Paul's Press Ups
In his weekly commentary on the world scene, BoxRec News correspondent Paul Foley reflects on some sad stories that have been making the headlines.
First up, and please tissues at the ready, following news from The Sun’s Gavin Glicksman that one of the finest venues to hold boxing won’t be making a comeback thanks to a knockout blow from some unfriendly foes of pugilism.
London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall was preparing for a return to the ring world of boxing when the referee stepped in and stopped it going any further. Last year Westminster City Council had giving a unanimous decision in favour of a fighting return. Once this verdict was announced local residents in South Kensington demanded an enquiry and sadly for us boxing fans it reached the High Court where the Council’s original decision was quashed.
If this was a fight in the ring I would be lamenting “bad decision”. An outside battle brings me to the same conclusion after hearing it was through fear of noise and possible anti-social factors. Fights amongst fans were not the norm when some of British Boxing’s finest nights were staged at this amazing arena. Besides, there could be other issues to consider.
At a time when communities are ridden with anti-social behaviour issues which form the priority of most London Police wards, wouldn’t they think that boxing may just have an answer for youngsters who need a little discipline and a means to channel their energy? Wouldn’t it be ironic that the very “problem” they have pushed away may be the solution?
Another icon, Evander Holyfield, is not intending on going to court. Instead he is doing his utmost to stay clear of the chamber. Kevin Mitchell of the Observer wrote us into the world of the “Real Deal” with an opening shot which sounds more like an ordeal.“The former heavyweight champion’s ‘confessions’ are as cringe worthy as Tiger Woods.”
Last weekend Evander was scheduled to take on Francois Botha but after cancellation he had a bigger fight a bit closer to home, well, actually inside it.
Holyfield admitted hitting his wife recently and the fall-out of this was a media merry go-round including a planned TV show as Mitchell wrote. “After the tabloids (In America) got hold of stories about ructions between them the couple issued a statement at the weekend, which is the accepted practice when private embarrassment become public property, especially when the palatable alternative to a expensive divorce is a lucrative appearance on a syndicated TV programme.”
Evander and his wife Candi released the following statement. “We are in agreement with each other to meet with Dr Phil one-on-one as we believe he is the one who can help us at this time.” The ring master will need all his grit to restore order in his home. I have longed admired his never say die attitude and I wouldn’t want to hear that the one time warrior has become the great worrier.
These articles are not very inspiring are they? Well, we have heard about saving the best for last. But I’ve saved the worst for last, with Mike Tyson reportedly considering a comeback.
Ringsidereport.com reports, “Former Promoter Don King has a tentative deal for Tyson to return to the ring in 2010. The initial plan is to have Tyson-Holyfield III but that is rumoured on the part of Iron Mike and there is a plan B.”
One of the touted opponents is Jean Marc Mormeck, the Frenchman was most famously seen losing his cruiserweight crown to David Haye.
People may start believing the hype as Tyson recently looked to have lost 40lbs and won’t be too far away from his fight weight of 15st 10lbs. Good on Mike for getting his weight down but Mike was in decline in 1996 and I don’t want to see Tyson beaten by anyone who wouldn’t have got past the opening rounds with the Iron man in his prime.
We started with a quashing of a dream. I hope this one is quashed quickly before it turns into a nightmare!
