Tuesday 20 November 2012

Tyson Fury Vs Kevin Johnson.

Tyson Fury Vs Kevin Johnson.
1st Dec Belfast.

Fury, heading for a world title shot...

The WBC have confirmed the fight to be an official World heavyweight title eliminator for the belt held by Vitali...


After Boytsov decided he wasn't ready to fight fury and various other fighters decided they weren't "ready" to fight Fury either, he has finally found an oppenent for his 1st December show. Among those that side stepped a fight with Fury are Tor Hamer and Michael Grant.

It is to Kevin Johnson's credit that he has taken this fight where others have said no, it is also to Fury's credit that he has agreed to the fight too.

Johnson is a very good fighter with a record of 28 wins (13 KO), 2 losses and 1 draw. His 2 losses were to the upcoming Tor Hamer back in June this year, whilst the other loss was against Vitali Klitschko on points back in 2009. His draw came in the 4th fight of his career against Timur Ibragimov, who is currently the Pan African champion. The fight against Vitali and subsequent fights since, show that Johnson is a top fighter and in some ways is more of a challenge to Fury than the original opponent Boytsov.

Johnson is a very awkward fighter who does have a punch on him, even if he uses it sparingly. His points defeat to Vitali shows he is experienced and Fury will need to be at his very best in order to beat. As is usual with Johnson he comes into the fight full of confidence.
“I'm excited about the opportunity to step into the ring with Tyson Fury. It's a fight that I've been looking to make for a long time. It's going to be the best American fighter against the best fighter in the UK.
“This is the biggest fight of my career since my world title fight against Vitali Klitschko in 2009 and I look forward to giving the fans what they deserve, an action packed, explosive and exciting fight.
“Tyson is a helluva fighter but he's never seen anything like the ‘Kingpin’ up close and personal.
“I'm on a mission to claim the heavyweight title and Tyson Fury is in my way. Don't blink, its going to be a short night.”


Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/other-sports/boxing/fury-to-show-world-hersquos-real-deal-16237289.html#ixzz2CkzUNSQm

“I'm excited about the opportunity to step into the ring with Tyson Fury. It's a fight that I've been looking to make for a long time. It's going to be the best American fighter against the best fighter in the UK.
“This is the biggest fight of my career since my world title fight against Vitali Klitschko in 2009 and I look forward to giving the fans what they deserve, an action packed, explosive and exciting fight.
“Tyson is a helluva fighter but he's never seen anything like the ‘Kingpin’ up close and personal.
“I'm on a mission to claim the heavyweight title and Tyson Fury is in my way. Don't blink, its going to be a short night.”


Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/other-sports/boxing/fury-to-show-world-hersquos-real-deal-16237289.html#ixzz2CkzUNSQm

“I'm excited about the opportunity to step into the ring with Tyson Fury. It's a fight that I've been looking to make for a long time. It's going to be the best American fighter against the best fighter in the UK.
“This is the biggest fight of my career since my world title fight against Vitali Klitschko in 2009 and I look forward to giving the fans what they deserve, an action packed, explosive and exciting fight.
“Tyson is a helluva fighter but he's never seen anything like the ‘Kingpin’ up close and personal.
“I'm on a mission to claim the heavyweight title and Tyson Fury is in my way. Don't blink, its going to be a short night.”


Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/other-sports/boxing/fury-to-show-world-hersquos-real-deal-16237289.html#ixzz2CkzUNSQm

“I'm excited about the opportunity to step into the ring with Tyson Fury. It's a fight that I've been looking to make for a long time. It's going to be the best American fighter against the best fighter in the UK.
“This is the biggest fight of my career since my world title fight against Vitali Klitschko in 2009 and I look forward to giving the fans what they deserve, an action packed, explosive and exciting fight.
“Tyson is a helluva fighter but he's never seen anything like the ‘Kingpin’ up close and personal.
“I'm on a mission to claim the heavyweight title and Tyson Fury is in my way. Don't blink, its going to be a short night.”


Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/other-sports/boxing/fury-to-show-world-hersquos-real-deal-16237289.html#ixzz2CkzUNSQm

“I'm excited about the opportunity to step into the ring with Tyson Fury. It's a fight that I've been looking to make for a long time. It's going to be the best American fighter against the best fighter in the UK.
“This is the biggest fight of my career since my world title fight against Vitali Klitschko in 2009 and I look forward to giving the fans what they deserve, an action packed, explosive and exciting fight.
“Tyson is a helluva fighter but he's never seen anything like the ‘Kingpin’ up close and personal.
“I'm on a mission to claim the heavyweight title and Tyson Fury is in my way. Don't blink, its going to be a short night.”


Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/other-sports/boxing/fury-to-show-world-hersquos-real-deal-16237289.html#ixzz2CkzUNSQm

“I'm excited about the opportunity to step into the ring with Tyson Fury. It's a fight that I've been looking to make for a long time. It's going to be the best American fighter against the best fighter in the UK.
“This is the biggest fight of my career since my world title fight against Vitali Klitschko in 2009 and I look forward to giving the fans what they deserve, an action packed, explosive and exciting fight.
“Tyson is a helluva fighter but he's never seen anything like the ‘Kingpin’ up close and personal.
“I'm on a mission to claim the heavyweight title and Tyson Fury is in my way. Don't blink, its going to be a short night.”


Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/other-sports/boxing/fury-to-show-world-hersquos-real-deal-16237289.html#ixzz2CkzUNSQm

“I'm excited about the opportunity to step into the ring with Tyson Fury. It's a fight that I've been looking to make for a long time. It's going to be the best American fighter against the best fighter in the UK.
“This is the biggest fight of my career since my world title fight against Vitali Klitschko in 2009 and I look forward to giving the fans what they deserve, an action packed, explosive and exciting fight.
“Tyson is a helluva fighter but he's never seen anything like the ‘Kingpin’ up close and personal.
“I'm on a mission to claim the heavyweight title and Tyson Fury is in my way. Don't blink, its going to be a short night.”


Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/other-sports/boxing/fury-to-show-world-hersquos-real-deal-16237289.html#ixzz2CkzUNSQm

“I'm excited about the opportunity to step into the ring with Tyson Fury. It's a fight that I've been looking to make for a long time. It's going to be the best American fighter against the best fighter in the UK.
“This is the biggest fight of my career since my world title fight against Vitali Klitschko in 2009 and I look forward to giving the fans what they deserve, an action packed, explosive and exciting fight.
“Tyson is a helluva fighter but he's never seen anything like the ‘Kingpin’ up close and personal.
“I'm on a mission to claim the heavyweight title and Tyson Fury is in my way. Don't blink, its going to be a short night.”


Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/other-sports/boxing/fury-to-show-world-hersquos-real-deal-16237289.html#ixzz2CkzUNSQm


Kevin "Kingpin" Johnson
Promoter Mick Hennessy is equally confident of Tyson's chances against Johnson and compliments the latter on taking the fight.


'Kevin Johnson has been there and done it and he wants another shot at the world title and he sees Tyson as the route to that, that’s why he has taken the fight,'
'He’s a very dangerous opponent, he’s a clever boxer, he’s never been stopped and he can punch so Tyson has his work cut out. But I believe that Tyson is the best heavyweight in the world and he’ll show that again with the way he takes care of Johnson. 

'Johnson has been asking for this fight for a long time and we have granted his wish unlike a lot of other fighters who have avoided him as he is a very dangerous fighter over 12 rounds.'

A promoter doing a promoter's job, whilst I think Fury is a very good fighter and is on the right road to the World Championship, he is not the "best heavyweight in the world", not yet anyway. Will he continue to progress and eventually become the best? I think it is currently too early to say, but the signs look promising, especially as he seems to be upping the quality of his opponents.

Fury is looking beyond Johnson, which is not always the best thing to do and wants a shot at Klitschko.

“I am getting closer to a shot at Klitschko myself and I’m going to show Vitali why he has to fight me because when I do a number on Johnson and get him out of there I’ll have done a better job than Vitali did on him.

“Johnson is going to be tough, he’s a hard man but I’ll be in the best shape of my life. The fans can expect fireworks, that’s for sure.


“Johnson is just the kind of opponent that I want at this stage of my career. We needed a world class fighter and we have got one and when I take him apart the world will sit up and take notice.

“I’m not going around getting opponents out of graveyards, fighting guys well past their best like some other heavyweights in Britain, I’m taking on Kevin Johnson who has fought for a major world title and been the distance with Vitali Klitschko.” 


My personal opinion on this fight is that I feel it is a major step up from Fury's previous opponents and is also a step up from the original fighter. It will be cagey with neither fighter wanting to give too much away in the first few rounds, I then expect Fury to step it up in the 4th eventually winning by stoppage in the 5th or 6th, he will need to keep his composure and concentration throughout.



What next for Fury after this? His team and him want a shot for the title, I feel he should have one more fight, before looking for that, but TeamFury have done things there own way so far and have had great success.



I wish both fighters luck...






