Dean Powell - Extra Bits and Bobs

[m1kee50]

Is jealousy one of the things that make this sport a difficult one to be involved with?

I was saying this morning that jealousy in this business is the worst disease, because you can’t cure it. The other thing that’s made this business very difficult are these stupid forums on the Internet, they are killing it. It is an open invitation for people who don’t know what they are talking about; anyone can get a username and log onto them. They are not moderated properly, someone thinks ‘I don’t like the look of him’ and then start up criticism of that person online. It can destroy people.

funny that, i thought that by buying the tickets and PPVs, we were PAYING YOUR FCUKING WAGES!

prat.

[Autobarn]

yep, make a criticism of an ugly mismatch, then you know nothing.

think i've heard that before.

perhaps boxing is a misfit/hermetically sealed sport that pisses most ppl off, and offends fans of other sports due to the potential for unsporting matchups. or perhaps ppl are more likely to post their thoughts when they are unhappy, rather than when they are pleased? perhaps some ppl just don't like the feedback, to know what ppl realy think of them.

(defense mechanism: these posters aren't the real boxing fans. they don't subscribe to the sports channels and they don't go to the fights. boxing fans don't come on forums.)

then when the homeboy fighter leaves a certain stable, we are "discreetly" informed that it was the fighter's fault, who wanted an easy path. then the forums come in handy, to discredit former colleagues. classy.

[Autobarn]

He's a right to voice that opinion, then put it out there, sure he gives us a bit of stick, but why should we have all the fun? We all put a fair bit of stick out ourselves, or we did, until The Law took up his star.

i recall a lot of ppl defending his fighter mcdermott who was stopped too early, on certain harmful internet forums.

the orange-faced ingrate

if ppl responding to a God-awful fight, posting their thoughts on a message board, is harmful - then perhaps the dreadful matchup that prompted the response is the problem in the first place.

[m1kee50]

Oh I know, freedom of speech and all that, even if his opinion is... 'shut the fcuk up'

[FLINT ISLAND]

It shows that all these people in the pro game cant resist logging on and having a peek about what is being said.

Powell has got to get a grip though - the internet has changed the world - it is freedom that makes the internet so good and intresting that anyone can express their view.

Otherwise before the internet we could only read what the main stream media allowed to be released.

Its simple - if Powell reckons the forums are destroying people (boxers) - then they should resist logging on.

I'm not encouraging people talk shit on a boxer for nothing - but its inevitable negative things are going to be said.

[Autobarn]

I've seen a lot of positive feedback on forums, especially on young Clev v McIntosh & Khan v Kotelnik.

I think we're supposed to write off some of the WBO and WBU bottom feeding, now that Calzaghe and Hatton aren't with FW anymore. New generation of ambitious fighters, and so on. Let's hold him to it, or ppl might write loads of "damaging" stuff!

[Asterix]

What is you earliest memory of the sport?

Not the best phrased question, Terry.

[Spud]

The other thing that’s made this business very difficult are these stupid forums on the Internet, they are killing it. It is an open invitation for people who don’t know what they are talking about; anyone can get a username and log onto them. They are not moderated properly, someone thinks ‘I don’t like the look of him’ and then start up criticism of that person online. It can destroy people.

Get stuffed Mr Powell!!!

If the forums are so stupid - why do boxing promotional firms take so much interest in them ??

Forums and boxing sites are one of the reasons why the sport is kept in the forefront of peoples minds.

In addition - if the forums are so stupid why do promotional firms - one in particular - take so much interest in attempting to shut them down?? - I will yet again use a phrase a certain poster on here gave me - "you dont kick a dead dog" - look it up Mr Powell - look up the meaning of that phrase and then please tell me I am wrong!!!

Also - if forums are so stupid and insignificant - why do you feel the urge to mention them?? - all sports now have discussion forums - it gives the fans the chance to air their opinions which they have the right to do.

Mr Powell - stick your criticisms!!!

[FLINT ISLAND]

The other thing that’s made this business very difficult are these stupid forums on the Internet, they are killing it. It is an open invitation for people who don’t know what they are talking about; anyone can get a username and log onto them. They are not moderated properly, someone thinks ‘I don’t like the look of him’ and then start up criticism of that person online. It can destroy people.

Get stuffed Mr Powell!!!

If the forums are so stupid - why do boxing promotional firms take so much interest in them ??

