One for the Boxing fans!

[Jah Lush]

Cuba's legendary three-time Olympic heavyweight champion Teofilio Stevenson has died following a heart attack. He was just 60. He was one of the greatest fighters never to turn professional, won gold at Munich '72, Montreal, 76 and Moscow 1980. In his prime it was thought he could have given Muhammed Ali a run for his money and a bout between them was often touted but Stevenson refused to give up his amateur status.

[KidKruger]

Yeah I read about him yesterday on EastSideBoxing. He was one of only 3 men ever to have won 3x consecutive Olympic Gold (Felix Savon being one of the others an dhe's Cuban too !!).

Stevenson famously said something like "Why have a million dollars when I can have the love of 4 million Cubans ?" !!

[Barry Road Barbers]

https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/363625153704955/ this is a link to our local pro boxer Johnny Garton who is fighting his 5th Pro fight on Friday 6th July. Also its local, its on in the elephant and castle. Tickets can be bought directly from Johnny on 07415990590. It would be great to see everyone getting behind Johnny, our local boxer as we believe he will make it all the way to the top.

(Barry Road Barbers proud sponsers of Johnny Gartons Haircuts)

[Barry Road Barbers]

Johnny Garton Local Boxer

[KidKruger]

I read today that Ricky Burns is taking on Kevin Mitchell in September, up in Glasgow.

Some things to consider here are how easily Katsidis dismantled Mitchell and how easily Burns handled Katsidis, taking everything he had then outboxing and out landing him. Of course there's the argument about Mitchell having been in a bad way before he met Katsidis due to alcohol and family troubles.

It's good news as a match-up now though, Mitchell duffed John Murray in 8 last year, previously unbeaten (I think).

Anyway - good contest to look forward to.

[KidKruger]

Scott Harrison (of Glasgow, I think) came back to the ring on Friday evening v after more than 6 years away, which included time on alcohol and in prison. Physically he looked amazing, better than I've ever, on the surface.

He boxed and beat an Eastern European who had 7 wins in 3 months ! But that WAS the opponents full record.

Harrison said he's over his troubles and wants world title contention again. At 34, and given his time off was not spent cleanly, he may be expecting a lot.

But he looked good and appeared sharp for such an absence. Probably best he gives himself a couple of years rather than (as he postures) take on Ricky Burns or Kevin Mitchell right away. One to watch though, let's hope he can keep straight and find his prior form. He never lost his WBO world title in the ring.

[Jeremy]

I guess the guy deserves a second chance, but I'd be surprised if he really can turn over a new leaf. We'll see. Hope I'm proved wrong.

[Otta]

What Jeremy said. I talented guy, but a sack full of issues, and just doesn't seem to be able to stay away from trouble.

Hopefully he'll prove me wrong too.

[david_carnell]

Tyson Fury on Channel 5 right now.

Fighting a brickie by the looks of things.

[KidKruger]

Ha ha !!

Hennessy said Fury has beat a 'quality American fighter'.

Overly generous to Vinny Maddalone I think.

Fury saying he's ready for K Bros in 2-3 fights is sheer fantasy.

The Eubank Jr. V Carruthers contest was a lot better thanks to the half decent undercard.

[taper]

The Eubank fight was excellent. Seems to have his father's toughness, with better movement and speed, and a weaker punch.

Fury I like. But Price is the better prospect at World level.

[Jeremy]

An improved performance from Fury. His conditioning is also improving (although he is still obviously carrying a few excess kgs). Was surprised by his accuracy, and decent workrate. Would like to see him put some more body momentum into his power punches though - a guy that size should be able to at least knock down Maddalone. We really need to see him up against tougher opposition - someone like Povetkin, Dimitrenko, Chagaev, or Adamek.

[KidKruger]

A couple of years ago I was ranting about Robert Helenius being one to watch, another who fought on Saturday - although I didnt see the fight - is Magomed Abdusalamov. 15-0 (15 KOs).

Let's have Fury with this meanie with the sickeningly heavy hands.

Abdusalamov seems to hit hard enough to debilitate his opponents but not enough to always get the instant KO.

Once hit, his opponents get shy, a pure stalker and quite good defense which is mainly movement.

Sounds like Kell Brook beat Carson Jones and is now in IBF contention for a scrap with the holder Randall Bailey who KO'd Mike Jones (himself a KO artist). Don't know Randall Bailey at all so must watch some footage.

[Barry Road Barbers]

Congradulations to Johnny Garton on winning his 5th pro fight last Friday and looking forward to the next one.

[Angles]

Does anyone know if Haye/Chisora will be shown in a local pub? Thanks.

[Jeremy]

I doubt it. The only local pub which previously showed boxing was the CPT, but that's now sadly gone.

[KidKruger]

I was wondering about that too, it was good to see the CPT rammed for UK boxers' fights.

Does anyone know if the Great Exhibition definitely WON'T be showing the contest ?

I can pop in and ask them later if no-one's sure.

[Jeremy]

I don't know for sure that they won't, no. It just seems rather unlikely.

The only local-ish place I can think of is The Alexandra in Clapham.

[KidKruger]

Great Exhibition say no.

[Help-Ma-Boab]

Dulwich Hamlets used show some boxing. Dont know if it's still the case.

ETA: I have also watched boxing in the EDT in the past

[The Man of Kent]

We are showing the David Haye fight on sat night in THE MAN OF KENT PUB in NUNHEAD.

[KidKruger]

Good shout MoK.

[KidKruger]

Any predictions for the Haye v Chisora contest this evening ?

I've thought about it and think Haye on points (brain) but want Chisora in rds 9-10.

It's been reduced to a 10 rnd fight at last minute by Haye's team, as per contract option. To me that shows some fear.

[Otta]

That is definitely a surprise. I have no idea how it will pan out to be honest.

KK where will you be watching?

[KidKruger]

The contract apparently said 10 or 12 Rds, to be decided until last few days by Haye & Booth.

A couple of days ago they opted for 10 Rds. Apparently Don Charles said OK why not make it 6 rounds because Dereck will finish Haye early anyway !!

I read somewhere that WBO/WBA straps are on the line but that CAN'T be world belts, maybe it's European or 'International' or some other far lesser belt (eliminator / 'silver' belt ?).

I've got BoxNation so it's in my front lounge.

Surely Chisora's strategy has to be to make Haye work hard - then cash-in if Haye tires ?

For all the slagging-off this fight gets its a decent match-up. Whoever wins IMO is right back with whichever Klitschko they haven't yet faced.