Bits and bobs from ringside at the MEN
The late change of start time for the promotion (from a widely publicised 6.15 to a far less publicised 5.45) upset a few people. This included the mother of the affected bout’s winner, Kid Galahad.
The likeable and talented prospect, the latest off the Ingles’ Sheffield assembly line, said, “My mother’s just had a word. She said she paid £40 to see me but missed the start. She was here for the second round though.” Mrs Galahad (not her real name) saw three more rounds than I did then.
Other than this change, the show ran very well indeed, seemingly timed to the minute. This put to rest a lot of concerns some in the trade had about the ability of the promoters (the Khans were supported by Hattons) to pull off such a big show, along with other relative newcomers to the scene, the PPV broadcaster Primetime.
The big bears of Golden Boy Promotions were in town to add their weight to Team Khan’s efforts. Richard Schaefer was in the house as was the Golden Boy himself, Oscar de la Hoya. A true star. Given equal billing in the announcements by top MC Michael Buffer was our own Ricky Hatton.
Andy Murray knew that he wasn’t up to scratch last night. According to one of the Irish journalists, Murray said, “It wasn’t my best performance but it was my first of the year. He (Dezzi Higginson) did hurt me – with his head!”
The most bizarre sight of the night was to be found in the corner of Pavel Senkovs, who lost a four-rounder to Tasif Khan. Was that really ultra-tough man Matt Scriven looking after his charge sporting tightly woven braids? Yikes. Hey, if he asks me, I think it looks great – and that includes the goatee which tops off the look.
Big Richie Towers was happy enough with his win over trialhorse Raman Sukhaterin. “I was trying to get him a few risks. He was in close and holding a lot. Dom (Ingle, trainer) told me to take my time and step it up a bit in the fourth. I could see it in his face that he didn’t fancy it.” With the Hattons now having Towers, fellow Sheffield banger Adam Etches and free agent Kid Galahad in the mix, a show by them in the Steel City would be most welcome.
Junior Witter was ringside supporting his stablemates. He’s still considering his future though I suspect he’ll be back again.
Yet another Ingle boxer, English welterweight champion Adnan Amar, was in the Arena. He was looking very well and trim. Amar, a very nice lad, has had a stop-start career over the last few years. Things were looking up for him when Frankie Gavin was mandated to face him but the Birmingham prospect is going a different route, leaving the Nottingham man without an opponent for the foreseeable future.
Covering the fight for Radio 5 Live was Mike Costello, the rose sat between the thorns of Richie Woodhall and Steve Bunce. Mike’s a great guy and a wonderful broadcaster - one of the Beeb's finest. Driving on the way home, I was listening to the station and heard Mike uncharacteristically tear a listener a new one. An Ulsterman called the show to say that, although he hadn’t actually seen the fight, Mike’s commentary was obviously biased. The reason? Costello mentioned Khan a lot more than McCloskey. To be accused of bias is one of the worst insults that can be levelled at someone whose job revolves around being objective and Mike bridled at the suggestion, telling the listener that he could object to the manner of his delivery but “Do NOT call me biased.” The reason he mentioned Khan far more than McCloskey, he explained, was that Khan was doing most of the work and landing most of the punches. Enough said.
Buncey made a great point – if Freddie Roach is so great, how come it looked like Khan was inadequately prepared to deal with an awkward southpaw? Richie explained the technical difficulties surrounding the front foot but agreed with Buncey – and they are both right.