'I'm excited about the opportunity to step into the ring with Tyson Fury on December 1, in Belfast,' he said. 'It's a fight that I've been looking to make for a long time.  It's going to be the best American fighter against the best fighter in the UK.
'I give Tyson all the credit in the world for stepping up to the plate and taking the fight. This is the biggest fight of my career since my world title fight against Vitali Klitschko in 2009 and I look forward to giving the fans what they deserve, an action packed, explosive and exciting fight. 
'Tyson is a helluva fighter but he's never seen anything like the 'Kingpin' up close and personal. I'm on a mission to claim the heavyweight title and Tyson Fury is in my way. 
'I'm not Derek Chisora or Neven Pajkic. I'm the real deal and Tyson will find that out on December 1. Don't blink, its going to be a short night.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/boxing/article-2231803/Tyson-Fury-fight-Kevin-Johnson.html#ixzz2Ckz7j2dH
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

'I'm excited about the opportunity to step into the ring with Tyson Fury on December 1, in Belfast,' he said. 'It's a fight that I've been looking to make for a long time.  It's going to be the best American fighter against the best fighter in the UK.
'I give Tyson all the credit in the world for stepping up to the plate and taking the fight. This is the biggest fight of my career since my world title fight against Vitali Klitschko in 2009 and I look forward to giving the fans what they deserve, an action packed, explosive and exciting fight. 
'Tyson is a helluva fighter but he's never seen anything like the 'Kingpin' up close and personal. I'm on a mission to claim the heavyweight title and Tyson Fury is in my way. 
'I'm not Derek Chisora or Neven Pajkic. I'm the real deal and Tyson will find that out on December 1. Don't blink, its going to be a short night.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/boxing/article-2231803/Tyson-Fury-fight-Kevin-Johnson.html#ixzz2Ckz7j2dH
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

'I'm excited about the opportunity to step into the ring with Tyson Fury on December 1, in Belfast,' he said. 'It's a fight that I've been looking to make for a long time.  It's going to be the best American fighter against the best fighter in the UK.
'I give Tyson all the credit in the world for stepping up to the plate and taking the fight. This is the biggest fight of my career since my world title fight against Vitali Klitschko in 2009 and I look forward to giving the fans what they deserve, an action packed, explosive and exciting fight. 
'Tyson is a helluva fighter but he's never seen anything like the 'Kingpin' up close and personal. I'm on a mission to claim the heavyweight title and Tyson Fury is in my way. 
'I'm not Derek Chisora or Neven Pajkic. I'm the real deal and Tyson will find that out on December 1. Don't blink, its going to be a short night.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/boxing/article-2231803/Tyson-Fury-fight-Kevin-Johnson.html#ixzz2Ckz7j2dH
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

Thursday 1 November 2012

Tyson Fury Vs Denis Boytsov - A Big Fight For Fury To Take.

This fight has since been called off, I await with baited breath who the replacement will be.

http://murmuringsofaboxingmad-man.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/tyson-fury-vs-kevin-johnson.html


Tyson Fury Vs Denis Boytsov - WBC Title Eliminator.


On 1st December Belfast's Odyssey Arena will host a WBC world title eliminator for the right to have a shot at Vitali Klitschko's belt by becoming the mandatory challenger.

Tyson Fury

The 2 fighters are Tyson Fury (ranked 4 by the WBC) and Denis Boytsov (ranked 3rd). A very dangerous fight for both fighters who both bring undefeated records into the ring with them. 

Denis Boystov

Fury goes into this fight with a record of 19 fights, 19 wins with 14 KOs. He was Irish Heavyweight title holder and was also Heavyweight Commonwealth and British title holder. Belts he gave up to "pursue" his world title challenge. Others, myself included, believed it was because he didn't want to fight the mandatory challenger David Price, especially when his two fights since have been against the likes of Martin Rogan and Vinny Maddalone. Both durable journeymen, but not world level fighters. Fury received some harsh criticism for this but it since appears that TV might have had a hand in Price and Fury not getting it on. A fight between these 2 is one to look forward to in the future.

Boytsov goes into this fight having had 31 fights, 31 wins with 25 KOs. On paper a vastly impressive record and one which has drawn comparisons with another Tyson, Mike. However, on closer inspection the record looks ever so slightly manufactured, take his last two oppenents. Dominick Guinn had lost 8 fights before facing Boytsov, in fact his last 2 fights before Boytsov were both losses. Darnell Wilson had lost 8 of his last 10 fights before fighting Boytsov, so not as explosive as thought. However as the old say goes, you can only beat what's in front of you...

My personal opinion is that Fury's record is vastly superior than Boytsov's even though he has had 12 fights less. Chisora, Firtha & Pajkic are better than any of the fighters that Boytsov has fought. Both fighters have fought Maddalone, Fury winning by TKO in the 5th, whilst Boytsov was taken to points over 8 rounds.

Vitali Klitschko WBC Champion


How will the fight pan out? Well, even with a manufactured record anybody with a KO percentage of 80% after 31 fights needs to be shown some respect. My call would be a Fury win late, around rounds 7 or 8.

