Paul's Press Ups

Paul Foley on the week's boxing subject of growing up!

A relatively quiet and uneventful week in the world of boxing press led me to an unlikely source - but it was worth finding for the first round.

The March edition of Children’s comic Beano-Max introduced it’s readers to the world of Amir Khan. But what he had to say may just interest the grown ups amongst us!

As a hyperactive kid his Dad thought the boxing gym may just have the cure so along they went. “I really enjoyed it and became very dedicated towards the sport.”

Amir thinks he has matured nicely since, given his answer to the most captivating of the ten questions he was asked.

“Which person alive or dead would you most like to fight?”

“I would love to fight someone like Floyd Mayweather or Manny Pacquiao so I could test myself against the best.”

Many including myself have said Amir needs a real exam but is the Bolton boy ready to become a magnificent man against Money or Manny?

Maybe he’s not ready to grow up that quickly or given the audience was he just kidding?

Into the second and two big boys are still fighting in the playground with no sign of it stopping just yet!

Carl Froch via the Sun’s Gavin Glicksman decided not to “turn the other cheek” after Joe Calzaghe poured fresh flames on an old fire that had burnt out by slapping him with hurtful accusations of jealousy.

“I think Joe is a bit of a strange guy if I’m honest. I don’t mean that nastily but I think he is a grump like a Welsh Victor Meldrew.”

Before the teachers could break it up Carl continued, “One minute he gives me credit for my career and wishes me good luck in the Super Six then he comes out with this.

“At the end of the day he is yesterday’s news. I called him out for two years closed in on him until he had to vacate the WBC title or fight me. We all know which option he took so we’ll just leave it at that.”

I don’t think you're being realistic Carl. You love a good old scrap and nothing would please you more than putting Joe in his place.

Rather than give you detention I think you and Joe need to settle this like men.

Joe do you fancy one more round?

Gloves please not handbags!

The third and final round for this week caused many children in attendance to be frightened while young men in gloves and headguards had their dreams shattered at the hands and weapons of some angry adults.

Last Saturday, 20th February should have been a day of celebration for young boxers dreaming of the big time at York Hall’s London Boys Club Championships.

Instead they suffered the cancellation of their tournament. Len Whaley of the local newspaper Newham Recorder sadly had to write about fighting outside the ring (involving the traveller community) rather than inside it.

“With the incidents under police investigation this week the boys’ club organisers have confirmed that the London Region Championships have been called off and the region will not be represented in the tournament.

“The trouble came midway through the London finals when thugs invaded the famous East London venue and brought the tournament to a premature conclusion.”

Big men with some big scores to settle yet boxing teaches the art of self control and discipline.

Several of the hottest prospects in this country including Tyson Fury, Billy Joe Saunders and Michael Mcguire come from the travelling community.

How will parents who have spoiled children’s chances of emulating them for now ever look them in the eye or earn their respect?

I think for at least this once the children have a right to tell their parents off.