Freddie Flintoff turning pro!

[J]

When Howard Daley gave up being a rozzer in his thirties to follow his love of boxing he was given plenty of support by the forum, why is is different for Freddie?

cos it's the first time in his life anyone's ever heard Fred has a love of boxing? and because possibly, there's a slight chance that all this is being done for the benefit of a TV programme and/or the future career of media whore Fred? (i presume Strictly must have turned him down)

thats not true he is a life long fan, even went on the pads with hatton a few years back.

as for raising his profile what a load of cack.
Ashes winner wit ha bothamesque profile, on sky tv shows already, wanted to appear wherever they can get him.

Serious cynics on here who need to look at things outside the one eyed boxing circle of influence.

Freddie is alread ymore famous than any british boxer you can name , how the eff other than making a tv programme does this raise his profile.

He could walk into im a celeb and win it without even blinking an eye.

Fact is he likes a challenge he misses from cricket, see the bike riding with dally.

[Counter-puncher]

oh. he went on the pads with Hatton a while back. i personally don't think that demonstrates lifelong fanhood. Joey Barton's done some shite on the bags does that make him a lifelong boxing fan?

and he is an attention whore. he announced his retirement from cricket on the same days as the last day of the county season last year, grabbing attention from the most exciting finish in recent years. like, he couldn't possibly have waited just one more day to announce it, and let the cricket be the story on its own. it had to be about dear old Fred. same about retirement from international cricket, couldn't wait till the ashes were finished, we had to have a great big goodbye fred party in the middle of it all.

are you aware he recently lost a load of money flogging some Mansion in Cheshire at a loss? coincidentally he's announced his new career about a week later. mmmmm.

[Counter-puncher]

Freddie is alread ymore famous than any british boxer you can name , how the eff other than making a tv programme does this raise his profile.
.

bingo. nothing more to add.

[J]

well I knew he was a boxing fan as he mentions it in "all out cricket" in interviews saying he is a lifelong fan.

A few years ago he did a programme with Hatton on the pads, and now this, i think its fair to say he has more than a passing interest mate.

And ffsake thats his job now, TV....that a bit like slating Tufnell for being ont he radio...strange reaction. It isnt a new job he has been in tv for some time now. That shitty tv quiz show, Freddie challegnes, the bike thing with dallaglio..hardly a fuckin new career now is it, when you been doing it 5 years.

I also wonder if your reaction to his announcment is tinged with a tad of bitterness due to it involving your beloved county side CP no offence intended mate?

[Counter-puncher]

well I knew he was a boxing fan as he mentions it in "all out cricket" in interviews saying he is a lifelong fan.

A few years ago he did a programme with Hatton on the pads, and now this, i think its fair to say he has more than a passing interest mate.

And ffsake thats his job now, TV....that a bit like slating Tufnell for being ont he radio...strange reaction. It isnt a new job he has been in tv for some time now. That shitty tv quiz show, Freddie challegnes, the bike thing with dallaglio..hardly a fuckin new career is it, when you been doing it 5 years.

I also wonder if your reaction to his announcment is tinged with a tad of bitterness due to it involving your beloved county side CP?

that's right, he is a TV star, its his job. whether his TV programmes involve running round Africa with Masai warriors, trekking to the pole, training for boxing or whatever. he's doing the boxing for his TV career not for some deep-held love for the sport IMO. the actual boxing is incidental IMO it's just another vehicle for him to get cameras to follow him around.

no need for bitternes mate. champions don't need to be bitter

[J]

very true mate very true congrats by the way!

ok fair enough buddy...just think some of the vitriol on here is a bit strong like you have to have boxed for 20 years to give it a go.

No wonder the sport is shrinking in a appeal and participation if this is the generic reaction to someone giving it a go.

personally i think it will make for good viewing.

[Counter-puncher]

i just think he will get a bout or two in (at most) for the sake of appearances and then his knee will 'tragically' mean he can't go any further, cue 'well at leats i tried to follow my dream' and subsequently we discover he has always wanted to captain a fishing boat/ canoe down the amazon/ conduct an orchestra.

[Lenny]

I pretty much hate Andrew Flintoff as much as anybody. Self publicising twat. Put him in with Sonny Bill Williams and have done with the whole circus.

As C-P has said, I don't believe this is a bloke fulfilling a lifelong ambition, it's a media whore getting himself back on tv. The jacamo wearing fat cunt

[J]

i dont get the hate foR Freddie, he is a tv personality who likes boxing.

Met Fred a few times even had a beer with him at Finchley Cricket club, he is sound, dont get the hate but there you go. Different strokes for different folks.

Do you lot hate botham as well then? How dare he walk for charity. Self publicising twat?

Flintoff doid the cycle thing with dally and raise dsa load of money for kids charities.

Dont seem a twattish thing to do me. Criticising someone for being a self publicist when making light hearted entertainment and raising money for charity is far more twatish imo.

Think about it.

[Lenny]

Beefy is a twat, but he was a bloody good cricketer

Andrew is just a twat

[Counter-puncher]

I'm not keen on Botham either as it happens. I recall the phrase 'upper middle-class yobbo' being applied to him, and agreeing.

and he's one of the worst pundits in the whole of sport, football included.

anyway.....

i'm not saying its twattish. just that I'm not going to treat Flintoff as some sort of longlost child of boxing finally returning to the fold, either.

[J]

SIR ian is not a twat.

im off to sulk. D

[yiddo14]

I like beefy. Freddie ain't in the same league as him as a cricketer or a man come to that! Beefy could probably beat Freddie up and down the street to if he wanted to!

