BOX OFFICE: 0844 357 2887 WWW.CYCLONEPROMOTIONS.COM

CYCLONE PROMOTIONS,MAXI NUTRITION AND CHANNEL 5 PRESENT

TICKETSTICKETS FROMFROM

££ 4040 ContentsSeptember 28, 2017

CLOSE BUT NO CIGAR 18 Campbell acquits himself commendably against the masterful Linares Photos: JAYNE KAMIN-ONCEA/USA TODAY SPORTS & ACTION IMAGES/ANDREW COULDRIDGE DON’T MISS HIGHLIGHTS

>> 8 TRIBUTE TO A LEGEND >> 4 EDITOR’S LETTER Remembering the life of the one and How Ward should be remembered only “Raging Bull”, Jake LaMotta >> 5 GUEST COLUMN >> 14 TEAM FURY’S FURY Frampton on why he joined Warren Hughie and co are not happy with the judges as gets the nod >> 13 WARNING FOR ‘RIGO’ Former manager believes Rigondeaux >> 17 MEXICAN MARVELS is making a “big, big mistake” Valdez and Ramirez retain their titles, and maintain their perfect records >> 30 REBUILDING ROCKY Fielding discusses how he has managed >> 26 ADVENTURE to bounce back from a shattering loss Michael Spinks recalls his battles 14 with Larry Holmes and Mike Tyson >> 34 PREVIEWS GALORE Butler-Hall II, Fielding-Brophy, Briedis-Perez and Medina-Ward DOWNLOAD OUR APP TODAY >> 41 AMATEURS For more details visit Q&A with top Whittaker WWW.BOXINGNEWSONLINE.NET/APPS >> 46 60-SECOND INTERVIEW ‘I LIKE LEARNING ABOUT PEOPLE AND THEIR LIVES, AND SOMETIMES I READ PSYCHOLOGY BOOKS’ Richie Gray

www.boxingnewsonline.net SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 l NEWS l 3 EDITOR’S LETTER

Photo: ACTION IMAGES/ANDREW COULDRIDGE

32-0 (16): Coming Ward walks away next time from the sport l WE look ahead to an important weekend for British boxers: Anthony Crolla and meet at the crossroads in Cover photography ACTION IMAGES/ ; ANDREW COULDRIDGE & Chris Eubank Jnr JAYNE KAMIN-ONCEA/ takes on Avni USA TODAY SPORTS Yildirim who, on the grapevine, is one tough cookie; and Andrew Selby prepares to continue his education against Mexican UNDERAPPRECIATED Maximino Flores. Ward times his retirement perfectly but it might be a while before he gets the recognition he deserves l AS domestic shows go, the T’S too early to tell round and left barely conscious – like against the feared light-heavyweight impending bill if will he was by Yvon Durelle. Don’t get me king . Yet he hauled in – go down in history wrong, I’m not making a case for Ward himself off the canvas early, remarkably featuring Paul as one of the being greater than Moore, he never readjusted his battle plan under the Butler, Rocky I greatest of them will be, I’m just trying to stress the only severest of punishment and changed Fielding, Ohara all. In almost every way to fairly judge the super-middle the face of that contest. It still perplexes Davies and walk of life the and light-heavyweight champion’s me that so many think Kovalev – who Thomas Stalker building of legends achievements is from the confines of his failed to switch his approach when – is a cracker. takes time; time for own era: And from 2009 when he upset under pressure – was robbed that night. We’ll be ringside achievements to Mikkel Kessler to right about now, there The post-fight press conference, when to tell you gather context, and hasn’t been a better fighter in either of members of the American press booed everything you time for hearts to the weight classes he ruled. It should Ward’s arrival after he had just endured need to know. judge how much say it all that he walks away at the peak the hardest 12 rounds of his career, was they’re missed. of his powers, without a scratch on him among the most uncomfortable I’ve l YOU won’t Matt Ultimately, though, or a close rival accusing him of running ever experienced. Frankly, Ward should want to miss Christie tomorrow almost away. have turned his back on the sport then. Billy Graham @MattCBoxingNews always makes its But this is Andre Ward we’re talking But he knew there was unfinished reveal all about Editor case for yesterday’s about. Utter his name affectionately business, and stopped Kovalev in eight the brutal best and Ward, in the wrong crowd, particularly in his rounds in the return. Yes, and I can consequences after turning back the challenge of home nation of America, and brace sense the steam coming off the anti- of his break-up everyone he shared a ring with, should yourself for hostility. Andre Ward, the Ward brigade already, he hit Kovalev with British be viewed as that. But Ward seems proverbial fart in the lift, is the most below the belt on route. But come on, boxing legend destined to always split opinion. underappreciated fighter in many years. this was not Roberto Duran swinging Ricky Hatton. Very often a modern king fails to A devout family man who came good full pelt at Ken Buchanan’s balls to win get credit because their records don’t from a bad background, the Oakland the world title in 1972. l AVAILABLE compare with greats of the past. That’s star, from my experience, was always Whatever your take on the Kovalev to download generally true, but bottom line, no one warm, open and kind. Yet there was the rivalry, it’s hard to deny that the guile via iTunes and knows for sure how Ward would have long legal battle with the exceptionally and skill of Ward broke the Russian’s Google Play fared against anyone bar the opponents popular Dan Goossen that continued heart. It takes special fighters to do that from October he competed against. Yes, okay, I know into the promoter’s dying days which to bigger and stronger men. 3, 2017, and the it’s not 1958 when Archie Moore was slowed the progress of Ward and, rightly A casualty of his own effectiveness, print edition is king of the hill and 15-rounders sorted or wrongly, blighted his reputation. Ward walks away just weeks after HBO in stores on out the men from the boys, but flip that Long before that, though, fans had a failed to renew his contract. Not loud October 5, 2017. logic for a second. Boxers today, unlike hard time warming to him. enough to stir emotion like Floyd their predecessors, have 12 rounds to Granted, Ward was not afraid of Mayweather, nor recklessly exciting like do their work, and train accordingly. winning ugly, but he always refused Manny Pacquiao, Ward – to the end – And over that 36-minute period, Ward to lose. He was no warmonger but he was always his own man. One hopes never lost a fight. Furthermore, in the certainly knew how to beat one. Five that man will one day get his due. current climate, the “Old Mongoose” years after handing the only would not have got away with being comprehensive defeat of his career Follow us and keep up to date bounced off the deck three times in one in 2011, plenty wanted him to lose @BoxingNewsED BoxingNewsOnline

4 l l SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 www.boxingnewsonline.net GUEST COLUMN

I HAD TO MAKE CHANGES Photo: NOAH K. MURRAY/USA TODAY SPORTS

BETTER DAYS: Frampton [right] defeats Santa Cruz in July 2016 – his most recent win

For the first time in a long time, I’m not just thinking about retirement

HIS has been mind was made up by the fact that I agreed with them and we decided like a waste of time because nothing the worst BT Sport have said that they will to go for it. comes after all that graft. Then you year of my look after me. Then I turned my attention go on the drink and feel even worse professional It was a hard decision to go to getting a new promoter and because you are not in shape. You T career and it alone after so long with the management team. There were end up back at square one again. it came after McGuigans. I sat down with the offers from a number of different Making the changes I’ve made the best year, people closest to me – my wife, promoters, but I liked what Frank felt like the right thing to do. I can when I beat family and friends – for a good few had to say. I also liked what BT influence my own career now. Frank days. It wasn’t easy, but it was the Sports had to say. I think I deserve is one of the biggest promoters in to win the right thing to do at this point in my this platform, we are more than world boxing and BT are dipping WBA super- career. halfway through the year and their toes into boxing. Hopefully, For the first time in a while, I am I needed to turn things around. I can be the spearhead for BT’s title, defeated enjoying getting up and going to My homecoming was a disaster charge. Leo Santa Cruz the gym. It is a good craic with a so we are working towards the Boxing fans are going to see a Carl Frampton for the WBA new and improved Carl Frampton. Former two- HEARING YOUR NAME READ OUT AS A All I thought about over the past weight world belt and was couple of years was retiring, getting champion named Fighter WORLD CHAMP IS THE NAME OF THIS GAME out of this game. I’m enjoying it of the Year. now and have pushed retirement This year started off badly with good bunch of lads. I look forward homecoming 2.0. It was especially to the back of my mind for the first the rematch loss to Santa Cruz then to going to the gym and have a bad for my fans when the last fight time in a long time. At one point, got worse when the fight against smile on my face. We have good was cancelled. They have been very I wanted to call it a day and live Andres Gutierrez was cancelled fun. is a maniac, he’s loyal to me for so many years. It happily ever after. when he slipped and injured himself always making me laugh when I’m is not just the fans, either – Hearing your name read out as a the night before. trying to do interviews, and Nigel was disappointed for the fans who world champion is the name of this After all that, I decided to make Travis is a laugh too – we all do silly, spent their hard-earned money to game. It is a dream come true and some changes. I have taken control childish pranks on each other. travel from all over Ireland, the UK, what we are in there for. You join a of my career and it can only get After my father suggested and some even came over from boxing club - when you are a young better with Jamie Moore training working with Jamie, I went over for Dubai. I owe the next one to them. kid you dream of hearing those me, promoting me, a few days to try it out. Jamie had Training for a fight that doesn’t words after your name so there is and MTK Global advising me. When his own ideas about how I should happen is a terrible feeling, you’ve nothing like it when it happens. deciding to move over to Frank my be trained at this point in my career, put everything into it and it feels I want to hear those words again.

www.boxingnewsonline.net SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 l BOXING NEWS l 5 Fans, fighters ON TWITTER ON FACEBOOK @BoxingNewsED www.facebook.com/boxingnewsonline OPINION and pundits all have their say

LETTER OF THE WEEK

TWEETS @LUKE11CAMPBELL FUTURE LIGHT-HEAVY KING Huge respect to a great champion Photo: ACTION IMAGES VIA REUTERS / ANDREW COULDRIDGE LIVEPIC and a great guy. @ WHY has Andre Ward retired? JorgeLinares. I wish Two words – Anthony Yarde. MARMITE OF BOXING: you all the best and With another couple of wins Mixed views on the sorry to all my fans. under his belt, Yarde – given promoter retirement of Ward I will be back bigger Frank Warren’s strong WBO connections and better. – will be the mandatory challenger for the WBO light-heavyweight title. apologises to his travelling supporters, According to my Stateside sources, Ward even though he has wants no part of him. It’s only delaying nothing to apologise the inevitable, as Yarde will be world for after his superb champion in 2018. Mock me if you wish, challenge to Jorge but I was right about Jeff Horn. Anthony Linares.. Yarde – WBO light-heavy champ. Remember where you heard it first. @JORGELINARES John Hoolan Stop talking too much. Let’s fight and then we will see WARD’S DARK SIDE who is the best. @ SO, the ‘great’ Andre Ward has retired. It terryflanagan5 seems the controversial nature of the two Meanwhile, WBC Sergey Kovalev fights polarised boxing 135lb king JORGE fans, and put off television execs and LINARES already many potential opponents alike. has an eye on WBO It is bewildering to me how any true counterpart Terry boxing fan could provide support to a Flanagan. fighter who so blatantly and repeatedly

@EDDIEHEARN broke the Queensberry Rules in order to And so it begins! So gain unfair advantages over an opponent. I decided to watch the fight in silence. REPEAT OFFENDERS proud to announce a He seemed to be given free rein to do Therefore, I was not influenced in any AFTER reading referee and judge Mickey multi-fight deal with as he pleased by the Las Vegas officials way by the commentary, and in my Vann’s recent Guest Column (September @DanielJacobsTKO in the two Kovalev fights. No, I shall not opinion, Fury completely outboxed 21 issue) on the scoring of the Canelo and HBO boxing – miss Andre, and for me his legacy has Parker. At the least I had Fury four rounds Alvarez-Gennady Golovkin fight, I USA. We are coming been forever tainted by his clear lapse up at the end. What the fight did show strongly disagree with his assertion that in November! towards the dark side in his latter fights. is that Hughie lacks punch-power, but Adalaide Byrd simply had “a bad day An excited EDDIE Paul Wakefields does have fantastic movement. Parker, at the office.” She has a track record for HEARN goes for world domination as unveils meanwhile, is simply a tough brawler. In inept scoring. It may just boil down to a new signing and FURY DESERVED MORE my opinion, all three judges’ scorecards the fact that there are poor judges out a venture in a new I WATCHED the Joseph Parker-Hughie were disgraceful, and all three should be there and it does seem to be that the country. Fury fight live on YouTube, and although called to order. I feel sorry for Fury, but same judges’ names crop up when bad the picture was excellent, the sound thankfully he is young enough to come scorecards are produced. @HUGHIEFURY of the commentating was incredibly again. Simon Collins I’d like to thank jumbled and echoey – so much so that Stuart Greenberg, New Barnet everyone that supported me last Photo: ACTION IMAGES/HENRY BROWNE night & came to WE ASKED... watch me fight. I believe I won & I’ll be back. And I’ll be a ROUGH DEAL? world champ. Fans agree that WAS THE JOSEPH PARKER- the weekend’s HUGHIE FURY DECISION FAIR? doesn’t sound too cards were unkind downhearted despite FEARON GRACE him, and Fury just tried to counter losing a controversial Yes. Parker controlled the pace and him. decision to Joseph landed the heavier punches. Fury Parker in his WBO needed to follow his jab with hooks MARWOOD HARIMATE heavyweight title bid. and not run so much. I’m a Kiwi but at the end of the fight I was expecting Fury’s arm to @MILESSHINKWIN CHRIS JONES be raised. I was more relieved than Up at 6.30 with the Scores a bit wide but right result. celebrating. kids. No lay-in these Can’t take a champ’s belt by days. I’m back. running and jabbing surely? RICHARD MCGILL Light-heavyweight Parker won, but not by that margin. MILES SHINKWIN DAVID BOOTH has an early start the I think Fury won the fight. Parker morning after his York did all the work but never caught Hall comeback win.

6 l BOXING NEWS l SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 www.boxingnewsonline.net ON INSTAGRAM EMAIL POST boxingnewsonline [email protected] Boxing News Letters, 120 Leman St, , E1 8EU

10 COUNT HEAD-2-HEAD THE PANEL ANDRE WARD LAMOTTA MOMENTS VS JOE CALZAGHE Jake left many powerful memories, writes Daniel Herbert Who would win this clash of super super- HOW CAN SCORING BE IMPROVED? 1. EVER-DEFIANT ? “You never put me down, Ray!” LaMotta snarled in defiance when Sugar Ray Robinson stopped him in SCOTT ROBIN round 13 of the St Valentine’s Day Calzaghe had a Massacre in 1951. great engine and let his hands go 2. THE LATE SHOW with a high-octane Just 13 seconds of the 15th and final workrate, but Ward round remained when Jake, behind was more technically on all cards, knocked out Laurent sound and had the Dauthuille in September 1950. knack of sabotaging Mickey Paddy Anthony Tommy opponents’ Helliet Fitzpatrick Farnell Coyle 3. SHADY DEALINGS strengths through a Enterprising Top Former welter Ex-British 140lb A fourth-round defeat smothering defence promoter trainer contender title challenger by mediocre Billy Fox in November and fast counters. Boxing’s not like Everyone has their If it’s a really bad What gets scored 1947 was explained when Jake later Ward to frustrate testified he had thrown the fight in and outbox Calzaghe. football, judging own opinion. But decision, judges – aggression, order to secure a world title crack. will always be a judge should be must explain or counter- LLEWELLYN subjective. We able to sit down themselves. And punching? I like 4. CORONATION DAY BALLARD have to ensure with their peers after two strikes, the points scoring A shoulder injury incapacitated Calzaghe always judges are afterwards and they’re out! I system on the French idol Marcel Cerdan and the found a way to win independent explain why they know people see computer that “Raging Bull” became world champ. and adapted to and accountable, scored a round fights different fighting styles in and there have a certain way. If ways, but I think used to have. If 5. THE BIGGER THEY ARE… fights he was losing. to be serious your peers say to be a judge, a blow is landed, In September 1946, Jake produced He beat Kessler, his a stunning seventh-round KO of hardest challenge. penalties – such as you’re wrong, you you have to know it gets recorded Bob Satterfield, who would later be I just don’t see heavy fines – for should have to go boxing – be a fan, and you can argue world-ranked at heavyweight. Ward being quicker wrongdoing. If on a course. You really know the about it later on. than Joe and Ward people refuse to should be able to sport. 6. BEATING THE BEST EVER certainly isn’t known sign up for that, justify your score. On February 5, 1943 in Detroit, Jake for his power. don’t use them. managed what no one else could

between October 1940 and July CHRIS WEBB 1951: beat Sugar Ray Robinson in a Ward all day long match (pts 10). - far too tricky to HOW WILL ANDRE WARD BE REMEMBERED? pin down. Even 7. FINAL FIGHT Calzaghe’s speed When ordinary Billy Kilgore beat him wouldn’t give him an in Miami Beach in April 1954, it led advantage as Ward Mickey Paddy Anthony Tommy Jake to hang them up and pursue a would pick him off Helliet Fitzpatrick Farnell Coyle nightclub career in Florida. with timing. He was the peak As an all-time He’ll be He’ll be

of his generation, great. He’s very remembered remembered 8. CONTROVERSY REIGNS FINN DUDANIEC and beat everyone effective at what as a very good as an Olympic A March 1949 split decision win over Ward. He finds ways put in front of he does but he technical boxer by champion who France’s Robert Villemain was so to win. Too strong a controversial that the State wrestler. Smothers him. Skills-wise, doesn’t get the the fans, but not was a fantastic Athletic Commission discussed the and spoils. he was almost on credit, because in the same way as professional both result, but decided that without proof a par with Floyd to be great you a Joe Calzaghe or inside and outside of dishonesty it had to stand. DANIEL O STREEK Mayweather. But have to fight great a Naseem Hamed. the ring. He didn’t Ward’s a great unfortunately he fighters. We’ll have Ward has a great have the most 9. UNPOPULAR DECISION fighter but he had a style that to see what Ward’s jab and boxing exciting style, Jake’s first pro loss, a split 10-round fights in spots and wasn’t popular. I victims do in the brain, but he’s not but he was never verdict to Jimmy Reeves in Cleveland loves holding. Joe think not getting future. But I don’t exciting. He has beaten. in September 1941, saw fist fights outworks him. his TV deal think we’ve seen no charisma. break out at ringside and the fans Lara would school boo for 20 minutes. Cotto. Maybe a prime renewed made the last of him. Cotto would stand him retire. 10. BELOW THE BELT a chance, but right In his fourth fight against dirty Fitzie now I see it as 80-20 Zivic (January 1944), Jake fought in favour of Lara. fire with fire, losing two early rounds on low blows en route to a unanimous ‘SKILLS-WISE, WARD WAS ALMOST 10-round decision. ON A PAR WITH MAYWEATHER’

www.boxingnewsonline.net SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 l BOXING NEWS l 7 GOODBYE, JAKE

Photo: THE RAGING BULL Nigel Collins pays tribute to legendary middleweight king Jake LaMotta who passed away after a turbulent and controversial existence at the ripe old age of 95

