By Gav Duthie: After George Groves 8th round knockout defeat on Saturday night to Carl Froch it’s fair to say that sibling promotional team Kalle and Nisse Sauerland have a difficult task ahead in plotting his world title trail. The punch landed by Carl was precise and well timed but was it devastating enough to do the damage it did? After revisiting George’s early career problems with Kenny Anderson and watching the first Froch fight again you have to start questioning the chin of the Londoner. Team Sauerland have a very similar problem with the talented but vulnerable 6″9 Liverpudlian heavyweight David Price.
Gavin Duthie
Alexander Povetkin v Manuel Charr this Friday
By Gav Duthie: With all the recent Froch-Groves hype its easy to forget that Alexander Povetkin 26-1 (18) takes on Manuel Charr 26-1 (15) in Moscow, Russia this Friday night.
In order to avoid fighting for any of Wladimir Klitschko’s titles these two evenly matched heavyweights are adding their names to the long line targeting the WBC belt currently held by Bermaine Stiverne. The WBC international gong is on the line for the winner and would significantly move either fighter up the pecking order for a mandatory position with Stiverne. Manuel Charr is currently rated no. 6 and Povetkin is not yet rated as he was recently the WBA champ. However big bookies favourite Povetkin (1/6) would move right near the top with a win over Charr.
How important is sparring for a boxer?
By Gav Duthie: With Carl Froch 32-2 (23) recently singing the praises of middleweight prospect Chris Eubank Jnr 15-0 (10) as a sparring partner I thought I would look at the link between quality sparring and boxing performance come fight night. I also want to explore some of the rumours of big sparring upsets over the years. Its something that always fascinated me what happens behind closed doors. As a boxing fan you’ve got to love a bit of Rocky Balboa. One question I always wanted to know was who won the fight after the credits of Rocky 3 between Balboa and Apollo Creed.
Welterweights on the comeback trail
By Gav Duthie: On the 21st June, 2014 California hosts the comeback fights of ex world champions Devon Alexander 25-2 (14) and forgotten Welterweight Robert ‘The Ghost’ Guerrero 31-2-1 (18). Although these two will share the same ring they won’t be fighting each other as they ease their way back to top level action on the undercard of Gary Russell Jnr 24-0 (14) v Vasyl Lomachenko 1-1 (1).
A fight between the two would have been of decent interest but its fair to say they both have stern challenges in front of them and can’t afford to be complacent. Devon takes on Jesus Soto Karass 28-9-3 (18) whilst The Ghost entertains Yoshihiro Kamegai 24-1-1 (21). Devon is coming off a lost to Shawn Porter at the back end of last year whilst Guerrero has been out for 13 months since his loss to Floyd Mayweather. Its hard to say who has the bigger test here. Obviously statistically Kamegai looks better but Karass has been fighting top level fighters for quite some time now and surprised a few.
The legacy of Juan Manuel Marquez and his future options
By Gav Duthie: Last Saturday night we witnessed another master class display of ring generalship and boxing IQ from the ageless Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez 56-7-1 (40). His 12 round unanimous decision win over Mike Alvarado 34-3 (23) was flawless bar a knockdown in the 9th round as he was going in for the kill himself. Juan has mentioned retirement several times over the last year or so. He has an estimated net worth of $12 million dollars and being a qualified accountant he is likely to be quite sensible with his finances.
Marquez told us on Saturday he would consult his family (the wife probably) before making any decisions on his future. If he does decide to carry on who does he fight next and if he retires how good was he?
Current Legacy
Carl Froch v George Groves (full card review)
By Gav Duthie: It is difficult to understate the enormity of probably the biggest fight in British boxing history with the rematch between Carl ‘The Cobra’ Froch and George ‘Saint’ Groves. This is a great spectacle for the UK because not only is this a domestic rivalry between two guys who can’t stand each other it is also a bout between two World level fighters. On top if this the fight will take place in England’s national stadium Wembley in front of 80,000 fans.
As always Eddie Hearn to his credit isn’t just satisfied with a big headline. He has produced a sizzling undercard which I will attempt to review in detail. After extensive research (boxrec and youtube mostly) I will discuss a breakdown of the fights confirmed so far as well as my usual miles off predictions.
Shannon Briggs in his third comeback fight this Saturday against Matthew Greer
At 42 year-old Shannon ‘The Cannon’ Briggs 53-6-1 (47) is attempting to walk the walk fighting for the 3rd time in less than a month versus journeyman opponent Matthew Greer 16-12 (13) as he tries to muscle his way back into the heavyweight division.
Is Kell Brook scared of Shawn Porter or is Eddie Hearn?
By Gavin Duthie: One more chance is all I would give Eddie Hearn to deliver a tile shot for Kell Brook 32-0(22). He has been the mandatory IBF challenger for what seems like an eternity yet has never managed a crack at the belt.
During this time Brook has seen three separate dates for fights with then champion Devon Alexander 25-2(14) fall through, twice due to mysterious injuries to Brook and one for Alexander. Then he had to watch British level fighter Lee Purdy 20-5-1(13) bravely but poorly attempt to dethrone Alexander. After this he witnessed the title change hands from Alexander to Shawn Porter 24-0-1(15) followed by a snub for a shot in favour of Paulie Malignaggi. Trolling through the news sights and forums there is more talk of Porter next fighting Amir Khan or Keith Thurman, enough is enough.
Anyone else for Derry Mathews v Anthony Crolla 3
By Gavin Duthie: Mr ‘Bouncebackaility’ Derry Mathews 35-9-2(19) has kept his name in the frame on the British domestic scene with a 12 round split decision victory over Martin Gethin 24-5-1 (11). With this win Derry has become the British champion for the second time. After his recent defeat to Stephen Ormond for the European crown a win was essential for Matthews on Saturday night.
For me this sets up a much anticipated 3rd fight with Anthony Crolla 28-4-1 (11). I put Derry in the same bracket as the likes of retired duo Michael Gomez and Carl Johansen. We know he is at best a British/European level fighter but he’s always exciting to watch and that’s what sport is all about. Conversely Eddie Hearn is trying to convince us that Anthony Crolla is at world level despite the fact he has fought Matthews twice and the best he has managed is one draw.
The WBC has missed a trick with Arreola vs. Stiverne 2
(Photo credit: Goosen Tutor Promotions) By Gav Duthie: Bermaine Stiverne 23-1-1(20) v Chris Arreola 36-3(31) has to be the LEAST inspiring vacant title fight that I can think of in living memory. I just can’t seem to get myself up for it.
When Vitaly Klitschko became champion emeritus (in other words retired) I was excited for the first time in 10 years of heavyweight boredom at the thought of a new champion. The heavyweight division has arguably been dull for 20 years if you count the reign of Lennox Lewis. The WBC could have generated some interest in the division if they thought outside the box. Instead they go route one and order a fight between number 1 Stiverne and number 2 Arreola.