight taking place to spin some commission. America as a viable option. country, for exposure for their

12 l BOXING NEWS l JANUARY 21, 2021 www.boxingnewsonline.net ury edges closer

have a solid deal in place with the team of people at Sky who have fighters and that, for me, is the allowed us to grow and have trust chronological order of what to do in our vision for the sport. We’ll be here: Deal agreed, let’s now move looking to finalise that in the next forward. Both fighters have to four to six weeks.” agree with the site deal to make Potential Joshua-Fury party sure they’re happy with where it’s poopers include: The WBO; their going and we’re almost in a position mandatory Oleksandr Usyk; and where we can go out and look at Deontay Wilder. The former WBC where this fight is going to take champion is still thought to be place.” chasing the third fight with Fury As well as finding a venue there that was contractually obliged. are also various broadcasters to Mediation with Wilder is ongoing appease. Hearn doesn’t believe that but, according to Hearn (via Bob getting Sky Sports, BT Sport, DAZN Arum), it isn’t expected to prevent and ESPN all singing to the same Joshua-Fury at this juncture. hymn sheet will be a problem. Usyk and the WBO may not “I don’t think it will be difficult,” be so easy to appease. But the he said. “There’s a solution for worst case scenario would appear everybody. The two broadcast to be that Joshua-Fury goes issues are DAZN and ESPN in ahead without the WBO title at America; ‘AJ’ has a matching rights stake. In short, all parties seem deal with DAZN and Fury has an to understand – at last – that this exclusive deal with ESPN. When bout is bigger than any sanctioning you flip that in the UK, AJ has an body title. exclusive deal with If all the Sky and Fury has obstacles are being matching rights ‘WE’LL SOON cleared, removed with BT Sport. or at least pushed “Is there a deal BE LOOKING to one side, why are where all four of TO FINALISE we still waiting on those parties can a deal? carry the broadcast A NEW DEAL “The deal is done, of the fight? Yeah, I really, without believe there is. WITH SKY being signed. The “I can’t speak on SPORTS’ financial elements behalf of Sky but of the deal are I’m not sure they done, we’re talking would have an issue with saying through the broadcast situation, to the public you can watch on the only thing really now is to Sky or BT. When it’s a fight of this paper it, which is what’s going on magnitude, I don’t think anyone is at the moment. When you paper a looking to be obstructive.” deal like that, it does go back and Hearn’s deal with Sky Sports forward 15 times before every expires in the summer. There single letter is approved on the has been speculation that he will document. From there, we have to move on, particularly considering go out to the various sites and nail his involvement with DAZN. The that as well. country, to showcase tourism and is definitely not a venue agreed promoter would understandably “Why is it taking a little bit to showcase they’re up and running for the fight but there are not commit but indicated a new longer? I don’t think the deal is as a nation. conversations going on with a deal with the British broadcasters taking longer, I think the contract “Anywhere that is reliant on a number of venues. is likelier than a parting of ways. is taking longer, if that make sense. gate is out of the question in light “Whether Bob thinks there’s “We’ve got a long-standing So I’m confident we have the basis of the restrictions.” one specifically we’re going to relationship with Sky and we’re of a deal in place but we don’t have Hearn rolled his eyes when take [is a different matter]. There’s in negotiations to extend that,” a signed contract yet, and that is it was put to him that Fury’s absolutely no agreement on a said Hearn. “We’ve had three something – over Christmas, with promoter Bob Arum had confirmed venue yet but there have been a approaches from different people in and out of the office that a venue was already firmly in number of offers from venues. broadcasters to look at or – has probably taken a little bit place (see pages 10-11). “I don’t want to get into a entertain a long-term deal with longer than I expected and I know “He was having one of his situation of going backwards them. I’m very happy where we that everyone is going to want funny fags or whatever, I don’t and forwards with venues and are, we have a fantastic pay-per- this absolutely perfect before we know,” responded Hearn. “There negotiating site deals until we view platform, we have a great announce.”

www.boxingnewsonline.net JANUARY 21, 2021 l BOXING NEWS l 13 Highlighting the best NEWS AND OPINION of the week’s stories WWW.BOXINGNEWSONLINE.NET

Photo: MARK ROBINSON/MATCHROOM

REVENGE MISSION: Povetkin celebrates back in August, but can Whyte turn the tables in the rematch?

February 13, as Leeds’ IBF featherweight Cameron defends her WBC super- champion goes head-to- lightweight championship against Melissa head with Mexican Mauricio Lara. On the Hernandez, while Commonwealth cruiser undercard, Zelfa Barrett collides with Kiko boss Chris Billam-Smith attempts to add Martinez, Leigh Wood and Reece Mould vacant British honours to his collection ‘We need contest the vacant British featherweight when he opposes Deion Jumah. Joe title, Dalton Smith takes on Lee Appleyard, Cordina and Ramla Ali are also in action, and Hopey Price also features. as is the debuting Solomon Dacres. Seven days later on Saturday February Rounding off the schedule on Saturday 20, David Avanesyan and Sunderland’s April 10 is rising Ilford welterweight Josh Kelly finally get the opportunity Conor Benn, who comes up against to keep to face off, with the Russian’s European Colombia’s Samuel Vargas. The vacant welterweight crown on the line. The WBA bantamweight title is up for grabs as supporting cast includes Florian Marku rematches Shannon Courtenay, and Anthony Fowler, who meet Rylan with Savannah Marshall making a defence Charlton and Jorge Fortea respectively. of her WBO middleweight crown against Amy Timlin and Carly an as-yet-unnamed the story Skelly renew hostilities opponent. Felix Cash also in a return bout for the ‘WE HAVE takes to the ring, as do vacant Commonwealth Kash Farooq and John super-bantamweight belt, NO CHOICE Hedges. while Johnny Fisher makes BUT TO GO All of the bills will be his professional debut. shown on Sky Sports in Next up on Saturday FORWARD LIKE the UK, aside from the going’ March 6 comes the Povetkin-Whyte II card, standout showdown on ALL OTHER which is set to be televised the schedule, as Russia’s SPORTS’ on Sky Sports Box Office. Eddie OSH WARRINGTON, and US broadcast duties are Josh Kelly, Lawrence Brixton’s handled by DAZN. Hearn and Okolie and Conor clash in their heavyweight sequel. The Each of the UK shows are expected to Matchroom Benn are the chief support is still to be announced, take place at the same venue. The exact J headline attractions but Ted Cheeseman’s fight with James setting is yet to be finalised, though it is announce on Matchroom’s Metcalf – for the vacant British super- probable that an arena in London will be their UK upcoming UK welterweight strap – is one of the selected. schedule, with the Alexander Povetkin- highlights of the undercard. Fabio Wardley “Previously we’ve been to Milton schedule, Dillian Whyte rematch looking likely to be faces Eric Molina, Campbell Hatton – the Keynes, , Wembley – we plus staged outside of Britain. son of British boxing legend Ricky Hatton could go anywhere really,” explained After a rise in coronavirus cases – begins his pro journey, and Youssef Matchroom chief Eddie Hearn. “I think the Povetkin- caused all boxing events in the UK to be Khoumari battles Kane Baker. general feeling from the Board is that the Whyte II, postponed in January, the British Boxing Later on in the month, on Saturday medical support in London is best for the Board of Control recently confirmed that March 20, Hackney’s Lawrence Okolie fighters in terms of the specific units, so writes the sport will resume under its jurisdiction aims to become the WBO the Board would be happy at the moment Paul Wheeler in the middle of February. king when he boxes Poland’s Krzysztof for us to stay in London.” Matchroom kick things off on Saturday Glowacki for the vacant title. Chantelle With regards to the Povetkin-Whyte

14 l BOXING NEWS l JANUARY 21, 2021 www.boxingnewsonline.net II event, Gibraltar and Monaco are and isolation of fighters, is so different to While Hearn acknowledges that times seemingly leading the way as potential football, for example, where you might be are tough at present in the industry, his hosts. tested, go home and then pop to Dubai. mentality is that the show must go on, for “We’ve spoken to some interesting ones I feel we have a really good system in the good of the sport. – a couple in the Middle East and also place, but there’s a difference in medical “The business of boxing is very difficult Gibraltar and Monaco,” Hearn revealed. care in our sport versus others. because we’re running shows without “It’s a big fight for Dillian and he’d prefer “Anything is possible but right now gates and the revenue has decreased,” to fight in front of some kind of crowd. I feel everyone is committed to the return conceded Hearn. “Some fighters have But even in the territories I mentioned of boxing. And I don’t think we have any flourished and others have been unwilling there’s no guarantee that’d be the case.” choice, if the sport is going to survive. to move on numbers and have stood still. Although the five-show schedule has I’m sure the Board will review things as I think everyone has had a go – us, Bob been organised, Hearn admits that, due we go but we have no choice but to go Arum, Frank Warren. No one has sat back to the uncertain nature of the current forward like all other sports. The Board and said, ‘We just can’t do it.’ People have climate, there is always a danger of has committed to it but they can only be taken their losses on the chin and come another COVID-enforced disruption. led by the government. If the government up with new ways to make compelling “The Board are definitely set on it says, ‘We have to delay or stop elite sports content. and you’d hope that the infection rate is from returning,’ that is when you might “I feel we need to keep the story going. coming down, but what we’ve learned see a change. If there was a doubt over The vaccine is the only way out and over the last year is that anything can whether a fighter could receive the right we won’t return to normality until that happen at any time,” warned Hearn. medical attention, then collectively, with process is deep underway or finished, “I know boxing is different to football but the Board, we would pull boxing. But that and I guess that won’t happen until the the quality of our bubbles, and the testing is not the case right now.” summer at the earliest.” Photo: GEORGE WOOD/GETTY IMAGES

CHAMPING AT THE BIT: Warrington will be raring to go after 16 months out of the ring

www.boxingnewsonline.net JANUARY 21, 2021 l BOXING NEWS l 15 Highlighting the best NEWS AND OPINION of the week’s stories WWW.BOXINGNEWSONLINE.NET The management

Tony Bellew tells Chris Walker how he went from a worn-out and retired fighter to one of the most promising managers in the sport

EDUCATED EYE: Bellew’s long road to success makes him an ideal choice for young boxers looking for guidance Photos: JAMES CHANCE/ GETTY IMAGES

