Prizefighter Tournament

Glyn Leach · Post by **Glyn Leach** » 12 Apr 2008, 06:39

Sky certainly promoted it more than they would a bog standard FFN show so there's every chance of a good viewing figure

Poncey · Post by **Poncey** » 12 Apr 2008, 06:40

Gareth, do you know what they didn't like about the format?

Apart from the start time, I thought it was very good.

gkt999 · Post by **gkt999** » 12 Apr 2008, 07:11

Emerson Poncey Name Ghent wrote:Gareth, do you know what they didn't like about the format?

Apart from the start time, I thought it was very good.

Most of what I have picked up so far today regarding the format of Prize Fighter has been via different forums and a few emails.

Most of the gripes seem to lie with the fact it was HW boxing. HW's have got a bit of a bad name in recent years. There was a lot of joking about the calibre of the fighters involved before the fights (drunken builders etc) this seems to have stuck with a few people. I think some have changed their views on HW fighters after this show. I think at a lighter weight these views will vanish.

Another issue is the - "why didnt they pick x y z fighter". A lot of fighters were offered a place but declined or were unable to fight for one reason or another. Hearn has the final say on who fought and think he picked a decent bunch. You dont want a top 10 British ranked fighter but fighters in the 15th - 40th range. Also you dont want to have one clear favourite boxer either, possibly why Chisora was only a reserve.

The start time was a bit of an issue as the show ended so late then and by the sound of things caused issue with trains etc lol. A 7:30pm start time or that maybe next time, but then this was the first show and Hearn will learn from this and change what he feels needs changed.

A few other things I'll pst in a minute being chased to get kids ready lol.

Glyn Leach · Post by **Glyn Leach** » 12 Apr 2008, 07:21

It wasn't ever advertised as anything other than a heavyweight tournament so if they had a problem with heavyweights, hey, don't watch it - it's that easy.

Re the line up, I thought the fighters chosen were a good fit - again, they were never advertised as being worldbeaters so if it was worldbeaters the knockers wanted to watch, again, this was never going to be the show for them so why watch it?

So often we are sold this and given that. I thought this show did exactly what it said on the packet and by that logic there can be very little to complain about.

But yes, it was a late finish and I imagine Matchroom will look at that.

steve689 · Post by **steve689** » 12 Apr 2008, 07:24

MatthewS wrote:Anyone else spot Enzo Mac with Morgans crew?

Enzo was ringside because i heard he had loaned his chin to Dolan for the evening for safe keeping, therefore was seeing how it held up.

He was in the Morgan corner as well.

REAL_DEAL · Post by **REAL_DEAL** » 12 Apr 2008, 07:27

I thought it worked well and look like good night entertainment, slightly regretting not going but can always go to the next one. If Morgan was a couple of stone lighter and had more than 3 weeks notice he would of took some beating. Be good to see Williams and Rogan duke it out. Maybe that fight can happen during the year while Williams ticks over.

Poncey · Post by **Poncey** » 12 Apr 2008, 07:44

Enzo sure was. Matt pointed out that he was shouting "C'mon Darren Morgan" when there was only one Darren in the ring. I still don't understand why he isn't in Vegas, but that's for a different thread.

Thanks for the update Gareth. If the start time was changed, even by just an hour (as I guess you need to allow for people outside of London to get there), I'd definitely go every time.

Imagine the pace of fights in lower weight divisions. I thought every fight had great moments and every fighter gave their all.

I really hope this catches on and agree that there shouldn't be top 10 fighters. I think Area Champs are about the right level.

leforge · Post by **leforge** » 12 Apr 2008, 07:44

I really enjoyed it great to watch, I bet u next time more boxers will want to take part

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 12 Apr 2008, 08:35

Well it might be a bit harder to do another weight.... cause some might not be let go by their promoter.

Welterweight would be ideal... as I have said before, there are some 20 odd fighters who would be competitive against McIntyre (not saying would win, but wouldn't look way out of his depth)... let them sort it out.

Something like

Taz Jones
Francis Jones
David Walker
Michael Lomaz
Neil Sinclair
Eamonn Magee
Adnan Amar
Barrie Jones

Or add Jimmy Vincent in it somewhere if he hasn't retired.

You could really have 2 Prize fighters at Welter... and the two winners face of in an British title eliminator.

Although I must add, if this is the future of British boxing on TV... then I'll be gutted.

Glyn Leach · Post by **Glyn Leach** » 12 Apr 2008, 08:44

I doubt it will come to that Stu - least I hope not. But as an occasional extra that might draw more fans in, I'm all for it.

REAL_DEAL · Post by **REAL_DEAL** » 12 Apr 2008, 08:50

Enzo flying out to Vegas middle of next week he was there supporting Darren. Joe was going to use Pryce for sparring but we know what happened there.

leforge · Post by **leforge** » 12 Apr 2008, 09:06

It a good tourrnment to have once a quater I reckon

Dirk Kelly · Post by **Dirk Kelly** » 12 Apr 2008, 09:27

I really enjoyed the tournament, the heavies may not have been world beaters but they gave it a go and I don't begrude them a decent little payday.

I was routing for Dolan to win as hes the only one that actually boxed, and he was a dirty little fornicator, totally wound Bultin up and that lost Bultin the fight as he fought the wrong fight, he should have doen what Morgan tried to do and what Rogan finished.

But the final bout, what a barn stormer, that was worth my £30 alone - how Rogan kept standing in the 2nd and parts of the 3rd I'll never know, he just wanted it and he kept going for it, he could have taken the easy option after the knockdown in the 3rd and jabbbed and moved but he went scrapping for the KO. I really, really enjoyed this.

