The night Joshua became one of the three wise kings..

The night Joshua became one of the three wise kings..

 

 

 

 

My thoughts on the fighters in action at the O2 last weekend - 

 

 

Ohara Davies carries a lot of power, he's certainly one for the future, been called out by a lot of "big" names in the lighweight division and wants to fight them all. Some think he should slowly build, however I think he should take up the offer thrown out to him by Scott Cardle. Certainly one to watch. 

 

By the look of my twitter timeline last saturday night Jamie Mcdonnell is a real class fighter. Sorry to p*ss on some chips here, however he's very, very average in my opinion. Laboured to the 9th round finish, should have had a man of Vargas' ability out of there much, much earlier. 

 

Matthew Macklin Vs Brian Rose was a good fight, as Froch said a real industry fight. Difficult to see where Rose goes from his defeat last night, whilst I can see Macklin going on to get a shot (even though he missed the weight) at somebody in the IBF top 10, if he steps into the ring with GGG, he'll be stopped in the first. 

 

Lee Selby had to dig deep, especially after being knocked down. I don't think many thought Hunter would put up the fight that he did, irrespective of his ranking. Not sure about the loss of points for low blows for Hunter didn't look low to me. Selby is moving into his prime nicely and I could see him unifying all the belts. 

 

Conor Benn seems a very likeable young man. Too early to say whether he's a prospect or not, however all the talk by people who know him feel that he really is the real deal. Did what he needed to do and kept throwing till the ref said stop, that shows the right instincts. Welled up a bit seeing how proud his Dad was afterwards. I look forward to following his journey with great interest. 

 

George Groves beat Brophy as expected too. He still looks sloppy and misses with his right more than he hits in the first two rounds. That has always been his problem. Let see if Shane McGuigan can finally sort that out. Groves believes he is still getting better, I believe he has been "Cobra'ed". He talked last night about fighting Callum Smith next, if does then it is all over badly and quickly for St George. 

 

Anthony Joshua. What did we learn? He has power, has precision and he took his chance to finish it when it came along (although I think Martin f**ked up with the count). So we really didn't learn anything that we didn't already know. Having said that Joshua has a belt now and has to be taken seriously. Looks like he's going to fight Malik Scott next (nice easy first defence which he has earned I feel). Charles Martin will go back to being a top 25 HW which is where he was before he got his shot Vs Glazkov. Still don't really know how good he is/was (3 fights ago he fought Tom Dallas). I liked Joshua in the post fight ring interview and thought he came across very well and respectful. 

 

Joshua spoke about the hype, something I may have mentioned before, his response made me think slightly....

 

I wish them all well...

 

 

The IBF Press Release & My View...

 The IBF Seek To Clarify Their Position On Tyson Fury.

The IBF Belt

Whilst many think the decision to strip Tyson Fury of his IBF belt only a week after winning it, the IBF make a pretty clear case for why they did -

 

 

IBF Press Release (December 9, 2015):  

"The IBF Heavyweight World Title, which was won by Tyson Fury on November 28, 2015 when he beat the reigning champion Wladimir Klitschko in an optional defense of this title, was vacated on Tuesday, December 8, 2015 by the IBF as Tyson Fury is unable to make the mandatory defense of the IBF title against challenger Vyacheslav Glaskov because he is contractually obligated to a rematch with Klitschko, which is in direct violation of the IBF/USBA Rules Governing Championship Contests. 

On November 30, 2015, the IBF reminded Tyson Fury via an email in care of Hennessy Sports that the bout on November 28 was considered a mandatory defense of both the WBA and WBO Heavyweight titles and that his next bout was to be the IBF mandatory defense against Vyacheslav Glazkov, the #1 contender and the leading available contender for the IBF mandatory defense.  This bout was due next in the rotation of mandatory defenses of the titles.  Furthermore, Fury was informed that negotiations with Glazkov should commence immediately and be concluded by December 30, 2015. He was advised that if an agreement was not reached between the two parties by December 30, 2015, the IBF would call for a purse bid.  Glazkov’s promoter Main Events was copied on this letter.