16 l BOXING NEWS l JANUARY 21, 2021 www.boxingnewsonline.net ONY BELLEW had buses to amateur gyms on Merseyside as “When I look at fighters and how firmly slammed the a teenager. Along the way, “Bomber” also bad they want it then it’s hard to find a door shut on boxing, encountered plenty of problems behind hungrier fighter than little Jazz. All he or so he thought. His the scenes. wants is a world title and I want to do T unsuccessful attempt “This is a hard, hard business and all I can to deliver that for him. I’ve only at overthrowing there’s so many easier ways to make been helping fighters for five minutes but Oleksandr Uysk’s a living,” says Bellew. “I’ve been in a already it’s given me some great nights at cruiserweight presidency in November position where I’ve had people in the ringside and two of those have been with 2018 ensured that a professional career sport try to take opportunities away Jazz. His fight with Leigh Wood had me all that began tucked away on an Amir from me and that’s not a nice position over the place as the pair of them put on Khan undercard, 11 years before, was to be in. I’ve had my career in the hands a classic, but it was a little more relaxed over. With financial security and his of solicitors trying to stop me earn for against Walshy as he boxed brilliantly and fighting legacy secured, Bellew was set myself and my family and it’s a side of got the job done. for the next chapter of his life, away from boxing that people don’t see. “The next step for myself is helping Jazz the sport that had provided him with “Fighters come to become world champion both happiness and heartbreak for the me now and they tell because that’s all the kid previous two decades. However, as many me what they’re going ‘IT’S HARD wants. People get into this before him realised, walking through the through and I can relate sport for many reasons exit door wasn’t as easy as he imagined. to them immediately. I TO FIND A but all Jazz wants is the On December 2 last year, in front of was so fortunate to have HUNGRIER chance to become a just a few dozen official spectators inside great people watching my world champion. I think a cold Yorkshire television studio, James back and looking out for FIGHTER it would hurt him if he Dickens was crowned MTK Global’s me and that’s a big reason finished his career without Golden Contract winner at featherweight. why I’m looking after THAN having the chance to Amid the wild celebrations that ensued fighters now. Boxing can LITTLE JAZZ’ become world champion. following Dickens’ points victory over be a s**ty sport for a lot For me, I think he’s an Ryan Walsh was a gleaming Bellew in his of fighters so it means a absolute credit and he can role as “Jazza’s” manager. Two years on lot to me to be able to help be proud no matter what, from his supposed farewell to boxing, the them.” but he wants a world title former world champion is still very much The first fighter to more than anything involved. be the recipient of and I’ll be doing all I “I swear down, it was never my Bellew’s experience can to help him get intention to be a manager,” reveals Bellew was his former a step closer to his to Boxing News. “During my career I’d get sparring partner, dream.” asked questions about going into training Craig Glover. He As well as Glover or managing and it just didn’t interest soon became a and Dickens, me. I was a fighter who gave everything regular fixture on Bellew is sharing in training and in the ring, and I would’ve Bellew’s shows. his wisdom to a been the same as a trainer. It’s hard to “I couldn’t not number of fighters at find fighters who are willing to sacrifice help Craig,” explains the beginning of their everything and that part of it was what Bellew. “He’s an absolute careers. Thomas Whittaker put me off. I couldn’t work with someone diamond and one of the nicest Hart, Luke Willis, Meshech who I knew didn’t want it as bad as me. kids I’ve ever had the pleasure WINNING TEAM: Speare, and April Hunter are all Bellew joins the That’s why I thought my time in boxing of being around. He always celebrations boxers with grand plans and all would be done once my own career was had ability and whenever we following have enlisted Bellew to help them over.” sparred, I could tell that he had Dickens’ latest secure their dreams. Despite those reservations, Bellew’s something and just needed an victory “I’ll do what I can for them stance softened when he reflected on his opportunity. Once I was in a and I’ll always have their best own early days in the sport. Back then, position where I got a say on my shows, intentions at heart. This isn’t about money Bellew was grateful for the team he had there was no way I was not going to for me at all. It’s about helping lads backing him whenever he was faced with have Craig involved. He’s had his ups who’ve been in the same position as me adversity outside the ring. and downs as a fighter but being able to at some point and giving them a helping After a long and successful career at get him opportunities means so much hand in any way I can. It means a lot to British and European level, including to me.” have these fighters approach me and put beating old rival Nathan Cleverly in Bellew’s role with Glover led to a link- their trust in me so it’s now down to me a widely seen rematch, Bellew won up with Craig’s then gym-mate, Dickens. to give them a platform, help them earn a the WBC cruiserweight title with an Their partnership is undoubtedly few quid and also get the opportunity for unforgettable victory over Ilunga Makubu producing rewards for both men. some exposure and titles. It’s a hard career at his beloved Goodison Park before Dickens, thanks to his heroics in the that is over in the blink of an eye so any ending the career of at Golden Contract, stands on the verge of help is always appreciated. I learnt that heavyweight. In doing so, he achieved a world title shot and the man providing when I was a fighter and now I want to the profile he’d craved since taking two valuable counsel could not be prouder. use that to help others.”

www.boxingnewsonline.net JANUARY 21, 2021 l BOXING NEWS l 17 OBITUARY Nicky Booth: 1980-2021

Matt Bozeat HE troubled life of and was sentenced to six months in off and did his own thing. What a Nicky Booth, the prison in 2004 after he was convicted of fighter he was. He had so much bottle, reports on former British and robbery and burglary, crimes committed but I had to give up on him.” the life and Commonwealth to feed his crack cocaine addiction. Esham Pickering, the former death of a T bantamweight After his release, Nicky talked of British, Commonwealth and European champion, came to fighting again and teamed up with Matt bantamweight champion, says he saw troubled an end last week Scriven, the former hard pro who was Nicky “sometime in 2019” and he was talent (January 13). He was 40 years old. managing and promoting at the time. struggling. Former manager Mike Shinfield “Nicky was hard to control,” said “I went to see my daughter in broke the news on Facebook. Scriven, who’s currently looking to get ,” he said, “and when I He said Booth died of “liver problems his Sweet Boxing Gear into stepped out of a shop near and cellulitis” at the Queens Medical gyms and clubs. the city centre someone TALENTED: Centre in Nottingham. “I was hoping he would Booth in his shouted: ‘Esham, lend me a Booth had battled addiction for years turn it around, but he went fighting pomp pound.’ It was Nicky and he Photo: DAVID ASHDOWN/GETTY IMAGES

18 l BOXING NEWS l JANUARY 21, 2021 www.boxingnewsonline.net looked rough. didn’t want to be in his shadow. He Nicky and Jason were waiting for their “I gave him the pound and he said: ‘I wanted people to know who he was.” sparring partners to turn up. I said: ‘I’m will give it back to you later’.” Scriven would give the Booths a lift here, I will jump in.’ I got in there, gave a Shinfield said that when Nicky visited to the Shinfields’ gym in Somercotes. bit, took a bit and Nicky came into the the gym “three or four years ago, he “I lived near them and we travelled changing rooms afterwards and told me: looked like a little old man,” but more to the gym together every day,” he said. ‘You don’t know how good you are. We recent sightings of Booth were positive. “On the way back, I would stop off for a need good sparring partners like you.’” , a former amateur bottle of water and Nicky would get a Munroe lived a disciplined life and opponent and sparring partner, said: “I can of Diamond White. got the most out of himself, while saw a photo on Facebook a few months “He was doing that when he was Pickering – and others – believe Nicky ago and wrote: ‘Good to see you looking British champion.” should have achieved more. well and looking after yourself Nicky.’ Nicky stepped in at three days’ notice “He was British and Commonwealth Then this happened. I knew he was ill to dethrone British and Commonwealth champion at 22,” he said, “and I didn’t and was going into hospital and then I champion Tommy Waite in in reach my peak until I was 26. There got a message saying he had gone.” October, 2000. should have been more to come from In better times, Nicky and Jason “I was a big star the night I beat him.” headlined Sky Sports shows at the Waite,” Booth told me in 2004, “and Nicky told me he started taking Harvey Hadden Leisure Centre, a short everyone wanted to know me. But that drugs after being denied access to his walk from where they grew up. all goes within a few days and you are daughter and turned to burglary to feed British and Commonwealth left by the wayside again. his addiction. champion at 20 and winner of the “I always wanted to keep the feeling I “The other prisoners couldn’t believe Lonsdale belt outright two days got that night. I was always looking for I was inside,” he said. after his 22nd birthday, Nicky always that high and drugs gave me that.” “Some of them had seen me box struggled to escape his environment. The win over Waite made 20-year- on television and said they had been Booth and elder sibling Jason were old Nicky the youngest holder of the wondering what had happened to me. skinny scallywags from the Strelley British bantamweight It could have been hard estate in Nottingham and started title since Bugler Harry for me in prison because boxing young, at Radford Boys Club. Lake in 1923, and it I was high profile, but “That was a good gym at the time,” also meant that Nicky ‘I WAS ALWAYS they looked after me.” said Scriven, who also served his and Jason became LOOKING FOR The comeback never amateur apprenticeship there before the first brothers to materialised and Nicky going on to win Midlands honours in a wear Lonsdale Belts THAT HIGH bowed out with a 17-5- 106-fight pro career. simultaneously since 1 record, while Jason “Herol Graham had been there George and John Feeney AND DRUGS carried on fighting until and then there was [future British 15 years earlier. GAVE ME THAT’ 2016, winning British cruiserweight champion] Roy Smith and Nicky went on to titles at flyweight and the Booth brothers. Whatever Jason win the Lonsdale belt super-bantamweight and did, Nicky followed.” outright two days after claiming Commonwealth Pickering remembered the brothers his 22nd birthday, with a seventh-round championships at 112lbs and 118lbs. “really blossoming when they were 15, stoppage of Stephen Oates. He was soundly outpointed by 16.” Up a level or two, Booth was well Molitor in a challenge for the IBF super- Jason, who made his debut against beaten by Colombian southpaw Jose bantamweight title in September, 2010, Carl Froch when he was 11 years old, Sanjuanelo after he took the chance the biggest fight of his 38-15 career. was good enough to win numerous to fight for the IBO belt at a week’s Jason was known as “2 Smooth,” junior titles and compete at the notice and Canadian left-hander Steve Nicky took the moniker “1 Smooth.” European Junior Championship, while Molitor, who would also defeat Jason, “Everything that Jason did was Nicky claimed Schoolboy and NABC took away his Commonwealth belt. smooth,” said Munroe. honours and had a win over Munroe in In what proved to be his last fight, “It seemed to come naturally to him. a Midlands final. Nicky was outpointed by Australian Nicky had to work harder and was more “I remember walking into the southpaw Nathan Sting in a challenge in your face. changing room and someone shouted: for the WBU 118lbs belt in September, “People thought: ‘He’s strong and he ‘Where’s this ugly Munroe I’m fighting 2003. comes to get you,’ but there was more tonight?’” remembered Rendall. “I Munroe made his pro debut on the to him than that. looked up and there was Nicky. He had undercard of that show after sparring “Nicky knew what he wanted to do. no front teeth and looked angry. That Nicky regularly in the previous few He knew how to set you up.” was the first time – and the last time – weeks. Scriven added: “I always thought I ever felt intimidated before a fight. “Nicky was the one who told me Nicky was more exciting [than Jason]. “That was Nicky. He was always loud.” I could achieve things if I took it He was really tenacious. Booth won that bout narrowly on the seriously,” said Munroe, who went on “But if he’s not going to listen, what scorecards and went on to turn over at to win Commonwealth and European can you do?” 18, following in Jason’s footsteps. honours at 122lbs and challenge for the All at Boxing News send their “Nicky didn’t want to be known [only] WBC title in Japan. heartfelt condolences to Nicky’s friends as Jason’s brother,” said Munroe. “He “I got to the gym early one day and and family.

www.boxingnewsonline.net JANUARY 21, 2021 l BOXING NEWS l 19 IN THEIR OWN WORDS HARD TIMES

Now Dave Coldwell is one of the leading trainers in the country. But it was a long road to get there. He describes just what he had to go through

