By Nick Hagan: After a really disappointing 2016, 2017 is already shaping up to be a great year for Boxing. So far to date we have already seen Carl Frampton v Leo Santa Cruz in a fantastic rematch. It may not have been as enthralling as the first match up but still very decent. Just before this we saw De Gale v Jack in a unification fight and what could well be a contender for fight of the year. So enjoyed watching this fight and great to see both Boxers giving it there all.
By Nick Hagan: The great sport of Boxing has enjoyed a fantastic renaissance during the last few years. This is partially due to the influx of new promoters; TV & Internet channel setup and investment of money from new players into the game. However, ultimately the renaissance has mainly happened due to the exciting talent that we have been blessed with, in each of the divisions.
Boxing is purely an entertaining sport. However fans either prefer ‘The Sweet Science’ or the ‘Pure Sweat and Guts’. I for one prefer the latter. Boxing for me is about watching two warriors who are happy to lay everything on the line and are not afraid to ‘hit and be hit’.
By Nick Hagan: This time next week Floyd Mayweather Jr’s fans will be asking themselves, who next? Its undoubtedly getting to the point where there is now very few viable opponents for this champion. If you look at all the belt holders/ big names between 147 – 154, that Mayweather could pick, you have a relatively small list that consists of, Keith Thurman, Shaun Porter, Erislandry Lara, Amir Khan, Saul “Alvarez” and Danny Garcia.
I’m going to dismiss Amir Khan straight away, because I see Luis Collazo knocking him out and effectively ending his career on Saturday night.
There are a few other names that we would all like to see added to the list that I have compiled above, however, these fight’s can’t and won’t be made due to TV contractual rights and the “Cold War” between Top Rank and “The Money Team”/ Golden Boy Promotions.
By Nick Hagan: There is absolutely no doubt, that Floyd Mayweather Jr. is a great boxer. However, many boxing fans, are becoming increasingly disappointed, because time and time again, we just being short changed by Mayweather as an elite boxer.
Mayweather’s career success has been based around his ability to use the “Philly Shell” roll defence, his reflexes and to counter-punch, arguably doing all three, better than anyone in the history of our sport.
(Photo credit: Tom Casino/Showtime) By Nick Hagen: WBA junior middleweight champion Erislandy Lara (19-1-2, 12 KO’s) could well be the next boxer to get the chance to take Floyd Mayweather Jr’s ‘0’ on the 3rd of May 2014.
Many fans including myself felt Lara put in a great performance against Austin Trout (26-2, 14 KO’s) at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York last Saturday. The way that Lara picked his shots, used great ring movement, feints and showed elusive abilities, was fantastic to watch.
By Nick Hagan: Following Juan Manuel Marquez’s defeat last weekend In Vegas, there are now many people, who are calling for him to retire, after what has been a very accomplished career.
Marquez is now 40 years old and has fought the best in Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquia, and finally beating the latter at the 4th attempt. You have to ask the question; where does Marquez go from the defeat, inflicted by Bradley last week? This answer is simple, just retire! If he continues (which I suspect he will), It would be a sad situation and likely do damage his legacy and potential long term health.
By Nick Hagan: Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr. are from different errors, one achieving so much in boxing and financial terms and the other regarded by most of the general public as being a true ‘Hall of Fame’ champion.
Mike Tyson was the marquee boxer in the mid to late 80’s. He had a great amateur career and after just eighteen months after turning professional, (at the tender age of 20) became the WBC world Heavyweight champion, in defeating Trevor Berbeck. Tyson then went on to Unify the division (and destroy in the 1st round) at the age of 22, the well respected Michael Spinks.
(Photo credit: Steve Lopez) By Nick Hagen: It’s unbelievable timing for Oscar De La Hoya to book himself into rehab only five days before the mega fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. 44-0 and Saul “Canelo” Alvarez 42-0-1
De La Hoya has voluntarily booked himself into a clinic, for yet undisclosed reasons. (However he has a well documented history of alcoholic and substance abuse).
Many boxing fans, me included, are asking the question; why De La Hoya couldn’t of waited until next week, to make such a decision.
Alvarez already has a mountain to climb this coming weekend, if he is going to dethrone the P4P number 1 star. Alvarez especially needs the backing and support, from his family, close friends, trainers and in so many ways De La Hoya his own Promoter.
By Nick Hagan: Nathan Cleverly 26-0 has the opportunity tonight to showcase his superb boxing skills, against a world class opponent in Sergey Kovalev 21-0-1
Many people including myself have been very impressed with Cleverly’s career to date. A career, in which he has been well guided, trained and managed impressively.
Cleverly became the WBO Light Heavyweight champion in 2010 at the tender age of 23. Now three years on, he Is calling out the big names in the division, i.e. Hopkins, Dawson and Cloud who have all appeared reluctant to sign up to a fight, against a boxer who is just Improving In every defense he makes of his title.
By Nick Hagan: It was such a pleasure to watch Carl Froch (live) put on a master class against Kessler at the O2 in London on Saturday.
Froch is like a fine wine, who just improves with age and experience. Where most boxers at the age of 35 would be in the twilight of their careers and perhaps only considering one or two more fights, I could quite easily see Froch continuing for up to another 4 fights.