Below The Belt

Boxing is my friend. We first met in my East London living room during the 1980's, via a television screen. Thanks to the likes of Frank Bruno, Kirkland Laing and Barry McGuigan for introducing me to a wonderful companion.

But those British heroes are not alone. American legends Marvin Hagler, Tommy Hearns and Pernell Whitaker gave me some wonderful nights out (well not quite, they were great nights in!).

Not forgetting Mexican legend Julio Cesar Chavez who broke my heart the night he had his first offical defeat to a skilled ring surgeon named Frankie Randall. 

I've never fallen out of love with the ring warriors, but as time has gone on I can see why some want nothing to do with boxing.

Don't worry I'm not a secret campaigner looking to convince the nation that boxing is dangerous and sometimes deadly. 

So what's the problem then? Well it's just a little matter of what some call boxing politics. Maybe a better description could be harsh, unjust and plain bang out of order.

My problem is NEVER with the fighters themselves. These are the guys who are willing to lay down their lives for a sport and maybe a family at home they love.

I'm all for the fighters themselves earning every hard penny they can. So while I'm no fan of today's ever increasing circle of belts, titles and so called world title fights, I can see the logic if the fighter puts a few more pounds or in some cases pennies into his future.

But I'm not convinced that is the case, even if it appears the reasoning behind the idea.

America make their boast in being the nation who provides everyone an equal chance and opportunity. I wish boxing could say the same.

Yes, some fighters have found their way out of a gang or gutter and been rewarded for their ability to dazzle their opponents, while at the same time convincing the paying audience to part with their cash, and be part of their success story.

But what about those, and there are many, who never get the chance. And was it because they were not up to it? Well, it's hard to judge if one isn't given access to the exam room.

Take 30-year-old Yassine El Macchi as a point in case. Here is a man who has been a professional since 2001, yet has had just 14 fights. On November 15th 2008, Macchi was matched with Kevin Concepcion, an undefeated and highly touted prospect.

Concepcion a middleweight,11st 6lb. Macchi a welterweight 10st 7lb. The fight was held at middleweight in Bethnal Green's York Hall, on the same night David Haye destroyed Monte Barrett at the 02 in Greenwich

I'm sure promoter Frank Maloney was not quite expecting what would unfold before his very eyes. The fight was over in under six minutes and Concepion was on the end of an unexpected yet severe beating.

After such an outstanding performance you would think every promoter would want a piece of Macchi. After all when you've got a personality and fighting style that reminds one of Naseem Hamed this should be a hot ticket. Sadly Yassine's big moment still awaited him.

Fast forward to September 2009 and the story becomes a little brigher. At least Yassine was able to show an ITV audience what he is capable of. The watching Barry McGuigan who himself is no slouch claimed he has been hearing roaring reports of Macchi for some time.

Good on Mick Hennessy for seeing talent and given it a wider exposure. Yassine has informed me of many incidents that cause promoters and fighters alike to run scared of him. These revolve around sparring sessions between Yassine and a top British welterweight or light-middleweight, in which Macchi has proven too hot for them.

Last weekend saw Kevin Concepcion fight for a Midlands area title. This is the same man who as you read earlier was blasted out inside two one sided rounds by Yassine. He also was stopped again by Martin Muarry just four months later.

Please can anyone tell me how Kevin deserves a minor title shot when in comparison Yassine cannot even find an opponent bold enough to silence his claims for his upcoming bout in Brentwood on 28th of this month?

Last week I bumped into Yassine while on a London train. The "Showman", as he likes to call himself was not allowing his dream to die just yet. Macchi wasn't heading for the pub to drown his sorrows, or a bridge to drown himself. He was on his way to a training session.

After years of limited opportunities it would be easy for him to throw in the towel and find a day job. But one thing is for sure, Yassine knows how good he is and has stated on numerous occasions that with enough notice "You can put me in with anyone."

My hope is Yassine becomes a modern day Rocky and not just another guy who cries for a chance, and a challenge, so he can have a change.

Someone once asked an interesting question that fits this story well. "Where is the richest place on earth?"

They then gave an astonishing answer.

"The richest place on earth is the cemetery, because this is where people's dreams are buried without being realised."

Promoters, this is where you come in. Boxing has a responsibility to create the opportunities that turns dreams into realitiy

So my good friend boxing.

Please don't let this happen to Yassine!