Boxing: The British Scene

By Neil Jones: I feel that people have perhaps lost sight of the bigger picture, and are basing there articles or opinions on little other than personal grudges. It’s maybe forgotten that we are boxing fans, who first and foremost want to be entertain by watching the best fighters in the best fights regardless of nationality. First and foremost I am a boxing fan. By that extension, I like to feel that I am non biased and objective. By the same standard, it means that I wanted Haye to whip Wladamir, Ricky to knock out Manny and Amir to batter Kotelnik, but we all know how that has turned out.

Still, first things last. I wonder, realistically does England, or for that matter, Briton have a legitimate contender? Is Haye good enough? Has Amir learned how to protect that glass jaw? Is there a future for Ricky Hatton?

In short – yes – maybe – no.

But, what I want to discuss are the fringe players. Jamie Moore for instance. Perhaps the most avoided man in boxing. His record is unspectacular, and anyone outside of the UK has no idea who he is. Why then has can he not book a fight? The guy is fighting bums. Not out of choice, but because no one will dare fight him. Tough, can bang and reaching his prime after earlier blips, you would think given his record that fighters would fancy their chances. But no. He has done it the hard way and after one more euro defense, should earn his world title shot. For me, he is a champion in the waiting.

Carl Froch. – Big mouth, but can he back it up? The jury is still out for me. I loved the way Froch talked his way to attention. Beating no one of any real substance, yet beating them convincingly all the same. Calling out Calzaghe as he did so. I felt perhaps he had the beating of the welsh man too, until the Taylor fight. Win or lose, Froch was out classed. He cannot box and at world level, you have to ask how Iron that iron chin really is. Not aluminum, but maybe only tin. Still, I like him, I think he’d beat Bute and he’s exactly the kind of fighter the sport needs. Exciting, passionate, and willing to fight whoever, whenever.

Jumping on the band wagon I may be – but what does Tyson Fury have to offer? Can he be somebody? When will have a realistic answer to that question if no one will fight him? He’ s 20 years old, 6 stoppages from 6 fights, albeit against limited opposition, but the lad cannot even get anyone to spar against him, let alone take a fight. I’d love to see him up against Martin Rogan, who let’s not forget has only had 13 bouts himself, or perhaps Sexton, who beat Rogan in controversial style last time out. Winner of that fight gets a shot at Danny Williams and the British title.

To me he looks clumsy, with a poor defence and a little bit naive. But, he bangs like a freight train and is agile for his size. He’s also at the start of his career and is learning all the time. The only time he’s ever been wobbled is when he hit himself against Lee Swaby last time out, in perhaps the only time you YouTube boxing pundits will have seen him.

I want to see him go for the British title. Fighting Danny Williams would be a huge test as to what he is made of and a bench mark at which to judge him.

What about Rendall Munroe. Look him up. Guy is a fairy tale in the making. Does he have the skills to all the way? Maybe not, but there is a chance. A bin man by day, he has been working hard, has paid his dues and is now the European and Commonwealth super bantam weight champ.

In short I am sick of hearing only about American prospects – the likes of Dirrell, Ward, and Taylor and Lacy before them, that are in truth nothing special. I am sick of my fellow countrymen being shot down and I call for a truce.

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