Esham Pickering has been handed a surprise European title chance. The Newark switch-hitter will challenge Oleg Yefimovych for the European featherweight title in Donetsk, Ukraine on Saturday 3 October.
The 27-year-old Yefimovych, 16-1 (10), who will be making the third defence of his crown, was due to defend against Paul Appleby but following the Scot’s injury withdrawal Pickering has been drafted in at short notice.
I don't give Pickering much of a chance, but good luck to him.
is there no better talent coming through than that (to challenge for the BT), to my knowledge Pickering hasn't done anything for ages, possibly since his rematch win over Hughes, but was hardly scintillating in that one.
I expect Hunter to be fresh enough still to put Booth away, although it could go to points.
Good luck to him- however, this does seem to be a clear example of a boxer with a credible record (former European and world title challenger etc) who lacks current form being brought in as a very "beatable" opponent.
Unfortunatly match ups like these do little to add to the credibility of the European title.
boxrec wrote:pickering stand any chance in the ukraine..?
It think it's just a question of if he can find a big punch.
however, it's worth pointing out that Oleg Yefimovych's last two European title opponents had both LOST their last two fights coming into the title fight with Oleg--- which suggests that they may be somewhat "hand picked" , which in turn suggests Oleg must just be a little fragile...
whicker wrote:Good luck to him- however, this does seem to be a clear example of a boxer with a credible record (former European and world title challenger etc) who lacks current form being brought in as a very "beatable" opponent.
Unfortunatly match ups like these do little to add to the credibility of the European title.
Agreed.
Never mind all the "good luck, Esham" posts (although of course I wish him that too) - the point should be HOW did he get this shot?? If it were anyone else but one of "our boys", we'd be decrying a boxer of his recent form getting an EBU shot.
whicker wrote:Good luck to him- however, this does seem to be a clear example of a boxer with a credible record (former European and world title challenger etc) who lacks current form being brought in as a very "beatable" opponent.
Unfortunatly match ups like these do little to add to the credibility of the European title.
Agreed.
Never mind all the "good luck, Esham" posts (although of course I wish him that too) - the point should be HOW did he get this shot?? If it were anyone else but one of "our boys", we'd be decrying a boxer of his recent form getting an EBU shot.
indeed shes had a bad run of form lately dunno how he pulled his off good luck to him though
Good luck, Esham. You deserve this -so many good fights for you have fallen throguh over the years.I hope you get paid well and box to your best abuility.
whicker wrote:Good luck to him- however, this does seem to be a clear example of a boxer with a credible record (former European and world title challenger etc) who lacks current form being brought in as a very "beatable" opponent.
Unfortunatly match ups like these do little to add to the credibility of the European title.
Agreed.
Never mind all the "good luck, Esham" posts (although of course I wish him that too) - the point should be HOW did he get this shot?? If it were anyone else but one of "our boys", we'd be decrying a boxer of his recent form getting an EBU shot.
check out the last two opponents Oleg has faced for the title, too.
Seems that the European board are happy to allow challengers who have lost recent challenges for their national titles. Makes the concept of a "European Champion" and utter farce.
Counter-puncher wrote:Appleby needed learning fights anyway, before being pitched in over his head. again.
Ye he wasnt ready for a Euro title shot I think he needs a few more fights before challenging Lindsay again and then move on I think he is a very exciting prospect but I dont want to see him being rushed as I think he could go all the way
Good luck to him, but sorry if this was not a British fighter we would be very critical of this match. Esham has hardly won are round against 2 poor(ish) British champions in his last 2 fights.
Hope he proves me wrong, but I think its going to be another heavy loss. I want to see him retired now.
As for Hunter 2 if he beats Booth.... all I can ask is Why? Hunter won the first fight, and by beating Booth he would have shown he is on that level as he was all that time ago... Esham isn't.