This is a genuine meaningful fight for Fury, although I have been a big critic of his, I wish him well...



Sunday 28 October 2012

Browne Vs Towers - Commonwealth Eliminator.


Browne Vs Towers - Commonwealth Eliminator.



David Price Commonwealth Champion


On Dec 11th Hong Kong is to host a much anticipated fight between 2 undefeated heavyweights for the right to fight for The Commonwealth Title, currently held by David Price.



 Lucas "Big Daddy" Browne currently has a record of 13 fights, 13 wins, 12 by KO.

Lucas Browne


Richard "The Inferno" Towers currently has a record of 14 fights, 14 wins, 11 by KO. He is also the current European heavyweight title holder.

Richard Towers


Whilst these two men are friends outside of the ring and have sparred on more than one occasion there will be no "favours" inside the ring come December 11th, although Browne has this to say about the fight
“Richard and I spent some time together training and sparring and we got along like best mates. It’s a shame that one of us will end up with a loss after this fight because of the other person, but at the same time it’s business and I’m sure it’s not going to affect the friendship.”

This fight seems to have been overlooked by the press and media this side of the world. The clamour for a Price Vs Fury fight probably has something to do with it as does the fact it's in Hong Kong. It's being promoted by Ricky Hatton's Hatton Promotions in their first excursion into the asian boxing market.

Having fought his last 2 fights in the UK, Browne has clearly impressed Hatton "People are talking about this man now as a world class puncher so it’s a great opportunity". This is an opinion I also share.

Whilst both men carry a big punch the "smart" money would be on Towers who has the better experience and who is currently sparring with Wladimir Klitshcko in Austria. Pretty impressive company in order to prepare for your next fight!!

This is certainly a massive fight for both fighters and it makes a refreshing change for two up and coming undefeated boxers to put their records on the line in order to try and climb the career ladder. 

Hatton says “Here we have two high flying and unbeaten heavyweights. Both are at similar stages in their careers and have a similar number of fights, but now they have an opportunity to catapult their way into the world rankings"

This is certainly true and a case could be made, especially with the backing of Hatton for the winner to be placed into the top 20. A fight for the Commonwealth title will also enhance that ranking. World title fights on the cards for the winner? Not yet, but is a big possibility...

The World Title Holders


My personal opinion on this fight is that it will be fast and furious with both fighters taking and throwing huge hits. I don't anticipate this going more than 3 rounds and will I feel end by a KO. 

My Winner? I think it is going to be Browne. Having seen both men fight I think Browne's power and style are going to be too much for Towers. One thing is for sure, it is going to rank as one of the best fights of the year.

Towers Vs Browne

The winner gets to fight for the Commonwealth Title, will that be against Price or will he vacate to step up his world title push in 2013? That is a question for another time...


Good luck to both fighters.  






Wednesday 24 October 2012

Audley Harrison - Please Retire Gracefully.

Tweets from Audley Harrison last night and this morning seem to suggest he is seriously considering "rolling the dice again". 

Harrison Tweets


During his pro career whenever it looked like he might have found some belief to go with his undoubted ability he would fall again and would then have to face a torrent of questioning whether he really was any good. For example beating Danny Williams in Sept 2006, but then being beaten by Michael Sprott in his next fight by TKO.

He tried to scale many hills and mountains but always slipped, stumbled and fell before he got to the summit.

21 KOs from 28 wins shows that Audley had the power and skill to beat any opponent in front of him on his day, BUT,  6 losses, 4 of which were to Sprott, Williams, Rogan and Guinn show that he lacked the mental ability to go with his boxing skill. At times it looked like he was a rabbit caught in headlights. The 3rd round against David Haye was a classic example of this.

Harrison Vs Sprott


The highlight of his career was winning the European heavyweight title at his second attempt against Michael Sprott.

But he never wrapped a belt around his waist again and certainly never will again.

His defeat at the hand of the future heavyweight champion of the world, David Price, after 82 seconds should be his last and should also make it clear to Audley himself that he does not have the tools any longer to succeed at the top of the game domestically, never mind European or world level.

Surely the end Vs Price

To carry on in the pro ranks would be to risk serious damage.

We should not forget the good that Audley did boxing and the abuse he received before and after the Price fight was, in my opinion scandalous. Had Audley not won Gold at the 2000 Olympics, boxing GB would have scaled back it's programme even more and would also have received a lot less  funding, possibly meaning the end of Olympic boxing in the country. 

With no TeamGB there would have been no Khan, Degale, Joshua, Adams, Price, etc, etc learning their trades in the amatuers winning medals at Olympic games. I think people should remember that.

Gold Medalist


So Audley thanks for all you did for boxing, but now it's time to waltz off into the sunset while you still can...

The Dancer.