On December 1, 2015, the IBF received a letter via email from Patrick C. English on behalf of Main Events indicating that Main Events was unwilling to negotiate and requested that the IBF order an immediate purse bid in accordance with Rule 10.A. of the IBF/USBA Rules Governing Championship Contests.  Rule 10.A. cites in part: “If the camps are unable to come to an agreement as to the promotion of a title bout in the initial thirty (30) day negotiation period, or if one of the camps certifies in writing during the negotiation period that he is not willing to participate in negotiations, the President of the IBF/USBA shall notify each registered promoter that a purse offer will be held.”  Accordingly, the IBF ordered a purse bid to be held on December 11, 2015.

Following the title fight between Klitschko and Fury, the IBF became aware for the first time that there was a contractual agreement between both fighters for an immediate rematch. There were no provisions for any rematch in the contracts which were submitted to the IBF prior to the IBF agreeing to sanction the Klitschko vs. Fury bout.  Rule 3.B. of the IBF/USBA Rules Governing Championship Contests states:  

“No contract for a Championship contest shall contain any clause or any provision, whatsoever, guaranteeing or in any way assuring or promising either contestant a return Championship contest where such clause or provision interferes with the mandatory defense of a title.”  

Had the IBF been aware of a clause in the contract that violated this rule, the parties would have been mandated to agree in writing to stage this rematch after the completion of the IBF mandatory defense.  If the parties did not agree, the title fight with Tyson Fury would not have been sanctioned by the IBF.

In a letter sent to the IBF by Harbottle & Lewis, the legal counsel retained by Hennessy Sports and Tyson Fury, the IBF was asked to consider and exercise their discretion under the IBF’s regulations and direct that an immediate rematch for the IBF Championship take place between Fury and Klitschko.  This rematch is in direct violation of an IBF rule and the IBF will not order a rematch under these circumstances.

Wladimir Klitschko has exercised his right to the contractual option agreed upon between himself and Tyson Fury for an immediate rematch, thus rendering Tyson Fury unable to make the mandatory defense of the IBF title next.  The direct rematch between Wladimir Klitschko and Tyson Fury interferes with the mandatory defense of the IBF Heavyweight title and is in violation of  Rule 3.B. of the IBF/USBA Rules Governing Championship Contests.  Consequently, the title has been vacated in accordance to Rule 3.C.2. of the IBF/USBA Rules Governing Championship Contests which states: “Upon violation of this Rule, the Championship involved shall forthwith be declared vacant.”

On December 8, 2015 the IBF ordered #1, Vyacheslav Glazkov and #4, Charles Martin to begin negotiations for the vacant Heavyweight title.  The IBF received a written certification from Warriors Boxing who represents Martin, stating that he was not willing to participate in negotiations and therefore requested an immediate purse bid according to IBF Rule 10A.  The purse bid had been scheduled Friday, December 18, 2015 at 12 Noon."

 

 

Is the decision a stupid one? In my opinion, yes it is, however I see why the IBF have taken the action they have. Caught between a rock and a hard place, they could be waiting till late summer for their sanctioning fees, which I believe to be the real issue here. After all money talks...

 

 

So now we have the possibility of 3 "World Champions", however Tyson Fury is the lineal and that is what counts, isn't it?

 

 

 

 

David Price vs Erkan Teper - Full Fight.

David Price vs Erkan Teper

 

David Price was Ko'd in the 2nd round by Erkan Teper in his attempt to win the European Heavyweight Title.

End of the road for Price now in my opinion. Thought this was a likely outcome has never looked the same since Thompson and seemed to have learned nothing from either of those fights.

The Face of a man who knows his dreams are gone..

I had such high hopes for him once.

Good Luck David and thanks for the memories....

Review Of 2014 (Part 1/3) KO OF THE YEAR.

Stoppages/KOs Of The Year.

Several (hundred) contenders for this accolade!!

There are some great one punch finishes, some superb technical KOs with an accumulation of punches to gain the desired result. The devastating KO is almost always more preferable to the technical 12 round points win. Would you rather watch a Tyson fight or a Mayweather fight, for example...

There could be a very many honourable mentions, far too many to mention in fact, ESPN have given their KO of the year to Wladimir Klitschko's 5th round KO of Kubrat Pulev, which, although good I feel there are better.

My three of the best are:-

 

Gennady Golovkin's 2nd round KO of Marco Antonio Rubio.

Marvin Sonsona 3rd round KO of Akifumi Shimoda.

KO OF THE YEAR.

Joseph Parker's 4th Round KO of Irineu Beato Costa Junior.

