RingSide Report

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The British Boxing Scene – Tyson Fury, Amir Khan & More

By Donald C. Stewart

Over in the UK we had another sad week as we mourned the loss of yet another Heavyweight name, this time it was Smokin Joe Frazier, 32-4-1, 27 KO’s, the man against whom Muhammad Ali, 56-5, 37 KO’s, was measured. His descent from the discovery to death through cancer was swift and perhaps merciful but the legacy this colossus of a man wields will be with us for some considerable time to come. I have already written for Ringside Report at length on his legacy but suffice to say ten bells went out and hearts rang out in sympathy.

We also heard that Amir Khan, 26-1, 18 KO’s, has signed a 3 fight deal with Sky Sports beginning with the Lamont Peterson, 29-1-1, 15 KO’s, bout in December.

In the amateur scene the ban imposed by International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA) on Paul King has been overturned as some of our Olympic prospects have to fight each other to gain the right to represent their country in 2012.

Backwards

Last weekend we saw Ricky Burns, 33-2, 9 KO’s, take on and beat the Australian Greek warrior, Michael Katsidis, 28-5, 23 KO’s. Burns won and won well. It may have been a points victory and Katsidis was relentless and an insatiable warrior. Now an interim champion, Burns will be back soon to take the crown – bet on it!

Dereck Chisora, 15-1, 9 KO’s, returned to the ring and put the loss against Tyson Fury behind him by winning in points in 6 rounds against Remigijus Ziausys, 19-44-3, 9 KO’s. It was a pedestrian win and won’t reignite Klitschko talk.

George Groves, 14-1, 11 KO’s, completely demolished Paul Smith, 31- 3, 17 KO’s, in 2 rounds to retain his British and Commonwealth Super Middleweight titles. Whilst a few days earlier Lee Purdy, 16-2-1, 9 KO’s, put up his British Welterweight Title against Colin Lynes, 36-9, 12 KO’s, in Bethnal Green and lost it. The challenger was a deserved winner against a Purdy that appeared below his best.

On the 12th November highly impressive cruiserweight Matty Askin, 12-0, 8 KO’s, did what no one else has ever done and stopped Roman Kracik, 33-8-1, 19 KO’s. He is looking at a British Title fight next. Denton Vassell, 19-0, 9 KO’s, comfortably beat Samuel Colomban, 20-4, 10 KO’s, to retain his Commonwealth Welterweight crown. Tyson Fury 17-0, 12 KO’s, continued his climb to his pinnacle by retaining his Commonwealth belt against the unbeaten Canadian, Neven Pajkic, 16-1, 5 KO’s. Fury had had to sack his uncle as coach during the training camp. Despite ending up on the canvas in the 2nd Fury got up to prove he is a credible Heavyweight by stopping Pajkic in the 3rd. Highly impressive.

Also highly impressive was the debut – on British terrestrial TV of the professional debut of one Chris Eubank Jr 1-0.

Full Stop

Whilst Julio Cesar Chavez JR., 43-0-1, 30 KO’s, on the 19th take on Peter Manfredo, 37-6, 20 KO’s, I shall be at home in Ayr – home of Rabbie Burns – there is boxing at Ayr’s Citadel. One of my mates from soccer is in the ring so expect a report from some grass roots boxing during the month! Go Graham Steel…

On the 18th Lee Selby 11-1, 3 KO’s, is back against John Simpson, 22-8, 9 KO’s, in Bethnal Green for the British Featherweight title.

Forward

The end of November will see on the 25th November, Anthony Crolla 22-2, 9 KO’s, will fight Willie Limond 34-3, 8 KO’s, in Motherwell for the British Lightweight title. Also in Motherwell Kris Carslaw 14-0, 3 KO’s, will be up against Mathew Hall 23-4, 16 KO’s.

On the 26th Rendall Munroe, 23-2, 9 KO’s, is up against Nehomar Cermeno, 20-4, 12 KO’s, and undefeated Joe Murray, 11-0, 5 KO’s, will be up against undefeated Chris Male, 11-0, 2 KO’s, in Newport. Ryan Rhodes, 45-5, 31 KO’s, is in Rotherham against Belarussian Siarhei Khometski, 24-8, 10 KO’s.

On the 3rd December Prince Arron, 21-3-1, 4 KO’s, and Brian Rose, 17-1-1, 5 KO’s, will be in the ring for the British Light Middleweight title in Wigan.

There is an intriguing dressing room battle on the 9th December as James DeGale, 11-1, 8 KO’s, AND George Groves appear at the Docklands. No opponents as yet but the British, Commonwealth and European title holders will clearly be vying for who gets top billing and the best mirror….

Ashley Theophane, 30-4-1, 8 KO’s, will also return against Nigel Wright, 24-6-1, 10 KO’s, in Peterlee on the 10th for the British Light Welterweight title. Chris Edwards, 16-14-3, 4 KO’s, will be on the same bill against Shinny Bayaar, 15-5-2, 4 KO’s, for the British Flyweight title.

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