Khan in safe hands

A good strategy is best judged by the long-term results it delivers in any form of business, boxing is no different. A solid plan can be the difference between the maximization of a fighters talents or future theoretical discussions of what might have been.

So, when Virgil Hunter spoke at Tuesday’s final press conference ahead of tonight’s clash between his improving charge Amir Khan, 30-3 (19KO’s), and New York native Chris Algieri, 20-1 (8KO’s), we would do well to listen.

“Strategy, always strategy. Success in life comes from strategy.” Proclaimed Hunter.

Jamie McDonnell: A Hero Lacking in Appreciation

When Carl Froch travelled to Mashantucket, Connecticut to defend his WBC super-middleweight crown against Jermain Taylor in 2009, he exposed an embarrassing blind spot within British boxing that was in need of rectification.

Britain’s only active World champion – at the time – travelled across the Atlantic Ocean to defend the title he won on terrestrial television – when defeating Jean Pascal unanimously over 12 rounds in one of the finest super-middleweight title fights in recent memory – only to find himself without a broadcast partnership.

What transpired was a performance that would find a home in the annals of British boxing history, the only problem, no one got to watch Froch snatch victory from the jaws of defeat live – well, not in his own country any way. This could never happen again, the country was now on board and Carl Froch has never looked back since.

History in the making: 107 years of Olympic glory

Making history has become a common occurrence in modern day sport. Right across the board ‘records’ are broken with alarming regularity, records which have principally been created to serve the increasing demand for content from competitive media outlets.

Subsequently, the significance of such a statement has lost the gravity it once possessed, wheeled out on almost every sporting occasion to provide impetus where it doesn’t belong. We can’t help but become desensitised to the context of these achievements, what has passed before and whether or not they’re indeed worthy of our reverence.

The latest attempt at boxing history takes place within the Agganis Arena, Boston, this Saturday night when British super-middleweight James DeGale takes on American Andre Dirrell for the IBF World super-middleweight title – vacated by Carl Froch earlier in the year.

Anthony Joshua KO2 Raphael Zumbano Love

Ever since Anthony Joshua demolished Denis Bakhtov in two disturbing rounds back in October 2014, there have been calls for the so obviously blessed heavyweight to be matched tougher.

Unfortunately for South America’s heavyweight champion Raphael Zumbano Love (donning velour shorts on the night) these calls have been ignored. In two equally alarming rounds he, just like his 11 peers before him, found out just what the fuss is all about.

Matthew Macklin retains the unflinching belief that he is capable of world title glory ahead his comeback on Matchroom’s RESURRECTION card this Saturday.

Multiple middleweight World title challenger Macklin, 31-6 (20KO’s), returns to British shores for the first time since 2010 as he looks to rebuild his career in his hometown of Birmingham following his crushing defeat to Jorge Sebastian Heiland by 10th round knockout in November 2014.

Macklin will now face unheralded Hungarian southpaw Sandor Micsko, 25-8-2 (19KO’s), in the wake of original opponent Ferenc Albert’s withdrawal from the contest earlier this week. A change unlikely to phase the middleweight who continues to reach for the stars, despite some alarming signs in his previous contest.

Never has a boxing show been handed a more fitting name.

‘RESURRECTION’ Matchroom’s foray into the British heartlands – set to take place this Saturday in Birmingham – has been impacted by schedule changes and drop outs that have seen the UK’s premier promotional outfit call in the cavalry.

Premier prospects Anthony Joshua, Luke Campbell and Callum Smith will step in to fill the void left by home favourite Frankie Gavin – who will now challenge IBF welterweight champion Kell Brook on 30th May in London’s O2 Arena.

Brooklyn native Sadam Ali successfully answered some serious questions in Madison Square Garden, New York last night on his way to securing a unanimous decision over the rampaging Francisco Santana, to continue his charge up the 147lbs division.

Scores at ringside confirmed the general consensus that it was the superior boxing ability and slick movement from the home fighter that was much preferred, reading 97-93, 97-93 and 100-90.

Ali – subject to intense pressure throughout – boxed superbly off the back foot at times in the face of Santana’s relentless pressure and persistent will to drag the young New Yorker into a war.

Wladimir Klitschko successfully defended his WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight titles at New York’s Madison Square Garden tonight with a unanimous points decision over previously undefeated challenger Bryant Jennings.

All three judges found in favour of the Ukrainian with scores of 116-111, 116-111 and 118-109, despite a spirited effort from the challenger who succeeded in announcing himself as a name in the heavyweight division.

Khan in safe hands

Jamie McDonnell: A Hero Lacking in Appreciation

History in the making: 107 years of Olympic glory

Resurrection – Birmingham – Ringside Review

Matthew Macklin still focused on World titles

Big three prospects step in for Gavin

Composed under pressure – Ali outboxes Santana over 10

Wladimir Klitschko v Bryant Jennings – Main Event Review