Forums and boxing sites are one of the reasons why the sport is kept in the forefront of peoples minds.

In addition - if the forums are so stupid why do promotional firms - one in particular - take so much interest in attempting to shut them down?? - I will yet again use a phrase a certain poster on here gave me - "you dont kick a dead dog" - look it up Mr Powell - look up the meaning of that phrase and then please tell me I am wrong!!!

Also - if forums are so stupid and insignificant - why do you feel the urge to mention them?? - all sports now have discussion forums - it gives the fans the chance to air their opinions which they have the right to do.

Mr Powell - stick your criticisms!!!

Human nature - they cant keep away

I bet every fighter after a big fight - logs onto the forums to see what is being said about their performance

[stujones]

Agree Big Mark.... people active within the game seem to be fine relatively fine with people from "within" the industry offering criticisms, but boxing fans.... no way!

You don't (often) hear the commentators, reports, pundits - get the wrath of the promoter/trainer - if these people have been critical (its rear I know, but sometimes happen).

It would have been nice to have heard Dean's views about boxing and the credit crunch - did he worry for his job when SN went bust

[Asterix]

Nice post Terry. I try to err on the positive side, but of course like everyone else I sometimes speak negatively of people.

I don't think Dean Powell comes across very well in the interview, specifically because of that answer: "The other thing that’s made this business very difficult are these stupid forums on the Internet, they are killing it. It is an open invitation for people who don’t know what they are talking about; anyone can get a username and log onto them. They are not moderated properly, someone thinks ‘I don’t like the look of him’ and then start up criticism of that person online. It can destroy people."

It would have been OK if he was specific about his answer. Are we all cretins for posting on Boxrec? I'm sure Powell doesn't think that, but that's the way it comes across. And how are forums killing boxing? In what way?

[twenty six]

Irony is not missed on me.
This is Dean Powell, matchmaker to Wazza, and colleague of Boxingchat, right ?
Maybe he should take a stroll around the office at Bircherley Green, make a note of who's on Boxrec and take a look at their posts.

[Asterix]

Oh, this is beyond funny!

Seriously, Powell gets so wound up by the banter and chatter on here this 50something year old man has been calling around telling people in boxing that he and Ayling want to fight me.

Has he really?

[Autobarn]

haven't 90% of the fights we've complained about, had "dangerous dean" as matchmaker?

[Spud]

What is you earliest memory of the sport?

Not the best phrased question, Terry.

Aye, that one slipped by

The general criticism was of personal online attacks, calling people names without criticising constructively, it fleshes out the points made in State of the Game interview in today's Boxing News over claims made on forums about the running of shows etc.

The next online question fleshes it out a bit more, when Dean talks about the issue of fans thinking promoters are all out to knobble one another’s shows, the type of thing we’ve all asked about on here, and to be fair he didn’t have to give an answer, but it is an interview, and he answered the question(s) as honestly as he could.

The guy is not advocating the shutting down off forums across the board, just that the attacks be less personal, and a bit more informed, something that we have here on Boxrec's UK forum. Most of the people I meet in boxing read this forum, we dish stuff out, loads of it, so can’t start seeing our bra’s over it the moment someone disagrees with some of the content on here.

Dean and I discussed this issue during our first conversation, my thought at the time was “It’s a fair cop” and it made me think about some of the jokes/remarks I’d made on here in the past, and I have tried to tone things down a little bit, failing that I just fire off a some complete and utter nonsense when posting, and try not to make it personal anymore.

The weird thing about forums is that you forget you are addressing other people, or mocking them, so it can be refreshing to get another perspective on things, and that is why I asked the matchmaking questions, and Dean gave an example of the rigours of that role, I've also seen with my own eyes how hard the guy works, and you've got to respect that.

He is involved in the sport, and talks about how much he relishes his involvement in the sport of boxing, the personal online attacks are one of the things that come with the territory, but he is allowed to voice an opinion about them. It is a two-way thing, we read the interview and see it as an attack on what we are doing, that is not a bad thing, it gives us a little insight into the effect that forum comments can have on the people they are directed at. This is not a bad thing, a day in a man's shoes, and poop.

Think about someone like Audley Harrison, logging onto Boxrec must be like The Passion of the Christ for that guy, the anonymity gives us that little extra license to say a bit more than needs saying, and that is not always a positive thing.

