JamesH wrote:
As brief as possible:
Not an alias. Not hard to check. The hypocrisy is astounding.
Didn't think you were popping at Frankie, just shocked you thought the fight would lead your son to an appearance on Graham Norton. I like watching Frankie box, always have done. If your son ever displays a similar level of skill (courtesy of all your wonderful training), then I shall enjoy watching him box too. Lets see shall we?
Richie Woodhall tips Birmingham boxer Nasser Al -Harbi for the top
Sep 22 2008
RICHIE Woodhall claims he has seen the teenager who is going to be Birmingham’s next world champion and claims Nasser Al-Harbi is a mirror image of himself.
The 19-year-old from Perry Barr has won rave reviews during his first three fights and after his impressive win over Matt Scriven at the Tower Ballroom last Sunday he received a glowing endorsement from Woodhall.
The former WBC world champion is usually a reserved character so when he says that Al-Harbi is set to follow in his footsteps, it is worth sitting up and taking notice. However, the trainer and television pundit is taking a hard-line approach with his protégé and refused to cut corners ahead of his last fight despite the teenage sensation’s religious beliefs.
Al-Harbi stuck rigidly to the guidelines of Ramadan before his latest scrap and fasted from dawn until sunset.
It wasn’t ideal preparation for the biggest fight of his career but Woodhall insists he didn’t see Al-Harbi slack off at their Aston gym.
“This kid can be a world champion and go all the way, and I don’t say that very often,” said Woodhall. “He is currently fasting and that won’t allow him to have any water or food during training sessions but I didn’t allow him to cut any corners.
“I didn’t let him miss training as he needs to prepare and the worst thing that could happen to him was that he got beat but he has shown his dedication. I want him to achieve his potential and be a world champion.
“He is a very good kid and his style is very similar to me in that he hits and moves and his ring craft is exceptional.
Relaxed
“Like a lot of boxers nowadays he has a very relaxed style but he can back it up and as long as he keeps progressing then there is no limit to what he can achieve.”
Al Harbis’s father – Naji – admits his son is working overtime in a bid to fulfil his talent and won’t let Ramadan blight his ambition.
He may be hungry during the day but his dad insists his hunger for world titles is greater and will drive him on.
“He is dedicated to the cause and doesn’t drink, smoke or go clubbing as all he is focused on is boxing,” said Al-Harbi senior.
“He was accepted for University but he decided he wanted to pursue his boxing career instead and he has incredible talent.
“I have seen him sparring with Matthew Macklin and Darren McDermott and he holds his own no problem at the age of 19.
“The exciting thing is that Nasser is still growing and he will become a man in two years time when he can hopefully develop like his boxing idol, Sugar Ray Leonard.”