8 l BOXING NEWS l SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 www.boxingnewsonline.net HERE’S a blurry His life outside the ring was as Ring’s Boxing Hall of Fame, 44 years after video that’s been turbulent as his fighting style. The son his last fight. The former middleweight popping up on the of an abusive father, LaMotta grew up champion and the first man to beat Internet for months poor, street smart and wild. Trouble Robinson had been denied the honour now, a bare-chested was inevitable. He spent time in a for so long because he’d thrown his 1947 T fight with mob-managed “Blackjack” old man throwing reformatory for youthful offenders but slow-motion didn’t reform. Billy Fox. punches in a dimly LaMotta abused women, including It was hypocritical to blackball lit room. It looks like he’s in a dream and his wives, and beat a man so severely LaMotta when other fighters who had perhaps he was, maybe dreaming of past during a robbery that he thought he’d been involved in fixed fights were glories, maybe trying to find out if he’s killed him, an event that haunted him already enshrined, including George still got it. for years. Guilt was the catalyst of his Dixon, Abe Attell and Kid McCoy. It Jake LaMotta died on September 19 intractable fighting style. Jake felt he did seemed that LaMotta’s real sin was at the age of 95 and shadow boxes no not deserve to live. admitting his transgression. He did more. He was one of the last remaining That version of the “Bronx Bull” was so in 1960 before a U.S. Senate sub- links to another time, a time when Joe just a memory when he strolled into committee investigating organised Louis was the heavyweight champ and The Ring magazine’s Manhattan editorial crime’s influence on boxing. One gets every man wore a hat. The old scoundrel office one summer day in 1985. He was the feeling that boxing’s establishment had outlived them all and now he’s wearing a striped polo shirt and a wry would have preferred he kept his mouth gone. smile. Except for a receding hairline and shut. In his fighting prime LaMotta was an a few extra pounds around the middle, Despite all the punches he’d taken in imposing presence. He had a chunky he looked pretty much the same as 106 professional bouts, LaMotta showed physique, accentuated by slabs of during his fighting days. A lived-in face no ill effects of his former occupation. muscle plastered across his hairy chest like Jake’s is something you don’t forget His answers during the wide-ranging and broad back. He wore a leopard- and his low rumbling growl of a voice interview that day were thoughtful, print robe into the ring and when the was instantly recognisable. candid and at times humorous. He had bell rang he went about his business LaMotta, who would celebrate his been eking out a living as a stand-up with reckless belligerence. Nobody had 64th birthday the following month, was comedian and couldn’t resist throwing in an easy time with LaMotta, not even in a good mood. He had just learned a little shtick when asked if he had any Sugar Ray Robinson. that he had finally been voted into The regrets. ➤

‘I’M VERY COMPATIBLE WITH MY PRESENT WIFE. AT NIGHT WHEN WE GO TO BED, WE BOTH GET HEADACHES AT THE THE SAME TIME’ WARRIOR: LaMotta’s last-ditch victory over Dauthuille [right] remains one of the greatest final-round victories in boxing history

THINGS ARE LOOKING UP: LaMotta [below right] is toasted by [from l-r] Rocky Graziano, Billy Graham and Carlos Ortiz upon the 1980 release of Raging Bull, his book that would later be RAGING made into a famous film of the same name BULL

www.boxingnewsonline.net SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 l BOXING NEWS l 9 LaMOTTA, 1922-2017

➤ “I would have never gotten married,” Ray so many times he was surprised There were many lean and unhappy he said, laughing. “No. No. I got he wasn’t diabetic is a classic, but there years after he was released. The bit parts something out of each marriage. Teresa, was nothing funny about their six-bout in movies and public appearances dried my present wife, we’re very compatible. series. Even though Jake only won the up. It got so bad that one Christmas Eve Every night when we go to bed, we both second fight, all six were hard fought he wandered the streets of New York get headaches at the same time.” and their fifth a split decision. A sixth with just 35 cents in his pocket, ashamed Getting married was one habit with the title on the line was a box-office to go home because he couldn’t afford LaMotta never kicked. When he died natural. gifts or a tree. due to complications from pneumonia, Robinson and LaMotta faced each Things took a positive turn in 1970 he was married to his seventh wife, other for the final time on February when his autobiography, Raging Bull: Denise Baker. 14, 1951, in front of a packed house My Story (ghosted by Joseph Carter LaMotta’s rise from poverty began at Chicago Stadium. The champ went and Peter Savage), was published by when he turned pro on March 3, 1941. after Robinson in his usual swarming, Prentice-Hall. The hard-hitting, tell-all By the time he fought Fox he’d already roughhouse manner, while Sugar Ray book was well received, and in 1980 was beaten Fritzie Zivic, Tony Janiro, Tommy backpedaled and countered. It was turned into a movie directed by Martin Bell, Holman Williams, Lloyd Marshall, “guile versus guts, head versus heart and Scorsese and starring Robert DeNiro as Bob Satterfield, Jose Besora and combinations versus courage,” wrote Jake. The juicy role earned DeNiro an Robinson. Nevertheless, his refusal to Sugar. Academy Award for Best Actor. cooperate with organised crime, which LaMotta was in the fight for the first The movie portrayed LaMotta warts had a stranglehold on much of boxing eight rounds, but Robinson started to and all, emphasising his volcanic temper at the time, was a problem he couldn’t pull ahead in the ninth. From then until outside of the ring, including roughing solve with a punch in the mouth. the bout was stopped in the 13th round, up Vikkie LaMotta (portrayed by Cathy “I was the uncrowned champion LaMotta took such a terrible beating Moriarty) who was his wife at the time for five years,” said LaMotta. “Nobody that the fight became known as the he won the title. wanted to give me a shot … but time St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, named “That was exaggerated,” said LaMotta. was running out. I was getting a little after the gangland murder of seven men “I was a jealous guy and I belted my too old. I wasn’t as good as I used to be. on the same date in 1929. wives a couple of times, but if I really I had to make a decision. Either I lose Jake was famously still on his feet belted them, they wouldn’t have been the Fox fight or I don’t get a chance for alive.” the title. They offered me $100,000. The movie put LaMotta back in the I turned them down. I didn’t need the ‘I WAS UNCROWNED spotlight. Sentiments about him, at money. All I wanted was a chance to least among boxing fans, had clearly fight for the title.” CHAMPION FOR FIVE mellowed. When he was introduced at Even after LaMotta allowed Fox to Madison Square Garden before Marvin stop him, it wasn’t until June 16, 1949 YEARS. NOBODY Hagler-Mustafa Hamsho in October that he got the promised title fight WANTED TO GIVE ME 1984, Jake received a tremendous against reigning champion Marcel ovation. Cerdan. The defining moment came A SHOT... BUT TIME “It made me feel good,” said LaMotta. in the first round when LaMotta, who “The reason for that is that the American was notorious for his uncompromising WAS RUNNING OUT’ people, and maybe the whole world, are fighting style, threw Cerdan to the for the underdog. They figured I was the canvas with what historian Bert Sugar when the fight was stopped, helpless but underdog.” called “as pretty a hip roll as ever seen in still on his feet. It was a badge of honour Shortly after the interview, The Ring a wrestling bout.” for LaMotta but just another night’s work held a luncheon in Manhattan where Cerdan injured his left shoulder for his legendary chin. LaMotta was officially inducted. He when he fell, making him virtually a LaMotta never fought for the title wrote about it in the final chapter of his one-handed fighter. The Frenchman again. His courageous stand in the final second book, Raging Bull II (ghosted by struggled on until the end of the ninth Robinson bout took everything out of Chris Anderson and Sharon McGehee). round but didn’t answer the bell for the him. He lost three of his next seven “And now, 36 years after I won the 10th. LaMotta had finally fought his way bouts and retired after Billy Kilgore title, I finally get inducted into The Ring to the top of the boxing world, but he’d outpointed him on April 14, 1954. As magazine’s Boxing Hall of Fame... I guess had to give the Mafia $20,000 to cement you might expect adjusting to life after it took a new, more forgiving generation the deal. The only money Jake made boxing was even tougher than fighting to recognise my accomplishments in the that night was what he won betting on Robinson. ring in spite of what I had to do to get himself. “I was a little like Dr Jeckyll and my rightful shot at the title. There was supposed to be rematch, Mr Hyde. When I was involved in the “I stood outside a small midtown but Cerdan died in a plane crash on boxing business I was one character. restaurant having a smoke before to way to New York from his home in When I went home to my kids I was I went inside to accept my plaque. It France. a different character,” LaMotta said. wasn’t exactly the Hall of Fame room at LaMotta made two successful “After my career was over, I still had two Madison Square Garden, but it was good defences in 1950, winning a 15-round characters and I had to get rid of one enough for me.” decision over Italian Tiberio Mitri and of them. I was frustrated. Before, I used The decision to give LaMotta his knocking out Laurent Dauthuille in the to take it out on my opponents. Then due wasn’t universally popular, but five waning moments of the 15th round. I started taking it out on my wives.” years later he was among the inaugural Behind on all three scorecards, LaMotta It was the beginning of a downward class of the newly opened International staged a furious last-gasp rally, knocking spiral that resulted in LaMotta serving six Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota. out the French challenger at the 2-47 months on a chain gang charge in 1958 For all the pain and misery it can mark. It was quintessential LaMotta and after being convicted of introducing men cause, boxing is one place where even the Fight of the Year. to an underage girl in a Miami nightclub a man like Jake LaMotta can find a LaMotta’s joke about fighting Sugar he owned. measure of redemption. bn

10 l BOXING NEWS l SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 www.boxingnewsonline.net UNFORGETTABLE: [clockwise] LaMotta and Robinson sign for their last battle; LaMotta, still crazy, in his final years; DeNiro as Jake in Raging Bull Photo: CHRIS O’MEARA/AP/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK

www.boxingnewsonline.net SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 l BOXING NEWS l 11 Highlighting the best of the week’s stories NEWS WWW.BOXINGNEWSONLINE.NET

Photo: SOUTHERN DAILY ECHO WHAT A MAN: Bishop is congratulated by the boys at his Southampton gym after getting his award from the BBBofC

‘HE ALWAYS SAID HE WAS JUST DOING HIS JOB. HE WAS SOME MAN’ JACK THE LAD Bishop will THE South Coast is in mourning shoe to fend McCarthy off. McCarthy He had a gym at Captain’s Place in be sorely following the death of promotional was cut and would not return to action, Southampton. stalwart Jack Bishop. which resulted in him losing via a third- He could be stubborn, he spoke his missed after Bishop, who was 94, was involved round stoppage. mind and was more than happy to share passing at in boxing for decades and rightly Bishop, who died on August 20, was home truths with his fighters. But he had recognised with awards in the local known in the area as “Mr Boxing” and as a good heart, too, and was extremely the age of 94, media for his lifetime of efforts. The the man who single-handedly ensured generous. writes British Boxing Board of Control had also the sport never fully departed the south He served as Bessey’s trainer, manager decorated him for his life’s work in 2009. coast over the past 30 years. and promoter for a time and Billy Tris Dixon Five years later, in 2014, he was named He was a fair man who had grown described Jack’s training methods as “old on the Queen’s Birthday Honour’s List weary of the graft it took to run small school.” and awarded with a British Empire hall shows. Yet it did not stop him trying “I just loved him,” said Bessey, “I Medal. to assemble platforms for his boys. wanted to do it [be a success] for him. Ever modest, he said when he One of the boxers he took from He was in the first ever division of the received the letter, “I thought it was a a novice to a decent pro level was SAS and he had some amazing stories. hoax. I had to look at it four times. I had Gosport’s Steve Ede. They would He’d been asked to write a book but he to sit down, have a cup of tea and then later split but Ede headlined at the always said he was just doing his job. He go back to it. I still couldn’t believe it.” Southampton Guildhall a few times for was some man.” He wished his mother had been alive to Bishop. Bessey plans to take over the gym and see it. “The thing I feel he needs recognition call it the Jack Bishop School of Boxing. Bishop first laced the gloves on at the for is most of the time he ran shows He hopes it will cater to fighters of all age of 10, boxing for the first time in at a loss and still always paid all of the levels, amateur, pro and white-collar. 1933. However, he joined the army and fighters, at times out of his own pocket,” “His name will live on,” Billy said. served in the marines in places such as Ede recalled. “He gave fighters who were Around 18 months ago Jack’s right- Holland, France, Belgium, Yugoslavia, never going to be world beaters, like hand man John Chapman died, aged North Africa and Palestine during World myself, a chance to fight locally and 81, and former British light-heavyweight War II. I believe his only motivation was to do champion Steve McCarthy passed away Jack, who was hard of hearing, right by his boxers.” just last month at the age of 54. was the promoter of the infamous As a trainer, Jack worked with the likes The funeral of Bishop, who died Southampton bill in 1989 when Steve of Colin Kenna, Billy Bessey, McCarthy in his sleep at his home in Fareham, McCarthy, one of his two British (and brother Paul), Gary Cooper (his Hampshire, was held on Tuesday champions, was matched with Tony other British champion – at light- September 12. Wilson. Extraordinarily, Wilson’s mother middleweight, as it was known then), Four children, five grandchildren and entered the ring wielding a high-healed Ede and Sammy Couzens. five great-grandchildren survive him.

12 l BOXING NEWS l SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 www.boxingnewsonline.net RIGO’S ‘BIG, BIG MISTAKE’

Gary Hyde tells has been be happening. This is a big, big mistake. because he was too big and that’s why told he’s making “a big, big mistake” by He can give Lomachenko problems, but I’m saying the fight shouldn’t happen. Matt Bozeat agreeing to fight he’s giving away too much. Rigo is giving “If Lomachenko is that good, why why he in what appears a dream match. away weight and years to a fighter who’s doesn’t he jump up to fight Terence wouldn’t have Promoter Bob Arum announced the very, very special – and much bigger as Crawford? Because Crawford’s too big, pound-for-pound southpaw slicksters well. that’s why, and that’s why Rigo shouldn’t let Rigondeaux will meet at Madison Square Garden “Rigo can get down to 118lbs and all jump up to fight Lomachenko. anywhere near on Saturday December 9. the time I managed him, “They will be talking Lomachenko Rigondeaux is jumping up two I never knew him go about Rigo for 100 years divisions – from super-bantamweight above 128lbs. ‘I THINK RIGO and I don’t want him to super-featherweight – to challenge “If Lomachenko was to risk his legacy. He’s Lomachenko for his WBO belt in a clash being sporting, he would IS PANICKING putting his legacy on of former double Olympic champions say: ‘Let’s meet at 126lbs.’ the line for money. I’m and according to former manager Gary “People are saying BECAUSE HE hearing he’s getting paid Hyde, it’s a bad idea. it’s a great, great fight $1m and I think he’s The list of fighters who have jumped and it is – if you support KNOWS HE panicking because he up two weights to win world titles is a Lomachenko. Rigo HASN’T GOT knows he hasn’t got long short one – Henry Armstrong, Roberto should not fight him. left. Duran, Roy Jones Jnr, and “Rigo has beaten so LONG LEFT’ “He wants a big fight WATCH YOURSELF: Rigondeaux is biting Adrien Broner are on it – and Hyde many Bob Arum fighters and fighters like Leo off more than he can says the jump is too big for 37-year-old – and I think he wants his scalp. Santa Cruz, Carl Frampton and Scott chew, fears his Rigondeaux. “I remember Bob Arum telling me: Quigg have all gone up to 126lbs. former manager The Cork businessman took ‘Nobody will ever beat Rigo’ – and now “But this isn’t like fighting Nonito Photo: ACTION IMAGES/ Rigondeaux to the WBA and WBO he’s found someone who has a chance – Donaire, who was a hype job. PETER CZIBORRA super-bantamweight titles before they but he’s two weight divisions bigger. Lomachenko is one of the very, very best split a couple of years ago and said: “If “If, God forbid, Lomachenko beats out there. I was still ‘Rigo’s’ manager, this wouldn’t Rigo easily, people will be saying it’s “This is wrong.” INVASION! Matchroom sign middleweight contender Daniel Jacobs to signal big plans in the USA

SUNDAY September 24 was a big day for promotional announcements. A few hours before Carl Frampton revealed he had signed with Frank Warren [see page 5], Matchroom and announced they now have American star Daniel Jacobs on their books, and are planning several shows on American soil in the coming 12 months. “This is a new beginning for my career,” said Jacobs. Hearn will operate as Jacobs’ sole promoter as the middleweight hopes to secure another shot at Gennady Golovkin, who he narrowly lost to in March. Boxing News understands their first assignment is being lined up for November 11 at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. “This signing marks the first of many in the US market as we look forward to building on our success in the UK,” said Hearn.

www.boxingnewsonline.net SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 l BOXING NEWS l 13 Reports from the best fights ACTION around the world ★★★★★ OUTSTANDING ★★★★ GOOD ★★★ FAIR ★★ DISAPPOINTING ★ RUBBISH

Reporters’ star ratings for main events and undercards are based on in-ring entertainment, competitiveness and whether overall expectation was met

Photos: ACTION IMAGES/ANDREW COULDRIDGE

HUNTER v HUNTED: Parker [left] tries to pin down Fury

THERE FOR THE TAKING

O you prefer your At least Joseph Parker’s victory over Fury doesn’t do enough to to be Hughie Fury, which meant the New beat the beatable Parker, on their bike for 12 Zealander hung on to his WBO title, rounds, flicking out came with a side of comic relief. but the decision leaves D ineffectual jabs? Or Mick Hennessy’s assertion that Fury’s Hennessy spitting mad do you prefer your performance had “shades of Ali” proved heavyweights to a big hit on social media. Ali G? Ali Ben come forward like cavemen, swinging Osman, the cabby from EastEnders? Dirs and mostly missing? Granted, it’s not The cricketer Moeen? Pretty MANCHESTER RINGSIDE much of a choice. much any Ali but the great Muhammad. SEPTEMBER 23 After this show at the Manchester Hennessy inadvertently hit upon why Arena, that glorious spring night at his comparison was so absurd when he ★★ MAIN EVENT , when referred to Fury “touching Parker with his ★★★ UNDERCARD and Wladimir Klitschko breathed great jab”. The peak Ali combined perpetual backwards motion with blinding hand- ★★ ATMOSPHERE lungfuls of hope into the heavyweight division, seemed already of another era. speed, spiteful combinations and genuine