Irineu Beato Costa Junior had just come off a 12 round decision loss to Christian Hammer who was ranked 7th in the world and was a big step up for Parker. Costa Jr brought in with him a big physique and a record of 15 wins, 13 came of which from KO.

It was a superb left-hook right-hand combination that ended it all for Costa in the fourth, giving him his first KO loss. The last right hand is probably making itself felt on the chin of Costa Jr almost a month later!!

It prompted Kevin Barry to say -
"If that doesn't put the shudders into a few heavyweights around the world, I don't know what will." 

I wish all the fighters well.

Still to come Fighter of The Year and Fight Of The Year...

Super Middleweight Fight Of The Weekend (Preview)...

IBF Super-Middleweight Eliminator.

James DeGale Vs Brandon Gonzales

Whilst all the talk over the last few months and especially the last week has been about the Froch Vs Groves fight, there is another super middleweight fight this weekend at Wembley which is possibly just as important for the fighters involved.

DeGale Vs Gonzales is an IBF eliminator for the right to fight the winner of Froch Vs Groves and is a very intriguing fight indeed.

James DeGale is the former Groves victim who has had an up and down pro career since winning Gold at middleweight at the Bejing Olympics. His career record stands at 18 wins (12 by KO) with 1 loss (against Groves in 2011). Since his defeat to Groves he has gone about his business quietly and effectively, without any of the brash arrogance that he had displayed previously and is now rightly in amongst the best super middleweights in the world (ranked 8 by BoxRec). Saturday night could be a defining night for him and may well lead to a chance of avenging his defeat to Groves.

DeGale's opponent is Brandon Gonzales.The very self confident American is trained by Virgil Hunter who is also the trainer of possibly the best super middleweight in the world - Andre Ward. His record is very similiar to DeGales with 18 wins (10 by KO) and 1 draw and he is ranked 13 in the world by BoxRec.

With most of the world seemingly (according to Sky) interested in the headline fight it is easy to have missed the needle that has been shown by both DeGale and Gonzales camps to each other. 

James DeGale told Sky Sports -

"He [Gonzales] is very good fighter unbeaten and he's confident. He really thinks he's going to win, but the telling factor in this fight is going to be the distance, the rounds, This guy has never had a scheduled 12-rounder. He's never been 12 rounds and in fights - I've watched his last couple of fights - he dies. A good five rounds he has and he dies. I've had about nine scheduled 12-rounders. I've been 12 rounds five times, that's in you. You don't get fit for 12 rounds over a 10-week camp. It takes years. That's what is going to be the telling factor in this fight."

Virgil Hunter responded to that with  - “You went 12 rounds with guys that extended you 12 rounds. These are B league guys that are extending you 12 rounds, Should they have been around after 12 rounds? Considering your pedigree, considering how much you think of yourself?”

An astute response from Hunter. Is DeGale as good as he thinks he is? Can he really challenge at the very, very top level?

Eddie Hearn thinks there is a huge amount of pressure on DeGale -

“There’s a lot of pressure on him [DeGale], because he has to perform well, that’s a difficult ask because really it should be about winning, but when you’re at this level and at this kind of platform, you want to do it in style and make a statement. And that’s what I think he’s preparing himself to do. James DeGale is a real fight for Froch, so there’s no reason why we couldn’t take that fight. Froch Vs DeGale will be another huge fight in British boxing.”

DeGale can't see anything other than a win and is already looking to the future, perhaps a big mistake -  “I’m in the mandatory position to fight the winner [Froch Vs Groves]. It’s not about if they have to fight me; they’ve got to fight me, so I’m in a fantastic position. So whoever wins, they’ll have to fight me within 120 days.”

On Saturday night the time for all the talking will be over and we will see which of these two very good fighters is ready to step up the very elite level of the 168lbs division.

Is DeGale as good as he thinks? Possibly not. I think he believes he would beat Andre Ward if he was fighting him on Saturday, which he might one day, however not yet. Is he ready to challenge at the very, very top level? One day certainly. The fight against Gonzales will give a big indication - to both fighters - of the current level and what the future may possibly hold.

This is certainly going to be a very good technical fight, perhaps even better than the headline fight. A second loss on DeGale's record could be the beginning of the end. A first loss for Gonzales in his first "big" fight will certainly change his future path, if indeed there will be one. 

