‘Boxing is dead’ is a term I read, and heard, frequently in recent years. If any truth lay in that statement, 2013 proved to be boxing’s resuurection. Drama, brutality, courage and the art of boxing, 2013 provided every element, when combined, makes this the greatest sport in the world.
Boxing Roundup
Golovkin-Macklin: A Great Fight for Boxing
This Saturday night Gennady Golovkin will defend his WBA and IBO middleweight titles against his toughest opponent to date when he faces Matthew Macklin at the MGM Grand, Mashantucket.
The Kazakhstan native, known simply as ‘GGG’, likes to keep his fights as short as his nickname. He has gained a reputation as one of the most devastating punchers of recent times, boasting a KO ratio of 88.46%. The 31 year old champion has racked up 26 consecutive wins however he has never ventured past the 10th round.
Macklin is the first top 20 ranked middleweight to challenge ‘GGG’ and as such poses his stiffest test to date. ‘Mack the Knife’ is no stranger to big fights having shared a ring with both Felix Sturm and Sergio Martinez.
Haye vs. Fury: The Curse of the Purse
David Haye took to twitter this afternoon to quash the exciting rumour that a fight between himself and undefeated heavyweight Tyson Fury was close to being finalised.
“I did everything in my power to get Fury in the ring. Even gifting him a 50/50 split. But big chump won’t sign contract 4 the fans #AllTalk”, was the message the former WBA heavyweight champion delivered to his twitter follower population of almost 1 million fans.
“Can’t believe team haye outed me on twitter not very professional of you guys now where do I go from hear! I can’t blah any more”, replied Fury.
Floyd Mayweather vs. Saul Alvarez: The One
Floyd Mayweather Jr. moved to 44-0 on May 4th with a convincing points win over Robert Guerrero (31-2-1) in front of a sold-out MGM Grand Garden Arena. There was no evidence of ring rust despite a year long absence. ‘Money’ controlled the fight throughout. It was a flawless performance that reinforced his status as the best boxer on the planet.
Immediately the boxing community turned its attention to September 14th. Pundits, fighters and fans took to twitter and various internet forums to debate potential opponents for Floyd’s second fight of 2013. Devon Alexander and Amir Khan featured heavily in this global debate however one name clearly stood out from the rest.
DeGale Stays on Course; Galahad Impresses
James DeGale made a successful first defence of his WBC Silver super middleweight title in Kent tonight against Stjepan Bozic. The English super middleweight improves to 16-1.
‘Chunky’ was entering the ring for the third time in only 6 months. The 2008 Olympic Gold medallist claimed the vacant title via a unaminous 12 round decision against the tough Colombian Fulgencio Zuniga back in December.
DeGale was guilty of losing focus that night, allowing his veteran opponent enjoy periods of success as the Englishman loitered unnecessarily on the ropes.
In his most recent outing the London native travelled to Canada where he comprehensively demolished Sebastien Demers in 2 aggressive rounds.
Martinez vs. Murray: Definitely Maybe?
Almost 104 years ago three young men took shelter in the foyer of a dilapidated urban railway station in the Argentine province of Buenos Aires. An unexpected downpour condemned their game of football to a premature conclusion. As they stood gazing at the heavy raindrops dancing on the cast iron window sill they romanced at the notion of constructing a sports stadium nearby.