14 l BOXING NEWS l SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 www.boxingnewsonline.net knockout power. Cleveland Williams FUTURE ECHOES? didn’t look like he had been “touched”, At times, Fury while he lay flat on his back in Houston. [above, right] looks Neither did Zora Folley, while he lay like a champion in flat on his face in New York. Neither the making as he bewitches Parker did Ernie Terrell, while he recovered in a hospital bed, after a savage 15-round NOT HAPPY: beating. Tyson [left] cannot That Hennessy should invite such believe his ears as the decision goes ridicule was unfair on Fury. There is much against his cousin to be admired about a heavyweight who moves so gracefully, while being stalked by a 245lb man. Unfortunately for Fury, the sight of a heavyweight slipping and sliding and doing not much else begins to lose its appeal after a few rounds, especially when most of the jabs the Manchester fighter’s promoter were so enamoured with were actually landing short of the target. There is no doubt that Fury made Parker look decidedly more chances down the or the man who landed ordinary at times. Despite a 17-month stretch? THE with not a lot on the sabbatical, the home fighter looked sharp The challenger soaked front foot. Certainly, the and elusive in the early stages, landing up another couple of SCORECARD scorecard that read 114- with a clever right-hand counter in the humdingers in round 114 (from Rocky Young) second before repeating the dose in the 12, and after the final THAT READ seemed most realistic. third. There followed a left uppercut bell sounded, it was But that two of the judges in the fourth, before a clash of heads difficult to know whether 114 -114 (john Madfis and Terry opened a cut over Fury’s right eye. the unabandoned SEEMED MOST O’Connor) had the Kiwi Parker began to close the distance in celebrations of Fury’s prevailing 118-110 was the fifth and found the target with two team were justified or REALISTIC surely not, as Hennessy clubbing overhand rights in rounds six merely the result of claimed, “corruption at and seven, as Fury began to tire. A Parker wishful thinking. There were journalists the highest level”, but simply a question left hook, followed by another right, ringside who thought Fury was the victor, of interpretation. had the challenger holding on in round others who had Parker nicking it, others Some will wonder how , nine, by which stage it was beginning who had Parker winning it comfortably. Hughie’s cousin, managed to swing a to make for frustrating viewing for the For the record, this journalist awarded it decision against Wladimir Klitschko in Fury faithful: having proved he had 116-112 to Parker. Essentially, the judges Germany, having not thrown much either. the requisite whiskers to take a solid had a choice: vote for the man who But there was an obvious difference: Parker shot, why wasn’t Fury taking landed with not a lot on the back foot, Klitschko barely threw anything in ➤

www.boxingnewsonline.net SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 l BOXING NEWS l 15 ACTION

ON THE ATTACK: But Murray [left] ➤ Dusseldorf, which allowed Tyson to looks lucky to artfully snatch round after round. True, get the verdict Parker’s work lacked quality, but at over Fagan least he gave it some grunt. The muted reaction of the crowd following the Marcus McDonnell-officiated contest spoke volumes. There was no chucking of bottles or swinging of chairs around heads, just an air of disappointment that their man hadn’t done enough. Fury, only 23, will come again, not least because there is not much else about. Hopefully, next time he will be fully match fit and more willing to engage, because he now knows he’s got the chops and talent with which to mix it. As for the heavyweight division, Joshua’s ding-dong, throwback victory over Klitschko now feels more like one last gasp than a new dawn. Parker has been exposed as one-dimensional, Klitschko has retired and Tyson Fury in 2015, should now get a second shot Broadhurst, a former standout has been inactive for almost two years, FULL at the Lonsdale Belt, against the winner amateur and British title challenger at and doesn’t look like returning any time RESULTS of next month’s fight between Robbie super-, now has 19 wins and soon. Which pretty much leaves Joshua, Barrett, the champion from Yorkshire, four defeats from 24 professional fights. who defends his WBA and IBF titles Joseph Parker and Newcastle’s Lewis Ritson. ’s Wale, 29, improves to 25 wins, against Bulgaria’s in (245lbs), 24-0 (18), Fight of the night was for the British nine defeats and two draws. Manchester’s next month, and , who w pts 12 Hughie Fury bantamweight title, with champion Josh Jimmy Kelly made it seven straight wins (234lbs), 20-1 (10); and challenger defends his WBC title against Cuba’s Luis (117lbs), Wale Don Broadhurst since losing a WBO title shot against Ortiz in New York in November. What 25-9-2 (12), w ko engaging in an absorbing battle of in 2015, stopping Bulgaria’s Williams, Folley and Terrell would have 11 Don Broadhurst styles. The fight Stiliyan Kostov given to be around today. (118lbs), 19-4-1 settled into a with one second Chief support was an eliminator for (4); Jimmy Kelly pattern in the remaining in the the British lightweight title, between (154lbs), 23-1 (9), opening round, the fourth round. Manchester’s Joe Murray and stable- w rsf 4 Stiliyan Kostov tricky Broadhurst Kostov took a mate Matty Fagan. It was a contest (153lbs), 21-8 (16); displaying superior knee after a left to most memorable for Murray’s ring Joe Murray (137lbs), movement and the body in round 22-2 (9), w pts 10 punch variety, entrance – the 30-year-old came in Matty Fagan (136lbs), one, after which to Cotton-Eyed Joe, wearing patched 11-3; Peter McDonagh and the rugged it was one-way dungarees and a straw hat, but mercifully (154lbs), 28-28-1 Wale applying traffic. By round without an ear of corn in the corner of (3), w pts 10 Shayne constant pressure three, Kostov was his mouth – and another contentious Singleton (153lbs), and always looking preoccupied with decision. 23-3-1 (8); Lyndon to land with his shielding his left Fagan, 29, dropped Murray with a Arthur (168lbs), 8-0 overhand right. Just ear rather than straight right in round two, after which (7), w rsf 1 Josef when it seemed throwing anything, the Ellesmere Port man looked the Obslo (182lbs), 7-40- Wale’s strength was and after a right 3 (4); Yusuf Safa more effective fighter. But despite that (132lbs), 7-0 (4), beginning to tip the to the body and knockdown and being deducted a point w pts 6 Simas scales, Broadhurst another knee, for pushing Fagan’s head down in round Volosinas (132lbs), would come back referee Terry eight, Murray was awarded the decision 7-66 (1); Lee Carter with a snappy McDONAGH IS NOW O’Connor called 96-93 by referee Lee Cook. (266lbs), 1-2, w pts combination. it off. Murray improves to 22 wins and two 4 Blaise Mendouo Unfortunately for UNBEATEN A grim battle losses, while Fagan now has 11 wins and (210lbs), 3-6; Mickey the Birmingham SINCE 2013 of attrition three losses. Murray, who was stopped Ellison (172lbs), 4-1 fighter, his punches between Ireland’s by Liam Walsh when challenging for (1), w rtd 2 Andy didn’t have enough pop on them to Peter McDonagh [inset, on left] and Neylon (181lbs), do much damage, and eventually the the British super-featherweight crown 2-22-1 (1); Jack Lancashire’s Shayne Singleton ended Cullen (159lbs), 7-0 champion’s relentlessness began to tell. with a points victory for the former. CHAMP: (1), w rsf 2 Callum Ide Broadhurst, 33, looked unsteady on Neither man had the power to finish Wale (170lbs), 0-5-1; Ryan his feet in round seven and was shipping things early, although McDonagh did displays his Farrag (127lbs), more and more blows as the fight stiffen his rival with a couple of big right Lonsdale 17-3 (4), w pts 4 Belt after a entered the championship rounds. In hands in the 10th and final round. Jose Aguilar dramatic round 11, Broadhurst’s legs almost went Referee John Latham awarded the fight victory (124lbs), 16-39-4 from beneath him as he swivelled out of to McDonagh 96-94. The gifted Galway (6); Alex Dickinson a clinch, before Wale flattened him with man, unbeaten since 2013, now has 28 (228lbs), 2-0 (2), a right, straight down the pipe. w rsf 3 Mladen Manev victories to go with his misleading 28 (212lbs), 1-5 (1). Broadhurst attempted to clamber to defeats (and one draw). bn his feet, but fell back down and was counted out by Phil Edwards. After a few THE VERDICT Fury’s efforts minutes’ medical attention, he left the underplayed by the 118-110 cards, ring unaided. but he just didn’t do enough.

16 l BOXING NEWS l SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 www.boxingnewsonline.net ACTION

BEWARE OF ‘THE JACKAL’

could not finish him. They would have dropped and badly hurt him. It did As the threat TUCSON, AZ periodic exchanges for the rest of the not look like the long and lanky Hart of Frampton SEPTEMBER 22 fight, especially a torrid one to close out could last much longer, but he showed looms large, the contest, but the second half followed extraordinary determination, absorbing Valdez ★★★★ MAIN EVENT a similar pattern of Servania moving punishment to the head and body as ★★★★ UNDERCARD forward and Valdez working off the jab the rounds passed. Hart was even firing outslugs on the outside. back, but the Mexican’s sturdy chin held Servania, won as expected, Considering that Servania’s stoppage up under the force of some tremendous retaining his WBO featherweight crown ratio is just 40 per cent, it sets off red blows. Ramirez was relentless and wanted writes by over Genesis flags about Valdez’s durability. Valdez, to hold on to his title as much as Hart Jack Hirsch Servania in front of a crowd of a little who resides in Nogales in Mexico but wanted to win it. more than 4,000 people at the Tucson grew up in the Tucson area, deservedly By the last two rounds it was apparent Convention Center. With that out of the won, but the scores of judges Dennis that Hart needed a knockout to win. To way, the buzz then centred around his O’ Connell (116-110), Levi Martinez his credit he stayed in the pocket with next defence, a proposed showdown (119-111) and Rubin Taylor (117-109) Ramirez and even got the better of things, with Carl Frampton. If we are to carefully were a bit on the wide side. Wes Melton landing some powerful uppercuts. Judges dissect Valdez’s performance against refereed. Chris Flores and Lynn Carter came in at Servania and use it as a guide to how he It was not the storybook ending he 115-112, Glenn Feldman 114-113, all for would fare against “The Jackal”, then there hoped for, but ’s Jesse Hart the champion. Close scores, but Ramirez is a good chance the title will change could leave the ring with his head held was the clear winner. Mike Ortega hands if they do meet. But that is an high after coming up short in a bid to refereed. argument for another day. lift Gilberto Ramirez’s WBO super- There will be more nights like this for Up until the last minute of the fourth, middleweight belt. , who is too valuable of it seemed that the champion would Jesse was not only fighting for himself, a commodity to be rushed. The Belfast cruise to victory, having had little trouble but for his dad Eugene “Cyclone” Hart bomber won his fourth pro fight – all outboxing his much slower opponent. as well. Cyclone was a middleweight of which have come inside the distance However, he got careless while pulling contender in the 1970s but could not – stopping Kalispell, Montana’s Kenny away and was dropped by a right. Valdez get to the mountain top. He said that a Guzman at 2-59 of the second round of seemed more shocked than shaken, victory by his son would erase the stigma a scheduled six. but before the bell rang the challenger of never having won a world strap. The Unlike for Conlan, boxing is no more BREADBASKET: from the Philippines scored heavily with elder Hart was in his son’s corner, adding than a hobby for Guzman, who works as Valdez lands a left hook to another right. to the drama. a carpenter by day. Still, he is reasonably Servania’s body The minute’s rest revived Valdez. Late Hart boxed well in the opening round, capable, just not in Conlan’s league. Photo: MIKEY WILLIAMS/ in the following round he sensationally but then disaster nearly struck in the Conlan had no respect for his power TOP RANK floored Servania with a left hook, but second when a two-punch combination and admitted afterwards he fought sloppily. Conlan got tagged a couple of times when Guzman wisely countered his rushes. Conlan, though, looked like he was in superb condition and that it would just be a matter of time. That happened late in the second when Conlan landed a big right that dropped Guzman heavily on his back. He was up at the count of ‘eight’ and bleeding heavily from the mouth when referee Melton stopped it.

THE VERDICT Valdez wins a thriller, but he’s far from faultless.

FULL RESULTS Gilberto Ramirez (167 3/4lbs), 36-0 (24), w pts 12 Jesse Hart (167 3/4lbs), 23-0 (18); Oscar Valdez (125 3/4lbs), 23-0 (19), w pts 12 (125 1/2lbs), 29-1 (12); Michael Conlan (126 1/2lbs), w rsf 2 Kenny Guzman (125lbs), 3-1 (1); Lenny Zappavigna (147lbs), 35-4 (25), w rsf 3 Fidel Monterroza (145 1/2lbs), 38-14-1 (30); Fazliddin Gaibnazarov (138 1/4lbs), w pts 8 Victor Rosas (137lbs), 9-7 (3); Mikaela Mayer (131 3/4lbs), 2-0 (2), w rsf 3 Allison Martinez (131 3/4lbs), 1-3 (1); Egis Kavaliauskas (146 1/2lbs), 18-0 (15), w rsf 7 Mahonri Montes (146 1/2lbs), 32-7-1 (21); Robson Conceicao (129 3/4lbs), 5-0 (4), w rsf 3 Carlos Osario (129 1/2lbs), 13-8-1 (5).

www.boxingnewsonline.net SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 l BOXING NEWS l 17

ACTION

Photo: JAYNE KAMIN-ONCEA/USA TODAY SPORTS

LIP-TREMBLER: Linares’ features wobble from a stiff Campbell right

SO FAR, SO CLOSE rallied to win and even dominate the The first of those was round two. Campbell INGLEWOOD, CA middle rounds, but saw his opponent Having opened the contest well, taking falls just SEPTEMBER 23 surge in the final quarter of the contest the opening frame by working behind his short and deny him victory via long southpaw jab and ★★★★ MAIN EVENT split decision. controlling the center of against ★★★ UNDERCARD Although Victor ‘I STARTED the ring, he encountered Loughlin adjudged a more aggressive Linares ★★★ Linares ATMOSPHERE Campbell the winner TO BOX HIM in the second. Even then, by 115-113, he was he was holding his own UTSIDE of their overruled by Max DeLuca A LITTLE against the veteran – now shared profession, and Zac Young, who saw BECAUSE I living in London, but there is very the bout as a Linares win hailing from Barinas, little about Luke by 114-113 and 115-112 DIDN’T WANT Venezuela – despite O Campbell to remind respectively, and theirs shipping a couple of you of Gennady was a viewpoint that TO GET HURT’ solid hooks over his jab, Golovkin. But on broadly reflected the until suddenly Linares Saturday night in California, the Hull ringside consensus. Campbell had come pounced forward behind a lightning fast fighter’s challenge of WBA lightweight far to make his first world title challenge, three-punch combination, punctuated by titlist Jorge Linares followed much and he had come close to making that a right hand that dropped Campbell to Kieran the same narrative arc as the Kazakh’s challenge a successful one; but in the his haunches. Mulvaney controversial draw with Canelo Alvarez end, he fell just short, with two of the 12 The Englishman was comfortably able RINGSIDE one week previously: he fell behind early, rounds pivotal in his doing so. to beat the count of referee Jack Reiss,

18 l BOXING NEWS l SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 www.boxingnewsonline.net ACTION

but he revealed afterward that, from and Campbell served up a fascinating, he clearly had the momentum. that point on, he experienced double fast-paced serving of feinting, moving, By the end of the eighth, however, vision in the ring. And when he rose, he punching and counter-punching, each Linares appeared to be once more did so with a cut under his right eye and man trying to lure the other into a trap finding his range, stepping back slightly a swelling cheek. He looked somewhat and then strike. It is a measure of the to tempt Campbell forward and then the worse for wear, and it was easy to closeness of the contest that, according cracking him with a counter hook. envisage a scenario in which the amateur to CompuBox statistics, Campbell landed Campbell wrested back control in the standout would find himself outclassed precisely one more punch than Linares ninth, but then Linares began his surge, by a man who held and lost world over the full 12 rounds (while throwing concluding the 10th by landing three titles at two weights before Campbell more and landing at a lower percentage.) right hands in quick succession and then had secured Olympic gold. It is to his Campbell lost the third round as well a fourth right at the bell. Campbell’s quiet considerable credit that he did not fold as the second, but by the end of that 11th left the two men with everything and even imposed himself on the contest frame, he was starting to establish his to fight for in the 12th, and the two as the rounds unfolded. range, and in the fourth and especially exchanged combinations early on, but it But if he looks back at the tape to see the fifth, his hard jabs kept Linares at was Linares who was in the groove now, where it all went wrong, he might also distance, preventing him from stepping in firing fast combos much as he had done dwell on the second pivotal round, which close enough to fire his fast combinations earlier, landing a terrific hook near the

was the 11th. By then, Campbell had and keeping him end and bouncing on GRUELLING SCRAP: turned a deficit in points and a seeming in position for his toes in confidence Campbell eats a left deficit in ability into a lead; but Linares Campbell’s power as the bell ended. on the inside as he chases Linares down had rallied in round 10, and Campbell shots. Campbell “He’s a tough Photos: TOM HOGAN/ needed to prevent the Venezuelan from invested heavily to opponent,” Linares HOGAN PHOTOS/ building momentum. He did not; in the Linares body, [left] conceded after GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS fact, he was oddly quiescent, allowing and by the sixth was the scores were Linares to steal that frame and gather showing excellent announced. “People a head of steam entering the closing footwork, repeatedly said he would be three minutes. Avoid the knockdown cracking Linares easy, but he’s an and fight with greater energy and desire with a lead hook Olympic champion. in the 11th, and Campbell might well and sliding laterally In the fifth round, now have a world title to go with his out of range. He I started to box him a multiple amateur baubles. Instead, he is was clearly planning little because I didn’t left to rue a second pro defeat. Such thin several moves ahead: want to get hurt. But lines separate success from failure at the in the sixth, he fired his jab just above from round 10, I wanted to let the dogs highest levels. Linares’ head, causing the Venezuelan to out, and that’s what I did.” Between those two rounds, this was slip under it and walk into an uppercut. “No one can ever doubt my heart,” a contest of sublime skill on the part of In the seventh, Campbell was putting said a defiant Campbell. “I got off to a both men. Put two counterpunchers together solid combinations, many of rocky start, but I don’t think he landed in the ring together and the result can them keying off that lead southpaw clean with anything. I think I outclassed be a stultifying bore; instead, Linares hook, and by the end of that round, him.” ➤

www.boxingnewsonline.net SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 l BOXING NEWS l 19 ACTION

Photos: TOM HOGAN/HOGAN PHOTOS/GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS Rousey, among others. Frias put forth a determined effort, but Hovhanissyan’s only real trouble in the bout came as a result of an accidental ninth round headbutt, which opened a nasty, blood- streaming cut over his left eye. After 10 rounds, scores were 100-90 from and Zac Young, and 98-92 from Don Griffin. Referee was Tom Taylor. Super-featherweight Abraham Lopez bounced back from his first career loss in May by stopping Isao Carranza, wobbling him in the second and getting the better of a a fusillade of furious exchanges in a frenetic contest until Carranza opted to remain his corner after the fourth round. Romero Duno cut Mexican Juan Pablo Sanchez over the eye and outpointed him over eight. All three judges scored 78-74 for the Filipino. In the opening bout, Los Angeles’ Rafael Gramajo scored a unanimous decision (59-56, two of 58-56) over Pedro Melo, of Mexico. bn

THE VERDICT Campbell falls short, but he’ll be back for more.

FAMILIAR MENACE: ➤ There were only four fights on little, but he continued to stalk Frias FULL RESULTS the undercard, the most entertaining Hovhannisyan relentlessly, generally eschewing the jab [right] brings a of which saw Los Angeles-based vintage Darchinyan and using single power punches to set Jorge Linares (134.2lbs), 43-3 (27), w pts 12 Armenian Azat Hovhannisyan score to mind up his combinations. If his hands-down/ Luke Campbell (134.8lbs), 17-2 (14); Romero a unanimous decision win over Sergio slipping punches/pivoting rapidly to Duno (134lbs), 15-1 (13), w pts 8 Juan Sanchez Frias of Guadalajara, Mexico in a super a new position/smirking repeatedly at (133.6lbs), 29-14 (14); Azat Hovhannisyan (122lbs), 13-2 (10), w pts 10 Sergio Frias his opponent style brought to mind his bantamweight contest. Hovhanissyan (120.6lbs), 19-8-2 (10); Abraham Lopez started the contest relentlessly countryman Vic Darchinyan, that isn’t (127.8lbs), 23-1-1 (16), w rtd 4 Isao Carranza pressuring Frias, who sought to return surprising, as he trains out of the same (126.8lbs), 15-10-1 (9); Rafael Gramajo fire off the ropes; as the pace slowed, Glendale Boxing Club as Darchinyan – (120.8lbs), 9-1-1 (2), w pts 6 Pedro Melo Hovhannisyan’s output dropped a as well as former MMA champ Ronda (121.2lbs), 17-16-2 (8).

