Paul's Press Ups

BoxRec News correspondent Paul Foley takes on this week's boxing press.

British tennis star Andy Murray is a self-confessed boxing geek. Last week's Sunday Times had an interesting interview in which Murray was pictured in a Miami gym where Muhammad Ali trained before fighting Sonny Liston in 1964. I'm always intrigued when anyone famous says they're into the noble art. What I found most amusing was that the interview didn't go as far to say which fights or fighters he's been most captivated by.

If Murray continues to break British sports fans' hearts every summer by not capturing the Wimbledon singles title, maybe he could swap those fierce right-handed serves for some over head rights in the ring.

One thing's for sure - he would be a huge ticket seller and pay-per-view figures wouldn't argue with him. So promoters...any takers?

Ricky Hatton has been one of Britian's best loved boxers in recent years, but after suffering heavy defeats to Mayweather and Pacquiao not everyone is loving the idea of the "Hitman" stepping back between the ropes again. Monday's Telegraph reported Hatton as saying he wants to go out on his own terms, with hands held high after victory.

The story was mixed in with news of Z Gorres who as Ricky contemplates the biggest decision of his life lies in a Las Vegas hospital in a stable condition. I remember becoming alarmed after the Pacquiao drubbing as Ricky lay on the canvas for several minutes without even a blink.

But boxing being boxing and Ricky being Ricky...they can help us quickly forget. No fighter wants to go out laying on the canvas. And we all know Ricky doesn't keep himself in the best of shape when not in preparation for a bout. So should we all be screaming "Don't do it Ricky" or should we plead "Come back Ricky"?  

Whatever your view I boldly and not surprisingly predict 2010 will see Hatton having a go again. And while the pound for pounders may have the edge don't rule out a world title somewhere.

Funniest story of the week was heavyweight Tyson Fury sounding off again. Tyson claims he would be too much for David Haye. It's not Fury's claims that make me laugh, rather his knowing what to say! 

For someone who has had little more than a handful of professional bouts (nine to be precise) he has certainly mastered the art of getting noticed. There are boxers who have titles and  been fighting for years yet they get lttle or no mention.

Guys take a leaf out of Big Tyson's book. In fact it reminds me of an old song "It ain't what you do it's the way that you do it."

If Tyson doesn't quite live up to his claims at least he could go into promoting!