INTERVIEW: JOHN DENNEN

Photo: JAMES CHANCE/GETTY IMAGES

I WAS born in Every time I’d go to the park there’d Calcutta, my be a group of kids and you’d be getting mum’s Indian, ‘P**i go home…’ They’d chase you down my dad’s English. the street. So I had all that sort of stuff. So I came over That was my life as a kid. I’d get when I was picked on at school, absolutely one. I lived in ridiculed at school and bullied at Ecclesfield all school. I’d go home and didn’t get on my childhood life. I live on the outskirts with my mum. My mum and dad were of Rotherham right now but I’ve been both alcoholics. When my mum would here since I was one-year-old. Growing have a few drinks in her, then she was up was quite a challenge. Because back pretty nasty. then, it’s not like it is today. All I had as a kid was kids at school I didn’t have a lot going for me as a saying you can’t do nothing, ridiculing kid. Believe it or not, I was small. That you, beating you up, then going home seems to have stuck with me for life. So getting the same at home and having I got s**t because I was small. My dad your mother tell me that I’d never do didn’t have a job all the way through anything, that I was s**t, worthless, a school so I was on dinner tickets and mistake. When you have that, you don’t wearing hand me downs. Trousers that believe you can accomplish anything. It were too short for you and everyone takes a long, long time to get over that. taking the p**s. Shoes and trainers that I’m a patron for NACOA, which is the had holes in them so water just comes in. National Association for the Children

20 l BOXING NEWS l JANUARY 21, 2021 www.boxingnewsonline.net www.boxingnewsonline.net JANUARY 21, 2021 l BOXING NEWS l 21 IN THEIR OWN WORDS

Photo: MARK ROBINSON/GETTY IMAGES

of Alcoholics. I know what it feels like. I everything, to not believe I could do EXPERIENCED: associated myself with him. I would watch Coldwell offers know what it feels like when people that anything. I remember the kids at school Gavin McDonnell Johnny and do what he was doing in the are supposed to be building you up and locked me in a metal cupboard. It had no some final words gym. supporting you, helping you grow as a back just bars at the back. They locked me of advice and This sounds stupid but I remember person, as a little individual, tell you you in there and were lobbing paper towels [below] in his Clifton Mitchell bought me an ice cream. I can’t do anything. in the back of it. The next minute, the fighting days just thought, wow. I felt accepted because As long as I’m a good dad to my kids towels at my feet were on fire and, boom, Clifton Mitchell bought me an ice cream and as long as I can bring my kids up to my head just blew, I started smashing the and I was walking through city believe that they can achieve anything door. It was only a thin door. I broke the centre with this professional prospect and with hard work, I’ve cracked it. I’ve learned door through and I remember thinking, I Paul “Silky” Jones who was a good fighter what not to do. Because I know what it can’t do this anymore. I’ve got to get some as well. Clifton, he probably won’t even feels like. All I had to do was flip the switch confidence. Then I started boxing. I went remember that day but that’s what I’m and make them feel the exact opposite on the hunt for Brendan Ingle’s gym. saying, you don’t remember what you’ve to how I felt as a kid. That’s all I’ve done Being in that gym environment, done just buying the kid an ice cream. You really. Brendan, Johnny Nelson, Clifton Mitchell, don’t remember the impact. I left home at 15 but I had no choice. guys like that, they did a lot for my Brendan was a character who took me It was a bad time. I had to get out of the confidence. Naseem Hamed, that’s what under his wing. He’s like a father figure. house… I had the biggest beating again you dream about becoming. But he Just somebody that shows some interest over nothing and I thought, that’s it. My was that unattainable dream, whereas in you. life wouldn’t be what it is today if I had with Johnny Nelson, Brendan had told That’s the thing about amateur boxing stayed in that house. us stories about Johnny being scared coaches all over the world; the impact I started boxing at 15 because I finally in sparring and being scared going to that they have on these kids, these kids got to the point where I couldn’t allow fights and made you look at how he that don’t have the attention at home, the this to carry on going, to be scared of came through; he lost his first few fights. I impact that they have on kids that have no belief. Just people that nobody has an interest in. Nobody wants to sit and talk ‘I JUST WANTED TO to them. Nobody gives them the time. But boxing coaches do. GET TO A POSITION If Brendan would take me on the pads, I felt like a million dollars. Even if it was just a round, he’s giving you the time that WHERE DEBT you don’t get anywhere else. Somebody giving you attention in a positive way and COLLECTION LETTERS building your self-esteem. Things like boxing gyms and boxing WERE NOT COMING‘ coaches, again I’m not talking about

22 l BOXING NEWS l JANUARY 21, 2021 www.boxingnewsonline.net myself, now I just work with professionals, people like that talking to their fighters. bitter. I’ve got no time to regret. I’ve seen I’ve got a minute impact, I’m talking Working as a cut man with Billy Nelson people being bitter over the past and it about unsung coaches, amateur coaches. and Ricky Burns and things like that. Just affects the future. If one segment of your The impact that these guys have is working with different coaches. Just sat life was an absolute nightmare, it almost phenomenal. You can’t measure that. there, holding the bucket, praying to destroyed you but it didn’t destroy you, So the influence of that gym changed God they don’t spit on you, listening and why let this segment of your past destroy my life. Without that I was just a terrified seeing how these coaches are dealing with your future? We have choices. You have a little boy. If a stranger spoke to me, I everything. choice to dwell on what went wrong. But if would just start sweating because I didn’t I wouldn’t change anything. I appreciate all that was so s**t, why would I want that have the confidence to speak to them. So every day. I don’t take my life for granted. to stain what I’ve got now? That’s the way when I look at what I do now, if I work on I was at Peter Fury’s gym with Tony Bellew I look at it. TV for Sky, I think to myself I can’t believe sparring once. I had this immense pain I don’t waste my time being bitter TRUST IN ME: I’ve just done that because I still remember in my head and I dropped to the floor. Thanks to his because your time can be up. I love how I felt before. Literally it dropped me. I went to hospital success with working with the fighters that I’m working That gym and this sport has done and it was a dispersed aneurysm. It was fighters like Bellew, with. I love that every single day. I come everything for me. That’s why when you dispersed so I was lucky but that really, Coldwell is rightly home, I love every minute I’ve got with my regarded as one the see stuff like the government not helping really made me think. You could just pop best British kids. I love my life. boxing it is so very frustrating. Forget off at any time. I’ve got no time to be trainers You’ve got one crack at it. bn about the sport and the financial side of Photo: RICHARD HEATHCOTE/GETTY IMAGES things at the top end, what it does for kids like me is unbelievable. It’s the kids that just haven’t got the confidence, the kids that would not have gone on to do anything in life, it’s made such an impact on people like that. Because if it’s done that for me, it’s done that for thousands and thousands of people. It never happened for me as a boxer, the success came years on as a coach. But what I’m doing now I get more satisfaction out of because I’m impacting more people. There was a time I was skint. I was broke. I just had journeymen. I was struggling to put shows together as a promoter. I said to Spencer Fearon, ‘You know what, I think I’m just going to have a stable full of journeymen so I can make money.’ He said you can’t aim for that. He just started teaching me about how to be more positive. I struggled with everything, Spencer helped me start switching my mind. I’m 45 now, I was in my overdraft until I was 40. So I will not apologise for enjoying my life right now. I remember I just wanted to get to a position where I’m not bothered when the postman comes. Because I can afford my bills. No debt collection letters coming through. I just wanted to get to that position. The Jamie McDonnell-Tomoki Kameda fight paid my overdraft and the feeling… That was a good feeling. People think I just popped up with Tony Bellew. I didn’t. I used to drive to Scotland with Daniel Thorpe or James Tucker for four-rounders, for 12 minutes work, driving four hours, five-and-a-half hours to Scotland. Back then I was back on my way, no one was putting me up in hotels. Get home at five o’clock. Knowing he’s going to lose on points. Doing that and you’re getting 80 quid for it. And you’re training him and you’re the manager. That’s part of boxing. Some of us have actually gone through the s**t. I wouldn’t change it because my beginnings as a spit bucket man, working as a house second for Frank Warren shows, I learned a lot. In the corner you’re listening to Jimmy Tibbs, Pete Defreitas,

www.boxingnewsonline.net JANUARY 21, 2021 l BOXING NEWS l 23 THE SUPERFIGHT NARRATIVE Supreme sports writer Brian Doogan reveals how his fascination with the timeless Leonard-Hagler rivalry led to him writing one of the best boxing books of recent years

Photo: MIKE POWELL /ALLSPORT

24 l BOXING NEWS l JANUARY 21, 2021 www.boxingnewsonline.net Photo: ANDREW COULDRIDGE/REUTERS

www.boxingnewsonline.net JANUARY 21, 2021 l BOXING NEWS l 25 OPPOSITES ATTRACT: Hagler’s contempt for Leonard is obvious

ARKNESS was Ray Leonard’s she described how he pulled a gun and threatened light during his years away from to shoot himself. On another how he poured a can boxing. Denied the stage he of paraffin over the floor and vowed to burn down had illuminated as his sport’s the house if she decided to leave. His behaviour was D most celestial exponent in erratic, out of control. the immediate aftermath of He woke up one morning hungover, his head Muhammad Ali’s sad decline feeling like it was in the bell tube of a trombone, and exit, he descended into an the contents of his stomach threatening to erupt. An abyss. action movie was on the TV and every bullet that was “I discovered alcohol and cocaine mix very well fired penetrated his skull and reverberated like a shock together, very easily, and I nearly lost it, I really did,” inside his head. The only way he could kill the noise, he acknowledged. “I went all the way to the edge and I he figured, was to take his own gun and put a bullet nearly went over.” through the TV, which he did. With no ring in which to perform, no arena, no “I just blew the TV out,” he recalled. “If I had stayed opponent, nothing in his life providing him with the on that road, I wouldn’t be here today.” sharp clarity of focus he needed in order to feel fully The road he chose led him back to the bright lights. alive – to be Sugar Ray – he plummeted until what he An abortive comeback was characterised by portentous saw staring back at him did not bear contemplating. moralising over the detached retina in his left eye, The ghosts of two sexual abusers, one of them an which had prompted his retirement at the peak of his Olympic boxing coach in whose hands he believed lay powers at the age of 26. More ominously, the non-title his destiny of a gold medal in Montreal in 1976, came bout featured nine of the most unimpressive rounds back to haunt him and he was unable to exorcise he had ever boxed in his life against Kevin Howard, them from his mind. There were nights he came who floored him for the first time in his career before home, fuelled by his substance abuse, and allegedly being stopped on his feet. manhandled his wife, Juanita. On one occasion “Even before the knockdown I knew it was over

I DISCOVERED ALCOHOL AND COCAINE MIX VERY WELL TOGETHER, VERY EASILY, I NEARLY LOST IT... I WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE EDGE”

26 l BOXING NEWS l JANUARY 21, 2021 www.boxingnewsonline.net for me,” Leonard admitted. “There’s no sense fooling myself or anyone else. I just can’t go on humiliating myself. I’ve retired from boxing for good.” Marvelous Marvin Hagler, whose $100 seat Leonard paid for personally having invited the world middleweight champion to be ringside, was conflicted. Humoured greatly by Leonard’s humbling at the hands of a , he also recognised what it TUNNEL VISION: represented for their much-anticipated encounter. Hagler and Leonard “We had basically agreed [with Hagler’s management prepare for the fight team, Goody and Pat Petronelli] the two fighters should get together,” Mike Trainer, Leonard’s lawyer, said sombrely. The SuperFight had disintegrated like a supernova when Howard was only supposed to blow the bloody doors off Fort Knox.