 

As always the difference between an also ran and a challenger is a very fine line - on Saturday one of these two will cross that line.

I wish them both well...

Does Leapai have any chance Vs Klitschko?

Is It "The Lionheart's" Time?

Klitschko Vs Leapai - Oberhausen, Germany, Sat 26th April.

Wladimir Klitschko is the heavyweight champ of the world and has dominated his weight class for over a decade. He has a lot of critics, there are those who think his style is poor, there are others that say he is a champ in a very poor era. 

Whatever the thoughts and opinions the facts state a record for the WBO, WBO "Super", IBF, WBA "Super", The Ring and IBO Heavyweight champ which reads 61 wins - 3 losses, 51 wins by KO. Those are the stats of a champ which must be taken seriously and who, in my opinion, must be respected. 

Wlad has a huge advantages in weight, height and experience over his next opponent. Far too much for many to even care about this fight. BoxNation in the UK have decided against showing it and instead it will be shown free on Eurosport in the UK.

In recent fights Klitschko has decided to use his sizable adavantages to jab and hold/push down his opponents into submission whilst sending most of the watching world into a very deep sleep. This is where the heart of the criticism against him lives. He has ability and a huge amount of power yet doesn't "use" it. Is this a fear being taken out with a single shot? A lot of people in the fight game believe him to have a glass jaw, his 3 losses all coming from a TKO, perhaps Leapai can find out and answer this question once and for all?

Alex Leapai is the much travelled (some would say journeyman) fighter from Samoa via Australia. There is little much known about him outside his the southern hemisphere, perhaps this is about to change...

His last fight was against Denis Boytsov in an eliminator for the WBO mandatory shot, not many gave him a chance. Importantly though he did, winning with a unanimous decision over 10 rounds.

His record of 30 wins - 4 losses & 3 draws , 24 wins by KO looks alright on paper, yet you have to remember the last of those losses came against the very limited fighter Kevin Johnson in 2012 via a 9th round TKO. If "Kingpin" can stop him what chance does he have against the current best active heavyweight on the planet?

Leapai is 6 foot Vs Klitschko's 6ft 6in, he weighs around 235 pounds Vs Klitschko's 245 and has only had just over half the amount of rounds Vs Klitschko's record and against much less able opponents too. His fight before Boytsov was against the world number 170, hardly fills you with confidence of his chances or with the desire to watch it? Looks like a Klitschko walk over? Perhaps?

One thing you can not doubt is Leapai's supreme confidence going into this fight, he has been quoted in the couriermail.com as saying - 

“I’m really fired up to win this. I’m going to prove to the world that anyone can turn their life around and be successful if they work hard and surround themselves with good people.

“I want people in 100 years to remember that a Samoan-born Aussie came out of nowhere and beat one of the best heavyweights of all time. It’s been a long road to get to this stage but I will make sure the long ride has been worth it.’’

“Alex will be physically much stronger than Klitschko and he will hit much harder than him, too,’’ Dan Tewson (Leapai's strength coach) said. “He really believes in himself and that’s half the battle already won.’’

Leapai has power that is true, some will say he hasn't fought anyone of any stature, I would bet those same people say Deontay Wilder is the future. The same accusation could be aimed there - another time though. The point is Leapai has been given his shot as a mandatory and whether people agree or disagree, Wlad has almost always fought his mandatory irrespective of the abuse and/criticism he receives for it and this mandatory carries power.

Klitschko has recently said he wishes to remain unbeaten for many years to come yet and surpass the undefeated 12 year reign of Joe Louis, however he has also said that his thoughts are very much with his brother Vitali, the people The Ukraine and their current struggle.  

Recently telling couriermail.com -

“It’s a bizarre situation, My body has been training at the camp in Austria, but my mind is often with my brother and our compatriots in Ukraine.” adding ominously - 

“I am still extremely hungry and better than ever. A few years ago, I thought I couldn’t improve, but my mission is still a long way from over. I want to box on for ten more years. I feel the combination of experience, athletic-ability, technique and strategy makes me the complete professional.”

So we have the best heavyweight of his generation against one of the alphabet challengers. Does Leapai stand any chance?

Yes, of course he does, this is boxing, heavyweight boxing.