Stu, credit crunch questions are answered in the mag, focussing on the current climate and Setanta folding.

Spud, people only log on here to see what you've got to say, you our the boxing equivalent of old Will Shakespeare

Terry,

B*llocks!!!

Lets not fall out over this but I see where you are coming from a f*cking mile off - you want the article - you want the interview - so like me those few years ago you kiss arse- don't sell yourself to these complete and utter ***** Tel, you are a dam good writer and there is nothing in what Powell says in my view which justifies his in my opinion complete and utter contempt for the forums!!!

I liked Powell before your article - but to hold the very ardent fans who visit these forums in the utter contempt that he does loses for me any respect I had for him - with the lack of TV - with the complete letharthgy of the newspapers to write anything about boxing - Powell wants rid of the forums - what a complete and utter ****!!!

[stujones]

Nice post Terry. I try to err on the positive side, but of course like everyone else I sometimes speak negatively of people.

I don't think Dean Powell comes across very well in the interview, specifically because of that answer: "The other thing that’s made this business very difficult are these stupid forums on the Internet, they are killing it. It is an open invitation for people who don’t know what they are talking about; anyone can get a username and log onto them. They are not moderated properly, someone thinks ‘I don’t like the look of him’ and then start up criticism of that person online. It can destroy people."

It would have been OK if he was specific about his answer. Are we all cretins for posting on Boxrec? I'm sure Powell doesn't think that, but that's the way it comes across. And how are forums killing boxing? In what way?

I agree Asterix, I would say about 3/4 of the post on here offer CONSTRUCTIVE Criticism. Sure there have been one or two posts mentioning "fish eyes" that might be deemed offensive and not constructive - it would have been nice if he would have said "a minority of posters" etc (or whatever he thinks... if he thinks we've all been offensive then he's entitled to that view).

Really though, this is just a method for people to express there views, with the possibility someone might actually read them and take it on board. Yes, non constructive criticism and name calling must not be nice to read - but I would say about 90% of the non-constructive stuff I have read here, I have heard other people say in the pub... its not just an "anoraks" view. If Mr Powell doesn't think people in the pub want to see the "chinny wimp" Audley get KO'd and will laugh at his demise (and sorry to say all of his team) then I'm afraid to tell him it does.

Even the non-contructive, not particularly about the boxing, stuff posted does represent a large proportion of the population... so even these should be taken on the chin and "worked on". You go on non-boxing forums and read any post on boxing... then you will read some needless criticism of boxers, trainers and promoters... However, even these represent the views of paying punters and should be taken on board. I've seen far more posts on Rugby/Football sites calling Amir Khan "an arrogant so and so, who only fights nobodies" than has been on here - however, whilst I can see why this must not be nice - it is still feedback from paying customers (especially with PPV's) - so it should be taken on board. I remember Joe Calzaghe accusing Jim Watt of not offering constructive criticism, and thinking he was going personal, maybe Joe had a point - but years down the line... Joe mellowed, lost his arrogant bragging, and as a result became more popular - so even slagging someone off can help the fighter address that issue, which helped Joe's popularity (and therefore bank balance) no end.

On a side issue, what was Dean like to interview Terry, I can remember you and me having a little bit of a discussion on his coaching abilities when he took over from Oliver Harrison to train Khan... did he remember that discussion!!!

[Spud]

Dean Powell is a dam good trainer - he should keep to that - rather than pretending in my opinion he is intelligent with rants at the very fans who support the sport of boxing so ardently!!! he is a complete **** in my opinion!!!

[stujones]

Dean Powell is a dam good trainer - he should keep to that - rather than pretending in my opinion he is intelligent with rants at the very fans who support the sport of boxing so ardently!!! he is a complete **** in my opinion!!!

I do tend to agree (shock horror) - I do hope he was kind of mis understood. I am hoping he means posts which make false accusations that could damage a fighter (for example, when accusing a fighter of a bottle job when he really is injured... also like the Hatton camp vs Pacquiao - all kinds of rumours spreaded that might have been false). However, as Asterix says - its not specific enough for this.

Taking what he says word for word I don't think it is particularly good PR to make a general sweeping criticism. Maybe Mr Powell would like to respond.

