By Alan Fraser: The year 2011 has seen a number of the UK`s top talent being defeated. Heavyweight Derek Chisora (15-2) was “defeated” by Finland’s Robert Helenius. (17-0) Former WBC Super Middle Weight belt holder Carl “The Cobra” Froch (28-2) lost a unanimous decision to the American sensation Andre Ward. (25-0) Fellow Brit Amir Khan (26-2) also lost to American Lamont Peterson (30-1-1) losing his IBF and WBA Light Welter weight belts.

Such losses say an awful lot about which fighters we should hold in high regard and those which we possibly should not. The way in which each of these fighters handled defeat say a lot about fighting spirit, about a fighters honesty and integrity, and also their respect for the fans. They also say a lot about the current state of world boxing and how “inaccurate” and “biased” judging is ruining our sport. They also paint a picture as to why the popularity of MMA is growing at such an incredible rate, both as a participatory sport and as entertainment whilst the credibility of boxing runs down the gutter.

Earlier this month Dereck Chisora (15-2) was dealt a split decision robbery in Finland despite dominating Helenius (17-0) in front of an away crowd. Freddie roach described it as “just terrible”, whilst Frank Warren described it as “one of the worst decisions I have seen in a long time.” Both Roach and Warren were absolutely right, it was a complete robbery that left any boxing fan, British or other with a bad taste in their mouth. This kind of injustice is taking away the credibility of the sport; it removes the very essence of competition and turns fans away from the sport. Despite this robbery Dereck Chisora remained in control and conducted himself proudly and with class, as a boxer should. Chisora said of the decision “I am not one to moan and bleat about a bad result. The heavyweight I am is built to take knocks and trips, my champion instincts cajole me to stand up when I fall or lose; and the disciplined professional athlete in me is ever gracious even in the most unjust defeats. And as Saturday’s is one – and a glaring, blatant one – I feel it’s only fair that I demand an immediate rematch against Helenius.” Chisora was gracious in a completely unjust defeat promising that in a rematch “this time I will knock him out and mop the canvas with his head!” Chisora conducted himself like a boxer should and it is this which has earned him a fight against WBC champion Vitali Klitschsko (43-2) in February.

Last night Carl Froch took on American Super Middle weight sensation Andre Ward in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Froch lost convincingly as Wards superior skill set and speed was too much, yet despite his confidence and bravado prior to the bout had this to say after defeat, “”I take nothing away from Andre Ward – he’s very good at not getting hit, and keeping out of harm’s way. He’s like a slippery eel in there sometimes. That’s what boxing is about. It’s about not getting hit.” And “He kept himself in the safe zone. I was unable to unleash my power punches consecutively which I felt if I could have, I would have got to him. But that is credit to Andre Ward for doing what he did in there. He fought the better fight on the night and I’ve got no excuses at all.” Froch, could admit that he was beaten by the better fighter on the night and was able to take it like a man and admit that. However, Froch showed his fighting spirit by saying “”I’ve been beaten before and I’ve come back stronger. I was in against a very, very tricky, very slick and awkward very good fighter”. Froch was able to take the defeat on the chin, and talk about moving forward.

Another bout which has caused quite a stir is the matchup between Amir Khan and Lamont Peterson, which took place in Petersons home town of Washington D.C. Khan who lost a split decision has had a lot to say in the wake of his loss. Khan was docked two points for repeatedly pushing Peterson, something which he felt was very harsh and that has cost him his belts. However, when we watch the fight round by round it is clear to see why Khan lost this fight. Khan ran from the action for too long, he was not being smart avoiding punches; but actually running away. Khan was also repeatedly holding Petersons gloves; top stop Petersons inside game being so effective. Khan additionally, threw his elbows to Petersons face and put him in headlocks, as he tried to slow Peterson’s onslaught. Khan even showed how little class he has by hitting Peterson after the bell. It beggars belief where the moaning from the Khan Camp actually can come from? As a Brit myself, the only question that I need to ask is “why was he not docked more points?” Khan was utterly tasteless in his handling of the defeat and this to say, “”It was like I was against two people in there – the referee and Lamont himself,” Khan even had the cheek to say that he was the cleaner fighter and that Lamont was fighting dirty using his head. It is comments like this that leave fans, especially British fans cringing in their seats. Anyone who watched the fight, if they are completely honest with themselves knows that Amir Khan lost that fight. It had nothing to do with it being in Washington D.C, the referee or Peterson and everything to do with how Khan underestimated Peterson and was unable to deal with Peterson inside game. Khan was quick to look at everyone involved bar him; he needs to look closer to home for answers on why he lost this fight. Khan branded the decision “disgusting”, the only thing disgusting is the way he has acted since then, calling for immediate rematches and the like.

There is a lot then to learn about the current state of boxing and the move towards MMA, from each of these defeats. There is a lot to learn about how boxers should act with honesty, integrity and respect, like Froch & Chisora and not condone the cringe worthy opinions and attitudes of the bad sports, such as Amir Khan.