SHOW-STARTER: Gramajo socks Melo with his right hand

20 l BOXING NEWS l SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 www.boxingnewsonline.net ACTION

knockdown in the opening round with a HEAVY HANDS: right hand, and went on to outscore Yate’s Camacho ploughs brave Harvey Hemsley 40-35 on Mr into Jervier during McCann’s card. a tight encounter Bushey’s Miles Shinkwin dominated Photo: PHILIP SHARKEY Croatia’s durable Josip Perkovic, earning a 59-55 victory. Shinkwin applied constant pressure, digging in hooks to the body. Perkovic came back with heavy counters, but this wasn’t enough to unsettle Miles, despite his face being heavily marked up. The highlight of the undercard saw Luton’s Linus Udofia overcome Brixton’s Ashley Bailey Dumetz with an impressive fifth-round stoppage. A devastating right hand sent Dumetz to the canvas, where he was halted at 1-08 by Mr Coakley. Finchley’s Ollie Pattison outpointed Bulgaria’s tough Tayar Mehmed 58-57 in Mr McCann’s view, while Newham’s Ryan Walker vanquished Croatia’s Antonio Horvatic with a 39-37 win for Mr John Lewis. Oli Edwards of Sheerness outpointed Trowbridge’s tough Dan Blackwell, winning 40-36 on Mr John Lewis’ WIN FOR WADI scorecard. Hayes’ Ricky Heavens also registered a 40-36 success, against In a final eliminator for Camacho’s Newton Abbot’s Jack Green. Camacho BETHNAL GREEN title, Titchfield’s Danny Couzens Enfield’s Tunji Ogunniya scored a retains his SEPTEMBER 23 inflicted Spiros Demetriou’s first dominant 40-36 victory over Islington’s title and his defeat, outpointing him 98-91 on referee Jordan Grannum (Mr John Lewis), while place in the ★★★ MAIN EVENT McCann’s scorecard. Edmonton’s Spiros Peterborough’s Sam Barron claimed ★★★ UNDERCARD had success in the early rounds with his the same shutout score against ’s domestic right hand, when he came in low under Michal Clach. ★★★★ ATMOSPHERE rankings the guard of the bigger man. Couzens took his time to get going, but when THE VERDICT Camacho keeps his CANNING TOWN southpaw Wadi he did he put his shots together well. Southern Area strap, but Kiwitt Camacho retained his Southern Area Couzens had Demetriou down in the loses his. title with a close points sixth with a flush counter right hand, win (97-95) over Willesden’s tough Ossie and Spiros did well to see the fight out, FULL RESULTS Jervier on a stacked 18-fight card at York despite being hurt and exhausted. Hall. Richmond’s Chris Davies secured Wadi Camacho (200lbs), 18-7 (11), w pts 10 Ossie The pair were cautious in the early a controlled 40-36 decision over Jervier (197lbs), 4-4 (4); Louis Greene (146lbs), rounds. Camacho kept the fight long Middleton’s Curtis Gargano from referee 8-0 (4), w pts 10 Freddy Kiwitt (147lbs), 12-2 Brooke behind a stiff jab and stayed on the Chas Coakley, while the same official (7); Chris Davies (172lbs), 6-0, w pts 4 Curtis Gargano (184lbs), 0-42-1; Mitchell Preedy Streatfield outside where he was most effective. also awarded Hayes southpaw Mitchell (163lbs), 2-0, w pts 4 Iain Jackson (168lbs), RINGSIDE Jervier had success up close in the middle Preedy a 39-37 victory against awkward 5-36-2 (2); Ramez Mahmood (127lbs), 4-0 (2), stages, where he worked short hooks to Brightonian Iain Jackson. w rsf 3 Stefan Sashov (123lbs), 3-14 (3); Daniel the body, while his right hand connected Ilford’s Ramez Mahmood stopped Mendes (189lbs), 5-1 (1), w pts 6 Jan Hrazdira well over the top. Camacho let his left Bulgaria’s Stefan Sashov at 2-32 of (199lbs), 2-7 (1); Ollie Pattison (179lbs), 7-0, hand go more late on to secure the the third round after sending him to w pts 6 Tayar Mehmed (183lbs), 6-27-2 (1); verdict. the canvas three times with body shots Ryan Walker (132lbs), 4-0, w pts 4 Antonio Strood’s Louis Greene dug deep in (Mr McCann officiated). Meanwhile, slick Horvatic (133lbs), 10-41 (5); Charlie Beardon an exciting toe-to-toe slugfest and beat Silvertown southpaw Daniel Mendes (158lbs), 3-0, w pts 4 Kevin McCauley (159lbs), 13-152-11; Paul Greenidge (162lbs), 1-0, w pts Islington’s Freddy Kiwitt to become outpointed Czech Jan Hrazdira 60-54 4 Borislav Zankov (168lbs), 7-18-1 (1); Liam the new Southern Area on Ian John Lewis’ slate. Dillon (137lbs), 3-0, w pts 4 Harvey Hemsley champion. Kiwitt took control of the Finchley’s forceful Charlie Beardon (136lbs), 4-36-1 (2); Ricky Heavens (153lbs), fight early on by boxing off the back showed his class to outpoint Stourbridge’s 3-0-1, w pts 4 Jack Green (150lbs), 0-15; Linus foot. Greene found his rhythm more in tricky Kevin McCauley 40-37 for Mr Udofia (162lbs), 6-0 (3), w rsf 5 Ashley Bailey the sixth round and applied measured Coakley, and Abbots Langley man Paul Dumetz (161lbs), 2-3; Tunji Ogunniya (154lbs), pressure. In the eighth, the contest caught Greenidge made an impressive entrance 2-0 (1), w pts 4 Jordan Grannum (154lbs), 2-7-0; fire and the noise levels upped. The duo in the pro ranks with a 40-37 win against Miles Shinkwin (182lbs), 14-2 (7), w pts 6 Josip threw bombs in the final frames, with Bulgaria’s Borislav Zankov. Greenidge Perkovic (184lbs), 4-3-1 (2); Danny Couzens (197lbs), 10-10-2 (2), w pts 10 Spiros Demetriou Greene looking the more impressive as displayed great footwork and created (197lbs), 7-1 (2); Oli Edwards (166lbs), 6-0 (2), he switched hooks from head to body. good angles to get the nod from Mr w pts 4 Dan Blackwell (166lbs), 7-68 (1); Sam Referee Kieran McCann scored the Coakley. Barron (184lbs), 5-1 (3), w pts 4 Michal Ciach contest 97-95 in favour of Greene. Chingford’s Liam Dillon forced a (180lbs), 1-1 (1).

www.boxingnewsonline.net SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 l BOXING NEWS l 21 ACTION

COMMONWEALTH CRACKER Photo: MARK PAGE Will Hale CINDERELLA MAN: RINGSIDE The terrific turnaround in Lane’s career is underlined SWINDON with victory over Ramabeletsa [right] SEPTEMBER 23

★★★★ MAIN EVENT ★★★ UNDERCARD ★★★ ATMOSPHERE

BRISTOL’S captured the vacant Commonwealth super- bantamweight strap at the PlayFootball Arena, sealing a unanimous decision over Preston-based South African Michael Ramabeletsa. Judges Dave Parris, John Keane and Jeff Hinds all tallied in Lane’s favour, with cards of 117-112, 116-112 and 116-113 respectively. It was a very hard fight to score indeed, and you could have easily made a claim for either man taking eight of the 12 rounds. Lane made the more assertive start as he pressured Ramabeletsa and held centre ring over the first two stanzas. But while Ashley came forward and hunted the body, Michael’s calm counters were starting to erode Lane’s facial features. Both fighters showed the will and skill worthy of a Commonwealth title affair. Ashley was effective with the jab as he stayed on the front foot, but Ramabeletsa, who holds a 2012 six-round win over Lane outpoints lightweight king Akeem Ennis Brown drawn into the type of slugfest which his Lane, met fire with fire as the contest took a while to find his rhythm, but fiery opponent relishes. Tim wisely tried bubbled-up over the middle rounds. At Ramabeletsa ultimately overcame a spirited challenge to take the sting out of Mooney’s venom the midway point, I had Michael three in a quality by Birmingham’s Chris Truman. The tall in the third when he found a home for points down, but he seemed to be the affair to claim Ennis Brown was seemingly looking for some lovely right uppercuts to the body. fresher of the pair, despite bleeding from an early night in the first as he neglected Michael’s frustration was visible as he the nose. the crown his defence and let his hands go. Initially, time-and-again tried to close the gap, but Ramabeletsa turned the hunter more it appeared like the task might have been Cutler was again a step ahead. frequently in the seventh and eighth, beyond Truman, but he deserved credit Bristolian Aaron Sutton bested Brierly as he was looking to draw the lead and for not folding over the initial three Hill’s MJ Hall. Sutton was busy in the first counter. When Lane took his turn in minutes. and dealt with Hall’s southpaw pressure coming forward, he was less effective than Chris rebounded well in the effectively. By the third, Aaron really had earlier in the fight, and he was unable to second and got inside his foe’s long settled down well. He took small steps capitalise on cornering Ramabeletsa on arms to crowd Akeem and make him backward and maintained the distance to several occasions. uncomfortable. Whenever Truman found allow himself room to launch impressive The contest ebbed and flowed down success however, he was paid back combinations. the stretch. Lane was more mobile and with interest by the Jon Pitman-trained maintained his work off the jab, whereas prospect. THE VERDICT At 26 and with a Michael, slightly hesitant at times, scored Ennis Brown increasingly fought his meaningful title, Lane can look with big hooks. I had Ramabeletsa style of fight as the bout drew into its forward to big domestic fights in finishing the stronger and clawing it back second half. He placed Truman on the the 122lb division. to win by two points, but with so many end of long punches and managed to impossibly tight sessions to score, both measure his man with rangy, straight fighters could have acceptably taken combinations, while staying out of his FULL RESULTS a decision in a fantastic fight. Robert opponent’s range. Ashley Lane (120lbs), 11-8-2 (1), w pts 12 Michael Williams refereed. ’s Tim Cutler was calm and Ramabeletsa (121lbs), 15-17 (6); Akeem Ennis The card featured three supporting controlled as he boxed smartly to take Brown (145lbs), 10-0 (1), w pts 6 Chris Truman contests officiated by Jeff Hinds over six- all the plaudits against Worcester “Mad (143lbs), 13-8-2 (2); Tim Cutler (137lbs), 8-0, w threes that were all scored as shutouts. Man” Michael Mooney. Cutler was pts 6 Michael Mooney (139lbs), 8-37-1 (3); Aaron Gloucester’s reigning English super- mobile and organised as he refused to be Sutton (158lbs), 3-0, w pts 6 MJ Hall (156lbs), 0-3.

22 l BOXING NEWS l SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 www.boxingnewsonline.net ACTION

getting close. Phillips started putting shots together effectively in the third (which saw Chisanga warned for headwork), but Chisanga regained control in the last, pressing forward and forcing Phillips to hold. Hungarian Gabor Balogh last boxed in March 2014, but shocked Brixton’s John Harding Jnr with a second- round knockdown. But Harding quickly recovered and ran out a 38-37 winner for referee Cook. Harding boxed well in the first, making Balogh miss and then opening up. However, in the second Harding walked onto a right and went down. He was up at once for the eight-count, and started HEAD-HUNTER: putting shots together, though a Balogh McKinson rocks attack had him backing off. Petrov with his left Harding countered well in the third Photo: NATALIE MAYHEW as Balogh came forward, landing the occasional solid shot, and a prolonged burst from Harding in the last sealed it. Balogh finished with damage to both eyes. Two debutants scored comfortable McKINSON wins. Farnborough’s Andre Grant dropped Joe Beeden (Swindon) in the first and stayed on top to take a 40-35 win from Mr Coakley. A right to the head STAYS UNBEATEN had Beeden over, though he was up quickly. Grant kept up the pressure, while But there are Louis Adolphe (Wimbledon) made Beeden looked to move out of trouble, CARSHALTON it seven straight wins, beating Plymouth’s and things got rather scrappy, though a couple of SEPTEMBER 22 elusive Chris Adaway 60-54 for Mr Beeden hit back gamely after getting shocks on the McCann. Adaway was down in the first caught in the third. ★★ MAIN EVENT (and took his time getting up) after being Marc Rice dominated Braintree’s undercard shoved with the forearm, for which Dylan Draper and duly took Mr ★★★ UNDERCARD Adolphe was warned. McCann’s 40-36 verdict. ★★★ ATMOSPHERE Adaway kept out of range as much as Rice kept up the pressure throughout, possible, while Adolphe chased and tried and was especially successful with the BESET by withdrawals (even on the day to pin him down. A frustrated Adolphe right. Mr McCann warned Rice for a low of the show), Warrior Boxing Promotions picked up more warnings, for holding his blow in the fourth, and Rice promptly still served up a nine-bout programme opponent’s head in the third and use of launched a two-fisted attack that had that the fans at Westcroft Leisure Centre the head in the last. Draper holding on. enjoyed. Southpaw Michael McKinson Five four-rounders and a female six- Though lighter, Buckinghamshire’s won his 12th contest in a row, well twos completed the bill, with the former Hannah Raskin looked altogether bigger Simon outpointing Lithuania’s Matrio Petrov producing a couple of shocks. Plymouth’s than Bulgaria’s Borislava Goranova, and Euan-Smith over six. Referee Kieran McCann scored Christian Hoskin Gomez was without walked her down throughout to collect RINGSIDE it 59-55. a win in his last nine (one draw), but referee Cook’s 60-54 verdict. Belfast’s McKinson rocked Petrov in overcame Reading’s unbeaten O’Shane the first with a left hook and stayed on Clarke for a third-round stoppage. THE VERDICT Headaches for the top in a bout that got scrappy and untidy Clarke dominated the first two, looking promoter, but fans enjoy the show. at times. Petrov did raise a bump under for openings and scoring with long lefts. McKinson’s right eye in the fourth, but But Gomez kept pressing forward, and a FULL RESULTS McKinson really stepped things up in the pair of right uppercuts at the end of the last two, beating his man to the punch second proved ominous. Michael McKinson (151lbs), 12-0 (1), w pts 6 Mario Petrov (152lbs 12oz), 4-10-1; Kirk and bundling him over in the last (no Gomez kept up the pressure in the Garvey (180lbs 12oz), 9-1 (2), w pts 6 Jevgenijs count). third, while Clarke went on the move, Andrejevs (192lbs), 10-85-3 (4); Louis Adolphe Clapham’s Kirk Garvey gave away and hit back when he could, but a right (148lbs 10oz), 7-0 (1), w pts 6 Chris Adaway weight, but clearly outscored experienced put him down for ‘seven’, and Gomez (143lbs 12oz), 8-37-4 (1); Christian Hoskin Latvian Jevgenijs Andrejevs, referee followed up with both hands. With Clarke Gomez (159lbs 8oz), 6-25-4 (2), w rsf 3 O’Shane Chas Coakley scoring 60-54. Garvey taking stick, referee Lee Cook waved it off Clarke (153lbs 4oz), 3-1 (1); Hannah Rankin quickly found the range against his at 2-45. (151lbs 12oz), 2-0, w pts 6 Borislava Goronova southpaw opponent, and when he Two years after his (losing) debut, (156lbs 4oz), 10-48-3; Mwenya Chisanga opened up in the second, Andrejevs held Chichester-based Zambian Mwenya (141lbs), 1-1, w pts 4 Jonny Phillips (133lbs 6oz), 1-1; John Harding Jnr (158lbs 2oz), 3-0-1, w pts on. Chisanga came back to upset 4 Gabor Balogh (159lbs 8oz), 3-113-5 (1); Andre Garvey continued to dominate, and a Camberley’s popular Jonny Phillips, Grant (130lbs 8oz), 1-0, w pts 4 Joe Beeden bump appeared under the visitor’s left eye referee Coakley scoring 39-37. Southpaw (135lbs 12oz), 2-52-1 (1); Marc Rice (141lbs in the fourth. Chisanga used his reach to stop Phillips 10oz), 1-0, w pts 4 Dylan Draper (145lbs), 0-5.

www.boxingnewsonline.net SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 l BOXING NEWS l 23 ACTION HAPPY COUPLE Photo: DAN KELLY

ONE FOR THE ALBUM: McIntosh [right] and Bradley [second from left] celebrate with Team Greaves

Nathan and Nina are both midway through the second. opted not to retire during the interval, winners in Nottinghamshire Tall Newark debutant Olly Marple despite lengthy consultations with bossed his four against Dinnington’s Mr Messer. Darren Snow, but despite his best Johnson had an apparent change of attempts at chopping the Yorkshireman heart and remained on his stool after NEWARK down with a multitude of body shots, the bell sounded to start the fourth. SEPTEMBER 24 Andy he was forced to settle for a 40-36 The finish, rather than going down as a Whittle victory. retirement, was announced as coming ★★★ WHOLE SHOW RINGSIDE Cheered on by a noisy band of one second into the final round. ★★★ ATMOSPHERE followers from a dozen miles down the road in Ollerton, Ben Eland had a little THE VERDICT Sunday afternoon too much for Hyde’s still-winless Mike shows seem to be growing in PARTNERS Nathan McIntosh and Castell. Referee-for-the-afternoon popularity, as a more-than-decent- Nina Bradley both triumphed in their Shaun Messer scored Eland a 40-37 sized crowd bears witness to this respective four-rounders at Newark winner – a tally that looked spot on. latest Carl Greaves offering. Showground. Lydney’s Lewis van Poetsch hit too Having suffered only the second loss of hard and too often for Nottingham-based FULL RESULTS his career four months ago, Nottingham’s Welshman Carwyn Herbert, who was McIntosh bounced back by shutting out having his first outing since securing a Nathan McIntosh (152 1/2lbs), 13-2 (1), w pts experienced Lithuanian Arvydas Trizno. BBBofC licence. I had this one a little 4 Arvydas Trizno (153lbs 7oz), 25-69-3 (7); Ben Local Nina, meanwhile, ran out a 40-35 wider than Mr Messer’s 39-38, but no Eland (152lbs 2oz), 4-0-1, w pts 4 Mike Castell winner (two-minute rounds) in only matter – the right man still got the nod. (154lbs 5oz), 0-3; Jake Sharp (181 1/4lbs), 2-0 her second paid contest. It was a keenly A slightly odd ending to the closing (2), w rsf 4 Justin Johnson (179lbs 3oz), 1-2-1; (179lbs 6oz), 1-0, w pts 4 fought encounter against Hungary’s bout of the afternoon came when Olly Marple Darren Snow (185lbs 7oz), 5-16-1; Lewis van Poetsch (163lbs Klaudia Vigh, who hung in well under Clacton’s Justin Johnson, having endured 7oz), 6-51-1 (1), w pts 4 Carwyn Herbert (162 fire after being sent to the canvas a spell of intense pressure at the end of 1/4lbs), 2-1; Nina Bradley (148lbs 9oz), 2-0, w pts following a spell of sustained pressure the third against local novice Jake Sharp, 4 Klaudia Vigh (157 1/4lbs), 2-20-1 (1).