★★★

My oldest boxing memory is of the ghostly figure of Marvin Hagler on an old black-and-white TV screen. Hooded and about to unleash chilling levels of malevolent intent upon the unfortunate Alan Minter. I was seven years old. The poisoned, warped motivations which transformed that night into a seething cauldron of hate, persuading Harry Carpenter, the BBC presenter and commentator, to describe it later as “reeking not so much of nationalism but a decidedly rancid smell of racialism, the low point of my many years at British ringsides”, passed over my head. But the foreboding presence of Hagler infiltrated my bones. Sectarian violence and the sinister, brutalising politics of Northern Ireland served as an insidious, unnerving backdrop to my growing up years. That escapism, indeed sanctuary could be discovered in a sport such as boxing may say something about the traumatising effects on the soul of ‘’, our long war. Why any of us are drawn to the violence of the ring is a subject for deeper and more substantive discussion. But for me, while sport in general offered direction and refuge in its values and rituals and the various intricate requirements to be mastered, boxing became my deepest fascination. And despite the ambivalence, the passion endures. Over the years I have spoken to and reported on Tiger Woods and Roger Federer, Tom Brady and Kobe Bryant, A.P. McCoy and Frankie Dettori, Beckham and Ronaldo. I have witnessed their virtuosity at Augusta National and Wimbledon, Super Bowls and NBA games, Newmarket, Cheltenham and Champions League nights, stages which enrapture all the world. But I would still choose a seat at ringside over any other. Football, as Ali said to Pele, is more beautiful than boxing, but the spectacle of a big fight is unique, like seeing close-up an intoxicating, primitive form of war. Barry McGuigan was the local hero of my youth, bringing together our community, proud and uplifted as we were to march beneath his banner, temporarily leaving the fighting to him. and Tim Witherspoon, Lloyd Honeyghan and Don Curry, Reg Gutteridge and Jim Watt, and Gerry Cooney, Duran, Hearns, McAuley, McKenzie, Laporte, Pedroza, Spinks, Tyson, Chavez and a long line of other fighters were all welcomed – via brand new colour TV – into our home, though not always by my mother. She would have recoiled especially from the spectacle of a possessed Hagler running across the ring at the end of eight minutes of the most unremitting and brutal mayhem to land two final, devastating right hands on the jaw of Tommy Hearns, “a tomahawk

www.boxingnewsonline.net JANUARY 21, 2021 l BOXING NEWS l 27 followed by an axe” as Teddy Brenner, the old Madison It was Tony Sibson’s misfortune to have to face Hagler Square Garden matchmaker, recalled. When the at the absolute peak of his powers. The testimony question was posed as to whom Hagler should fight of the former British, Commonwealth and European next one stunned ringside observer was moved to middleweight champion – after he had been subjected suggest with a shudder: “How about Russia?” to six rounds of Hagler switching seamlessly between No one, not even Hagler or Leonard, considered the southpaw and to maximise the at that moment they were still on a collision course. brutal authority of his punching – remains as impactful “If ever I needed a reason to stay retired,” Leonard today in attempting to appreciate the extent of Hagler’s mused, “Hagler-Hearns, that was it.” dominance as it did when Sibson first said it: “I figured That he retained deep down an intense desire to I’d find him with a solid sooner or later, but I demonstrate his virtuosity over the master of the never did. I kept asking myself, ‘Where did he go?’ But I middleweights and that the fight would become as knew he was there because he kept hitting me.” provocative and polarising in its own way as Ali’s Of course, the three-round war with Hearns defining rivalry with held me in thrall at represented Hagler at his most hellishly destructive. the time and that appreciation never diminished. Part Even Norman Mailer, who had chronicled Ali-Frazier, of the reason I pursued a career in journalism and in Ali-Foreman and his own tortured experience of the sports in particular was to try to discover what lay at United States campaign in the Philippines in World the heart of such drive and character and performance War Two for his debut novel, The Naked And The Dead, as demonstrated by people like Leonard and Hagler. was awestruck and acknowledged he had “never seen That there was trauma as well as triumph in their lives anything like it”. and that at the root of The SuperFight lay an emergent, My journey through the wars involved an effort to elaborate, some might suggest Machiavellian plot discover conclusively why a chastened Leonard, who compelled me ultimately to write a book about it having had barely managed to subjugate Howard and had spoken in-depth to both men on multiple occasions. succumbed again to his dual demons of drink and Newark’s Central Ward, the main black drugs, would even subject himself to signing up for the neighbourhood in New Jersey’s largest city, cultivated kind of terrorising battle Hagler promised. Five years within Hagler a diamond core. It was here he came had elapsed since his initial retirement prompted by to understand he would never catch a break in life the injury to his eye. “If he’s foolish enough to step in unless he made it happen himself and even the ring with me, I’m foolish enough to rip his eye then the odds would be heavily stacked against. out,” Hagler said with typical brevity and menace. When years of tension and pent-up The devil is in the detail, of grievances – stemming from the course. The precipitous decline grim reality of urban deprivation, of a great warrior, which Leonard institutionalised discrimination and IF HE’S FOOLISH witnessed from ringside. Hagler’s the overt racism demonstrated by tortured, clouded contemplations police and local lawmakers – gave ENOUGH TO FIGHT immediately following – and, way to the inevitable eruption of crucially, leading up to – that violence on Newark’s streets, the ME THEN I’M punishing performance against deployment of the National Guard FOOLISH ENOUGH TO John “The Beast” Mugabi in which and a city engulfed in an infernal he had been made to fight, in the red blaze from burning buildings RIP HIS EYE OUT” words of America’s most celebrated and the blood of 26 dead people columnist, Jim Murray, in the Los and 1,000 more injured, Hagler Angeles Times, “like a guy trying made an inviolable vow. He would get out of Central not to get thrown off a precipice”. Hagler’s decision Ward even if Central Ward would never escape him. to share his misgivings with Leonard over dinner. “Some memories are too painful,” his mother would Leonard’s apparent duplicity, which Hager considered a say. betrayal. The terrible darkness my late colleague, Hugh In the penal solitude he inflicted on himself at his McIlvanney, always said Leonard must have endured training camp in Provincetown on the edge of Cape to fuel his performances of sometimes frightening Cod, Hagler kept alive that internal flame of pure, brilliance – Verdi underscored with Stormzy’s uncontrollable rage and it fed the almost indestructible language of the street. The interminable resentments monster he became inside a . “Just give me accumulated throughout Hagler’s undervalued life and a name, that’s the way I was,” he told me. “If you sign a career. contract and say you’re gonna turn up, that’s when my Hagler, at home in the Lombardy region of Pioltello, meanness would start.” less than 10 kilometres northeast of Milan, where Nick Pitt, my former colleague on The Sunday Times, he and his Italian wife, Kay, spend their time when made the pilgrimage to Provincetown more than once they are not in New England, explained to me once and his recollections and contemporaneous reports why he could never forge any kind of relationship along with those of my friend, Ron Borges, a bastion of with Leonard in the years following The SuperFight. ’s feverishly impassioned sports scene, helped Leonard, with whom I spoke across the years in such to recreate for me the mood and essential elements locations as Buffalo and Birmingham, Los Angeles of that capricious place. As beautiful as Provence in and London, ultimately provided a telling truth as to the height of summer, transformed in the long, lonely what drove him, insisting he would go to his grave winter months – “the dark period,” as the locals call in the certain belief he could beat . In his it – into a ghost town, pummelled relentlessly by the $52million palatial home in Pacific Palisades he has primordial Atlantic. Hagler’s spartan regime remained never appeared too aggrieved that he cannot be the same for all seasons and even as a champion, buddies with Hagler. fuelled still by all the fires he had to combat in his “Don’t ever be fooled by the pretty face,” Tyson has youth, he renewed his vows to continue to train reminded. “Ray Leonard was a pit bull with a pretty like a challenger every cursed time. “One of the few face. When it comes to this fighting thing, he’s like a champions who became better after he won the title, monster.” a rare thing in sports, particularly in boxing,” reflected Briefly, when the COVID-19 pandemic first began to the veteran commentator, Larry Merchant, and this hit hard, the monsters that haunt a significant period was why. of his past threatened to take a grip of Leonard once

28 l BOXING NEWS l JANUARY 21, 2021 www.boxingnewsonline.net more. An alcoholic by his own admission, he has violent restoration by the mob have echoed some of maintained sobriety for almost 15 years but, denied the worst scenes of social unrest in their youth. the meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous he considers “Outside the ring I’ve never been confrontational but almost meditative, he found himself until his where we are today I’m confrontational. I just can’t sit wife, Bernadette, told him point blank, “You need your back any longer,” Leonard said in the wake of George AA.” He has been attending online group meetings Floyd’s death for which four Minneapolis police officers ever since. will stand trial this year. Hagler lives in one of Europe’s coronavirus hotspots. “I went through all of that growing up in a black Throughout the pandemic he has utilised his social area, the riots, a lot of poverty,” said Hagler. “I can’t media channels to impress upon people in the understand the ignorance of people who are against Lombardy region and further afield the importance people of another colour. We’re all on this earth of complying to the necessary restrictions. In a sense together. I don’t look at people as black, white or these enduring rivals have been reunited through the whatever. I look at people for who and what they are.” prism of a pandemic and recent events in America Elder statesmen of their sport, Leonard and Hagler where insurrection at the Capitol, people choosing will never see eye-to-eye over what went down at white supremacy over democracy, the Confederate Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on a night immortalised battle flag being paraded on the floor of the People’s as The SuperFight, the central showpiece of a glorious ASTONISHING: House, institutions of state coming under siege era when both were kings. But they are not alone in Leonard takes the fight to following the killings of Breonna Taylor and George being focused on the bigger fight now for America’s Hagler Floyd, false claims of election fraud and promises of heart and soul. bn

Brian Doogan wrote the Sunday Times bestselling autobiography of Joe Calzaghe, No Ordinary Joe. He is an award-winning former Sunday Times and Daily Express sports journalist and was also head of media and communications at Premier League football clubs Aston Villa and Everton. The SuperFight is his deep dive into the dramatic centrepiece of a glorious era in boxing’s middle divisions, as well as the remarkable lives and careers of two of the sport’s most celebrated exponents, the demons that drove both men and the formidable challenges they overcame inside and outside the ring. It is available from all leading bookstores and online at Amazon as well as via briandooganmedia.com.

www.boxingnewsonline.net JANUARY 21, 2021 l BOXING NEWS l 29 Hall of

Goodman has been a fierce advocate for the health Goodman has been a fierceadvocate ty of fighters for decades. Now she’s getting her due ty of fightersfor decades. Now she’s

and safe Margaret

30 l BOXING NEWS l JANUARY 21, 2021 www.boxingnewsonline.net Famer

THE DOCTOR: Goodman examines following his 2004 loss to Lamon Brewster Photo: DOUG BENC/GETTY IMAGES By THOMAS HAUSER

www.boxingnewsonline.net JANUARY 21, 2021 l BOXING NEWS l 31 OMETIMES the boxing gods to work amateur shows. get things right. This June, “So I went to the amateurs,” she later recounted. “I Dr. Margaret Goodman, a did physicals and worked the corners. It’s hard to get pioneering ring physician doctors to work the amateurs. There’s no pay, no glory. S who has earned widespread You’re doing forty physicals an hour under sweatshop respect throughout the boxing conditions. So they were happy to have me. And at community, will be inducted the same time, I was going to every professional fight into the International Boxing possible. I couldn’t always get passes for the big ones, Hall of Fame. but I went when I could. Finally, in 1994, a spot on the Goodman was born in Toronto. Her father was a medical staff opened up and I got it. But they didn’t musician who played the saxaphone and clarinet, give me fights. They sent me to cover professional managed several rock groups, and ultimately became wrestling.” a record producer. When she was seven, the family Eventually, Goodman was elevated to boxing. At the moved to Southern California, and Margaret became a time, she was one of a handful of women ring doctors child of Beverly Hills. in the world. In the years that followed, she worked “Broadway Danny Rose was the story of my father’s more than five-hundred fights and was in the corner life,” Goodman reminisced years ago, referencing the with some of boxing’s biggest names. Her long red hard-luck talent agent from the 1984 Woody Allen hair and designer pants suits made her a distinctive movie. “In the , he managed a group called The presence at ringside. The quality of her work also Diamands that had hits with Little Darlin’, Walking Along, set her apart. Eventually, she became Chief Ringside and The Stroll. He worked with Brook Benton and Physician for the Nevada State Athletic Commission Dinah Washington. He started Sonny & Cher and the and Governor Kenny Guinn appointed her to serve as Righteous Brothers. But what always happened was, chair of the NSAC Medical Advisory Board. he’d take them to a certain point, and then somebody Goodman took preparation for her ring duties to a big with a recording studio and more clout in the level beyond most of her peers. Not only did she ask in industry would come along and take them away from advance who would be on each fight card; she learned him.” the history of the fighters and, when possible, watched Music was the love of young Margaret’s life. “I was tapes of their previous bouts. “You can’t just show up,” a daddy’s girl,” she recalled. “I’d follow my father to she explained, “You have to work at it. You have to nightclubs and concerts. He taught me how to read know what a fighter has done in the past.” music and sing. And it was my father who got me “Margaret does a good job during the fights,” interested in boxing. I used to watch fights on TV Emanuel Steward observed admiringly. “She knows with him. Then I started drawing pictures of when to let them go on and when to stop them. boxers in elementary school. Even at that age, But more important, she’s pushing hard to get I was attracted to fighters’ physiques and the people to realise that boxing is a dangerous

