Welsh boxing's imminent death?

[sharpei_louis]

Obviously there's a lot of hype surrounding the Enzo Clazaghe gym down in Newbridge, and rightly so, but I think in three months time there's a strong possibility that they'll be down to nothing... what's the concensus?

With Calzaghe going to America, while I fancy him as a big stage performer, it wouldn't surprise me if wily old Hopkins can get a decision on home soil.

Maccarinelli is obviously coming up against the #1 Cw in David Haye, and I've gotta go for Haye although it's a 51-49 fight IMO.

Gavin Rees is punching above his weight and any defence could see his title slip through his fingers,

and Gary Lockett's rising star looks set to get a crack at Kelly Pavlik, and there's no debate on how that would turn out.

So where will the current crest of a wave take Welsh boxing in a very short three months?

[Wales]

maybe, although we'd still have a solid foundation there in calzaghe and maccarinelli, win or lose its not the last title fights we'll see them in, thats for sure. Then we have Bradley pryce who's always entertaining and has improved ten fold under Enzo Calzaghe. There are some good fights out there for Bradley, and im sure Warren will get him some.
Tony Dochertys razor thin defeat to Kevin Mcintyre doesnt look so bad now, he'll be one to watch if he can motivate himself, especially now he's under Enzo Calzaghe too.
Locket isnt a big loss, he was never a big star here anyway, rather underachieved since bursting onto the scene, who knows anyway he always has a punchers chance against anyone.
Nathan Cleverly looks a top prospect and should reach European level (imo) he'll buy the country some time with regards to finding a new star.
Rees could drop down and make an assault there, give him his dues he beat a world titlist and did so very very well. Okay, he sint world class, but he's exciting and full of confidence.

[sharpei_louis]

I didn't mean to sound doom and gloom, my post should really have asked if Welsh boxing has reached it's peak or if there's more to come.

I agree Lockett has a punchers chance, but would think it's 95-5 Pavlik. I'd love Joe to do the business and there is every chance he will, he's proved he's a big time fighter over the last couple of years.

Purely theoretical obviously, but where does Maccarinelli go after saturday? Win or lose, are we looking at weight class changes to make some bigger name matchups?

[stujones]

Not sure if Joe will bounce back or particularly want to should Hopkins upset him - not at 36.

I agree with the rest of your views Wales, although Bradley Pryce has pretty much been with Enzo Calzaghe all the time - so not sure how he has shown "improvement" under him.

I am really looking forward to seeing if Doherty can reach his potential with Enzo Calzaghe.... he could really out achieve all except for Joe on natural ability alone. He is one to really re-look out for... especially as many thought he beat the current British champion.

Plus, it might not come to much - but there are strong rumours of a Jamie Arthur comeback.

[stujones]

I didn't mean to sound doom and gloom, my post should really have asked if Welsh boxing has reached it's peak or if there's more to come.

I agree Lockett has a punchers chance, but would think it's 95-5 Pavlik. I'd love Joe to do the business and there is every chance he will, he's proved he's a big time fighter over the last couple of years.

Purely theoretical obviously, but where does Maccarinelli go after saturday? Win or lose, are we looking at weight class changes to make some bigger name matchups?

Nah, not for Enzo - if he wins except some low key defences at first maybe some tougher mandatories.

Should he lose, well surely that will be that for Haye as a Cruiser and expect to see Enzo in the mix for the vacant or interim WBO belt.

Sorry for being the sceptic - but its come with years of being dissapointed.

[DG.]

I think the one thing in British Boxing you can count on is JC!

I think he outpoints Hopkins - UD.

The other 3 are not going to win.

Lockett? No

Rees? - No

Macc.....maybe - but still a no!

[ALI]

I agree Lockett has a punchers chance, but would think it's 95-5 Pavlik.

Its hard to even give Lockett a punchers chance. Pavlik has been in with some of the biggest hitters in the division and taken there best, and these were guys with a lot more talent to help them get there shots off. Its hard to see any hope for Lockett at all. So, your percentages are just about right i reckon!

[Max Molyneux]

95 - 5 Pavlik?

I think Lockett needs to tune up on higher level fighters first but thats overrating Pavlik, Pavlik's defence Is not that good.

Its hard to even give Lockett a punchers chance. Pavlik has been in with some of the biggest hitters in the division and taken there best, and these were guys with a lot more talent to help them get there shots off. Its hard to see any hope for Lockett at all. So, your percentages are just about right i reckon!