For those who have seen Leapai fight you will know that he has devastating hooks and uppercuts. Should he be able to throw one which connects with Wlad during or just after a "clinch" then the fight will fall in his favour. He has to get beyond Klitschko's jab however, which will be difficult and will more than likely mean having to feel it on more than a few occasions. If, and that is a huge if, he can get beyond that he has a chance.

Leapai has to stay disciplined against Klitschko. One mistake and he will be punished. One lunge or one defensive error and Klitschko's power could mean the end of the night for Alex.

I think it is going to be a very boring opening 3 or 4 rounds for the casual fan, the purist might liken it to a game of chess. As the fight progresses I see a lot of the Klitschko jab and clinches and pushing down on the smaller man  however, eventually I see an explosive finish - Will Leapai be crowned the first Australian heavyweight champ for 106 years ? - I think there is every possibility that he may be.

I wish them both well...

Three Heavyweights With A Big 2014 Coming Up.

The future looks bright for these three...

So 2014 is upon us and it's looking like a great year is instore for the heavyweight division.

Let's recap on the five I wrote about last Jan...

The five I said would have big years in 2013 were Lucas Browne (now on the brink of the commonwealth title and a possible world title shot). Tyson Fury (one fight last year thanks to the celebrity that is Haye). David Price (who had a big 2013, sadly for him for all the wrong reasons). Robert Helenius (who like Fury only had the one fight last year, however his inactivity was due to injury) and Magomed Abdusalamov who is currently on a very long hard road to recovery after he went into a coma following his last fight in November - I wish him well.

This year I have chosen 3 that I think will have a big year in 2014 - Lucas Browne, Derek Chisora and Deontay Wilder.

Lucas Browne.

Ranked No 11 by the WBC, Lucas had five fights in 2013, four of which ended before the final bell.  The one which went the distance was his UD over 12 rounds against former three-weight world champion James Toney, which was for the lightly regarded WBF title. The highlight of his year was his win against the highly regarded Richard Towers in an eliminator for the commonwealth title, which Browne won by 5th round TKO.

Browne's record now stands at 19 fights, 19 wins, 17 KOs (11 of which have been in the first 3 rounds). After his win over Towers he was next fight should have been against David Price for his Commonwealth Belt, however Price vacated all his titles, while he trys to rebuild his career in Germany with the Sauerland team.

Browne is due to fight for the vacant title in Victoria on the 3rd April. As yet no opponent has been named for the fight, however out of those mentioned and available I fully expect Browne to win and win well. That then leaves his next step...

Last year there was talk of a possible fight with Alex Leapai, however that fight may well be a thing of the past now, especially as Leapai has done a remarkable job in manoeuvring himself into the mandatory challenger for Wlad's WBO belt, a fight expected to take place around April time. Aussie boxing is certainly on the up. 

Lucas has been mentioned in dispatches by both Wilder and Fury in recent months as a possible fight. Whilst I think Wilder is being moved in a different direction, I could see Browne fighting the winner of the possible Fury Vs Chisora fight, which could also be a elimination bout for a shot at one of the titles as mandatory. Once he has fought for the commonwealth a fight Vs Mike Perez would be a good match up.

Lucas has come far in a fairly short period of time. When I wrote a similiar article Jan he was the outsider, now he is very much a main player. Most of what he has achieved has been through his own efforts and without the benefit of a settled corner team, especially a trainer. Once this is solved then I see nothing but great things for Browne. Future Champion Of The World? In my humble opinion - Yes, no doubt.

Derek Chisora.

Chisora has kept himself busy in 2013. He has shown himself to have been fitter and sharper than he has ever been which has resulted in all four of his fights being TKO stoppage wins. Picking up four belts along the way (WBA International Title, WBO International Title, EBU European Title & WBA inter-continental Title), whilst also getting himself ranked in the top 15 by all four of the major bodies, which is no mean feat - No 6 by the WBC, No 14 by the WBA, No 7 by the IBF & No 2 by the WBO - Impressive.     

Chisora's next fight is against Andriy Rudenko in his first defence of his European title. Rudenko has an impressive record on paper of 16 KOs from 24 wins and is classed as "The Klitschko" clone, however he has never fought outside the Ukraine before and whilst anything is possible with one punch in the heavys, I don't see him beating Chisora. (Chiora's opponent was replaced by the durable Kevin Johnson who he fights on 15th Feb).