I REALISED THAT HORSES WERE BEING TESTED FOR PEDS MORE OFTEN AND MORE THOROUGHLY THAN BOXERS”

definition in their bodies.” sport. A lot of people care about safety. Margaret Thomas Hauser’s Goodman self-trained as an artist. By the time she actually works to promote it.” email address is entered college at UCLA, she was drawing a lot in her Most people in boxing voice support for safeguarding thomashauserwriter@ spare time; mostly black-and-white charcoal drawings. the health and safety of fighters. But there has long gmail.com. His next book And she was pretty good. been a tolerance in the sport for a dangerous status – Staredown: Another “Several of my sketches were put on display in quo. Year Inside Boxing – a local gallery,” she remembered. “Someone from Goodman challenged that status quo. will be published by the Collier Publishing saw them, and I was commissioned “Fighters should know what boxing is doing to their University of Arkansas to supply artwork for lithographs that went into office brain,” she said. “That’s the heart of the matter, really. Press this autumn. In buildings and hotels. Then, after college, I wasn’t sure The fighters should be better protected physically. I’m 2004, the Boxing Writers what to do. My father always wanted to be a doctor. I tired of the excuses. I’m sick of it. Some of these guys Association of America think that’s road he wanted me to travel, but he also are hurt; they’re injured; and they’re allowed to keep honoured Hauser with wanted me to be happy. And I loved singing. That’s fighting.” the Nat Fleischer Award what I really wanted to do. So I had a heart-to-heart But Goodman’s quest for higher medical standards for career excellence in with my father, and he told me, ‘If you want to be a aroused ire in some circles. Over time, she was boxing journalism. He studio singer, you’ll do fine. But if you have your heart marginalised at the Nevada State Athletic Commission. will be inducted into the set on becoming the next Barbra Streisand, go to The relationship ended in 2007. International Boxing medical school’.” After Goodman left the NSAC, she refocused her Hall of Fame with the Properly warned, Goodman enrolled at attention on other pursuits. Her practice as a private Class of 2020. Medical School. But it was expensive and she had to neurologist was thriving. She owned two horses that make ends meet. So while many of her classmates she rode - and still rides - in competitions. were partying on weekends, Goodman worked her way “I was disillusioned,” she says. “But I still cared about through school by singing old standards - Cole Porter, boxing. And then I had an epiphany. I realised that the Jerome Kern, and others - in Chicago nightclubs. She horses in show competitions and racing were tested graduated in 1984 and, four years later, moved to for illegal performance enhancing drugs more often Las Vegas where she joined a group practice as a and more thoroughly than boxers. No one was doing neurologist. Eight years after that, she went out on the job properly. I said to myself, ‘This is nuts’.” her own. Her practice today is roughly fifty per cent In late-2011, Goodman founded the Voluntary headache management (migraines, head injuries, etc.) Anti-Doping Association. VADA offers educational and fifty per cent general neurology. programs, professional drug counseling, and referral Goodman’s formal association with boxing began services to combat sports participants. But the heart in 1992. She wanted to get involved with the sport in of its mission is state-of-the-art testing for illegal some way and was told that a good first step would be performance enhancing drugs.

32 l BOXING NEWS l JANUARY 21, 2021 www.boxingnewsonline.net VADA’s services are retained by promoters, fighters are subject to mandatory individual fighters, and other parties. Fighters enrolled PED testing under the WBC Clean in the program must keep VADA informed of their daily Boxing Program at any given time. whereabouts, provide VADA with a contact number This averages out to about twenty where they can be reached 24 hours a day, and dollars per month per fighter. But are subject to unannounced testing at any time. the program represents a good- Participants must also agree that all test results can faith commitment to clean sport. be released immediately to appropriate third parties And it has helped spread the (such as a fighter’s opponent, his promoter, and the gospel of VADA. commission with authority over any scheduled bout). Also, several state athletic Overseeing VADA was a lonely journey at first. The commissions now work regualrly powers that be in boxing were used to paying lip with VADA. One of these is service to PED testing but often looked the other way the Nevada State Athletic when a problem arose. Most PED testing, to the extent Commission which, under the that it existed at all, was conducted by ill-prepared leadership of executive director local commissions or the United States Anti-Doping Bob Bennett, has evinced a Agency (USADA). serious interest in combatting USADA had begun testing professional boxers for PED use in boxing. performance enhancing drugs in 2010. Data taken from “It’s amazing what Nevada has the USADA website shows that USADA administered been able to accomplish safely in 1,501 tests on 128 professional boxers through August the middle of the pandemic,” Goodman says. “I have a ON STAGE: 2018 (when it ceased testing professional boxers). In lot of respect for what Bob Bennett is doing, and not Goodman in a high all those years, USADA reported only one positive PED just in the area of PEDs.” school production of The Boy Friend - cast as Polly test regarding a professional boxer to a governing Goodman and VADA won’t be able to put a thumb Browne, the role that state athletic commission. And that report came after in the dike and stop the flow of illegal performance launched Julie Andrews’ news of the positive test leaked on the internet. enhancing drugs in boxing. Accomplishing this end will Broadway career in 1954 By way of comparison, close to four per cent of take a concerted effort by state athletic commissions, the tests for illegal performance enhancing drugs sanctioning bodies, promoters, managers, members of conducted by VADA come back positive. Using the four the media, and law enforcement authorities. per cent benchmark, one would have expected that But most of all, it will require a commitment from 60 of the 1,501 tests conducted by USADA would have fighters. yielded a positive result. “It’s easy to tell fighters, ‘Don’t use performance Thereafter, it was revealed that USADA enhancing drugs’,” Goodman says. “But the was choosing to “adjudicate these matters” reality is that many fighters do use them. And internally without reporting positive test results other fighters feel now that they have to use I’VE REACHED A POINT IN MY LIFE WHERE I FIND BOXING SOMETIMES HARD TO WATCH BECAUSE OF THE VIOLENCE”

to an opposing fighter’s camp or the state athletic them to be competitive. So you have to reach out to commission with oversight responsibility for a given the fighters as a group and get them to understand fight. that sometimes it’s hard to see the forest through the VADA doesn’t adjudicate. In the event of a positive trees. But they’re the ones who have to take control test result, it reports the result and leaves judgments over this issue and fix this problem.” regarding mitigating circumstances and penalties In 2017, the Boxing Writers Association of America to the appropriate governing body. Its testing isn’t honoured Goodman with the Barney Nagler Award for perfect. Given the limited funds available to VADA and Long and Meritorious Service to Boxing. Previously, the sophistication of PED users today, the likelihood is she and Flip Homansky were jointly honored with that VADA fails to catch some fighters who are dirty. the BWAA’s James A. Farley Award for Honesty and But VADA is widely regarded as the most credible PED Integrity. testing organisation in today. Then the International Boxing Hall of Fame The list of fighters enrolled in VADA programs who beckoned. have tested positive for the presence of a banned “It’s a huge honour,” Goodman says of her impending substance in their system includes, among others, induction. “I didn’t expect it. And to be honest, I’ve Andre Berto, Lamont Peterson, Canelo Alvarez, Jarrell reached a point in my life now where I find boxing Miller, Manuel Charr, Billy Joe Saunders, Luis Ortiz, hard to watch sometimes because of the violence. Alexander Povetkin, , and Brandon Rios. But the fighters are wonderful. I miss them. And I VADA received a significant boost in 2017 when look at my induction as more than a personal honour. the inaugurated the WBC Clean Boxing is a sport where safety is more important than Boxing Program. This program requires all WBC anything else. And for the Hall of Fame to finally induct champions and fighters ranked by the sanctioning a physician is recognition of that importance.” body in the top fifteen of any weight division to be Flip Homansky worked with Margaret Goodman available for random PED testing by VADA at any time. professionally at the Nevada State Athletic Commission. VADA receives $10,000 a month from the WBC More significantly, he has been her life partner for two to underwrite the direct cost of this testing. In the decades. grand scheme of things, that’s not a lot of money. The “Margaret comes from a place of admiration for and WBC has eighteen men’s and sixteen women’s weight caring about the fighters,” Homansky says. “That always divisions. Multiply this by fifteen fighters and one guides her. Most people in boxing have an ulterior champion in each weight division. Then add “interim” motive. Usually it’s financial. And no matter what champions, “silver champions,” and fighters who aren’t they say, they come from that place first. Margaret is ranked by the WBC but have voluntarily enrolled in the different. She really is. That admiration and caring are WBC Clean Boxing Program. All told, more than 500 what set her apart. And that’s the truth.” bn

www.boxingnewsonline.net JANUARY 21, 2021 l BOXING NEWS l 33 Previewing the best upcoming fights PREVIEWS around the world

★★★★★ OUTSTANDING ★★★★ GOOD ★★★ FAIR ★★ DISAPPOINTING ★ RUBBISH

The star ratings indicate how well the writer believes the fighters match up, the fight(s)’ contextual significance, and how good the fight(s) will be Maiden defence

Leo could have ★★★★★ MAIN EVENT Navarrete. Only days before the fight, late Johnny Tapia. Fulton this weekend Fulton tested positive for COVID-19. can become the only Philadelphian ★★★★★ UNDERCARD a difficult time At the time, Conlan was in camp for fighter to currently hold a world title. keeping his his fight with stubborn French southpaw Fulton is the boxer in this boxer- belt against ICHAEL CONLAN Sofiane Takoucht that he won by late against-brawler matchup of 26-year-olds. expects the WBO stoppage. He has since said that, given an He has ended seven unbeaten records the slick super-bantamweight extra couple of weeks’ notice, he would since turning over at 19. Fulton in title to change hands have put himself forward to take on Leo Fulton had more than 90 amateur Connecticut, M this weekend. for the belt. bouts, including appearances in Conlan, ranked As it was, Connecticut southpaw the , and his writes No. 2 by the Tramaine Williams (19-0) pulled out amateur schooling shows. The is Matt Bozeat WBO at 122lbs, reckons Philadelphia of his clash with Ra’eese Aleem on the his best punch, he moves well and he’s slickster Stephen Fulton (18-0) has undercard of Leo-Fulton to step up. comfortable in the ring. the beating of Angelo Leo (20-0) Leo beat him unanimously, winning by As a pro, Fulton got a breakthrough when the unbeatens clash in Uncasville, scores of 117-111 and 118-110 (twice) when he posted a shutout points win Connecticut on Saturday (January 23). that don’t reflect how competitive the over Paulus Ambunda, a 38-year- As is to be expected, Conlan believes fight was up until the closing rounds. old version of the former WBO he has the beating of both. That made the Floyd Mayweather- bantamweight champion from Namibia. Leo-Fulton was originally set for last promoted Leo the first male world Last time out, he outpointed Arnold August for the title vacated by Emanuel champion from Albuquerque since the Khegai (16-0-1), a fight the aggressive