24 l BOXING NEWS l SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 www.boxingnewsonline.net ACTION

THE HAT-TRICK: Jones [right] on THE BOY IS his way to winning a third bout since an upset loss in February BACK IN TOWN Photo: PHILIP SHARKEY Jones continues to rebuild

George Bearfield RINGSIDE

CHIGWELL SEPTEMBER 21

★★★ WHOLE SHOW ★★★★ ATMOSPHERE

CHINGFORD’S Boy Jones continued was a six-round super-welterweight clash and his corner ended it at 2-59. rebuilding after his Southern Area title between Eltham’s Shaquille Day and In other fights, Braintree’s Billy Bird loss earlier this year, topping the bill at the Atherton veteran William Warbuton. outpointed Rochester’s Sonny Whiting Prince Regent Hotel, Chigwell. Fighting at Day began well with his sharper punching at middleweight, winning each of the four lightweight, Jones came out purposefully at distance, but Warburton’s steady rounds, and Connor Vian decisioned against Reading journeyman Ibrar Riyaz pressure began to tell and he came Victor Edagha 40-37 in the opener at working everything off his ramrod left jab, out aggressively to win the fourth. Day super-welter. stepping in with straight rights and hard recovered his composure, and in the final hooks to the body. By the fourth Riyaz round cemented the win, finishing the THE VERDICT Onwards and upwards was completely out of ideas, and yelping fight by walloping Warburton with some for Jones, who cruises to victory. – as he often does – as Jones teed off on eye-catching shots, including a long right his head and body. But the Reading man to the side of the head off the ropes. FULL RESULTS weathered the storm and took it to the McCann had it 59-55 for Day at the end. final bell. Jones won a shutout decision Romford’s Mikey Sakyi was in Boy Jones Jnr (135lbs), 14-1-1 (8), w pts 8 after eight on the card of show referee, destructive form against Mancunian Ibrar Riyaz (143lbs), 6-126-4 (3); Shaquille Day Kieran McCann. Steven Backhouse, dropping him in the (156lbs), 7-0, w pts 6 William Warburton (157lbs), 23-123-9 (4); Mikey Sakyi (142lbs), 4-1 (1), w rsf In a lovely gesture, Jones afterwards first, with a left to the body-straight right 2 Steven Backhouse (144lbs), 2-8-1 (1); Billy Bird gave his International Challenge Belt to a combination, and flooring him again in (161lbs), 15-1 (2), w pts 4 Sonny Whiting (162lbs), young fan who is battling serious illness. the second with a big right. Backhouse 5-23-2 (2); Connor Vian (156lbs), 4-0, w pts 4 The most competitive fight of the night rose on ‘seven’ with a cut over his left eye, Victor Edagha (158lbs), 0-19.

Sarginson felt inclined to bring an end The opponent this time was Hull’s to proceedings with 50 seconds of the experienced Luke Fash, who one formed HARD AT WORK opener still remaining. The bout – in the impression could have given Clayton which the out-of-his-depth Omier failed more of a battle had the mood taken MIDDLETON Industrious to land one punch worthy of note – had him. promoter been fancifully slated for six. A 40-36 winner was local first-timer SEPTEMBER 22 A left uppercut, hot on the heels of Connor Lynch, who proved too much Farrell is a an opening left cross from the popular for Hyde’s Dale Arrowsmith. Lynch had ★★★ WHOLE SHOW busy man, Moran, hinted at his intentions, as did dominated the opener, and pulled away ★★★ ATMOSPHERE the three consecutive body shots that again in the last after Arrowsmith had writes followed. By the time Omier was rescued, made a better fist of it in the two middle further punishment had left him nursing rounds. BUSY Kieran Farrell BEM promoted on Andy Whittle a badly bloodied nose. the first of three consecutive weekends from ringside The remaining three fights all ran THE VERDICT Moran shines in the when at Middleton Arena he served up a their respective distances. First up was main event. four-fight offering. Macclesfield’s Jake Haigh, who made Dylan Moran was having only his the best of his natural advantages to second outing in the paid ranks, but the secure a shutout 60-54 victory over local FULL RESULTS southpaw from Dungarvan in Ireland Darryl Sharp who, tenacious as usual, Dylan Moran (153lbs), 2-0 (1), w rsf 1 Geiboord proceeded to hand Barcelona-based replied frequently enough to make the Omier (159lbs), 4-20-1 (3); Jake Haigh (170lbs), Nicaraguan Geiboord Omier something bout an enjoyable one throughout. 6-0 (3), w pts 6 Darryl Sharp (165lbs), 5-20; of a lesson. Another six, this one finishing 60-55, Lee Clayton (124lbs), 4-2 (2), w pts 6 Luke Fash Moran battered Omier to such a saw Heywood’s Lee Clayton score (128lbs), 2-29-2; Connor Lynch (147lbs), 1-0, degree that referee-for-the-night Darren his second consecutive points victory. w pts 4 Dale Arrowsmith (149lbs), 1-9 (1).

www.boxingnewsonline.net SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 l BOXING NEWS l 25 NO REGRETS: Today, Spinks is happy in his own skin and proud of his achievements Photo: KPA/ZUMA/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK

26 l BOXING NEWS l SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 www.boxingnewsonline.net BRIDGING THE GAP Light-heavyweight king Michael Spinks wasn’t planning on invading the land of the giants until his manager told him he had eight weeks to prepare for a September 1985 challenge to unbeaten Larry Holmes. As Chris Walker finds out, that jump to heavyweight – that began 32 years ago this week and culminated in defeat to Mike Tyson – did strange things to Spinks’ mind

HE chaotic heavyweight Michael Spinks, a 1976 Olympic Gold medallist real anxious and I used to panic quite a lot, scene of the 1980s alongside his brother, Leon, was every bit because when you’re in with heavyweights can be split into two as special a light-heavyweight champion as it gets a whole lot more real and Larry had contrasting eras of Archie Moore and Bob Foster before him, hurt a lot of people. Although I only had eight dominance. Firstly, fans and Roy Jones Jnr in more recent times. weeks for that fight I had to spend a lot of T and media witnessed Unfortunately, his reign at 175lbs brought time getting my mind and focus right but I the steady rise of Larry only acclaim, as riches evaded him due to the was ready for it once the night arrived. Holmes, “The Easton lack of marquee fights that could be made “I’d sparred with heavies before but nothing Assassin” who entered the decade as leader at his most comfortable weight. Holmes, like I was facing against Holmes; guys like and spent the next four years marshalling 48-0 and chasing one more victory to equal Tex Cobb who wanted me for my speed, and a ragged cast of contenders who would be Rocky Marciano’s legendary record, would I was just happy to spar anyone because it labelled ‘The Lost Generation’. This was a provide Spinks with his inaugural wasn’t easy getting sparring when you’re slightly unfair collective description for a heavyweight assignment and with Michael Spinks and I certainly had no number of talented but tainted competitors only eight weeks to adjust his MICHAEL money to pay guys, let me tell you who swapped the alphabet trinkets with body to the most fearsome task ★SPINKS★ that much. Sparring with the big alarming frequency, while also balancing their in boxing, Spinks gained 24lbs guys was the best chance I had chosen sport with numerous dramas away but still conceded almost the BIG FEATURE of getting good work in the gyms from the bloodthirsty audiences of Las Vegas same amount of weight to his and I always did as well as I could and Atlantic City. decorated opponent. but there’s a lot more in the mind Later, Mike Tyson’s freakish emergence “It was time to make money when you fight compared to when resonated with mainstream audiences, and that’s all the Holmes fight was you spar. A fight can do funny things especially once he relieved Trevor Berbick of intended to be at first,” reveals a composed to your mind and that stuff can happen five his WBC crown – and senses – in 1986. An Spinks. He seems content. “He beat the s**t weeks before a fight or five minutes before angry America had a sporting superstar that out my brother so asking him for advice was the bell goes.” inspired, outraged and fascinated them in pointless and it came down to doing what In a stunning upset, Spinks took the alternating doses. Tyson’s ruthless ascent to I did better than him and that was all on my heavyweight strap from Holmes with a narrow the top of the glamour league ensured the speed and movement. I can still remember but deserved unanimous decision, handing faded division once again became a central my manager, Butch Lewis, coming up to me the veteran his maiden professional loss. The part of the public consciousness. after I’d beaten Jim MacDonald and saying finances he once craved now accompanied Bridging this warped age of heavyweight to me, ‘Get ready Mike, I think we’ve got the less valuable pats on the back and Spinks boxing was a St Louis hero now peacefully Larry Holmes next,’ and I couldn’t sleep after had achieved this status via the most difficult retired in a rural Delaware community. that because it was a fight that made me route. ➤

www.boxingnewsonline.net SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 l BOXING NEWS l 27 UPSET OF 1985: Spinks [white and black shorts] takes the fight to the heavily-favoured Holmes from the start. After 15 rounds, he’s declared the winner on the scorecards Photos: MPS/USA TODAY SPORTS

16 l BOXING NEWS l JULY 28, 2016 www.boxingnewsonline.net Photo: RICHARD DREW/AP/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK ➤ “You want me to be honest with you?” he asks. “I didn’t think Larry was all they made TYSON him out to be. Okay, he had this jab and THRASHING: a nasty side that we sometimes saw, but I was Spinks tumbles to scared in that fight and the thing I did straight the mat, on his way to defeat away was meet him head-on because I had to get his respect. When I did that he started to blink a little, so I knew right there, early on, that he had the same fears about me that I had about him. He even closed his eyes in some of the exchanges and the first thing you ever learn from your coach when he first puts the gloves on you is to keep your eyes open and keep them on your opponent. Larry was making basic of mistakes and for a guy who was unbeaten and the best heavyweight for a long time, it surprised me but gave me so much confidence at the same time.” After exposing and dethroning the fancied emperor, Spinks strengthened his grip on the division’s top spot with another win over Holmes seven months later, this time with a split decision in a contest that saw “Jinx” survive a hellacious 14th round. Those in attendance at the Las Vegas Hilton greeted the verdict’s announcement with contempt, believing Holmes’ increased aggression, compared to their initial encounter, deserved greater reward, but Spinks insists the call from the ringside judges was the correct one. “Even taking three or four rounds off and taking a rest I won that fight,” Spinks declares, around the impressive frame of Tyson and a times I felt like I might get knocked out, but and he sounds entirely sincere. “There was contest between the pair was the biggest fight I’ll say every single Mike Tyson opponent has no way I had 15 rounds in me that night and that boxing could offer. It occurred in June had to imagine that, but I wasn’t scared in the Larry came with a lot more purpose, but if I 1988 and Spinks would make more money in slightest; I knew what I was up against. Mike could just win enough rounds clearly then I 91 seconds than he had earned throughout had me beat on power, strength and youth could pick or choose when I had my breaks. his whole career combined. The outcome but I had the legs, experience and speed. It’s Larry was a good champion but there’s no in the ring, however, was one of the most the speed that let me down. way he could beat me. I had his number. Even shocking and brutal heavyweight fights ever “That first exchange, like the one I had with if Larry was to roll in here while I’m speaking seen as Tyson obliterated Spinks moments Larry, I knew there and then, at that very to you and want a third fight, then I’d still after the first bell had sounded. moment, that Mike had me beat on speed too beat him now. He did a lot of great things “He was too much of everything for me,” and that threw me off a little bit. I stood there as champion but there’s no way he could’ve Spinks concedes, thankfully without shame and fought too long and you don’t fight long beaten me. That rematch was probably one of or embarrassment. His honesty is refreshing. with someone like Mike Tyson. the worst I’ve felt in the build-up but I still got “Just too much. Whatever I thought I had “ was shouting all sorts of the job done.” going into the fight wasn’t enough and I advice to me at ringside but it meant nothing. That night firmly slammed the door thought I had more than enough to be going Once Mike was on top, there was no way back on the brief but explosive Spinks-Holmes in there against someone who I thought was for me.” rivalry and the Missouri man embarked on just a bully.” After extinguishing Holmes’ dreams of a paper chase, still seeking to expand his Tales since the fight, from various emulating Marciano, Spinks saw his own burgeoning finances. European ruler, Steffan spectators, have perpetuated the myth that legacy perhaps unfairly tarnished by the New Tangstad, was disposed of routinely and a Spinks was struck with fear in the minutes Jersey Monday when he was shot down in bulging purse against Gerry Cooney, where before succumbing to the only defeat of his seconds by boxing’s latest superstar. The Spinks won in five rounds despite being 32-fight career. A product of the notorious man who disposed of Holmes’ legend was the a betting underdog, allowed Michael the Pruitt-Igoe housing projects, a hotbed of catalyst in enhancing Tyson’s, and he would opportunity to improve both his sporting and violence and disorder, and the conqueror of never fight again. monetary worth. every opponent he had ever encountered, “There was a promise I made to myself The fight with the handsome New Yorker was Spinks overcome with dread at the early in my career that I was only going to allowed the now-familiar ugly face of alphabet mountainous task that lay ahead when climb the ladder one time and when I fell politics to overshadow proceedings, as Spinks opposing the volatile Brooklynite? off, I wasn’t going to climb it again,” Spinks was stripped of his IBF crown for not facing “Man, I wasn’t scared one bit,” he declares recalls. “It was an easy decision and one that I their mandatory challenger, Tony dismissively. “There are always nerves never ever thought about going back on, even Tucker. Although Spinks was widely and worries, if you’ve had a problem though there were other guys out there that recognised as the lineal champion, all in camp or something like that, but I knew I could’ve beat. I was always number the the alphabet belts were strapped I went in feeling okay. There were one until the day that I first lost and not many fighters can say that, can they? At light- heavyweight I was number one and I beat guys that no one thought I could beat, and I HAD HOLMES’ NUMBER, BUT TYSON then I went straight up to heavyweight and WAS TOO MUCH OF EVERYTHING FOR fought the best guy that was out there and I became number one there as well. Not many ME. BEFORE THE THE FIGHT I THOUGHT have taken that route and there’s a reason for that, but I knew what I could and I decided to HE WAS JUST A BULLY’ do it.” bn

www.boxingnewsonline.net SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 l BOXING NEWS l 29 Photo: ACTION IMAGES/ANDREW COULDRIDGE

TIME FOR REFLECTION: Fielding is now at peace with the loss that made him face up to the future

30 l BOXING NEWS l SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 www.boxingnewsonline.net

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 MAN VERSUS MAN

Butler ★★★★ MAIN EVENT in an eliminator for WBA “It was man versus boy last time and bantamweight title on a Matchroom I pinched the title off him,” said Butler. ★★★★ growth UNDERCARD show at the Echo Arena, Liverpool. (Sky “Now it’s man versus man – I’m a fully- may be key Sports televise). fledged bantamweight now.” EMATCHES in boxing It was nearly 40 months ago when Indeed, a few months after dethroning against Hall, usually happen Butler outpointed Hall on a split hall, he moved back down to 115lbs and writes pretty quickly, and decision to take Hall’s IBF 118lbs title was stopped in eight rounds by South Daniel produce a different in Newcastle. Butler started fast and Africa’s Zolani Tete - which remains his Herbert R result generally if survived a Hall rally to win on scores only defeat. one fighter came of 117-111, 115-113, 113-115. He’s won all seven since then and is into the first bout What’s changed? Well, each has a new feeling confident: “I don’t believe Stuart injured or underprepared in some way. trainer, with Butler moving from Anthony has gone anywhere since the first fight When a return happens over three years Farnell to Joe Gallagher and Hall joining and I’m learning every day under Joe. I’ve after the first, predicting the result can Max McCracken in Birmingham. come on leaps and bounds. be tricky because so much will have Paul also switched promoters from “There’s light at the tunnel, it’s down to changed. Frank Warren to Matchroom and now me now. Hall is in the way but I believe However, that’s the situation this feels much stronger at the weight, given I’ll deal with him and then we’ll move Saturday (September 30) when Paul the first Hall fight was only his second at onward and upwards.” Butler from Ellesmere Port fights old foe 118lbs after moving up from super-fly. Saturday’s winner will be in line

Photo: ACTION IMAGES/JASON CAIRNDUFF

PLAY IT AGAIN, FELLAS: Hall [right] insists he’ll be the better fighter this time

TALE OF THE TAPE

PAUL BUTLER STUART HALL @1PaulButler n/a Nov 11, 1988/28 DOB/AGE Feb 24, 1980/37 Ellesmere Port HOMETOWN Darlington British NATIONALITY British 5ft 6ins HEIGHT 5ft 8ins 158 ROUNDS FOUGHT 220 24-1 (13) RECORD 21-5-2 (7) Orthodox Dec 11, 2010/29 DEBUT/AGE Apr 26, 2008/28 52 KO PERCENTAGE 25 1-1 WORLD TITLE FIGHT RECORD 1-3-1 1/5 ODDS 7/2

34 l BOXING NEWS l SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 www.boxingnewsonline.net Photo: ACTION IMAGES/PAUL CURRIE

THE OPENER: A quality scrap is edged by Butler [right] in 2014

to challenge WBA secondary titlist the latter’s Commonwealth super- Jamie McDonnell - who must first middleweight belts on the line. accommodate Liberio Solis - and for Fielding, 30, is 24-1 (13) with his sole his part Hall is confident despite his setback a one-round demolition by WARD’S BIG CHANCE advanced age (for a little man) of 37. crosstown rival . He held “My camp has gone brilliantly, I the Commonwealth 168lbs belt several AT 29 and with 29 fights under his belt (25-3-1, five wins early), couldn’t ask for better preparation,” he years ago, losing it in when he came in experienced County Durham southpaw MARTIN WARD gets a said. “I’m training with the Yafai brothers, overweight against Charles Adamu (he crack at the European super-bantamweight title when he meets Kal and Gamal, who are world-class won on points), and earned the British ABIGAIL MEDINA over 12 rounds on a Phil Jeffries promotion at fighters. crown with a split decision over John Hartlepool’s Borough Hall on Saturday (September 30). The man with what is usually a girl’s name was born in the “People go on about my age but I’m Ryder in April. Dominican Republic but has been based in Spain since turning pro sparring people 10 years younger than Brophy, from Caldercruix, is 27 and back in 2008. me and giving them hell. They are all boasts a 19-1-1 (3) record. Last year His 17-3-2 (8) ledger includes a December 2013 eight-round praising me, saying how I’m firing. a big step up brought four-round KO points defeat by Jamie McDonnell in London, while in the fight “The last time I fought Paul, maybe he defeat by , but in March before that he was outscored (10 rounds) by Nikolai Potapov in got in my head a little bit. I let him do the Scot travelled to Australia to wrest Russia - so he hasn’t travelled well. what he wanted for the first four or five the Commonwealth belt with a seventh- This is the first defence of a belt he won last December by rounds. First and foremost I’m going to round stoppage of unbeaten Zac Dunn. outpointing France’s Jeremy Parodi, who’s lost in the UK to both demolish Butler, then I can look to leave That’s outstanding form, but on home Carl Frampton and Gavin McDonnell. this sport on a high against McDonnell.” turf the Jamie Moore-trained Fielding can Ward once held the Commonwealth bantam crown but up at Hall has won five of seven since the edge a close win on points. 122lbs his only title tilt saw him drop a split decision to Jazza first Butler fight, dropping verdicts to There’s a good local in the shape Dickens for the British belt. Randy Caballero and in title of Birkenhead’s defending Barring injury, this one seems likely to go to points, with home bouts. At his age, and at a lofty 5ft 8ins his Commonwealth lightweight title advantage spurring Ward to a narrow points victory. (2ins more than Butler), he must struggle against Liverpool’s . DANIEL HERBERT to make bantam but since he started to Southpaw Stalker is 3ins taller at 5ft 10ins take boxing seriously after early-career but Dodd drags opponents into a brawl partying he’s always proved fit and and outworks them. Sean can take a BIG CHANCE: determined in a ring. thriller on points. Ward is ready for crack at As before, that may not be enough. Two months after folding in seven EBU belt Butler is a good mover who punches rounds against , Hackney in fast combinations and has a sound puncher Ohara Davies gets a chance to defence too. The pick is for Butler to redeem his reputation when he meets survive moments of pressure to win a unbeaten local Tom Farrell over 10 at hard-fought decision. super-lightweight. Another intriguing 12-rounder on a cracking show brings together local THE VERDICT Four title bouts that Rocky Fielding and Scot David could all go either way make this a Brophy with the former’s British and well-matched show.