Next up it is looking very likely that there will be a rematch between Fury and Chisora. Frank Warren would have you believe it is going to be an eliminator fight, it won't be, it would however be a fascinating fight. The original fight in 2011 was for the Commonwealth Title and saw a hugely out of shape Chisora lose to a UD over 12 rounds. With his renewed focus, I see a very different result this time around should the fight happen. 

Of course however, with Chisora being ranked with all four of the main bodies he has a lot of options open to him and perhaps Fury needs him more, Chisora and Warren could go in a different direction and may look at a possible fight with Jennings who is also ranked in the top 15 by all four bodies.

If Chisora can keep his focus then the world is his oyster, he took Vitali to 12th round decision in 2012 and has been in with some top fighters. Of the three I highlight in this article he is perhaps the most experienced, his record is 19 fights, 15 wins, 13 by KO.

Deontay Wilder. 

 

Deontay Wilder is perhaps the dark horse of the three, whilst also possibly the most likely to destroy all challengers no matter if the name is Browne, Chisora or Klitschko. The problem with Wilder is that no-one really knows how good he is yet. He has an incredibly impressive record of 30 fights winning all by KO which can not be taken away, even if the quality of those fighters can be called into question. You can only beat what's in front of you. He is, like Chisora ranked by all four of the world bodies - No 3 WBC, No 7 WBA, No 11 IBF & No 4 WBO.

Wilder has called out Fury lately via twitter, whilst Fury has returned fire, Chisora has called out Wilder via an online open letter and has been told by Wilder to wait his turn, whilst Browne has been mentioned by all them simply replying he'll fight them all. So what next for Wilder?

Wilder has said recently that he would like to fight Tyson Fury in his next fight, although I don't think either people's handlers would want that fight without a belt on the line. Most likely for Wilder is for him to fight the winner of the Stiverne Vs Arreola rematch who will be fighting for the WBC belt vacated by Vitali, would he win a fight against one of those 2 fighters? Wilder certanly thinks he beats Stiverne and has almost gone as far recently to call him a bum. 

Both Stiverne and Arreola are more experienced than Wilder as the biggest name on Wilder's "CV" is Siarhei Liakhovich, closely followed by Audley Harrison, however his power can not be taken for granted and is still very much an unknown quantity. Should he beat either Stiverne or Arreola then I could see a big money clash Vs Fury perhaps in late autumn which would put paid to Fury Vs Chisora, yet might open a door for Browne Vs Chisora. If Wilder can live up the hype, which seems to grow louder with each passing day, then he will be awesome, I am keeping my powder dry for the time being...

So having started out with the intention of writing just about three fighters, I have ended up mentioning 8 heavyweights who could all have a big say in the 2014 heavyweight scence. Of them all I think Chisora is most likely the best boxer, yet in the heavys that is not always the be all and end all, which is why I find it such a great division.

I wish them all well...

The Cobra Vs St George - My Preview.

The Cobra Vs St George - Sat 23rd November.

Almost time for the words to stop

Tomorrow night the much awaited fight between "rivals" Froch and Groves takes place in Manchester. I use the term "rivals" lightly as many, myself included don't think they are anywhere near rivals...

Carl Froch is the current IBF and WBA World Super-middleweight Champion with a record of won 31 (KO 22) + lost 2 (KO 0). He has been in with and beaten the very best in the world.

George Groves is the current WBA Intercontinental Super-middleweight Champ and former Commonwealth title holder with a record of won 19 (KO 15) + lost 0 (KO 0), who hasn't been in the ring with anyone of the class of Froch before, it will be a massive step up for him.

Groves, like Froch before him has been calling out and hounding the top ranked British super-middleweight to fight. Unlike Froch, Groves has been granted his wish for a fight, Calzaghe never fought Froch.

The lead up for this fight has resulted in many insults and words being thrown at each other. An episode of ringside was especially lively with Groves saying "I'm ready. I'm more than ready. Carl, I don't think you're going to show me anything different and if you come out and show me anything you've shown before you're in for a big, big shock and you're in for some trouble....I'll put this chump to sleep. We'll see. I will knock Froch out. He won't hear that final bell." 

