The Roberts Report
I don't know about you but for me the last few weeks and months have thrown up a number of talking points in the British boxing world, so as always here are my musings on recent events...
Scott Quigg, a star may have been born - What a performance against Jason Booth. Yes, this was not vintage Booth but still its too easy to dismiss Booth as being a shot fighter. Don't forget, Booth took Steve Molitor to the wire about 12-15 months or so ago. I realise Molitor is not all that but he's a world class fighter. In Quigg (pictured) we may have discovered our own world class fighter.
Top Man Tony - It's easy to like Tony Bellew, and for reasons other than he's a BoxRec forumite. He has a refreshingly good 'Bullshit Radar' and you know he's an honest guy both and in and out of the ring. His effort against Nathan Cleverly should be applauded and garnered with the utmost respect. Yes, he didn't get the decision but this was a fight where there were no losers. This leads me nicely onto...
Cleverly, earns his respect - On the face of it you could have understood why Nathan Cleverly may have decided to give this fight a swerve. Big puncher, and in Bellew a man who many (wrongly) felt didn't deserve a world title fight. In terms of high risk, low reward it was seemingly right up there. Chuck in the fact that the fight took place a stone's throw from Bellew's back garden then you could argue that Cleverly was up against it. Therefore, the fact he repelled such a strong challenge in this fight and proved his fighting heart deserves lavish praise. Onwards and upwards for Nathan it would seem.
Referee!! - I respect anyone who takes on any sort of officiating role at a sports event of sporting match, I know from personal experience how hard this is. However, as hard as this job is individuals are not beyond criticism when they get it wrong. Therefore, it is only right that it can be said that some of the officiating and judging in a British ring has been below standard of late. The BBBoC would do well to address this sooner rather than later.
George Groves - Impressive young man, impressive performance against Paul Smith and probably the most impressive sneak right hand I have seen outside of Mayweather (honestly, watch it again, borderline genius) in a very long time. The Groves story continues to pick up pace in an upward fashion, fascinating to see where it goes from here. Groves now deserves to be talked about without having the words James and DeGale uttered in the same sentence. He has more than earned that right.
Ricky Burns, Wow!! - Own up, who had Katsidis to win early doors? I know I did. I was wrong and boy I'm glad I was. Like Groves and Booth, Burns and Billy Nelson are proving to be a partnership worthy of massive respect. Ricky Burns appears to here for a long time yet, which is great when we have...
Lightweight Extravaganza - Ricky Burns, John Murray, Kevin Mitchell, Gavin Rees, Alex Arthur, Derry Matthews, Anthony Crolla, Willie Limond. The list goes on. There's a tournament right there. Remember the days of Takaloo, Steve Roberts, Richard Williams et al at light-middle. Someone, somewhere needs to make sure that we don't go down the road of non-fights like we did with that lot.
Tyson Fury - Not ready ...for a Klitschko by a long shot, fair play to the big man though for being willing to take on all comers. Should stick with the domestic heavies. It's difficult to see him taking right hands from David Price and still being unbeaten, but that's the beauty of the heavyweights, lots of ands, ifs and buts. Alternatively, we all know a sequined dressed, cha cha cha dancing fella who may want to step up to the plate...
And Finally...Best wishes to Amir Khan, John and Martin Murray and of course Carl Froch in their upcoming world title fights. British Boxing is in rude health. Long may this continue.
Image of Scott Quigg courtesy Mark Robinson/Hatton Promotions
