Boxing 2021

[dave.woodhall]

Sad to see that Leon Spinks has died of cancer. He was 67.

[Rory]

Sad to see that Leon Spinks has died of cancer. He was 67.

That's very sad.

[Villa Lew]

Yeah sad news, won a gold medal at the 76 Montreal Olympics, then only 18 months later in only his 8th professional fight achieved one of the biggest upsets in boxing history in beating Muhammad Ali on a split decision. His reign as champion only lasted 7 months as Ali gained revenge in the rematch with an easy points decision to become heavyweight champion for a record third time.

[dcdavecollett]

Ali didn't prepare properly for the first fight.

[Ger Regan]

Would be interesting to get the views of the resident boxing fans here around the kinehan story.

[Simon Page]

For those who haven't seen it, this is a good piece going in-depth on Kinehan.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/extra/1y3kadznaf/the-suspected-gangster-at-the-heart-of-world-boxing

Criminals running boxing is up there with bears/woods, popes/catholics, but the extent of their control or influence is something to behold. I get the feeling it's more laundering than ruining boxing, or would be were it not for the fact that it's all clearly legit and, erm, nothing to see here. Feels a bit like having a go at Hitler for his vegetarianism (I know, pedants) as the drugs and murders are more of a concern than whether they manage some punchers. But maybe I'm missing something.

[Brazilian Villain]

For those who haven't seen it, this is a good piece going in-depth on Kinehan.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/extra/1y3kadznaf/the-suspected-gangster-at-the-heart-of-world-boxing

Criminals running boxing is up there with bears/woods, popes/catholics, but the extent of their control or influence is something to behold. I get the feeling it's more laundering than ruining boxing, or would be were it not for the fact that it's all clearly legit and, erm, nothing to see here. Feels a bit like having a go at Hitler for his vegetarianism (I know, pedants) as the drugs and murders are more of a concern than whether they manage some punchers. But maybe I'm missing something.

It was also covered in an hour long Panorama last week. One noticeable aspect of lockdown here has been the amount of seizures of cash and drugs the Gardai have made. https://www.rte.ie/news/2021/0204/1195109-kinahan-organised-crime-group/

Not sure why Kinahan got involved in boxing (aside from ego or maybe money laundering) but for me it's never a good idea to raise your profile or come to the attention of the US authorities if you're running a major criminal gang.

[dave.woodhall]

It starts again on Saturday. It'll be interesting to see how Josh Warrington fights without that Leeds mob behind him.

[Gareth]

Was thinking the same thing Dave - always a fun atmosphere (to be hundreds of miles away from watching on tv) that seems to fire him up

[dave.woodhall]

Barrett v Martinez is the best sporting action I've seen all day.

[Proposition Joe]

Barrett v Martinez is the best sporting action I've seen all day.

Very close.  But the Matchroom guy is the home fighter, so let's see ....

[dave.woodhall]

First fight of the year, first corrupt decision.

[Proposition Joe]

First fight of the year, first corrupt decision.

Could be Crocodile tears, but even Eddie Hearn sounds pissed off with it.

[Gary Penrice]

The shock in the commentators voices speaks volumes....Eddie speaking a bit of sense....don't believe he thinks his man won!

[Gary Penrice]

Hoping for an impressive performance from Warrington. Would love to see him fight either Can Xu or Gary Russell Jnr but my choice would be Can Xu. I think it'd make for a great fight.