[Asterix]

I do tend to agree (shock horror) - I do hope he was kind of mis understood. I am hoping he means posts which make false accusations that could damage a fighter (for example, when accusing a fighter of a bottle job when he really is injured... also like the Hatton camp vs Pacquiao - all kinds of rumours spread that might have been false). However, as Asterix says - its not specific enough for this.

Taking what he says word for word I don't think it is particularly good PR to make a general sweeping criticism. Maybe Mr Powell would like to respond.

Let's not forget that Frank uses his column to do what you've described there (whether the rumours are true or false).

[The Law]

Is jealousy one of the things that make this sport a difficult one to be involved with?

I was saying this morning that jealousy in this business is the worst disease, because you can’t cure it. The other thing that’s made this business very difficult are these stupid forums on the Internet, they are killing it. It is an open invitation for people who don’t know what they are talking about; anyone can get a username and log onto them. They are not moderated properly, someone thinks ‘I don’t like the look of him’ and then start up criticism of that person online. It can destroy people.

funny that, i thought that by buying the tickets and PPVs, we were PAYING YOUR FCUKING WAGES!

prat.

To be fair to Dean, a lot of boxing forums are not moderated properly, so he does have a point. However, all forums shouldn't be tarred with the same brush. Furthermore, freedom of speech is a good thing and we must listen to constructive criticism at times, whether it be fully deserved or not. We can't all be surrounded with 'yes men'. Forums are a good medium on which boxing fans can express their opinions (whether their opinions are logical or not). After all, boxing would be dead without the fans ....

[Asterix]

I still don't get his point. How are forums killing boxing?

[dapug]

Good read but Dean has forgot where he comes from, No talk about sleeping on the floor in the gym and first job of cleaning it, How he turn up at Cantwell house to see his sister. He first big brake as matchmaker and trainer to Frank Maloney and working under Frank in the Middlesex st. office with Ed from sky and james who i believe is still with Maloney. He saids he was head of Panixs he forgot to say it only lasted for a few more days ok weeks when FM left and joined up with FW. All so his matching making days for Eugene maloney. I know it was Eugene Maloney who got him the job at FWs office. He has done well for himself but Dean do not try and write history it will all ways come back to bite you.There all so the work with Mr P Fondue to name but a few, You should have ask him how well like is he by people in the game now he has forgot were he came from. It was not all ways the flash cloths and suntan and the screaming on the phone . Lets hope FW is around for a long time.

[Wrists]

Personally I feel it was a very good, insightful and honest interview which should have maded a lot of us (and we are all guilty at times) sit up and take stock a little.

Dean Powell for me came accross very well and was right to point out that these forums can at times be a little over the top. Terry is right when he talks about Audley and how he must feel if he comes on here.

We also turn threads into slagging matches, Calzaghe v Froch, Hatton v Witter and the bashing of Khan for no reason immediately spring to mind.

If we are going to criticise Powell for bringing this up then surely we should look at ourselves and not be so uppity when we are criticised - after all is that not what we criticise FW for?? Being over sensitive to criticism??

Spud - I agree with lots you say on here but your out of order making comments like 'stick it up your arse Powell', why not try and argue constructively instead of throwing personal insults??

I think we should all in the words of Michael Winner 'calm down dear'

Thanks for the link Terry - very interesting. ps nice Crimewatch style photo of you in BN!!!

[twenty six]

Terry,
Why not repeat that element of the interview with Stegsie, HS Press, Maloney, Henessey etc ?
Posters connected to Promotional / Managerial outlets, who actually utilise Forums to promote their own businesses and their boxers ?
I would be interested for an honest response and whether they agree with Powell.
Correct me if I'm wrong (presumably IP addresses can be traced back) but isn't it a fact that the Company to which Powell is connected is the only one that uses aliases to post misinformation and slag off opponent's fighters, and fighters that have had the audacity to move on ?
Live by the sword, die by the sword.
Wazza's never manipulated the press through his column has he ?
Bizzarely I think he's got a point to some extent but dear oh dear talk about double standards.

[TheGoods]

Good interview. I rate the boy Dooley - one of the better boxing writers out there right now. That said I CANNOT believe you failed to ask him about his increasingly Orange demeanour. What's the craic there like?

Q - How do you respond to the widely held belief that you are in fact the most orange man in sport?

As for Powell never really rated him or been a fan. Strikes me as a jack of all trades type. Never heard anything inspiring from him when he has worked a corner. He's perfectly within his rights to slate boxing forums mind you.