Photo: LUCAS NOONAN/

POLISHED: Challenger Fulton is a stylish technical boxer

34 l BOXING NEWS l JANUARY 21, 2021 www.boxingnewsonline.net Ukrainian went into as a live underdog. Leo has that stoppage of Juarez on out − a 10th-round stoppage. Fulton said: “I have proved myself” and his record, while Fulton’s best wins have That fight was put together at only a he regards Leo as “untested.” come against fighters on the way up, few days’ notice after Williams jumping That’s not entirely true. a 38-year-old former champion and, last up to face Leo for the vacant WBO belt The best win on either fighter’s record time out, Khegai. left Aleem without an opponent. Aleem is surely Leo’s 11th-round stoppage of Of the two, Fulton is the more had previously outpointed Bates over Cesar Juarez (25-7) in December 2019. polished. He’s looser around the eight. Previously, only Isaac Dogboe had shoulders and there’s more zip in his Pasillas made a few fans in his last dealt with Juarez the way Leo dealt with punches. outing − a career-best sixth-round KO of the Mexican, outboxing him at range, Though it’s likely to be close, we go for Ranfis Encarnacion. outfighting him on the inside and then Fulton to control the range and pace for Encarnacion had 13 early wins on stopping him. enough of the fight to take away Leo’s his 17-0 record, but had no answer to Down twice in the sixth, Juarez was belt with a points win. Pasillas’ skills and was dominated before shaken up again by a right-hand counter Also on this show at the Mohegan being blasted out by a 20-punch salvo. in the 11th and Leo jumped through the Sun Casino − promoted by Mayweather The 28-year-old Pasillas posted wins gears to punch him to his knees. The and TGB, and broadcast by Showtime over Jose Ramirez and Joseph Diaz referee waved it off after Juarez dragged − Ra’eese “The Beast” Aleem (17- during a 300-bout amateur career, but himself up. 0) and Los Angeles southpaw Victor because of contract disputes, he’s made That was followed by Leo’s points win Pasillas (16-0), ranked No. 2 and No. 8 slow progress in the pros. He didn’t fight over Williams for the vacant WBO title. respectively by the WBA at 122lbs, meet between August 2015 and January 2018. Leo had to adjust from facing the over 12 rounds. Nevertheless, Pasillas looks a class act orthodox Fulton to a left-hander and Both turned over way back in and we go for him to win this one on after a few rounds of falling short and 2011 and have stopped their last six points. walking onto punches, he was able to opponents. close the gap quicker, get his head on Now 30, Aleem, from Michigan and THE VERDICT A fascinating blend of WBO CHAMPION: Williams’ chest and set about his body based in Las Vegas, scored a repeat styles in the boxer-versus-brawler Leo is coming off a world title-winning with both fists. victory over Mark Bates (11-1-1) last time main event. performance By the closing rounds, Williams Photo: AMANDA WESTCOTT/SHOWTIME was feeling the pace and Leo was outpunching him by four or five shots to one. Leo predicts a similar outcome on Saturday night. He believes Fulton “doesn’t have [his] will” and that he can break him down. Khegai doubtless thought the same before boxing Fulton 12 months ago and Fulton held him off for 12 rounds. Fulton actually pulled away in the second half, when Khegai must have thought he would be starting to get on top. The closest shave for Fulton so far came when Adam Lopez (8-0) took him to a majority over eight rounds in December 2017. Buzzed a couple of times early on, Fulton grew in confidence after a good finish to the third and went on to jab his way to victory, though Lopez had a good last. This should be a very watchable fight. Fulton is a mover, a punch-picker, while Leo wants to get inside and throw lots of punches. Fulton says he wins fights with intelligence and skills, while Leo relies on his engine and will to win. There could be rounds that are hard to score as Fulton lands eye-catching singles and Leo has spells of pressure when some punches land and some don’t. The bookmakers go for Fulton, but there’s a chance he is overrated and Leo is underrated.

www.boxingnewsonline.net JANUARY 21, 2021 l BOXING NEWS l 35 Photo: ETHAN MILLER/GETTY IMAGES

GENIUS AT WORK: Leifer looks for the perfect shot

Renowned photographer Neil Leifer tells Paul Wheeler about his life in boxing

ITH over 160 of his with – the sport of boxing. watching the Gillette Cavalcade of Sports as pictures having In his 18th and latest book, Leifer. Boxing. a teenager with his father. adorned the front 60 Years of Fights and Fighters (TASCHEN, “They used to show some good fights,” cover of Sports £800), the esteemed photographer Leifer remembers fondly. “I saw fighters Illustrated, and more showcases hundreds of his finest boxing like and Sugar Ray than 40 having photographs in what is a love letter to his Robinson in their prime. When I was a W graced the cover of favourite sport and the culmination of a kid, boxing was probably the second most Time, Neil Leifer is lifetime’s work. popular sport in America, after baseball. what you would call photography royalty. Leifer’s passion for boxing was triggered You couldn’t find a boy who wouldn’t And there is one subject in particular that by nights sat in front of an old black be able to tell you who the heavyweight the 78-year-old New Yorker is synonymous and white television in the mid-1950s, champion of the world was and who the

36 l BOXING NEWS l JANUARY 21, 2021 www.boxingnewsonline.net middleweight champion was – probably fan too,” informs Leifer. “We managed Angelo Dundee or Eddie Futch or Emanuel the light-heavyweight and welterweight to get tickets in the cheapest nosebleed Steward? Where else would you find champions too. Everyone knew who they seats at Yankee Stadium for five dollars. characters like Don King and Bob Arum? were.” We were about 200 yards from the ring! You just don’t find these people anywhere Alongside boxing, Leifer’s other main I took my little camera with me and we other than in boxing.” interest as a youngster was photography. worked our way down to the lower seats. Of all the countless larger-than-life “I grew up in a pretty poor neighbourhood The opening picture in the new book is one personalities that Leifer has encountered on the Lower East Side of Manhattan,” I took that night. during his long and distinguished career, recalls Leifer. “There was a lot of crime and “The irony is that not only did I go on one name stands out above all others – kids turning to drugs. They had settlement to shoot boxing for Sports Illustrated all both on a global and personal level. houses to keep kids off the street. For through Muhammad Ali’s great years, but “Muhammad Ali was colourful and example, a kid who was interested in Johnny also became a staff photographer flamboyant. He liked the camera and music could go to a settlement house and at Sports Illustrated. When I moved on to he liked people,” states Leifer. “If I was learn how to play the piano, even though Time magazine, Johnny pretty much took photographing Ali, he’d ask me, ‘How there’s no way in the world that anybody over shooting boxing for Sports Illustrated. much time do you need?’ And I’d say, ‘Can who grew up in the area could afford So it’s really unusual that the two of us I have 15 to 20 minutes?’ An hour later a piano or even have an apartment big started out on the same night in 1959 from he’d still be there, suggesting poses! He enough to accommodate one. five-dollar seats at Yankee Stadium.” was showbusiness and he had so much “I belonged to the Henry Street Breaking into the boxing photography charisma. I certainly owe him a whole lot Settlement, which had a camera club. industry in the 1960s, Leifer hit the jackpot. for the success I’ve had. As a photographer I went two nights a week and worked “In every aspect boxing was the right with Ali, you couldn’t miss. He gave you with a wonderful teacher. She made sport for me to cover, and certainly my every opportunity to capture something photography really fun and I got hooked favourite,” says Leifer. “I was lucky enough terrific.” on it. That was the beginning for me. to be shooting in the ‘60s and ‘70s when In 2014, Leifer became the first-ever What with me being a huge sports fan, Ali was on the scene. In America, the ‘60s photographer to be inducted into the I naturally gravitated to photographing and ‘70s were spectacular decades for International Boxing Hall of Fame – sports.” boxing. You had Ali, Joe Frazier and George a fitting tribute to a giant of his field. Leifer photographed his first big fight in Foreman. I was on the apron in Manila “It was unbelievable when I got the June 1959 at the age of 16. The venue was when Ali fought Frazier and I was on the call from [IBHOF Executive Director] Ed Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. The fight apron in Zaire when Ali fought Foreman. Brophy,” recollects Leifer. “There are other was vs Of course, later on in the ‘80s and ‘90s you photographers who should certainly be in for the world heavyweight title. had Mike Tyson too. the Hall of Fame too – some really fabulous “My best friend, Johnny Iacono, belonged “I’ve always felt that the boxing crowd is photographers. As you get a little older, it to the same camera club as me at the one of the most wonderful to be around. makes you feel good that people recognise Henry Street Settlement. He was a boxing Where else would you find somebody like that you’ve done something significant.”

DEONTAY WILDER vs TYSON FURY II MGM Grand, Las Vegas, NV (February 22, 2020)

“For this fight, I wanted to be in a position where I could do a way – it’s a clean view from which I was able to get wide-angle number of things, so I chose to shoot from much further back shots. I don’t want all of my pictures to look like they’ve been and higher up, instead of being on the apron. The long lenses taken from the same vantage point. I want to show different today are so sharp. The modern equipment allows you to do perspectives. Look at the way the game has changed. Today, the things that you wouldn’t have been able to do before, because lighting at boxing events is like a Rolling Stones concert, plus the technology is so much better. The ability to shoot at shutter there are logos all over the ring. In many ways, Tyson Fury is speed in the light levels that you have at today’s fights makes it the perfect example of this change, but with his character and possible to do what I did here. I deliberately shot the fight this charisma, he reminds me of Ali more than anyone I’ve seen.”

www.boxingnewsonline.net JANUARY 21, 2021 l BOXING NEWS l 37 MUHAMMAD ALI vs CLEVELAND WILLIAMS Astrodome, Houston, TX (November 14, 1966)

“This is my favourite picture. Normally you could never do a seats wouldn’t be blocked and obscured. I figured out that you picture like this because the camera wouldn’t be high enough could put a remote camera in the middle of the lighting rig, so over the ring to give you that perspective. In most arenas, I consider this picture as one that came from my imagination the lighting rig would be 20ft above the ring, and the widest- and creativity – it wasn’t luck. In 2003, The Observer published a angle lens wouldn’t capture the whole ring in the shot. But the special issue, counting down the 50 greatest sports pictures of Houston Astrodome was known as the “Eighth Wonder of the all time. They picked this picture as No. 1, which I was thrilled World”. Because the lighting rig was so big, they had to elevate with. It’s the only one of my photographs that I’ve got on display it 80ft above the ring, so that the view from the upper-deck in my house. It’s hanging in my living room.”