www.boxingnewsonline.net SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 l BOXING NEWS l 35 PREVIEWS

Photo: ACTION IMAGES/JASON CAIRNDUFF

FIGHTING SHAPE: Perez shows off his ripped and ready physique

GET SERIOUS

240lbs and being bombed in a round shot at heavyweight until a gruelling Perez is ★★★★ MAIN EVENT by the soon-to-be disgraced fists of victory over Magomed Abdusalamov ★ giving off UNDERCARD , Perez and his left the Russian with horrific injuries and all the signs refurbished 198lb frame scored a Perez with doubts and a dependency on UBAN heavyweight quick win of his own, when an injury alcohol. A draw with Carlos Takam, and of at last in weight loss lead to Viktor Biscak’s capitulation in a loss to Bryant Jennings followed before getting his sensation! Read all just 29 seconds on the defeat to Povetkin about it! the Belfast undercard appeared to spell the act together C After a middling of -Lee ‘ALL THESE end of his ambitions. But but Briedis career defined Haskins. On Saturday here we are, the newly more by potential night, inside the Riga FIGHTS THAT dedicated Cork-based will test that than achievement – sounds familiar, Arena in Latvia, Perez’s talent enters the most theory to the huh? – Mike Perez decided he was masterplan will meet I LOST OR important fight of his carrying too much weight and would be far sterner resistance career after kicking the max, writes more effective if he lost some of it. That when he challenges WBC DREW, I WAS booze. Matt Christie thought must have crossed the minds of cruiserweight boss Maris DRUNK IN “That was a big several Cuban fighters of recent years, Briedis, in a bout that problem that nobody Jorge Luis Gonzalez and Odlanier Solis also doubles up as a THE RING’ saw,” Perez told Robbie’s immediately spring to mind, yet almost quarter-final in the World Fitness earlier this year. all resisted the discipline required to Boxing Super Series. “All these fights that I Iost or that I drew, make the change. So when photos of a It’s easy to see why so many are even the Povetkin fight, I was getting into svelte but ripped Perez were published tipping Perez to score what would the ring drunk. It was something that I on social media earlier this year be a upset – at least according to the could not control.” eyebrows were raised. bookies. Seriously gifted, the southpaw Briedis represents an incredible test, In May, two years after weighing appeared to be heading towards a title though. A national hero in Latvia, he

36 l BOXING NEWS l SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 www.boxingnewsonline.net of my home crowd,” he said. “There are TALE OF THE TAPE no easy fights in this tournament. “Mike Perez has already made his DECORTIS THE MAIRIS BREIDIS MIKE PEREZ Jan 13, 1985/32 DOB/AGE Oct 20, 1985/31 name in the heavyweight division and Riga, Latvia HOMETOWN Cork, Ireland seems to be in the shape of his life DEMOLISHER Latvian NATIONALITY Cuban coming down to cruiserweight.” 6ft 1ins HEIGHT 6ft 1ins While it’s rare for a Cuban to lose Yunier books place in semis 22-0 (18) RECORD 22-2-1 (14) weight in an effort to turn their career Orthodox STANCE Southpaw around, there are several cases of with spectacular win, writes Oct 11, 2009/24 DEBUT/AGE Jan 26, 2008/22 established heavyweights dropping mass Daniel Herbert 82 KO PERCENTAGE 56 while making promises that they’ll be 213lbs 247lbs HEIGHEST WEIGHT better than ever before. 1/4 ODDS 3/1 The most recent example is the affable SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS and talented , who dropped down a division after struggling SEPTEMBER 23 became the nation’s first ever world to put a dent in naturally bigger men. champion when he dominated a fading However, he looked flat while losing THE World Boxing Super Series Marco Huck over 12 rounds to win the almost of every round of 10 to South tournament produced its most vacant green belt. A former kickboxer, African Thabiso Mchunu in 2013 before spectacular finish yet as Yunier Dorticos and an exceptionally successful one at returning to the heavyweight division. demolished Dmitry Kudryashov in just that, Briedis – unbeaten in 22 contests Five years before that, Chris Byrd – not two rounds of a cruiserweight quarter- - is a top drawer boxer who carries a completely different to Perez in style and final at the Alamodome. Dorticos, from serious whack as his 18 early finishes stature – looked dreadful when he Cuba, retained his WBA secondary will attest. His flirtations with dropped to light-heavy and was bauble but also clinched a semi-final the heavyweight division thrashed by Shaun George. against the winner of v saw him knock out fringe TALKING While it’s true that Perez Krzysztof Wlodarczyk, which takes place contender Manual POINT doesn’t have as many in Newark, New Jersey on October 21. Charr in 2015, and FOR the winner of this contest, miles on the clock that Kudryashov, billed as “The Russian British audiences the hard work will only just be Byrd had racked up, Hammer”, looked a fearsome opponent likely remember getting started as they’ll be the feeling here is that coming in but Dorticos made short work him outclassing matched with the formidable the Cuban may find of him. Middlesbrough’s - who thrashed the drop in weight not The opening round (of 12) was a Simon Vallily in three Marco Huck in his opening exactly to his liking. feeling-out affair but they got down to rounds on the Liverpool WBSS bout - in the Particularly while being business in the second. A right froze semi-finals. undercard of -BJ put under pressure by the Kudryashov on the ropes and he had Flores last year. Certainly, Vallily relentless Briedis. It should also to absorb several right hooks before he was thrown in over his head but the be remembered that Perez has done could move off the strands. But he fared manner of Briedis’ victory, which came nothing to merit this shot, bar being a no better in ring centre as Dorticos – via a savage blow to the body in round heavyweight underachiever. The pick is boasting the faster hands – landed two three, highlights the problems Perez is for the Latvian to establish control by sharp right crosses, the second of which going to have to deal with. To win, Perez halfway, and halt an exhausted Perez late sent the Russian crumbling to the deck. will need more than his silky skillset, in the contest, which will be brodcast in Eyes glazed, Dmitry beat the count but he’ll need the strength to keep Briedis the UK on ITV Box Office, free to air on was still badly dazed and referee Rafael – exceptionally good on the inside – off Sky channel 493. Ramos wisely waved it off at 2-10. him. And buoyed by a massive crowd at The undercard is poor though there is Dorticos notched his 22nd win in the national stadium, Briedis is going to an appearance for Poland’s former WBO as many fights, all but one inside the be eager to impress. boss, Krzysztof Glowacki. distance. Kudryashov, who initially came “This is my first fight of the in half a pound over but made weight at tournament, the first defence of my WBC THE VERDICT Perez could be a the second attempt, fell to 21-2 (21). world cruiserweight title, and I’m really revelation, but Breidis is favourite “I knew he was going to come at me happy that I will be able to do it in front for good reason. and I waited and delivered the shot,” said Dorticos. “Once it landed I knew it was over.” On the undercard, former four-division world champion Nonito Donaire of the Philippines had his first fight since November 2016 and unanimously outpointed Mexico’s Ruben Garcia Hernandez over 10 rounds for the WBC Silver featherweight bauble. Donaire, who lost to Jessie Magdaleno last time out, picked off his charging opponent with hooks and uppercuts to win on scores of 100-90, 99-91, 97-93. Nonito is now 38-4 (24) while Hernandez fell to 22-3-1 (9). COMING TO GET YOU: Perez [right] eyeballs the THE VERDICT Dorticos announces Latvian superstar he’s a threat in the increasingly fascinating crusier tournament.

www.boxingnewsonline.net SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 l BOXING NEWS l 37 RANKINGS

HEAVYWEIGHT MIDDLEWEIGHT LIGHTWEIGHT SUPER-FLYWEIGHT over 200lbs/14st 4lbs 160lbs/11st 6lbs 135lbs/9st 9lbs 115lbs/8st 3lbs 1. ANTHONY JOSHUA 19-0 (ENG) 1. GENNADY GOLOVKIN 37-0-1 (KAZ) 1. JORGE LINARES 43-3 (VEN) [above] 1. SRISAKET SOR RUNGVISAI 44-4-1 (THA) 2. DEONTAY WILDER 38-0 (USA) 2. CANELO ALVAREZ 49-1-2 (MEX) 2. 33-0 (ENG) 2. NAOYA INOUE 14-0 (JPN) 3. KUBRAT PULEV 25-1 (BGR) 3. DANIEL JACOBS 32-2 (USA) 3. ROBERT EASTER JNR 20-0 (USA) 3. ROMAN GONZALEZ 46-2 (NIC) 4. LUIS ORTIZ 27-0 (CUB) 4. 25-0 (ENG) [above] 4. LUKE CAMPBELL 17-2 (ENG) 4. 36-2 (MEX) 5. JOSEPH PARKER 23-0 (NZL) 5. DAVID LEMIEUX 38-3 (CAN) 5. ANTHONY CROLLA 31-6-3 (ENG) 5. 36-2-1 (MEX) 6. ANDY RUIZ JNR 29-1 (USA) 6. 35-3-1 (IRL) 6. DEJAN ZLATICANIN 22-1 (MNE) 6. KAL YAFAI 22-0 (ENG) 7. HUGHIE FURY 20-1 (ENG) 7. WILLIE MONROE JNR 21-3 (USA) 7. 38-4-1 (FRA) 7. KOHEI KONO 33-10-1 (JPN) 8. CARLOS TAKAM 35-3-1 (CMR) 8. JERMALL CHARLO 26-0 (USA) 8. RAYMUNDO BELTRAN 34-7-1 (MEX) 8. JERWIN ANCAJAS 27-1-1 (PHL) 9. TONY BELLEW 29-2-1 (ENG) 9. RYOTA MURATA 12-1 (JPN) 9. DENIS SHAFIKOV 38-3-1 (RUS) 9. RAU’SHEE WARREN 15-2 (USA) 10. 21-1 (ENG) 10. HASSAN N’DAM N’JIKAM 36-2 (FRA) 10. RICHARD COMMEY 25-2 (GHA) 10. JONAS SULTAN 14-3 (PHL)

CRUISERWEIGHT SUPER-WELTERWEIGHT SUPER-FEATHERWEIGHT FLYWEIGHT 200lbs/14st 4lbs 154lbs/11st 130lbs/9st 4lbs 112lbs/8st 1. OLEKSANDR USYK 13-0 (UKR) 1. ERISLANDY LARA 24-2-2 (CUB) 1. VASYL LOMACHENKO 9-1 (UKR) 1. KAZUTO IOKA 22-1 (JPN) 2. KRZYSZTOF GLOWACKI 27-1 (POL) 2. MIGUEL COTTO 41-5 (PRI) 2. JEZREEL CORRALES 22-1 (PAN) 2. 39-3 (ARG) 3. MAIRIS BRIEDIS 22-0 (LVA) 3. JERMELL CHARLO 29-0 (USA) 3. MIGUEL BERCHELT 32-1 (MEX) 3. DAIGO HIGA 13-0 (JPN) 4. MURAT GASSIEV 24-0 (RUS) 4. 24-0 (USA) 4. FRANCISCO VARGAS 23-1-2 (MEX) 4. DONNIE NIETES 40-1-4 (PHL) 5. 30-3 (RUS) 5. ISHE SMITH 29-8 (USA) 5. 19-0 (USA) 5. JUAN HERNANDEZ NAVARRETE 34-3 (MEX) 6. KRZYSZTOF WLODARCZYK 53-3-1 (POL) 6. LIAM SMITH 25-1-1 (ENG) 6. JASON SOSA 20-2-4 (USA) 6. MORUTI MTHALANE 34-2 (RSA) 7. FIRAT ARSLAN 40-8-2 (GER) 7. 16-1-1 (WAL) 7. ROBINSON CASTELLANOS 24-13 (MEX) 7. SHO KIMURA 15-1-2 (JPN) 8. 21-2 (COD) 8. JARRETT HURD 20-0 (USA) 8. TEVIN FARMER 25-4-1 (USA) 8. YODMONGKOL VOR SAENGTHEP 47-3 (THA) 9. MAKSIM VLASOV 39-2 (RUS) 9. BRIAN CARLOS CASTANO 14-0 (ARG) 9. JOSE PEDRAZA 22-1 (PRI) 9. VINCENT LEGRAND 25-0 (FRA) 10. YUNIER DORTICOS 22-0 (CUB) [above] 10. ERICKSON LUBIN 18-0 (USA) 10. EDUARDO HERNANDEZ 24-0-3 (MEX) 10. ANDREW SELBY 9-0 (WAL)

LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHT WELTERWEIGHT FEATHERWEIGHT LIGHT-FLYWEIGHT 175lbs/12st 7lbs 147lbs/10st 7lbs 126lbs/9st 108lbs/7st 10lbs 1. SERGEY KOVALEV 30-2-1 (RUS) 1. KEITH THURMAN 28-0 (USA) 1. GARY RUSSELL JNR 28-1 (USA) 1. KEN SHIRO 10-0 (JPN) 2. 29-1 (CAN) 2. ERROL SPENCE JNR 22-0 (USA) 2. LEO SANTA CRUZ 33-1-1 (MEX) 2. GANIGAN LOPEZ 28-7 (MEX) 3. ELEIDER ALVAREZ 23-0 (COL) 3. 36-2 (ENG) 3. CARL FRAMPTON 23-1 (NIR) 3. PEDRO GUEVARA 30-2-1 (MEX) 4. 22-1-2 (SWE) 4. JEFF HORN 17-0-1 (AUS) 4. LEE SELBY 25-1 (WAL) 4. MILAN MELINDO 37-2 (PHL) 5. JUERGEN BRAEHMER 48-3 (GER) 5. MANNY PACQUIAO 59-7-2 (PHL) 5. ABNER MARES 30-2-1 (MEX) 5. RYOICHI TAGUCHI 26-2-2 (JPN) 6. 11-0 (RUS) 6. SHAWN PORTER 27-2-1 (USA) 6. JESUS CUELLAR 28-2 (ARG) 6. KOSEI TANAKA 10-0 (JPN) 7. 20-1 (CUB) 7. DANNY GARCIA 33-1 (USA) 7. OSCAR VALDEZ 23-0 (MEX) 7. JESSE ESPINAS 16-2 (PHL) 8. JOE SMITH JNR 23-2 (USA) 8. 27-2 (USA) 8. JOSEPH DIAZ 25-0 (USA) 8. RANDY PETALCORIN 27-2-1 (PHL) 9. OLEKSANDR GVOZDYK 14-0 (UKR) 9. KONSTANTIN PONOMAREV 32-0 (RUS) 9. JESUS M ROJAS 26-1-2 (PRI) 9. FELIX ALVARADO 29-2 (NIC) 10. IGOR MIKHALKIN 20-1 (RUS) 10. LAMONT PETERSON 35-3-1 (USA) 10. OSCAR ESCANDON 25-3 (COL) 10. HEKKIE BUDLER 31-3 (RSA)

SUPER-MIDDLEWEIGHT SUPER-LIGHTWEIGHT SUPER-BANTAMWEIGHT STRAWWEIGHT 168lbs/12st 140lbs/10st 122lbs/8st 10lbs 105lbs/7st 7lbs 1. JAMES DeGALE 23-1-1 (ENG) 1. 32-0 (USA) 1. GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX 17-0 (CUB) 1. KNOCKOUT CP FRESHMART 16-0 (THA) 2. GILBERTO RAMIREZ 36-0 (MEX) 2. 37-0 (USA) 2. JESSIE MAGDALENO 25-0 (USA) 2. BYRON ROJAS 20-3-3 (NIC) 3. GEORGE GROVES 26-3 (ENG) 3. 29-1 (UKR) 3. CESAR JUAREZ 20-5 (MEX) 3. WANHENG MENAYOTHIN 48-0 (THA) 4. CHRIS EUBANK JNR 25-1 (ENG) 4. JULIUS INDONGO 22-1 (NAM) 4. 30-0 (MEX) 4. HIROTO KYOGUCHI 8-0 (JPN) 5. ANTHONY DIRRELL 30-1-1 (USA) 5. ANTONIO OROZCO 26-0 (MEX) 5. HUGO RUIZ 36-4 (MEX) 5. JOSE ARGUMEDO 20-4-1 (MEX) 6. ANDRE DIRRELL 26-2 (USA) 6. RICKY BURNS 41-6-1 (SCO) 6. MOISES FLORES 25-0 (MEX) 6. CARLOS BUITRAGO 30-2-1 (NIC) 7. CALLUM SMITH 23-0 (ENG) 7. RANCES BARTHELEMY 26-0 (CUB) 7. RYOSUKE IWASA 24-2 (JPN) 7. SIMPHIWE KHONCO 18-5 (RSA) 8. TYRON ZEUGE 21-0-1 (GER) 8. JOHN MOLINA JNR 29-7 (USA) 8. 23-2-1 (USA) 8. LEROY ESTRADA 16-2 (PAN) 9. DAVID BENAVIDEZ 19-0 (USA) 9. 12-0 (RUS) 9. DIEGO DE LA HOYA 20-0 (MEX) 9. RYUYA YAMANAKA 15-2 (JPN) 10. AVNI YILDIRIM 16-0 (TUR) 10. 20-0 (USA) 10. 31-2 (MEX) 10. TATSUYA FUKUHARA 19-5-6 (JPN)

