Paul's Press Ups

BoxRec News correspondent Paul Foley on the week's boxing press of fights, fighters and fans.

David Haye deserves a packed house for his homecoming fight and first defence of his WBA heavyweight title at Manchester’s MEN Arena on April 3rd.

At least that’s a view held by the Daily Mirror’s David Anderson. The opponent of that happening may just be Haye’s opponent John Ruiz who isn’t exactly renowned for putting bums on seats as Anderson explains.

“Now I know Ruiz is on of those fighters who would make you want to pull the curtains if he were fighting in your back garden.”

Haye’s trainer and manager Adam Booth paid tribute to John’s sales attributes. “His strength is making his opponent’s look bad.”

I wonder what is going to prove more difficult for the Hayemaker?

Will it be how to defeat Ruiz inside the ring or will it be outside in convincing the paying public to press the buy button?

It’s the latter for me so at least we could have a bit of pre-fight entertainment on the cards. Haye is no stranger to a hard sell considering the Klitschko brothers cut off heads displayed on his t-shirt last year.

Ruiz and Haye couldn’t be more different in terms of personality. John is not involved in terrific tear ups or terrible trash talk while David has played lead roles in both episodes.

So it’s down to the newly crowned champion to get our pulses racing and the ticket sales soaring.

But I trust that David knows what to say and do.

This could be fun!

Which is more than can be said for this next story.  

Edwin Valero wouldn’t have too much trouble in selling out most arenas giving the fact he’s now 27-0 with all wins inside the distance.

But Barry McGuigan isn’t buying into him and will not be for at least the rest of his career. In last Saturday’s Mirror the Irish favourite’s column headline read “Why Edwin Valero must quit ring for the sake of boxing.”

At first glance you could think, is he a head case. But in continuing McGuigan lays down a pretty weighty case. And ironically it is a head case and that of Valero’s who was injured in 2001 via falling off a motorcycle in which Edwin was hearing no helmet.

He suffered a fractured skull and a blood clot on the brain and hence Texas is the only current state in America where the knockout king can display his talents despite an operation to repair the damage and was declared fit to box by the Venezuelan Authorities.

Is this all fuss about nothing?

No, as Barry elaborates, “A New York State scan revealed the extent of injuries. The fact that he had a traumatic brain injury, a tear inside the cranium in the most vulnerable part of the brain means he should never box again in my view.”

I can’t argue with Barry but if the door opens for Valero to box in Las Vegas much would be made of his injuries and this could only add to his appeal with the danger and tension heightened.

Controversy brings in the cash. Ticket sales would soar. Tills would ring.

A crying shame if this ends in tears!

Nice to know that a top fighter hasn’t forgotten that it is the fans which actually help make them rich!

The Sun’s Gavin Glicksman wrote on Carl Froch’s delayed Danish date with Mikkel Kessler which is now scheduled for April 24th a week later than originally advertised.

Carl realises how this kind of blow can affect his fans pockets and showed sympathy for his followers.

“I am upset for my fans with the change of date but this has been unpreventable due to scheduling issues. I just hope they will understand this change and will still come in their thousands to support me in Herning.”

If anyone deserves a full house then it’s Froch, but isn’t it sad that just like the football fans who have their teams matches kick off times changed from 3pm to more inconvenient hours they are not consulted first?

Consider those who have just forked out on flights and hotel for the original date.

How about the promoter or TV network share Froch’s feelings but go the extra mile and pay back whatever has been lost?

Now that’s what I call fighting fair!