38 l BOXING NEWS l JANUARY 21, 2021 www.boxingnewsonline.net MUHAMMAD ALI vs SONNY LISTON II St. Dominic’s Arena, Lewiston, ME (May 25, 1965)

“No question this is my best-known picture and it’s made my career. I probably wouldn’t be in the Hall of Fame and no one would know who I was if it wasn’t for this picture. It’s going to be my legacy picture. At the end of 1999 when they did a recap of the whole century, Sports Illustrated put this picture on the cover and called it the greatest sports picture of the century. The irony is, when I took the picture, it didn’t make the cover of Sports Illustrated and it didn’t win a single award – not even an honourable mention. The picture wasn’t that big a deal at the time. It sort of grew as Ali’s reputation grew. There’s a lot of luck in sports photography. You’ve got to be in the right spot, and no l TASCHEN’s Leifer. Boxing. 60 Years of Fights and Fighters, picture proves that better than this one. The photographer who priced at £800, is a collector’s edition of 1,000 numbered copies, you can see between Ali’s legs is Herb Scharfman, who should be each signed by Neil Leifer. The book can be ordered here: https:// in the Hall of Fame too. From his position, he got a picture of Ali’s www.taschen.com/pages/en/catalogue/photography/all/60001/ rear-end – not the shot that I was able to get from my position.” facts.neil_leifer_boxing_60_years_of_fights_and_fighters.htm

www.boxingnewsonline.net JANUARY 21, 2021 l BOXING NEWS l 39 AMATEURS

The very best action, previews and news from Olympic-style boxing AMATEUR @BoxingNewsJD SCENE With JOHN DENNEN | SEND us your club's news, results or upcoming events to [email protected] or 0195 9541 444

OVER AND OUT: A regular fixture on the amateur circuit, Fillingham has retired from the sport

40 l BOXING NEWS l JANUARY 21, 2021 www.boxingnewsonline.net Early retirement

With no YAN FILLINGHAM, the pros, while Fillingham stuck with the Southern Area lightweight title, as his immediate the 94-bout veteran Army and the amateurs. toughest opponent. who reached the Twice he reached the last four of the Fillingham had a win over Nathan chance of Elite final in 2013 Elites, losing to Jack Wood at 60kgs in French, who is currently 7-0 under boxing Ryan R and was there or 2015 and to Martin McDonagh up at Greaves. thereabouts every 64kgs two years later. The Lincolnshire rivals staged their Fillingham is year since, has Fillingham also won gold at the version of Marvin Hagler- one of the announced his retirement. Because of Haringey and Eindhoven Box Cups. at a working men’s club in Cotgrave, amateurs to injuries and Covid-19, it is around two Carl Greaves, twice a challenger for Nottinghamshire, in February, 2014. years since he boxed and Fillingham has British honours in his pro career before French went on the attack, Fillingham have hung up decided to hang up his gloves. becoming a successful manager and met him head on, punched with him and their gloves, He started out at Bracebridge ABC promoter, had known Fillingham since landed enough clean punches to force Matt in his Lincoln home-town when he he was a boy and hoped he would turn a count. writes was 11-years-old weighing around professional with him. On the resumption, Fillingham went Bozeat 32kgs and as a schoolboy and junior, Fillingham instead set himself the for broke trying to force the finish and opponents struggled to stay with him. target of reaching 100 amateur bouts when he stopped punching, French was Fillingham was full of fight and his non- and took on several who went on to still standing. stop punching took him to a clutch of make their mark in the pros. It became French’s turn to attack and national titles. As a senior, Fillingham, by He was beaten by Josh Kelly, Tommy he unloaded a barrage – until Fillingham then representing the Army, reached the Ward, Lyon Woodstock and had 1-3 smashed him with a right hand. Elite lightweight final in 2013, losing on record against Alfie Price in their four The punch had French badly dazes points to Isaac Dogboe. meetings. and the referee decided to jump in and Dogboe went on to win the WBO Ryan considers Price, the Hoddesdon stop the bout. super-bantamweight championship in left hander who currently holds the That all happened inside a round! LESSONS MUST BE LEARNED

An inquest into AMATEUR boxer Ed Bilbey died in 2017. protection measures in place to prevent “We will now complete our the tragic death An inquest ruled his intense training him from doing so.” investigation and carefully look at of teenage boxer and rapid weight loss by dehydration This is a sombre warning for those what lessons, in light of the coroner’s Ed Bilbey has combined with an undiagnosed heart involved in the sport. conclusions, that can be made and will condition led to his death. Bilbey “First and foremost, our thoughts go speedily review the regulations, checks concluded, writes collapsed in the ring shortly after out to the family and friends of Ed Bilbey, and balances that are in place to ensure John Dennen competing for an East Midlands Youth who continue to live with the tragic safety and safeguarding policies and welterweight title in South Normanton. loss of someone dear to them and who good practice within clubs is in place, He was only 17 years old. The failure had his whole life ahead of him,” said adhered to and, where necessary, make of child protection and safeguarding CEO Gethin Jenkins. “We the relevant changes. measures to prevent his over-training acknowledge the coroner’s conclusion “The amateur boxing that operates and the extreme measures he took to and have already made significant within England Boxing’s remit has an make weight contributed to the tragedy. changes in the three-and-half years since excellent safety record on the whole, The inquest into the tragedy ran the tragedy, to seek to make the sport as and this was the first tragedy of its type from December 15-23 at Chesterfield safe as it possibly can be. in this country for over 30 years, but we Coroners’ Court. It concluded: “Edward “Emergency medical procedures and recognise that any fatality is one too many. Bilbey died of cardiac arrest and the processes that should be followed when “It is why the welfare of boxers remains combined effect of an inherited heart significant incidents do occur are now for England Boxing and those in our [condition] Myocardial Fibrosis and in place, although, thankfully, these membership our number one priority, only metabolic disturbance caused by intense remain rare. We have also introduced allowing boxing to take place in a safe, physical training and rapid weight coaching refresher courses to ensure controlled and regulated environment. loss by dehydration. His death was our registered coaches are aware of “Once again, we send our heartfelt in part contributed to by a failure to the appropriate, up-to-date coaching condolences to the family and all those have adequate safeguarding and child methods to follow. who knew Ed Bilbey.”

www.boxingnewsonline.net JANUARY 21, 2021 l BOXING NEWS l 41 THIS WEEK IN HIST

Photos: GETTY IMAGES

SUPERB FORM: A line-up of legends Duran wins rubber to enjoy, writes match with DeJesus Matt Christie

ARCHIE MOORE ROBERTO DURAN 5 w pts 15 4 w rsf 2 JOE FRAZIER 3 w rsf 12 ESTEBAN DEJESUS January 27, 1954; Orange Bowl, Miami, FL January 22, 1973; National Stadium, Kingston, January 21, 1978; Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, NV had already retained his Jamaica ROBERTO DURAN is widely regarded as the world light-heavyweight title against Joey IF you were to rate the most savage greatest of all lightweights therefore this Maxim, the man he took it from in 1952. coronations in heavyweight history, George beatdown of old nemesis Esteban DeJesus Ahead of their third bout, Moore struggled Foreman’s bombastic two-round beating of in their rubber match might just be the best to make the 175lbs weight limit and when Joe Frazier would perhaps be second only ever lightweight performance. “Patience news broke that Archie’s wife had filed a to Jack Dempsey thrashing Jess Willard in will win the fight,” Duran’s trainer Ray Arcel maintenance lawsuit against her husband 1919. Frazier was the favourite. When the told him before the fight. And so it proved. on the day of the fight the odds drifted to two unbeaten fighters came together at Duran remained calm throughout the bad- 6/5 in Maxim’s favour. But Moore, always the weigh-in, Foreman – whose first of 12 tempered build up and in the early going advancing behind that cross-armed defence, children had been born just weeks before – when DeJesus threatened with the bossed the fight. Maxim was dropped in the towered over the champion. “I’m gonna sit that had dropped Duran in both of their eighth from a right hand, decked again in you on the ground, George,” said Frazier. A previous meetings. He remained patient, the 11th and was grateful to hear the final few hours later, after Foreman sat Frazier expertly hacking to his rival’s midsection bell. Moore won by three lopsided scores of on the ground for the sixth time in two until, in the 12th, he picked the opportune 148-134, 148-135 and 145-137. rounds, the fight was over. “I don’t want no moment to let rip. A right to the jaw DID YOU KNOW? A measure of Moore’s quality more big fights for a while,” Foreman said dropped DeJesus before a seven-punch can be gained from the opposition he afterwards. “I just want to go home and flurry ended the fight. was facing at this time. Between 1954 and spend time with my daughter.” DID YOU KNOW? Even at this point of his 1955 he defeated Maxim, Harold Johnson DID YOU KNOW? The fighters’ choice of gloves career, it was difficult to get Duran to train and at light-heavy, and at were made with colour TV in mind. Foreman for long periods of time so his manager, heavyweight he bested Bob Baker and Nino went for red and blue – to match his shorts Carlos Eleta, told Duran he had a warm-up Valdes before losing to Rocky Marciano. – while Frazier’s were gold and green. fight in Panama. There was of course no WATCH OUT FOR: Multiple fights between WATCH OUT FOR: In the second round, after warm-up bout but, thanks to the fib, Eleta two fighters were so common this was both the fourth and fifth knockdowns, managed to get an extra four weeks’ work introduced by the presenter as, ‘the latest Foreman can be seen remonstrating to out of his charge. edition of Archie Moore versus Joey Maxim’. Frazier’s corner to throw in the towel. WATCH OUT FOR: Duran at his amazing peak.

42 l BOXING NEWS l JANUARY 21, 2021 www.boxingnewsonline.net BOXING THIS WEEK IN HISTORY ON THE BOX Not much in the way of boxing on the ‘box’ this week so try some of these podcasts MOTORING: Morales cannot stop the relentless BOXING LIFE STORIES Pacquiao Former BN editor Tris Dixon’s weekly deep dive into the lives of boxers and industry figures never disappoints. His recent chat with Barry Hearn was one of the best; Hearn’s memories of working with Chris Eubank and Herbie Hide, in particular, are fascinating. Other recent highlights include George Groves, Tony Bellew, Ed Robinson and Scott Welch. For boxing history fans, you’ll also find in-depth interviews with the likes of, among many others, John Conteh, Frank Bruno and George Foreman. If you prefer to digest your content on YouTube, the last few months’ of episodes were filmed and can be found there, too.