Brave words indeed from a fighter with only 19 fights, who has never been in a fight at this level before and whose trainer, (The much admired and respected Adam Booth), left him almost before preparations had begun meaning Paddy Fitzpatrick had to step in. Also calling Froch a chump was probably not the wisest thing to do.

Groves is very full of confidence and that is too be admired, however I think over confidence can also be a weakness. Groves said in yesterday's press conference "I'm going to come out and meet him in the middle.I'm going to win the jab exchanges and I'm going to hit you with two right hands just to let you know I can do it whenever I want. Second round I'm going to do the same, but hit you with more right hands. Third round I'm going to push you onto your back foot. You're going to have to see what's coming next."

If he does try to do what he says he wants to do, he'll not last long, Froch is too strong, too powerful and far too experienced for Groves to have any success.

Compared to the all talk build up Groves has taken to this fight, Froch has been a little more subdued, only responding too rather than initiating exchanges of words between the two fighters. Froch had this too say yesterday - "He's had a lot to say and it's been quite embarrassing and pathetic, to be honest. My experience at top level, my punching power and Groves's inability to take a punch are the reasons he's not going to do what he says he's going to do. He's going to run for his life, jab and grab and try to get through it, he's not going to stand and fight. I'm really hoping he does have a fight with me because that's exactly what we want. It will be a big, big mistake, he's going to get knocked out. You're in a world of trouble, you'll learn some respect. You're getting annihilated on Saturday night, you know it and everyone knows it. I can see it in your eyes that you know you're going to get flattened."

Personally I think Froch is absolutely spot on with his thoughts on how Groves is going to fight. There is no possible way Groves can try to meet Froch in the middle and trade blows, he will be KO'd within 4 rounds if he tries that. On the other hand even if he tries to jab and move, he will eventually get caught with a strong shot from Froch that will lead to the end. Groves is not known for taking a good shot and will have memories of being dropped by Froch in a sparring session some years back.

All the talking is almost done now and the matter will be sorted in the ring.

I wish them both well...

Exclusive Bryant Jennings Q&A.

 Bryant "By-BY" Jennings.

Jennings

Jennings may be a name new to some of those reading this, however he is a boxer very much on the up within the heavyweight division and possibly the best hope America has of regaining the heavyweight crown in the near future.

Bryant Jennings is a 28 year old heavyweight boxer with a record of 17 fights, 17 wins, 9 by KO and is currently ranked no 3 by the IBF. 

Bryant very kindly agreed to do a Q&A, here are his answers...

1. You have come a long way in a short time, currently being ranked 3rd in the world by the IBF. What is the plan going forward? Where do you expect to be career wise in 2 years time?
My plan is just to keep winning. And in the next two years I see myself either being the champ of the world or have already fought for the title going for it again. 

2. Your trainer Fred Jenkins said after your latest win against Andrey Fedosov that Klitschko was next. Which brother will you aim for?

It'll have to be Vlad

3. You don't generate the same headlines as Wilder, Scott, Tyson Fury or Haye, whilst Hughie Fury has only had 5 fights yet is being hailed by some in the UK as the next big superstar. Does this generate any resentment for you?

It's the politics in boxing. The truth will come out at the end. I ain't letting that get to me though I do notice it. 

4. In this age of super big/tall heavyweights do you think being a "smaller" 6" 2" is an advantage or do you have to work harder?

The bigger they are the harder they fall. Simple

5. Who, in your opinion are the top 5 HWs in the world at the moment?
No particular order Me, Malik Scott, Eddie Chambers, David Haye, Tyson Fury 

6. You had 17 fights as an amateur, do you feel that your "education" is lacking anything?
Nope I'm a master at life so I adjust to anything.   

 
7. Who wins Haye or Fury?
Whoever hits who first. Both their chins are suspect. But Haye has a much better chance. 

8. Who or what is your inspiration to keep going? Do you have any boxing "heroes"?
Motivated just from being broke. Keeping distance from failure and My son of course.

9. If you weren't a boxer what would you be?
I'd be something great. I'd probably be a few things like I am now. Boxing is only one of my many talents. 

 
10. Do you have any messages for your fans in the UK? Or for those that may not be so familiar with you?

Can't wait to debut there in the UK. Thanks for the support. I'm going to  continue to do well and to put my all in every fight. Follow me on twitter and Instagram @byjennings

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Bryant for his time and I would urge you to follow him and his career.

I wish Bryant well...