He'll have a punchers chance, Pavlik eats alot of shots and will go down taking too many and being big at the weight and draining will take some of his resistance away.

Taylor couldn't knock down Spinks and smaller guys but had Pavlik down.

[Chambers2]

Welsh boxing is probably at the best it's ever been and we've got a thread with a title like this

[stujones]

Welsh boxing is probably at the best it's ever been and we've got a thread with a title like this

I personally think its in interesting threat title - maybe a bit negative but it seems like its an important few months in Welsh boxing, with alot of make or break fights.

The Amateur scene in Wales, isn't as flourishing as England at the moment - and I think there is only Barrie Jones and Nathan Cleverly (possibly) from the YOUNG pro's really worth keeping an eye.

We could conceivably be thinking "whats happend to Welsh boxing" at the end of 2008 - or it could be even better with maybe Lockett adding a world belt, Calzaghe, Macc and Rees still champs - Pryce in the governing bodies top ten and Doherty British champion.

[sharpei_louis]

Hey the current high profile of Welsh boxing was exactly the point, no disrespect was intended. As stated it's a make or break few months, and the title was meant to attract interest and opinion as to how it will go.

[Horse]

I am really looking forward to seeing if Doherty can reach his potential with Enzo Calzaghe.... he could really out achieve all except for Joe on natural ability alone. He is one to really re-look out for... especially as many thought he beat the current British champion.

Do you think he will beat Barrie Jones on the Rees vs Kotelnik undercard?

[Max Molyneux]

Obviously there's a lot of hype surrounding the Enzo Clazaghe gym down in Newbridge, and rightly so, but I think in three months time there's a strong possibility that they'll be down to nothing... what's the concensus?

With Calzaghe going to America, while I fancy him as a big stage performer, it wouldn't surprise me if wily old Hopkins can get a decision on home soil.

Maccarinelli is obviously coming up against the #1 Cw in David Haye, and I've gotta go for Haye although it's a 51-49 fight IMO.

Gavin Rees is punching above his weight and any defence could see his title slip through his fingers,

and Gary Lockett's rising star looks set to get a crack at Kelly Pavlik, and there's no debate on how that would turn out.

So where will the current crest of a wave take Welsh boxing in a very short three months?

It should surprise you If Hopkins wins, only way they get a decision If Joe gets robbed.

[Tykemania]

and Gary Lockett's rising star looks set to get a crack at Kelly Pavlik, and there's no debate on how that would turn out.

Sure there is - will Pavlik beat his ass back to the Valleys or just plain kill him?

[stujones]

I am really looking forward to seeing if Doherty can reach his potential with Enzo Calzaghe.... he could really out achieve all except for Joe on natural ability alone. He is one to really re-look out for... especially as many thought he beat the current British champion.

Do you think he will beat Barrie Jones on the Rees vs Kotelnik undercard?

Hard fight to predict... all depends on how Doherty reacts to his change of trainer.

[sharpei_louis]

Obviously there's a lot of hype surrounding the Enzo Clazaghe gym down in Newbridge, and rightly so, but I think in three months time there's a strong possibility that they'll be down to nothing... what's the concensus?

With Calzaghe going to America, while I fancy him as a big stage performer, it wouldn't surprise me if wily old Hopkins can get a decision on home soil.

Maccarinelli is obviously coming up against the #1 Cw in David Haye, and I've gotta go for Haye although it's a 51-49 fight IMO.

Gavin Rees is punching above his weight and any defence could see his title slip through his fingers,

and Gary Lockett's rising star looks set to get a crack at Kelly Pavlik, and there's no debate on how that would turn out.

So where will the current crest of a wave take Welsh boxing in a very short three months?

It should surprise you If Hopkins wins, only way they get a decision If Joe gets robbed.

I know, but Joe getting robbed wouldn't surprise me...

[Asterix]

I know, but Joe getting robbed wouldn't surprise me...

If that happens I'll be shouting bloody murder.

[sharpei_louis]

You wouldn't be the only one, but it's gotta be a real possibility.
I don't think I'm suggesting any cheating, but the judges will no doubt 'favour Hopkins' defensive technique over Calzaghe's workrate' I bet. I think he need another Lacy performance, no close rounds, if he's gonna win a decision. The more I think about it I really wouldn't be surprised if Hopkins gets a SD.