BANTAMWEIGHT POUND-FOR-POUND 118lbs/8st 6lbs The best of the best l If a fighter has been inactive for over a year, he will be removed from 1. LUIS NERY 24-0 (MEX) 1. GENNADY GOLOVKIN 37-0-1 (KAZ) the rankings, unless he has a fight officially scheduled. Once removed 2. SHINSUKE YAMANAKA 27-1-2 (JPN) 2. CANELO ALVAREZ 49-1-2 (MEX) due to inactivity, a fighter cannot be reinstated until he has fought again. 3. ZHANAT ZHAKIYANOV 27-1 (KAZ) 3. TERENCE CRAWFORD 32-0 (USA) 4. JUAN CARLOS PAYANO 19-1 (DOM) 4. VASYL LOMACHENKO 9-1 (UKR) l Each fighter is ranked on the results they have achieved in their own 5. JAMIE McDONNELL 29-2-1 (ENG) 5. SRISAKET SOR RUNGVISAI 44-4-1 (THA) specific weight division (excluding the pound-for-pound list). 6. RYAN BURNETT 17-0 (NIR) 6. MIKEY GARCIA 37-0 (USA) 7. MARLON TAPALES 30-2 (PHL) 7. MIGUEL COTTO 41-5 (PRI) l Each fighter is ranked in the weight division in which their most recent 8. ZOLANI TETE 25-3 (RSA) 8. GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX 18-0 (CUB) significant fight took place. With regards to catchweight fights, common 9. LEE HASKINS 34-4 (ENG) 9. LEO SANTA CRUZ 33-1-1 (MEX) sense will (hopefully) prevail. 10. STUART HALL 21-5-2 (ENG) 10. KEITH THURMAN 28-0 (USA) [above]

38 l BOXING NEWS l SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 www.boxingnewsonline.net DIARY

SEPTEMBER Tom Hill v s/o. (Promoter: Phil Jeffries). Centro Regional de Deporte de Las s/o. (Promoter: Golden Boy Promotions). THURSDAY 28 Américas, Ecatepec, Mexico Montreal Casino, Canada Town Hall, Walsall Edgar Jimenez v Felipe Orucuta; Jessica SATURDAY 7 Oscar Rivas v Carl Davis Drumond. Tom Stokes v Tyler Denny (vacant Midlands Chavez (holder) v Esmeralda Moreno ( (Promoter: GYM Promotions). Area middleweight title); Danny Ball v (WBC female flyweight title). (Promoter: Main Event/Action) MJ Hall; James Beech Jnr v Russ Midgley; Promociones del Pueblo). Anthony Crolla v Ricky Burns; Sam FRIDAY 29 Alex Florence v Ibrar Riyaz; Luke Caci v Eggington (holder) v Bowlers Exhibition Centre, Manchester s/o; Kyle Williams v s/o; Lauren Johnson OCTOBER (European welterweight title); Robbie Osman Aslam v Michael Barnor; George v s/o. (Promoter: Black Country Boxing MONDAY 2 Barrett (holder) v Lewis Ritson (British Brennan v Edward Bjorklund; Adam Promotion). Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan lightweight title); Gavin McDonnell v Williams v Jevgenijs Andrejevs; Gary Sa Myung Noh v Satoshi Shimizu; Satoshi Jay Carney; Conor Benn v Nathan Clarke; Ormrod v William Warburton; Nick Ball Kings Hall, Stoke-on-Trent Hosono v Reiya Abe; Ryuji Hara v s/o. Marcus Morrison v Alistair Warren; Charlie v s/o; Jay Carney v Luke Fash; Brian Lee Connelly v Kristian Laight; Josh (Promoter: Ohashi Promotions). Flynn v Liam Richards; v s/o; Phillips v s/o. (Promoter: Kieran Farrell Groombridge v Victor Edagha; Chris Nixon Hosea Burton v s/o; v s/o; Sam Promotions). v Jamie Ambler; Rhasian Earlington TUESDAY 3 Hyde v s/o. (Promoter: Matchroom). v James Squires; Jamal Le Doux v , The Deco, Northampton Darryl Sharp. (Promoter: Carl Greaves Ramal Amanov v Zab Judah. (Promoter: York Hall, Bethnal Green (Channel 5) Kieron Conway v Christian Hoskin Gomez; Promotions). Vladimir Hryunov). Andrew Selby v Maximino Flores; Dominic Felix v s/o; Curtis Felix Jnr v s/o; Robin Dupre v Luke Watkins (vacant Jamie Spence v s/o; Drew Brown v s/o; Skylark Hotel, Southend Gym of University, China Commonwealth cruiserweight title); Nathan Reeve v s/o. (Promoter: Black Sam Stokes v Lewis Measom; Floyd Moore Chao Zhong Xiong v Panya Pradabsri; Asinia Byfield (holder) v Max Wicks Country Boxing Promotion). v s/o; Lewis Adams v Joe Beeden; Joe Can Xu v Nehomar Cermeno; Xing Xin Yang (Southern Area super-welterweight title); Stevens v Ricky Leach; Peter Mirga v v Makoto Kawasaki. (Promoter: Max Power Martin Bakole Ilunga v Kamil Sokolowski; Tolworth Recreation Centre Antonio Horvatic; Jack Raines v s/o. Promotions). Chantelle Cameron v s/o; Joshua v s/o; v s/o; (Promoter: British Warrior Boxing Ejakpovi v s/o; Gelasius Taaru v s/o; Billy Allington v s/o; Eli Green v s/o; Promotion). FRIDAY 6 Ibrahim Mercan v s/o; Terry Russell v s/o. Darren Codona v s/o; George Lamport v Meadowbank Sports Centre, (Promoter: Cyclone Promotions). s/o; Martin Foru v s/o; Bobby Woods v s/o; Arena Riga, Latvia (ITV Box Office) (BoxNation) Tony Vincent v s/o; Jack Mulowayi v s/o. Mairis Briedis (holder) v Mike Perez (WBC v (vacant Bowlers Exhibition Centre, Manchester (Promoter: Steve Wraith). cruiserweight title); Krzysztof Glowacki British heavyweight title); Paddy Jordan Thompson v Michael Pareo; v Leonardo Damian Bruzzese. (Promoter: Gallagher (holder) v Gary Murray (Celtic Mason Cartwright v s/o; Raza Hamza v Gilley's, Dallas, Texas (beIN Sports) Sauerland Event). welterweight title); s/o; John Telford v s/o; CJ Challenger Ivan Dychko v Abur Wright; John Vera v v Simon Barclay; Tommy Philbin v Rhys v William Warburton; Jack Rafferty v Sunday Ajuwa. (Promoter: Roy Jones Jr , , Pagan; Stephen Tiffney v Troy James; Kevin McCauley; Irvin Magno v Youssef Al Boxing Promotions). (ESPN) Paddy Barnes v s/o; Connor Law v s/o; Hamidi; Asad Riaz v s/o; Damien Chambers Gary O'Sullivan v Nick Quigley; Ray Lewis Benson v s/o; Monty Ogilvie v s/o; v s/o; Muheeb Fazeldin v s/o. (Promoter: SATURDAY 30 Moylette v Hector Rivera; Carlos Gongora Thomas Dickson v s/o; Aidan McGlynn v WAM Boxing). Echo Arena, Liverpool (Sky Sports v Henry Beckford; Everton Lopes v s/o. s/o. (Promoter: Sam Kynoch). Main Event/Arena) (Promoter: Golden Boy Promotions & Maidstone Leisure Centre Paul Butler v Stuart Hall; Rocky Fielding Murphys Boxing). Metrodome, Barnsley DL Jones v Dorian Darch; Grant Dennis v v David Brophy (for Fielding's British Ben Wager v Danny Holmes (vacant Darryl Sharp; Charlie Shane v Lewis van and Brophy's Commonwealth super- Community America Ballpark, Central Area lightweight title); Artif Ali Poetsch; Martin Hillman v s/o; James middleweight titles); Sean Dodd (holder) Kansas City v Paul Economides (vacant Central Area Chiericato v Joe Beeden; Chris Lawrence v v Thomas Stalker (Commonwealth Sharif Rahman v s/o. (Promoter: Carden super-bantamweight title); Ben Davies Jules Phillips; Luke Gibb v Fonz Alexander; lightweight title); Tom Farrell v Ohara Combat Sports). v Harry Matthews; Reece Cartwright v Tom McGinley v s/o; Kurt Johnson v s/o; Davies; Anthony Fowler v Jay Byrne; Adam Jones; Wayne Reed v Sonny Whiting; Neil Parry v Dale Arrowsmith. (Promoter: Dereck Chisora v s/o; Craig Glover v Solnahallen, Solna, Sweden Tommy Chadburn v Jordan Turner; Ross JE Promotions). s/o; v s/o. (Promoter: Anthony Yigit (holder) v Sandor Martin Blackwell v Liam Wright; Dan West v Mike Matchroom). (European super-lightweight title). Castell; Matthew Mallin v Dan Blackwell. Brentwood Centre (Promoter: SPAG). (Promoter: Carl Greaves Promotions). Ashley Sexton v s/o; Declan Geraghty v Borough Hall, Hartlepool s/o; Ian Tims v s/o; Idris Hill v s/o; Tey Abigail Medina (holder) v Martin Ward Coliseo Rafael G Amalbert, Juncos, Dolman Exhibition Hall, Bristol Lynn Jones v s/o; Richie Gray v s/o; (European super-bantamweight title); Puerto Rico Ryan Wheeler v Jamie Speight; Dan Adrian Martin v s/o; Mark Little v s/o; Glenn Foot v Nathan Hardy; Gary Fox Juan Manuel Lopez v Jayson Velez. Sarkozi v Jordan Grannum; Liam Hunt Billy Allington v s/o; Daniel Egbunike v v James First; Adam Cope v Youssef Al (Promoter: Universal Promotion & Black v Geraint Goodridge; Robert Boardman s/o; Jack Healy v s/o; Jake O'Meara v s/o; Hamidi; Terry Tyers v Paul Lovell; Tiger Promotions). v Chris Nixon; Pawel August v Justin Darrell Church v s/o; Georgii Bacon v s/o; Johnson; Tyler Davies v JD Jones; Nathan Lewis Smith v s/o; Vinzenz Kuech v s/o. Halton v Scott Hillman. (Promoter: (Promoter: Johnney Roye). BOXING ON THE BOX Sanigar Events). Meadowbank Sports Centre, Edinburgh Thomas Dickson v s/o. (Promoter: Sam THURSDAY 28 SATURDAY 30 10pm ITV Box Office Devenish Complex, Belfast 7pm BoxNation 7pm Sky Sports (free to view) Padraig McCrory v Jade Karam; Jono Kynoch). Cassius & Helder Main Event/Arena LIVE Mairis Briedis v Carroll v s/o; Alfredo Meli v s/o; Mathew LIVE Paul Butler v Mike Perez Fitzsimons v s/o; Sean Creagh v s/o; Mark National Stadium, , Ireland FRIDAY 29 Stuart Hall Morris v Jamie Quinn; Dylan Moran v s/o. Craig O'Brien v Alain Alfred; Chris Blaney 7pm BoxNation MONDAY 2 (Promoter: Kieran Farrell Promotions). v s/o; Noel Murphy v s/o; Craig McCarthy Bunce's Boxing Hour 7pm BoxNation v s/o; Victor Rabei v s/o; Manny Bique v Boxing Matters Belasco Theater, Los Angeles, Vladimir Belujsky; Karl Kelly v s/o; Allan

California (Estrella TV) Phelan v Krzysztof Rogowski. (Promoter: Christian Gonzalez v s/o; Edgar Valerio v Red Corner Promotions).

www.boxingnewsonline.net SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 l BOXING NEWS l 39 AMATEURS

Meet the personalities at the heart of the sport VESTEDINTEREST With JOHN DENNEN MAN ON A MISSION Mixing boxing with soldiering, Ryan Fillingham has set out his targets

YAN FILLINGHAM, a commando course to earn the Green captain, I couldn’t ask for much more. the captain of the Beret. We don’t get many passed yearly. “It was a massive honour, it really was.” Army boxing team It’s quite under-manned and because He’s boxed some of the top operators last season, has been it’s under-manned we’re a very busy on the domestic scene, notably a few R on stand by to join regiment,” Ryan said. “The second half [of battles with Alfie Price. “He is very good,” the relief effort after the season] they’ll release me and then I’ll Fillingham said. “He’s a great lad because hurricanes have go to the boxing team. I’ve got it 50-50, I’ve known him for years. John devastated the Caribbean. “It would I’m looking after my career and my “I think he’s turned pro now with Frank Dennen be an all new experience,” he said. “I boxing career at the same time.” Warren. I wish him all the best. I won’t @BoxingNewsJD was looking forward to it but then on The demands of his unit were what meet him in the ABAs, I’m quite glad Amateur Editor the other hand not looking forward to appealed to Fillingham in the first place. actually. it because it’s people’s lives have been “You have to be a fit lad to even join “Martin McDonagh’s another one, he’s ruined. I was looking forward to going the regiment and have a shot at it. It a very classy kid.” out and giving a helping hand, giving definitely appealed to me. We’re all His ambitions are clear. “I had three something back definitely.” fit lads, tough lads,” he said. “I haven’t things on my bucket list. To get my With his regiment, 29 Commando looked back since, not one bit.” England vest, box for them. I did that last Royal Artillery, he can be told to be ready “I already had a good pedigree of season against Scotland. I want to get to move in order to go on an operation boxing before I joined the Army. I was 100 bouts and try to get an ABA title. I’ve with 24 hours’, or even two hours’ notice. boxing for England. I always had in my never actually got an ABA title yet. Over “For half the [boxing] season I stay back head at school I wanted to join the the years I’ve been boxing I’ve got to a at work. We’re quite an under-manned Army. Never knew really what regiment final five or six times but never done it,” regiment. I’m not trying to big myself up or anything, I just had it in my head I’m he said. but it’s quite a hard regiment to get into. going to be soldier,” he recalled. “I’ve “I keep chipping away and it’ll come, It’s a commando unit. You have to pass boxed for the Army, I’ve been team I think.”

EVER CLOSER: Fillingham is proud to represent the Army Photo: CHRIS BEVAN/ ‘I WANT TO GET A HUNDRED BOUTS AND AN ABA TITLE’

40 l BOXING NEWS l SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 www.boxingnewsonline.net WEB ON TWITTER ON FACEBOOK ONLINE @BoxingNewsJD www.facebook.com/boxingnewsonline www.boxingnewsonline.net WISDOM

Trust me bro, used to it now. GALAL YAFAI is forgiving mood after Photo: CHRIS BEVAN/ENGLAND BOXING we inadvertently TESTING TIMES: called him ‘Gamal’ Ben Whittaker has throughout an entire won two England article last week. Boxing Elite titles and is now taking on Sorry again. the very best in the world overseas Won gold out here in Bosnia. Beat Belgium 5-0 in the Final. We go again next month against China. Team GB. Team Scotland. Middleweight JOHN DOCHERTY is working his way back to form.

No alarm clock needed. Our passion wakes us up. Clearly JORDAN REYNOLDS is one of those enthusastic morning people.

Good rounds in with my bro today, TAKING ON THE MAN Jack Bateson. Both getting ready for our next fights. We ready though. QUICK-FIRE Q&A He’s ridiculous. He came from 81kgs, be fighting him and then I drew him first. he needs to go back up there. He was It was a funny situation. Talented flyweight at 81kgs for quite a while as well and Were you comfortable against WILL CAWLEY is Ben Whittaker has boxed the sparring with new pro then out of nowhere he came to 75kgs. Krishan? best in the division at two major and former team-mate He’s killing it at 75gs at the moment, he’s We always do video analysis down at Jack Bateson. tournaments this year doing well. You’d expect him to slow up GB. I was watching him at the last Worlds but he’s relentless. in the quarter-finals. It was a messy fight YOU’VE drawn the Oleksandr Did you know much about him? and I thought if I do allow it to become Khyzhniak (who would win the gold Funnily enough when I started messy it’ll become messy. When you’ve medal) at both the Europeans and the international boxing my coach back at got a high calibre kid like that, who Worlds. Do you feel unlucky? home showed me a video of him and will know how to hold you and on the I feel a bit unlucky but you go to these said look how relentless this lad is. I was blindside of the ref, you’ll end up in a places and you know you’re going to about 15 at that stage, 16. He showed me messy bout. So what I thought is, how come up against the best. So you just his WSB against Aston Brown. tall I am middleweight, keep my range, take it as it comes. If the draw comes, I went to this Europeans and seen any time he steps into my space, punch it comes and even with the Indian lad him at 75 and thought a bit of a weird him. The first minute I knew I’d won. He [Vikas Krishan in the Worlds] I had a bit situation. I watched him, thought I could didn’t have a clue, he was kind of stuck. of a tough draw there. I got the right tactics [the second time against Khyzhniak]. In the first fight I We pick out a boxer who’s planning MISSION2017 stood there a bit too much. on making an impact this year What I should have done is every time I made him miss, hit him and occasionally drive him back. It’s all well CONOR LOFTUS and good saying it but when you’ve got a kid like that coming it is hard. AFTER moving down to light-welterweight, Conor Loftus has a point to prove. He will You can’t let him have no chance. Even be eager to compete in the GB Championships that are due to take place at the EIS in when I got caught with a jab, that’s giving on December 7 (Tickets are on sale now, priced £10 at http://www.ticketsdirect. org.uk/gbchamps/EntryForm.aspx). FAST FACTS the judges something to score for. If it’s GB Boxing’s Performance Director, Rob McCracken, explained: “This event is a great a 50-50 fight they’ll always go with the opportunity for the GB Boxing coaches and me to see some of the talent we have coming Age: 64kgs aggressor. through and assess the boxers in an intense, competitive situation. From: England I had the right gameplan. When you’re “We are only in the first year of the Tokyo Olympic cycle so there is still a lot of Stance: Southpaw just standing with him, it’s a lose-lose opportunity for boxers to force their way into the GB Boxing squad and then into contention Titles: England situation. When you’re just standing for the 2020 Olympics. Several of the boxers that competed at the last Olympics didn’t join Boxing Elite x2 there, he’ll just walk through you. our squad until half way through the Rio cycle, so the door is open.” He looks exceptionally strong.

www.boxingnewsonline.net SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 l BOXING NEWS l 41 AMATEURS

The very best action, previews and news from Olympic-style boxing AMATEURSCENE With JOHN DENNEN | @BoxingNewsJD SEND us your club's news, results or upcoming events to [email protected] or 020 7618 3478 TAMPERE TRIUMPH Photos: ABT Finn’s movement and single shots from range over the Army boxer’s workrate and inside boxing. Also at lightweight Army stalwart Alanna Nihell took on Mira Potkonen, the boxer who ended Katie Taylor’s double Olympic Dream and recently beat Kellie Harrington. Nihell pushed her all ‘EXCELLENT ATMOSPHERE WITH LOTS OF LOCAL SUPPORT’

the way in her first contest at 60kgs in over two years, but the Finn ELITE COLLISION: hasn’t lost since the Rio Olympics Eng [right] meeting Abdilrasoon is one of and showed why in the final round the top contests on the to put the Tampere side in front in show the team contest. The final bout, at 69kgs, between the highly regarded Some quality match ups as the Army takes on Tampere in Finland, writes Jamie Ingleby Muhammad Abdilrasoon and Scottish international Sean Eng was beginning to catch fire with both THE first bouts of the season for champion, nullified Wael Al against the non-stop Finnish boxer. boxers starting to find the target. the Army Boxing Team following Khaghani’s advances with his In a closely contested But at the end of the first round the summer break were held in movement and controlled the bout welterweight battle which saw non- they clashed heads which resulted Tampere, Finland, a straight team throughout. The performance saw stop action from start to finish, the in a nasty cut above the Scot’s eye. match between the ABT and TVS him awarded boxer of the match. home boxer and crowd favourite The Army corner sensibly retired Tampere. Following a lengthy lay off due Elina Gustafsson (who has their man to save further damage The bouts were evenly matched to injury Kaz Artingstall made campaigned mainly at 75kg) used to the eye and avoid a potentially and closely contested. Contested a winning return to the ring at her strength to take the decision at lengthy lay off. Butt meant in the on a Saturday afternoon in the city 57kgs, taking a unanimous decision the final bell over Stephanie Wroe. home side took the team trophy. centre shopping mall the show had over her Finnish opponent Swera In a contest of two halves the The return fixture in the UK is in an excellent atmosphere with lots of Abdulmohammadifar in an home boxer Niazz Ahmadi took November at ITC Caterick where local support. excellent opening contest. Kaz a close decision over lightweight the Army will welcome the Finns At bantamweight Kyle started cautiously but soon began Junior Burton to level the team in hope of revenge and levelling Morrison, the current Welsh to find her rhythm and range match. The judges preferring the the series.

volunteers and received funding boundaries in place, young people and national champion, is a from Sport England and support are able to raise their self-esteem member of the committed coaching NEW ASPIRE from Sported to set up its new and consider alternatives to peer- team led by Ronny Tucker. The club has a new home facility. During the day the school related negative behaviour. But the club doesn’t measure will use the gym before the club This is the first partnership of its success solely by competitive as its project for young runs sessions in the evening. kind between a school and a boxing boxing, it caters to young people people expands With boxing Aspire aims gym in Sheffield. As well as its social who might only want to train. to provide a diversion and impact the club has produced Its activities build confidence, ASPIRE Boxing Club has moved development activity for the champions, including three female contributes to their mental and into a new home in the Spring young people of Sheffield and champions and actively encourages physical well-being to help them Lane inclusion centre. The club is a neighbouring areas. It offers an women’s boxing in the gym. Sharon see their different options when not for profit organisation run by environment where, with clear Holford, an international medallist faced with peer-related activity.

