Boxing_News__November_24_2017

OPINION
Fans, fighters
and pundits all
have their say
ON TWITTER
@BoxingNewsED
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TWEETS
@JAMIECONLAN11
Heartbroken about
last night, really
tough night at the
office. Ancajas was
a quality operator.
Real privilege to be
involved in such a
great night of boxing.
Atmosphere was
special, very thankful
for the support from
everyone especially
my family and team.
JAMIE CONLAN
stays classy after
his painful defeat to
Jerwin Ancajas in
Belfast.
@SWIFTYSMITH
Early knock for a drug
test this morning.
STEPHEN SMITH,
training for his Las
Vegas fight next
month, shows that
the UK drug testing
regime is strong.
@OSCARDELAHOYA
Honoured and
privileged to
give back to my
community for 21
years! The ODLH
Foundation Annual
Turkey giveaway in
East LA today. Thank
you to our volunteers
and sponsors!
With Thanksgiving
looming, all-time
great OSCAR DE LA
HOYA gives back to the
community he grew
up in by distributing
turkeys.
LETTER OF THE WEEK
THE MADIGAN-ALI TRILOGY
I WAS very sorry to hear about
the passing of three-time
Australian Olympian Tony
Madigan on October 29. I met Tony in
1954 while serving in Germany with the
RAF. The station boxing officer asked
me if I would box Tony in an event
which was arranged by the Germans. I
was totally unaware of his high-quality
standing, but I was only 18 years old and
was eager to box anyone, so I agreed. I
sparred with him on two occasions after
that, and was made aware of who he was
and how good he was. Tony was a perfect
gentleman who had an iron chin. It was
an honour to have known him.
The press reports I’ve read state
that Tony fought Muhammad Ali (then
Cassius Clay) on two occasions, but they
did in fact fight three times – in 1958,
1959 and 1960, with Tony winning the
first on points, and losing the second and
third by decision. Many people believe
Tony actually deserved the verdict in the
third fight, which was an Olympic semifinal.
Tony and Ali went on to become very
good friends. In 1963, I had the privilege
of meeting Ali, who I talked to for about
15 minutes. It was being rumoured at
that time that Tony was considering
turning professional and he hoped to
face Muhammad in his first pro fight.
When I mentioned this to Ali, his eyes
lit up. He then said that he had no say
regarding his opponents, and simply
fought who he was told to.
Pat Leighton
CHESS MATCH
THE Liam Smith-Liam Williams rematch
Photo: THE COURIER-JOURNAL/USA TODAY SPORTS
THE CHAMP:
But Ali would not
have won gold if Tony
Madigan had
received the verdict
in 1960
wasn’t the war that the fans had wished
for. After the thrilling first scrap and the
real dislike between the two boxers, we
all expected a continuation of the first
encounter. This didn’t happen, as a lot of
respect was shown by the two fighters,
which led to a chess match of a fight.
Williams is a very game and capable
fighter, but the experienced Smith just
had a little more in his locker, which
earned him the decision. It was good to
see the fighters embrace each other after
the final bell. Now Smith can continue to
chase another world title.
Patch Hammond, Norwich
NOT GOOD FOR THE SPORT
I WAS a little taken aback by the
announcement of James DeGale’s next
opponent – Caleb Truax. I was even
more taken aback by Gilberto Ramirez
taking on Habib Ahmed. This is not good
for the sport. There’s no need for world
champions to inflate their records with
undeserving opponents.
Robert Brewer
@JOHNJOENEVIN
Back in this ring this
Friday in Tolworth,
London. Can’t wait
until I knock the ring
rust off.
Irish lightweight
JOHN JOE NEVIN has
his first fight for 15
months tomorrow
night.
@CASSIUSCONNOR
Tete is good but he
don’t beat Burnett…
Hackbridge
lightweight CASSIUS
CONNOR boldly
makes his pick for a
potential Zolani Tete
vs Ryan Burnett fight.
WE ASKED...
MONEY TALKS:
Mayweather kicks
back with a tiny
portion of the cash
he made in the
social media age
IS SOCIAL MEDIA GOOD FOR BOXING?
DANIEL J MARSTERS
Imagine trying to sell a ppv boxing
match without the media. Good
luck! It’s 2017. Make the media
useful and productive towards your
income/business.
NAMANYA JONATHAN
Yes. It’s everything to boxing.
Boxing is so boring with its rules
and less action. It’s like a drama.
PAUL WICKES
Yes. It can remove barriers. Darren
Barker got the Martinez fight by
contacting him through Twitter.
DAVID JOHN DUNSCOMB
Social media is part of everything
that sells for money. Social media
is the new daytime television but
far more entertaining.
TRICIA SEAN GOODMAN
It’s great for promoting the sport
and hyping a fight. It keeps fans
engaged.
ANDY BRACE
Judging by some of the fans I’ve
come across, I’d say no.
6 l BOXING NEWS l NOVEMBER 23, 2017 www.boxingnewsonline.net