UK Prospect Of The Year 2015

Boxing Monthly
25/12/2015 11:26am

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQv700TldpA

British boxing is officially booming with 12 fighters holding claim to a version of a ‘world’ title. But which young boxer is set to follow their lead? Boxing Monthly’s online team select their picks for the UK ‘prospect of the year’ in the first of our 2015 awards.

Christmas is cancelled in Japan

Marcus Bellinger
24/12/2015 10:54am

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jM__7uOLdzA

For the many boxers fighting in Japan between 26-31 December Christmas is cancelled with a mixture of some of the sport’s elite pugilists, domestic contenders and a selection of the country’s brightest young hopes all in action and aiming to take the next step up the professional ladder. The action commences on Boxing Day at the Central Gym in Kobe where Shun Kubo (8-0, 6 KOs) and Lloyd Jardeliza (7-2-1, 6 KOs) vie for the vacant OPBF 122lbs title.

Action man Porter eyes 147lbs summit

Shaun Brown
22/12/2015 7:46am

Occasionally, before pen has been put to paper to officially sign off on a big fight, there is a moment that transforms a rumoured marquee contest from a possibility into a probability. “I think you saw more action in these four rounds and more value for money than you’ve seen in Floyd’s whole career. I’ll just leave it that,” was Ricky Hatton’s message to Floyd Mayweather Jr on HBO after a trademark left hook to the body ended Jose Luis Castillo’s chances of victory when the pair met in June 2007. Mayweather and Hatton fought six months later. Shawn Porter against Keith Thurman may not carry the same magnitude as a premier boxing event, but it can be strongly argued that a showdown between the two elite American welterweights could go a long way to deciding who will pick up the baton from the now retired Mayweather as the country’s and possibly the world’s best 147lbs fighter. 

 

Josh Warrington, Leeds Warrior

Andrew Harrison
21/12/2015 9:19am

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiuizSfIBd0

A few miles outside the hubbub of Leeds city centre stands Oulton Hall, a picturesque Grade II listed manor house popular with golfers, executives and wedding parties. A former psychiatric institution and one-time military hospital, this converted hotel serves as a base for featherweight contender Josh Warrington before he fights. Unlike many former inhabitants, however, Warrington requires little restoration. He’ll check into this leafy haven in perfect condition, before venturing down the winding drive to light up a city. “The day of the fight is such a mental battle you know, because so much is going through your head,” Warrington told Boxing Monthly. “You can let it eat away at you. It all comes down to that fight. I think a lot of fights are won or lost on the day – on the walk from the dressing room to the ring."

Saunders downs Lee in Manchester

Chris Glover
20/12/2015 1:17pm

Andy Lee recovered from two heavy third round knockdowns before dropping a majority decision victory to Billy Joe Saunders who was crowned the new WBO middleweight champion of the world at Manchester Arena.  The bout started in cagey fashion as both fighters felt each other out early on. It suddenly exploded into life as Saunders caught Lee with a massive right hook that floored the Irishman in the third.

Flanagan expects different Mathews, eyes Crolla showdown

Terry Dooley
19/12/2015 9:15am

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmL7uhRvm8o

Manchester’s WBO lightweight world titlist Terry Flanagan (29-0, 12 KOs) may hold a win over his next opponent, Liverpool’s Derry Mathews, but the 26-year-old southpaw has discounted his 2012 Prizefighter: The Lightweights triumph due to the shorter scheduled distance. The former British champion believes that it will be a totally different type of fight when the two meet at Liverpool’s Echo Arena on 13 February.

Sykes up for more

James Oddy
18/12/2015 12:19pm

The British lightweight scene is buzzing. Anthony Crolla and Terry Flanagan are both 'world' title-holders, holding the WBA and WBO belts respectively. Yet Gary Sykes, a former British super-featherweight champion, seems to have been lost in the shuffle since moving up to 135lbs. “I’ve not had any fight news for a while and it’s been really pissing me off,” Sykes told Boxing Monthly. The Dewsbury man holds a 2-0 record over Crolla and lost a disputed split decision to Flanagan in Prizefighter. “I’ve got [Crolla’s] number. The second time I beat him, he’d moved to Joe Gallagher’s gym and people were saying he was going to beat me. I beat him easier than the first time.”

Vijender Singh, Indian icon

John Evans
16/12/2015 11:08am

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jf3LEr1xrSs

After following in the grand tradition of The Silk Road and venturing east to earn his fortune, India’s most famous fighter Vijender Singh is laying a new route west. Singh found success and fortune in The Orient after boxing his way to a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympic Games, but the 29-year-old decided to break new ground. Should he be successful, the pathway he is laying could and open up a vast and previously untapped marketplace.

Mystery surrounds Ibeabuchi release

Exclusive by Luke G. Williams
15/12/2015 12:01pm

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirms that former heavyweight contender Ike Ibeabuchi is ‘no longer in custody’. But where is he? Luke G. Williams investigates …

Tudsbury on fire at Moss Side

Paul Zanon
15/12/2015 11:29am

Moss Side Fire Station Boxing Club were proud to announce the crowning of a new king. All rise for Connor Tudsbury – the new 65kg Class a champion, who fought at the recent National Association of Girls and Boys Clubs Championships (NAGBC’s) in Portsmouth on 5 December. Nigel Travis, a man with a glittering amateur boxing career, full-time job as a fireman, father and husband and amateur boxing coach – not to mention occasional actor in Peaky Blinders (!), caught up with Boxing Monthly. 

Richmond’s rebirth – an exclusive extract from 'Richmond Unchained'

Luke G. Williams
13/12/2015 9:02am

The slave turned boxer Bill Richmond (1763-1829) was the world’s first black sporting superstar. In this exclusive extract from Luke G. Williams’ biography of the legendary pugilist we find our hero in 1809 and on the comeback trail after three years out of the ring. Fresh from a victory against Isaac Wood, the 46-year-old Richmond turns his attention to gaining revenge against the legendary veteran George Maddox, who five years earlier had inflicted a famous defeat upon him. The rematch, however, would be a different story altogether …