42 l BOXING NEWS l SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 www.boxingnewsonline.net AMATEURS

Two victories in Sarajevo sees John Docherty strike gold DOCHERTY DOUBLE FIVE boxers from England, Wales and Scotland represented GB at the PRIDE OF SCOTLAND: Middleweight Docherty Mustafa tournament in Sarajevo, [left] is an increasingly Bosnia from September 23-24. experienced Scottish middleweight John international boxer Docherty picked up two victories, stopping Bosnia’s Jey Ali in the third round. That put him through to the final, where he unanimously outpointed Belgium’s Ruben Veciunca. Docherty’s countryman Scott Forrest went straight to the heavyweight final, where he outscored Bosnia’s Elver Sendro. Welsh lightweight Micky McDonagh also proceeded straight to the final and was victorious. He beat Jasin Lama, taking a over the Macedonian. Talented welterweight Harris Akbar lost out on the cards, losing a decision to home country boxer Adem Fetahovic. Blane Hyland didn’t get a point, but ended up taking a gold medal home via walkover.

over IQ’s muscled Ernest Wojcik, stpd Jayven Wilson (Islington) 3rd. THOMS ON who’d had to box the day before. Senior A: 56: Semi-Final: Byron Cox (Islington) DISPUTED Amusingly, one big right sent Khan’s outpd Amechi Chijioke (Double Jab) split. 64: gumshield flying – to be caught by First series: Ernest Wojcik (IQ Neasden) outpd Dr. Ching Kuo Wu remains in TARGET a ringsider! Brandon Wilson (Harrow) unan. Quarter-finals: place at the top of AIBA as the Displaying nice skills were Saquib Khan (Repton) outpd Wojcik split, Slavisa power stuggle continues One big right wins it for Philip southpaw Timon Asiama (Cuban Gegic (Islington) outpd Rehan Uddin (Repton) Boxing Academy) at A 69kgs and split, Dhaniel Ram (East London BA) outpd TOTTENHAM Fairbairn’s Joshua Gustave at Sharujan Swarajpillai (Northolt) unan, Ricky Aly ALTHOUGH the dispute at the B 75kgs, while at Class B 64kgs (Double Jab) outpd Ben Pascal (East London BA) top of AIBA is rumbles on, the SEPTEMBER 23-24 Numan Hussain from the Haringey split. 69: Semi-Finals: Timon Asiama (Cuban BA) world governing body president club next door (quite literally) outpd Paul Santamaria (Afewee) unan, Elijah Dr. Ching Kuo Wu remains in Daniel Herbert was cut on the scalp but declared Enegbenebho (Repton) outpd Simon Collins place. The members of the AIBA a points winner over Fisher’s (Islington) split. 75: Quarter-finals: Sherifdeen Executive Committee set up an RINGSIDE Kamishka Amiry. Lawal (St. Pancras) stpd Sean Elston (Harrow) ‘Interim Management Committee’ The conclude with two 1st, Chris Cunningham (Islington) outpd Kwame after a vote of no confidence in IT’S early in the season but that shows this weekend, at Springwest Owusu-Boateng (Afewee) unan, Ivo Camacho Dr. Wu. While there is a looming didn’t stop plenty of entries for Academy in Feltham on Saturday (IQ Neasden) w/o Marcello Cau Tait (Left Hook). Extraordinary Congress, in which the London stages of the National September 30 (3.30pm) and 86: Semi-finals: Kheron Gilpin (Miguels) the national federations will vote Development Championships, Tottenham Sports Centre on Sunday stpd Samuel Anyia (IQ Neasden) 1st injury, on whether Dr. Wu will continue in with Tottenham Community Sports October 1 (1pm). Will Hamilton (Repton) outpd Ekene Ikedife post, the Swiss Court in Lausanne Centre hosting 10 bouts on the RESULTS (Islington) unan. 91: Semi-final: Ricardo Powell did not uphold the Interim Saturday and 15 next day. (NB: Senior B 3 x 3, all other bout 3 x (Miguels) w/o Arnold Obodai (Repton). 91&: Management Committee’s efforts to In a Class A super-heavyweight 2): Junior A: 66: Semi-finals: Ray Howell Quarter-Finals: Philip Thoms (Westside) ko’d take over the running of AIBA ahead semi-final, Repton’s Stephen (Dagenham) w/o Michael Maughan (Fairbairn) Stephen Adentan (Repton) 3rd. of that Extraordinary Congress Adentan produced some flashy overweight, Dawood Noaman (East London BA) Senior B: 64: Semi-final: Numan Hussain (which could take place in October moves only to fall apart when steady stpd Oliver Usher (Bodyshots) 2nd. (Haringey) outpd Kamishka Amiry (Fisher) or November). Philip Toms (Westside) landed Junior B: 60: Semi-final: Steve McDonagh unan. 69: Quarter-final: Vilius Alisauskas There will be an emergency a big right on his chin in the last. (Fairbairn) outpd Tolga Keston (Repton) split. (Repton) outpd John Dang (Double Jab) unan. Executive Committee meeting Adentan got up but was counted 63: Semi-final: Martin McDonagh (Fairbairn) 75: Quarter-finals: Joshua Gustave (Fairbairn) this week (Friday, September 29), out on his feet. outpd Alfie Collins (Hooks) split. 66: Semi-final: outpd Abdoul Toure (Dagenham) split, Ryan which will ask questions about the Repton fared better in a Class A Azaria Kabengeie (Miguels) outpd Shaquille Kettle (Miguels) outpd James Wallace (Repton) financial dealings and governance of 64kgs quarter-final with tall, long- Parchment (West Ham) unan. 70: Semi-finals: split. 81: Semi-finals: Khara Balraj (Westside) the organisation and raise the EC’s limbed Saquib Khan surviving a Jermaine Adeniji (Double Jab) outpd Ebenezer outpd Martin Dimitrov (Dagenham) split, Aaron concerns with those issues and the second-round count to edge a split Sarpong (Double Jab), Jon O’Donnell (Hooks) Nicely (Islington) w/o Aidan Cassidy (Repton). management of AIBA.

www.boxingnewsonline.net SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 l BOXING NEWS l 43 FLASHBACK

Photo: ACTION IMAGES/SPORTING PICTURES

BRITSH LEGEND: Honeyghan can boast one of his nation’s greatest ever wins

S W E E H I K I T N

★ ★

B 1986 o y x r i n o LLOYD’S TOUGHEST TEST g H i s t

Honeyghan OUR front page headline 31 years pound fighters in the world” – made Mo conceded that Honeyghan, up against it ago permitted no doubt about what all the more daunting by the fight “has progressed extraordinarily well we thought would happen: “Lloyd’s happening in Atlantic City. in the last two years”, with a three- in super-champ facing toughest test of all” we blared Inside, our preview outlined why round demolition of European champ Curry, writes in anticipation of Lloyd Honeyghan’s Curry represented such a formidable Gianfranco Rosi in Italy the highlight. challenge to world welterweight obstacle. Wrote Tim Mo, “Curry is an But the writer predicted a Curry win Daniel Herbert champion Don Curry. exceptional champion. He can box and “somewhere before the halfway stage”. We said the Bermondsey talent he can punch; he walks up close to his In the event, Honeyghan pulled off “faces an unenviable task against a man opponents and yet seems invulnerable to one of the greatest triumphs in British regarded as one of the best pound for their punches.” boxing history as he stopped Curry in six.

PYATT’S EASY NIGHT NUNN MOVES EAST

MAIN domestic report of the Elteren, a much easier opponent. ATLANTIC City staged a lot of Vegas.” week was the Royal Albert Hall Indeed, Editor Harry Mullan was boxing in the 1980s – and not just “Second To” Nunn, then show that saw Chris Pyatt become so unimpressed by the Dutchman title fights, but smaller bills too. 23 and recording his 18th European super-welterweight that he opined, “It is doubtful One such, at an unspecified venue, successive victory, was actually (or light-middleweight as it was whether there has ever been a was topped by Michael Nunn from Davenport in Iowa. He known back then) champion with less qualified contender”. winning a unanimous 10-round would go on to hold the world a 97-second destruction of John Pyatt dropped him with his decision over Mike Tinley at middleweight title later in the van Elteren. “first significant punch”, a long Resorts International. decade. ’s Pyatt had been set right to the head, and cut him We called it Nunn’s “US Eastern Tinley did land a solid right in to challenge Said Skouma for the on the left eye before forcing debut” given that the “6ft 2ins the first round, we noted, but “he crown in Rome a couple of weeks a standing count and finally southpaw from Los Angeles had got few chances thereafter and later, but the tough Frenchman flooring him with a wide left done all his previous pro boxing was missing wildly by the closing vacated and in came 13-1-1 Van hook. on the West Coast in L.A. and Las rounds.”

44 l BOXING NEWS l SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 www.boxingnewsonline.net YESTERDAY’S HEROES

MONOCLED MAULER

RADITIONALLY, CHARACTERS: the best boxers Jeans can be viewed rise from humble as Eubank’s [below] predecessor beginnings, if not T abject poverty. While in modern times it’s not unheard of for fighters from comfortable backgrounds to make their mark in the paid ranks, in the pre-war era they were seldom Alex seen outside the Daley amateurs. There are @thealexdaley always exceptions, Historian though, and in & author the early ’30s a heavyweight from affluent Mayfair in London’s West End bucked the trend. Decades before Chris Eubank, Desmond Jeans (real name Desmond McMinn) took to the ring for each fight sporting a monocle, which he’d pass to one of his seconds just before the first bell. Unlike Eubank’s, however, Jeans’ monocle was no mere prop. His left-eye vision was so poor, he would not be given a boxing licence today. Born in 1903 to a civil servant father, Jeans spent his early years in India before moving to England. He attended Sherborne public school in Dorset, where Ex-public walk of life... I’m not going in for pro fights, but in his fifth was overmatched he took up boxing. Desmond’s mother, boxing as a joke. It won’t be any joke against the unbeaten 6ft 7 1/2in future an actress, encouraged all her children to schoolboy either taking punches with anything up British title challenger Jack Pettifer. Jeans learn the craft and his sisters, Ursula and Desmond to 15st [or 210lbs] behind them... There’s was stopped in five rounds at Olympia, Isabel, became noted stage and screen Jeans was plenty of money to be made if one is and was KO’d in his next bout, in New actresses. Desmond himself acted as well, successful, and I intend to be successful.” York, by Ireland’s Jack Phoenix. The first on stage and later in several films. known as When he made his debut, at the Royal Mayfair man then retired from the ring, A man of many interests, Jeans trained ‘The Monocled Albert Hall on September 29, 1930, but made a five-fight comeback two as a professional ballroom dancer under Jeans was reportedly the first ex-public years later. He finished in 1934 with a the famous Victor Silvester and finished Boxer’ decades schoolboy to punch for pay. He finished 6-3-1 record and one No Contest. fourth in the 1924 world ballroom before Frenchman Jose Thomas inside three. Afterwards, he entered pro wrestling dancing championships. He also played Chris Eubank The next month, Desmond boxed and became a policeman. Jeans was still a rugby for Richmond and boxed for twice in and was back at the Albert well-known figure, even being featured in Belsize boxing club, reportedly winning Hall in December. He won his first four Punch magazine. He died in 1974. many contests. At 6ft 3ins and over 13st (or 182lbs), he was a fair-sized heavyweight for his time. His move into pro boxing came EX-BOXER ASSOCIATION NEWS courtesy of Jeff Dickson, the silver- tongued Europe-based American, who RON LAND AND ALFIE HILLS, R.I.P Alfie Hills was cremated on August 23 at the promoted many of Europe’s biggest THERE’S news of the passing of two long-standing Islington Crematorium, with over 100 friends and fights of the 1930s. In Jeans, Dickson London EBA (LEBA) members in the latest LEBA family members present. Alfie was connected with saw, above all else, a novelty figure who newsletter. Ron Land, who died on August 20, aged boxing for most of his life and worked in the meat would boost ticket sales. As for Jeans, he 91, was originally from the East End and boxed market alongside his good friend, Islington ex-pro probably saw pro boxing as an adventure for Repton in his youth. Ron’s idol was Sammy George Hollister. LEBA members in attendance at and a way to maybe get richer. McCarthy. During the war, Ron was in the Parachute the funeral included George and his wife Linda, “Take a look at all these photographers Regiment and at his funeral his coffin was carried Dixie Dean, Tony Garrett and Ray Caulfield. who are pointing their lenses at me,” he into the crematorium by Paratroopers with full said before his pro debut, “and tell me military honours. Ron donated to many charities, EMAIL [email protected] with your ex-boxer how long it would have taken me to get including LEBA. association news. that amount of attention in any other

www.boxingnewsonline.net SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 l BOXING NEWS l 45 SIXTY SECONDS

RICHIE GRAY Nick Bond talks to a man who has witnessed some memorable sibling scraps

When and why you started boxing: ‘HARD WORK BEATS I was about 12 or 13 years old TALENT WHEN when I started boxing at Berry Boys in Laindon. I was bored during TALENT DOESN’T the school holidays one year, so I decided to give it a go. WORK HARD’ Favourite all-time fighter: Marc Rice. We did a lot together in I don’t really have a favourite all- the amateurs. He’s just turned pro. time fighter. I like different fighters Other sportsman you would at different times. I always enjoy like to be: watching “Canelo” Alvarez and Probably an athlete. Maybe one of Marcos Maidana, though. the Brownlee brothers [triathletes Best fight you’ve seen: Alistair and Jonny]. Marcos Maidana-Victor Ortiz on Last film/TV show you saw: TV. Live, it was probably my brother [Animated TV series] Family Guy. and sister fighting over the TV Who would play you in a film of remote! your life: Personal career highlight: Ryan Reynolds, because that’s It’s still early days for me as a pro, who my mates just voted for when so I’d say winning my debut by I asked them! stoppage in the first round [against Have you ever been starstruck: Terry George in April last year]. No, I haven’t. Toughest opponent: Last time you cried: Sam Barron in the amateurs. I was pretty sad when my dog died. He was massive and a lot more Best advice received: experienced than me. He’s a Hard work beats talent when talent cruiserweight pro now. I was boxing doesn’t work hard. for Chalvedon ABC at the time. Worst rumour about yourself: Best and worst attributes as a I haven’t heard any… yet! boxer: Something not many people I’d say my biggest strength is my know about you: competitiveness. I always give 110 I like to read a lot. I have a per cent, because I enjoy what I do. subscription to Boxing News. I also My weakness is food! enjoy reading autobiographies. I Training tip: like learning about people and their Take your time and get it right. lives. Sometimes I read psychology Favourite meal/restaurant: books, but mostly autobiographies. Thai food, definitely. Best friends in boxing:

Age: 27 Twitter: n/a Nickname: n/a Height: 5ft 11ins Nationality: English ‘BEST ATTRIBUTE? From: Brentwood Stance: Orthodox Record: 4-0 (2) Division: Middleweight Titles: n/a Next fight: Gray has a six-rounder in his hometown of Brentwood I ALWAYS GIVE 110 next Saturday (October 7). PER CENT BECAUSE FACTS FAST I ENJOY WHAT I DO’

[ NEXT ISSUE ON SALE OCT 3, 2017 (DIGITAL) AND OCT 5, 2017 (PRINT) ] ESTABLISHED 1909 BOXING NEWS 120 Leman Street, London, E1 8EU TEL +44 (0)207 618 extension EMAIL [email protected] FAX 0207 618 3400 DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS [email protected] PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS [email protected] / +44 (0)208 955 7004 (UK) / 1 866 922 8534 (US) EDITOR Matt Christie 3069 ART EDITOR & SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Nick Bond 3071 ONLINE EDITOR John Dennen 3478 ASSISTANT EDITOR Paul Wheeler 3401 COMMERCIAL MANAGER Michael Lane 3471 BN SHOP 01371 851 888 CREATIVE ARTWORKER Jason Swift PUBLISHING DIRECTOR Alex McLachlan 3077 MANAGING DIRECTOR Tim Potter PRINTING Warners Midlands Plc | Regd. at the Post Office as a newspaper | Published by Newsquest Specialist Media Ltd – a Gannett Company | Newsquest Media Group, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP10 9TY | Distributed by Seymour Distribution Ltd, 86 Newman St, London, W1T 3EX T 020 7396 8000

Incorporating On Twitter Find us on Facebook @BoxingNewsED www.facebook.com/boxingnewsonline

46 l BOXING NEWS l SEPTEMBER 28, 2017 www.boxingnewsonline.net Est. 1909 START READING WHEN WE FINISH WRITING

The Boxing News digital edition is available EVERY TUESDAY, two whole days before the print edition. Take out a digital subscription and SAVE £138 on the newsstand price. Try before you buy with a 30-day FREE trial* ➔ Go to boxingnewsonline.net/subscriptions

TERMS & CONDITIONS The 30-day free trial entitles individuals to four full priced digital issues of Boxing News and is currently only available for Apple devices. 14 days for Android customers. This offer is only available for new subscribers through the App store. We will begin billing you at the end of your free trial. It is possible to cancel your subscription between the first day of your subscription and the 30th day of your trial. Est. 1909 WHERE DOES YOUR FAVOURITE BRITISH BOXER RANK?

PRE-ORDER OFFER .75* £6 + P&P

Order today at www.boxingnewsonline.net/shop quoting GBB17 Also available at local newsagents or via the Boxing News app *Offer is valid until 5th June for pre-ordered print issue. Retail price is £7.99