FUND FOR EX-BOXERS
I HAVE very little interest in the Tony Bellew-david Haye rematch. I did watch the first fight, but the rematch the interest stems only from curiosity.
However, as a member of an EBA, I realise that most of us fans rarely hear about the compassion and generosity of boxers – most of their charity work goes unnoticed. For example, Haye offered support to Nick Blackwell when he was seriously injured in the ring, which was a very generous and admirable thing to do.
I think that a small percentage of boxers’ purses – when topping the bill – should go into a fund for ex-fighters, so the likes of Herol Graham can be aided financially as and when needs be. Alternatively, the percentage could be taken directly from the gate/tv total. If this scheme could be put into place, I would happily book the Bellew-haye rematch on pay-per-view, knowing that I’d be helping ex-boxers in doing so. John Farey
THE CASE FOR THE IBO
I WAS disappointed in The Panel’s opinions on the International Boxing Organisation last week (April 26). The IBO is as old as the WBO (both were established in 1988) and only five years younger than the IBF. During its 30-year history, the IBO has put together an impressive list of champions.
Wladimir Klitschko won the IBO heavyweight title and fought for it more than any other world title he possessed (20 times). Gennady Golovkin will contest the middleweight title for the 18th time when he faces Vanes Martirosyan this weekend. Lennox Lewis fought for the heavyweight title eight times, while Anthony Joshua has already fought for the same title three times.
The IBO’S rankings system is computerised, meaning they don’t just introduce any boxer into their top 10 on the back of obscure victories, which is exactly the kind of thing the sport needs to stop gross mismatches and quick, moneymaking fights. The suggestions that the IBO is too young, or their rankings system is too confusing, does the organisation a great disservice, in my opinion. Yes, they’re late to the party, but they’re about to make it a whole lot better. Matt Lewis BN replies: Considering Martirosyan doesn’t appear in the IBO middleweight Top 100, perhaps the body could have made a strong statement by not sanctioning this weekend’s contest.
LOYAL READER
I’VE enjoyed reading Boxing News since 1942/43, and have always grumbled when the format of the magazine was altered – thinking it could not be improved upon – and therefore was determined not to like it. However, I always did like it, as each change of format featured something different and interesting. The same goes for the editors. I don’t know where you get them from, as each one – although not better or worse than the last, because each one has the knowledge, skill and love of what they do – has their own special touch. I enjoy reading the work of every one of your contributors. I firstly look at the Contents page, then go to Simon Euan-smith’s EBA column, followed by Alex Daley’s/miles Templeton’s Yesterday Heroes article. After that, I settle down to the whole of BN. The articles on the various boxers, both past and present, are gems, and the Editor’s Letter is always a perfect example of ‘without fear of favour’ journalism. Thank you to all at BN for your excellent magazine for my last 75-plus years. C. Somerville
BN replies: Thank you very much for your kind words, Mr Somerville, and for your dedicated and much-appreciated support over the past 75-plus years!