DOES HE NOT LIKE THAT
THERE is a movement within the ranks of football fans called 'Against Modern Football'. Well, here are some things that I don't like about modern boxing... I don't like music between rounds – do fans really need to be entertained for 60 seconds? I don't like how a boxer can be 20-0 yet has hardly faced anyone with a winning record... I don't like how ring announcers think they need to whip the crowd into a frenzy. Calm down. If they're not excited about the main event then the matchmaker hasn't done their job... I don't like how every main event can't get underway without Sweet Caroline being played. It's a great tune but let's mix it up a bit... I don't like the way boxers put in the performance of their lives only for victory to be denied by poor judging... I don't like how the word 'casual' is bandied about as an insult... I don't like how 'world champions' are allowed to only defend their titles once a year... I don't like how a promoter or manager will say in a post-fight interview, 'we want to fight X next.' Who is we? Nobody is going to be throwing punches at you, mate... I could go on. But perhaps I'm just an old grouch. Thankfully there are plenty of things I do still love about our sport. Bob Beech
THAT WINNING FEELING
ON Saturday night I had a bet on the boxing with an eight-fight accumulator. I put on £15 and bet on the outcome of eight fights. And what do you know? All eight came in! Just as I was plotting my trip to Barbados I decided to check my winnings. Unfortunately, my £4.23 bounty wouldn't even be enough to buy me a pint at the airport.
Every fight was of course completely predictable, just like pretty much every show is these days.
Tony Bowyer
IT WILL END IN TEARS
I HAVE ‘found’ boxing in my thirties, and over the past decade have fallen head over heels in love with this mad sport. To me, it has saved more souls than it’s damaged. It provides an unparalleled example of endurance and bravery every fight. No other sport comes close.
Thank you BN for not totally ignoring Daniel Kinahan's continued and growing influence in so many corners of the sport. Too many others are turning a blind eye, and it will end in tears.
Greg Spencer
CAN'T WAIT TO FIND OUT
THERE seems to be growing belief that the power of Savannah Marshall will be too much for Claressa Shields. But I think, like we've seen many times throughout history, the boxer will prevail in a battle of wits. I can't wait to find out. A matchup for the sport to savour. Matthew Rose