5 LIVE BOXING WITH COSTELLO & BUNCE A must-listen for every fight fan and the gold standard when it comes to news- style boxing podcasts. Every Monday, Mike Costello and Steve Bunce show off their knowledge and experience to educate on the latest fights and breaking news. In the latest episode, Mike and Steve talk to Eddie Hearn, who explains why he’s now being extra careful with what he says, and attempts to justify his reasons GEORGE FOREMAN for making a comeback. w rsf 10 ERIK MORALES w ko 5 RON LYLE 2 1 BOXING NEWS - OPENING BELL January 21, 2006; Thomas & Mack Center, Las January 24, 1976; Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, NV Okay, a completely shameless plug of Vegas, NV JANUARY was a good month for George our very own podcast, which returned in ERIK MORALES blamed making weight and Foreman. Throughout his career he fought August last year. Hosts Alex Steedman too many ‘tough fights’ for why he lost to nine times in the first month of the year, and BN editor Matt Christie discuss all Manny Pacquiao in this rematch. Such is the winning each time by or stoppage. things topical in the boxing world, as mindset of the boxer, particularly one as The most memorable of them all was this they talk to industry leaders and look ferocious and proud as Morales, giving praise wild brawl with Ron Lyle which, even today, back each week to a fight anniversary. where it’s due is often the hardest thing in stands tall as THE heavyweight slugfest. “Fantastic,” said a recent review. “Really the world. But “Pacman” – approaching his Compared to what followed, the opening informative and not biased. The true peak years – was brilliant from start to finish. round was quiet and the second was boxing fans’ podcast.” This week there is The Filipino had been outpointed by Morales noteworthy only because the bell sounded a bonus episode and a real treat: A 1972 10 months before but in the sequel he was after two minutes. Foreman decked Lyle in recording of Muhammad Ali is not to be calculating and accurate as he hailstormed the third before the fire really roared in the missed. the Mexican to defeat. fourth; Foreman hit the mat first, Lyle went DID YOU KNOW? Between 2005 and 2008, down from a right hand before toppling Pacquiao won six of seven fights where the Big George at the end of the round. But the WBC’s lightly-regarded International super- January blues were Lyle’s in the fifth when FURTHER VIEWING featherweight belt was on the line as Marco 17 unanswered blows sent him over and Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez out. w ko 1 John Henry Lewis held the real WBC strap until the latter lost DID YOU KNOW? This was the first fight to (1939); Bob Montgomery w rsf 12 it to Manny in 2008. What the WBC would be held in the Sports Pavilion at Caesars. It (1944); w have done for the Franchise championship was built in 1975 for a tennis ‘spectacular’ pts 15 Joey Archer (1967); Eusebio in those days. featuring Jimmy Connors. The last boxing Pedroza w pts 15 Spider Nemoto WATCH OUT FOR: Morales’ mind deteriorate. action to occur there was in 1996, when (1980); Meldrick Taylor w rtd 7 John Early in the fight he is complaining about Oscar De La Hoya defeated Darryl Tyson. Meekins (1989); Mike Tyson w rsf 4 sore legs. By the end of the ninth, he is WATCH OUT FOR: Has there ever been a better Larry Holmes (1988). using them to run away from his tormentor. heavyweight round than the fourth?

www.boxingnewsonline.net JANUARY 21, 2021 l BOXING NEWS l 43 YESTERDAY’S HEROES Fighting family

Looking N November last FIRE FIGHTER: year, Watford Bob Williams in his back at the referee Bob Williams days as a boxer careers of was officiating at I Wembley Arena on a Bob and Jim bill topped by Conor Benn. Bob handled Williams two of the five contests – a six and an eight-rounder – and acted as a judge for the other three. One of the proudest moments in a distinguished career as third man came when he judged the bout between Liam Davies and Sean Cairns for the vacant English bantamweight title. Bob has been a Star referee for a few years now and has refereed and judged many of the UK’s leading fighters, but the reason that this fight was so special is because his great-grandfather, Jim Williams of Marylebone, fought for the same title back in the late nineteenth century. I well remember Bob as a quality super- lightweight throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. He boxed as BF Williams, and he won 20 of his 33 contests and was regularly rated at around 20th place in what was then a highly competitive division in Britain, topped by the likes of , Andy Holligan, Tony Ekubia and Ross Hale. Miles Bob started boxing as a young lad, and Templeton when his father saw that he was serious about the game he told Bob about his Boxing illustrious ancestor and then went upstairs historian to find a long-forgotten belt that had THEY WILL BE MISSED Sadly, we have to ONE casualty of the coronavirus has to the MEBA charity fund, to which he got as far as a final eliminator for the say goodbye to been that some EBAs haven’t been donated several times a year. Both will British title, but was beaten by Peter some dear friends able to produce their newsletters – at be very much missed. Keenan – who went on to beat Danny least, not every month. So I was very The MEBA newsletter regularly O’Sullivan for the title. Tommy also beat pleased recently to receive one from includes a piece by boxing historian Jackie Fairclough in a final eliminator for EBA – only their third since Lawrence Yearsley, and the latest is on the Central Area title – but never got a March. James “Sailor” Field, a bare-knuckle title shot. Sadly, the newsletter reports the bruiser from the 18th century. Field was Two more deaths to report, passing of two members – Eddie Sinclair a career criminal who would ultimately unfortunately – this time from London and Brian Doyle. Eddie, MEBA’s former die on the gallows – but he was also EBA. Sam Soraf was a former LEBA pro, had been battling cancer for some a very good fighter who met, among committee member – he stood down time. As an amateur he boxed for others, Jack Broughton and Jack Slack. a while ago but regularly attended Whitehall ABC in the 1950s, and he is He didn’t beat either of them but both meetings at both London and Essex. Bill described as “an avid collector of boxing readily acknowledged his power. Nankeville was not a boxer but a fine memorabilia and a mine of information Manchester’s president is middle distance athlete, who also took Simon on the history of boxing, especially Tommy Proffitt, who won the ABA part in the 1948 Olympics (at 1500km). Euan-Smith local boxers.” Brian unfortunately bantamweight title in 1948 and went Bill too was a regular at LEBA meetings, simonoldtimers couldn’t attend meetings but took a on to compete in the London Olympics and also got his son, comedian Bobby @googlemail.com great interest in boxing, especially local that year. He had a fair pro career, too, Davro, interested. Some years ago, I EBA boxers and MEBA. The newsletter goes winning 34 and drawing one of 47 remember, Bobby Davro and the late correspondent on to say Brian was a great benefactor outings between 1948 and 1953. He Kenny Lynch put on a show in aid of

44 l BOXING NEWS l JANUARY 21, 2021 www.boxingnewsonline.net INSPIRATION: Jim Williams and his been put to one side for many years. The Dixon, another world-rated fighter. belt, which is still held within the family, The Williams camp were confident in was the English 116lb championship and their man and he backed them up by old Jim had fought for it on four occasions overpowering the Canning Town fighter between 1899 and 1902. Just seeing from the start. Palmer was on the canvas this belt and hearing about his great- four times in a blistering first round and grandfather was all the inspiration Bob was then dispatched by a body shot early needed, and he became fanatical about in the second. It was Jim’s greatest victory, attending his local gym at Bushey ABC and he retired in 1909 having had nearly and learning everything he could about 50 contests in 16 years. the sport. Bob’s last fight took place in 1994 at the While an active professional Bob Town Hall in Watford. Understandably, became a fireman, and although he is now being a local lad, Bob had established one of Britain’s most capable referees, he quite a following among the regular can still be found alongside his younger attendees at this famous boxing venue. colleagues regularly attending serious Matched for the vacant Southern Area incidents in and around Hertfordshire. super-lightweight title against Jon Jim Williams boxed in a number of Thaxton, this was to be Bob’s most championship contests at or around prestigious contest. bantamweight between 1895 and 1902. At He had won his three previous bouts the time, the classic eight championship inside , all of them in Watford, weights had not yet been established and he was in good form. Thaxton, and title bouts were arranged at many however, was going places, having different weights. Jim fought for the previously beaten Dean Hollington in English title at 114lbs, 115lbs and 116lbs, three rounds, and the Norwich man was and he achieved a notable victory in one the pre-fight favourite. Bob’s plan was to of these contests. weather the early storm for four rounds Matched against the great Pedlar before stepping up the pace. As he told Palmer at the , me on the phone when looking back on Covent Garden, in January 1902, few the bout, Bob didn’t quite get that far, would have given Williams much of being stopped in the fourth. a chance. Palmer had recently boxed Bob can be proud of his achievements, twice for the world title, losing to Terry both as a boxer and a referee, and he McGovern and Harry Harris. In his can certainly be proud of his great- previous bout he had beaten George grandfather.

OLYMPIANS: Tommy Proffitt and Ron Cooper Photo: SCOTT HEAVEY/GETTY IMAGES LEBA at the famous York Hall, Bethnal each. Originally from Liverpool, Pat Green – it was a great evening. Sam and boxed in London a lot – including Bill were real LEBA stalwarts and they, topping the bill on the last-ever show at too, will be sadly missed. Shoreditch Town Hall, in January 1975, I keep stressing how important it where he outscored Terry Armstrong is that EBAs show they care about over eight. Between 1972 and 1977 the current scene, and do not simply Pat had 72 bouts, winning 37 and dwell on the past. Essex are particularly drawing five – including a repeat win good at this, and the latest Punch Lines over Armstrong in March 1976, that – Essex’s monthly newsletter – has a earned Pat the vacant Central Area detailed piece on the recent Joe Joyce- light-heavyweight title. In all Pat and Daniel Dubois set-to, explaining why Armstrong clashed six times, including Dubois was right to retire with his eye Pat’s debut (which Armstrong won on so badly injured. There’s also a piece points). The final score was 4-2 to Pat. on recent controversial decisions, and a After retiring, Pat became a publican tribute to the late Danny Enifer. in London and took part in a number And there’s a reproduction of an of charity runs, as well as keenly article (with photo) on Essex President supporting the EBA movement. Pat Thompson, noting that he and Stoke’s Keith Nugent were Britain’s EMAIL [email protected] busiest boxers in 1974, with 12 contests with your ex-boxer association news.

www.boxingnewsonline.net JANUARY 21, 2021 l BOXING NEWS l 45 SIXTY SECONDS

BRIAN ROSE Paul Wheeler talks to a man who named his son after a boxing legend

Photo: PAUL ELLIS/AFP/GETTY IMAGES When and why you started ’I WAS P**SING boxing: I started boxing when I was nine BLOOD FOR A FEW years old. I was a bit mischievous, so my dad decided to take me to DAYS AFTER THE the gym. Favourite all-time fighter: MACIEL FIGHT’ Oscar De La Hoya is my favourite. I named my son after him. I love punching people and getting Best fight you’ve seen: punched! vs Last film/TV show you saw: is the best domestic fight I’ve seen. We Own the Night. It’s my favourite On the international scene I’d go film. for the three Arturo Gatti-Micky Who would play you in a film of Ward fights. your life: Personal career highlight: . I think he’s a top actor. Winning the British [super- Have you ever been starstruck: welterweight] title outright and I was starstruck when I met Oscar challenging for the WBO [super- De La Hoya. Oh, and also when welterweight] title as the mandatory I met Ashley from Coronation contender. Street! Toughest opponent: Last time you cried: My toughest opponent has been About an hour ago – I’m quite an Javier Maciel [w sd 12 – October emotional person! 2013]. I went to hell and back Best advice received: in order to win that fight. I was Don’t regret anything in life. If you p**sing blood for a few days want something, go get it! afterwards. Worst rumour about yourself: Best and worst attributes as a I can’t mention the worst rumour boxer: that I’ve heard. No comment! My best attributes are my jab Something not many people and the fact that I never give up. know about you: My worst is that I sometimes get Most people don’t know that involved in tear-ups instead of I’m a Birmingham City fan. using my boxing skills and moving I love but my dad my head. took me to games when we Favourite meal/restaurant: lived in Birmingham when I was Italian restaurants are my favourite. growing up, so it’s just in me. I love pizza. Best friends in boxing: My coach Bobby Rimmer and Age: Twitter: Nickname: Height: all the lads at the gym. Also Zoe 35 @Brian_Lion_Rose ‘The Lion’ 6ft Nationality: From: Stance: Record: Robinson, who’s a Paralympic gold English Blackpool Orthodox 31-6-1 (8) Division: Titles: medallist. Super-welterweight or middleweight Central Area, English & Next fight: Other sportsperson you would British super-welterweight After recently signing with Kieran Farrell, like to be: FACTS FAST Rose is looking forward to having his first fight since August 2019. I love football but I’m s**t at it! I wouldn’t change my profession.

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