FROM THE HEART
Our thoughts are with the families affected by the attack in Manchester
EVERY Tuesday, on my commute from Brighton to London, I churn out around 700 words for this page on a boxing subject that is deemed important or needs addressing. But this morning, after waking to news of the terrorist attack in Manchester that has left – at the time of writing – more than 20 dead, it’s a struggle to think of anything other than the families involved. As a parent, a husband and a normal human being, the tragedy – the mindless, awful tragedy – puts life into perspective, and makes addressing any issues boxing may have somewhat trivial in comparison.
Before the bomb went off at the Manchester Arena that terrorised hundreds of teenagers and children, there were numerous points of contention up for consideration.
Perhaps I would still be infuriated with the idiotic fans who threw beer at Floyd Mayweather and Gervonta Davis after the latter defeated Liam Walsh so impressively on Saturday night. Maybe I’d say the actions of the minority painted an ugly picture of boxing fans in this country but now, after hearing about the incredible bravery and selflessness of so many in Manchester and beyond, all I want to do is champion the beating heart of our nation.
Possibly I’d focus on the miserable Shannon Briggs comeback that appears to have reached an end after he allegedly failed a drug test. But is now the right time to lambast a 45-yearold man who felt his best chance of regaining some sort of glory was to cheat his way to it? If the increased testosterone in his body is proved to be a consequence of performance enhancing drugs then Briggs, whose veins have been bulging in his forehead for a suspiciously long time, should be thrown out of the sport. But strangely, at this time, I have some sympathy for a man who, beneath the bluster and grating attention-seeking, was desperately trying to secure one last payday for his family.
While such pity is probably ill-advised, it’s impossible to find any at all for Leon Lawson Jnr, the trainer and uncle of Andre Dirrell, who violently cannoned a left hook off the unsuspecting jaw of his nephew’s opponent, Jose Uzcategui, in Maryland on Saturday night. The cowardly assault was seemingly the result of Dirrell collapsing after taking punches as the bell sounded to end the eighth round. But he had also been declared the winner. The Flint fighter – who defeated Arthur Abraham under comparable circumstances in 2010 – quickly regained his footing, his senses and embraced Uzcategui somewhat apologetically. The decision from the referee to disqualify Uzcategui was bad enough, but Lawson opting to lamp a defenceless boxer who had just engaged in a fight is unforgivable. Lawson, who is on the run, faces 25 years in prison. I hope the authorities catch up with him.
Maybe I would have highlighted the needless IBF ‘Interim’ title that was at stake between Dirrell and Uzcategui. I must admit to being exceptionally frustrated a few days ago with the one sanctioning body who had previously resisted creating multiple titles but, on this morning, less than 12 hours after such unthinkable loss of life, criticising yet another boxing organisation for their greed seems crass in the face of the real problems out there.
I’m also aware that you’re reading Boxing News right now because boxing news is exactly what you want and, no matter what occurs in the world, it is our duty to provide it. And business will continue as normal – not out of disrespect you understand, but out of a determination to not let terrorism triumph. The rest of the issue is what you’d expect; previews, ringside reports, interviews and features that showcase some truly exceptional writing and personalities - so please forgive me for digressing here.
While Boxing News will always report all things boxing, it is also important to deliver our sympathy and respect to all those innocently affected by the Manchester atrocity. Our hearts are with you all.