Really disappointed with Colin, our seats were in the blacony over his corner and he said something about his nose being broken and he just couldn't breathe. He didn't look up for it and raced out of his corner clubbing away, FFS this is a tournament why not box Butlins head off and save yourself for the final matches. Hope he can rebound on this.

I really liked the tournament, the layout, the view, the prices and utmilately the organisation. Brilliant and I'd pay to see that again, not one fighter backed down they went for it and for that I take my hat off.

I thought the timing was spot on, luckily I was working in Ashford that daty and just nipped over but I would have to finish early fto get there if they brought the time forward and have to pay peak prices. As it was I left after the final bout, tubed it to London Bridge and walked to Waterloo in plenty of time for the 1:05 train, so no complaints here.

m1kee50 · Post by **m1kee50** » 12 Apr 2008, 09:34

Yep, you could have deffo argued the case for Morgan to have gotten through over Dolan, I think he was very unlucky to have a slip called a KD in the first round, and he had Dolan in bad enough shape in the 2nd for it to be stopped - the fight befores stoppage was a touch early....

Is dolan a Matchroom fighter? I know Dirk said last night he was Fight Academy, but just wanted to check, as he seemed to be getting 'house fighter' treatment apart from the final.

Dirk Kelly · Post by **Dirk Kelly** » 12 Apr 2008, 09:38

Matthew, you're definately right you called it well last night, the refs stopped some of the other fights a bit early just because the fighters were in trouble (Ibbs), Dolan was out on his feet and had to be helped back to his corner but was allowed to continue!

Dirk Kelly · Post by **Dirk Kelly** » 12 Apr 2008, 09:43

Who else went last night?

Did anyone see the old guy going around ringside with a Sainsburys bag, flogging copies of a book and signing it too? Was bugging me as to who he was.

Chris Burton was at ringside looking way out of shape, whats happening with his career? Maybe Rogan can fight him and take is perfect record. Martin Rogan the 0 stealer!

kevin · Post by **kevin** » 12 Apr 2008, 10:15

Harry Holland was there selling his book to a couple of people with an orange carrier bag is that who you mean?

telboy66 · Post by **telboy66** » 12 Apr 2008, 10:38

It was a terrific nights boxing & it was right that the fittest two guys got through to the final some of those taking part looked like they did their training over the road in the Dundee arms. Why is it that most heavyweights think road work is for other people.
Ferguson did'nt have a lot but it was to much for an out of condition Beesey
Ibbs was in well over his head with a fired up Rogan
Kenna seemed to think he only had to be there to win & got sparked in the second by Butlin
Morgan "the beast" at 19st the heavyest threaterned but had no answer to Dolan combinations

So to the semi finals

Ferguson v rogan Ferguson just did'nt throw enough punches & Rogan was not a man who was going to wait to be asked & ran out a worth points winner
Next up my pick Dolan against Butlin who could not find the ko punch from the first fight & spent the fight smiling when he got hit & falling short with his own attacks Dolan did enough to pick up the points

Now the final & what a final The atmosphere In the york hall was electric & the fight lived up to expectations it was never going to be a skillfull fight with Rogan the man who would not take a backward step forcing the fight & when he put Dolan down about halfway through the first it was not looking good for my tenner But Dolan fought back & in the second had his best round when he stood off a bit & put some combinations together.
coming to the last I felt that there was only the extra point for the knock down between them & indeed Dolan's better boxing seemed to be putting him in front,then rogan caught him put Dolan down & allthough he got up the writing was on the wall Rogan finished strong & was very worthy winner

Contratulations to him & to barry Hearn for putting on a great night

Topic

m1kee50 · Post by **m1kee50** » 12 Apr 2008, 10:40

telboy66 wrote: some of those taking part looked like they did their training over the road in the Dundee arms.

funny you should say that

Glyn Leach · Post by **Glyn Leach** » 12 Apr 2008, 10:47

Bunce and myself warmed up in the Shakespeare ... few light stretches

Poncey · Post by **Poncey** » 12 Apr 2008, 10:48

Were you sat next to him at the fight?

Glyn Leach · Post by **Glyn Leach** » 12 Apr 2008, 10:51

You kidding? Wouldn't be seen dead with him lol

m1kee50 · Post by **m1kee50** » 12 Apr 2008, 11:09

Glyn Leach wrote:You kidding? Wouldn't be seen dead with him lol

we were speculating as to who the young geezer next to him was. Short, blondish hair, had a suit on. Fairly sure he was some sort of journo.

Goz · Post by **Goz** » 12 Apr 2008, 11:09

I quite enjoyed watching it.

To be honest watching anything seems pretty interesting when you have to get up at 2.30am with your baby daughter for 3 hours - but overall it was enjoyable watching.

As ever with Heavyweights, whatever their respective abilities there is always that excitement the knowledge things could end with one punch (moreso than other weight categories) brings.

Clearly Dolan would beat Rogan comfortably over a longer distance and those 'flash' knockdowns cost him but there you go, thems the rules.

steve689 · Post by **steve689** » 12 Apr 2008, 11:22

I thought people would pay extra to be sat next to Bunce....

Anyway, Ferguson i think gassed himself against Bessey and when they filmed him backstage about two bouts later he was still heaving and blowing a bit! Kenna was the surprise, getting stopped in two although the blow caught him round the back fo the head.

Good night all round. My viewing buddy and host Gareth said Rogan had one hell of a chin beforehand and he was right