A bad year for British boxing?

[PAULM03]

I know there's a boxing thread, but thought this article deserved a thread of its own
http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=17151&more=1

eastside is outrageously US-centric, but I think they have a point here.

Coming into the last 4 months of the year could we see 3 highly rated british fighters come seriously unstuck? I think we could.

I've got exactly the same POV as the writer of this article. Calzaghe, Haye and Hatton SHOULD win. But there's a real possibility they won't. That will mean we've gone from a superb stable in 2007 to chuff all by the end of 2008.

From a betting perspective I think I'll be having a little snifter against all 3 in their next bouts.

[aliando]

worst year for british boxing for me was when major coverage went to sky - i aint seen more than 4-5 fights since.

[PAULM03]

Originally Posted by aliando

worst year for british boxing for me was when major coverage went to sky - i aint seen more than 4-5 fights since.

Yeah it killed it in a big way.

The Eubank/Benn era on ITV was what really got me into it. I don't think I've ever seen anything that could sum up the phrase 'poetry in motion' more than Eubank KOing Watson.

[aliando]

Eubank/Benn - saw that fight and was big into the boxing at that time. but every time i hear of a fight these days, at best, i only know one of the boxers. I know its all about money, but unless you are a die hard fan, i think boxing is on par with cycling and swimming in this country now.

[mowgli77]

Good article and i'm worried about all 3 losing. I've made the point numerous times about Haye and that dodgy left arm that hangs by his side. The warnings are there, similar to the warnings Khan had been given when knocked down previously. The heavyweight division is awful, Haye could unify it, I just hope he can take a punch better than Khan.
Calzaghe is coming to the end of his career and I'm hoping he'll retire unbeaten and call it a day after this fight as his hands are fcuked. I think that one might go to points and not so sure the judges will favour him this time. I was shocked that Hopkins put him on his ass but credit to him, he got up and did the job.
Hatton will probably go for 1 last big money fight if he gets through this one but he doesn't look his old self. Not sure if it's just age or falling out of love with boxing. He was pictured pissed up outside a club a few weeks ago. His lifestyle will catch up with him in the ring at some point again and he needs a plan B this fight as against Mayweather there wasn't one and his head went.
I've seen Carl Froch fight and I think he is the future for us, some say he would have beaten Calzaghe. He was on the undercard of the Witter fight in Nottingham and he can punch and finish a fighter, he has that killer instinct and also seems like a really decent bloke too.

[PAULM03]

I've seen Carl Froch fight and I think he is the future for us, some say he would have beaten Calzaghe. He was on the undercard of the Witter fight in Nottingham and he can punch and finish a fighter, he has that killer instinct and also seems like a really decent bloke too.

Is Froch/Taylor still on?

That was supposed to be his next fight but its not on boxrec, Taylor is supposedly up against Lacy next,

That's Froch's problem for me. Not busy enough, or is he just avoided?

[mowgli77]

Originally Posted by PAULM03

Is Froch/Taylor still on?

That was supposed to be his next fight but its not on boxrec, Taylor is supposedly up against Lacy next,

That's Froch's problem for me. Not busy enough, or is he just avoided?

From Froch's website:

By the close of 2009, Nottingham will have a reigning WBC world champion in myself and, unlike others in my profession, you will see the Cobra taking on all-comers to the title.

I will give all mandatories their shot.

The lion's share of those fights will hopefully be in Nottingham – but after becoming champion I really do want to showcase my skills in the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas, or even Madison Square Garden, New York, should Jermain Taylor beat Jeff Lacy.

Now there's a trip for the hardcore fans!

But first, all my focus is on Canadian Jean Pascal, who I will of course take out in style! Expect some big news on the event very soon...

I can't remember which pundit it was but they said Froch would beat Calzaghe, including when Calzaghe was at his peak. He was certainly quick to give up his WBC belt when Froch was made mandatory challenger. Don't think his next fight has been scheduled yet but i'll be watching it with interest.

[mowgli77]

http://www.cobraboxing.com/forum/index.php?topic=494.0

Videos of Pascal on the Froch forum. He looks quick and quite effective at counter punching but doesn't look like he has the power Froch has but is still 14 KO's from 21 fights and still unbeaten as far as I'm aware. Should be a good fight.