Andrew Picken

Broner v Maidana – PUNCH POETRY

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PUNCH POETRY:

Maidana did what he said, silencing Broner putting the problem to bed.

He entered the arena with mic in hand,
All guns blazing he had the upper-hand,
Maidana knew what he had to do,

To hurt Broner – show him something new,
The second round and Broner hits the floor,

Invincible reputation slung out of the door,

Despite some losses Maidana’s a beast,
He may be older but he has serious power at least,

Broner looked bemused as the overhand right took effect,

Struggling to find his in ring dominance and trying to connect,

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Dazzling Darren Barker fails to weather the Sturm; Post Fight Video Interviews

barker800Felix Sturm claims the IBF middleweight title with second round stoppage of Darren Barker

The UK’s Darren Barker, now (won 26 (KO 16) lost 2 [KO 2] drawn 0), was stopped by Germany’s Felix Sturm, (won 39 [KO 18], lost 3 KO 1 drawn 2), in two rounds of fast paced action that surprised both camps in Stuggart, Germany last night. The lead up for both fighters going into this fight could not have been more different, Sturm coming off two low key fights after losing to Daniel Geale, late in 2012, and Barker coming off a career best performance defeating Geale for the IBF Middleweight belt in August 2013. Both fighters surprised commentators by electing to trade from the off, Sturm getting the better of these and starting with a high tempo from the word go. In what was an entertaining first round, with both Barker and Sturm having success, it was ultimately the wrong strategy for Barker to employ against a revitalised and physically strong Sturm. Sure Barker was having success, but after two relatively heavy knockdowns, Sturm was landing the more telling blows. Barker, for some reason, neglected to utilise his upright boxing skills, dipping unusually low coming in and inviting Sturm to tee off clubbing shots – catching Barker on the top of his head.

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Twice for Price: The sequel at the Echo Arena

By Andrew Picken: Boxing don’t you just love it. Last night another drama worthy of any Eastenders or Coronation Street Script unfolded with the unthinkable happening … Price stopped again. Inevitably the criticisms will start rolling in thick and fast, I have my opinion but let’s be honest hindsight is a wonderful skill. Besides I like Price he comes across, articulated, intelligent and composed outside of the ring and this loss will be a really difficult time for promoter and fighter.

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The Klitschko Craft – a proven formula for success

wladimir333 Love them or hate them the Klitschko’s demand respect. With the rumours surrounding Vitali’s inevitable exit to pursue his political ambitions in the Ukraine let’s forget the critics and examine why they have ruled the Heavyweight division so consistently since Lewis’s retirement. Comparisons will inevitably be made at how these two brothers would fare in a different heavyweight era, but the fact of the matter remains these guys remain at the top of their game for a reason, or rather reasons.

Despite the obvious physical attributes the Klitschkos bring to the ring, what really sets them apart from other contenders is there in fight intelligence and to a greater degree there out of ring intelligence. First of all let’s take a brief look at their fight strategies. It’s been well documented by many commentators and observers that the Klitschkos like to stay behind that ram rod like jab. They are comfortable at range, they have control and can dictate the pace.

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