Anyway, I'm never fully convinced by people's "love of boxing" when following Hatton is proof of it! That man attracted more casual fans than any fighter. Towards the end 75% of fans that attended his fights didn't know a left hook from a fish hook. True love of the game is going to the local am shows, hitting the gyms to work alongside others etc, searching the box for any fight, subscribing to boxing news, racking up hundreds of posts here etc etc!

Good luck to him. What grates most is he will earn more in one fight than 25 British heavyweights out there right now who could take his head off his shoulders, would earn in two years!

Local lad to me, Tom Dallas, he earned well from the Price fight from what I heard but the man is still roofing full time. He would kill Flintoff in the ring within two minutes yet Freddie will earn more than Tom has in his entire pro career for this one fight.

[Chambers2]

Good luck to him. What grates most is he will earn more in one fight than 25 British heavyweights out there right now who could take his head off his shoulders, would earn in two years!

Local lad to me, Tom Dallas, he earned well from the Price fight from what I heard but the man is still roofing full time. He would kill Flintoff in the ring within two minutes yet Freddie will earn more than Tom has in his entire pro career for this one fight.

Even if that's true it's hardly Freddies fault

[yiddo14]

Makes a mockery of it though. Imagine if he decided he wanted to play football. He would have to make do with £50 a game playing way down the leagues. That's assuming he is half decent at football!

Good luck to him though. When all is said and done at least he is having a go, despite the vulgarity of it all.

[el_grande_mauro_mina]

I've got a mate, he's 33, been a park warden all his adult life. Was always into sport at school and has always been in good shape - does bike rides and 10k runs regularly. We go out for a few beers and we like a kebab, but nothing crazy. He's always loved boxing and has spent time in gyms since he was a teen. Never done any boxing "for real", but plenty of pad work, a bit of light sparring but nothing heavy. Recently, he got chatting to someone in our gym and has got an idea to try for his pro-licence - even if just to say he's done it. He's looked into it and found out what he needs to do, what hoops he needs to jump through to convince the Board. He has no delusions of grandeur and doesn't consider himself a world or UK titlist in the making, he just wants to get in the ring and be able to say "I did it".

I guess I ought to tell him to pack it in as he's making a mockery of the sport.

There is absolutley no comparison. If you mate turned pro - he would debut in some club in Hull or Paisley or Sunderland as the 'opponent' and if he got the shite beaten out of him - nobody would care - he wouldn't get three lines even in the trade papers unless he died in the ring and therelin lies the difference.

Flintoff is going to have the scrutiny of the media onto him and there is no way this doesn't turn into a farce - if he gets beaten up the same way Cracknell did then boxing is brutal and it should be banned or if they import some Latvian bouncer who lays off him for 4 rounds then it will be boxing is a farce. (Which it is in all fairness).

What nobody seems to get in the game (promoters, fighters, writers, trainers - all of them) is the reason our sport isn't banned isn't because anything they have ever done. It is down to the fans and followers of the sport and the profile that is kept up by the fan - if it wasn't for the fans then professional boxing would have been banned long ago.

Simply put, every time they do something stupid like this - it is another own goal where they lose out in the long run as we (the fans) turn off and lose interest thus damaging their profile which in turn affects their profit margins and their legal future. (I believe professional boxing will be banned in the UK in my lifetime).

We don't need this, Flintoff cannot handle a pedalo in shallow waters never mind a heavyweight boxer -actually - I think of you are fit and have some competence then you should be allowed to box but the fact that the media hype will be there to give us a hiding the next day whatever happens is what irks me and I would rather not see it thanks.

[earsjohn]

I've got a mate, he's 33, been a park warden all his adult life. Was always into sport at school and has always been in good shape - does bike rides and 10k runs regularly. We go out for a few beers and we like a kebab, but nothing crazy. He's always loved boxing and has spent time in gyms since he was a teen. Never done any boxing "for real", but plenty of pad work, a bit of light sparring but nothing heavy. Recently, he got chatting to someone in our gym and has got an idea to try for his pro-licence - even if just to say he's done it. He's looked into it and found out what he needs to do, what hoops he needs to jump through to convince the Board. He has no delusions of grandeur and doesn't consider himself a world or UK titlist in the making, he just wants to get in the ring and be able to say "I did it".

I guess I ought to tell him to pack it in as he's making a mockery of the sport.

There is absolutley no comparison. If you mate turned pro - he would debut in some club in Hull or Paisley or Sunderland as the 'opponent' and if he got the shite beaten out of him - nobody would care - he wouldn't get three lines even in the trade papers unless he died in the ring and therelin lies the difference.

Flintoff is going to have the scrutiny of the media onto him and there is no way this doesn't turn into a farce - if he gets beaten up the same way Cracknell did then boxing is brutal and it should be banned or if they import some Latvian bouncer who lays off him for 4 rounds then it will be boxing is a farce. (Which it is in all fairness).

What nobody seems to get in the game (promoters, fighters, writers, trainers - all of them) is the reason our sport isn't banned isn't because anything they have ever done. It is down to the fans and followers of the sport and the profile that is kept up by the fan - if it wasn't for the fans then professional boxing would have been banned long ago.

Simply put, every time they do something stupid like this - it is another own goal where they lose out in the long run as we (the fans) turn off and lose interest thus damaging their profile which in turn affects their profit margins and their legal future. (I believe professional boxing will be banned in the UK in my lifetime).

We don't need this, Flintoff cannot handle a pedalo in shallow waters never mind a heavyweight boxer -actually - I think of you are fit and have some competence then you should be allowed to box but the fact that the media hype will be there to give us a hiding the next day whatever happens is what irks me and I would rather not see it thanks.

Huh? Are you saying that you don't like the fight because of the publicity it will bring boxing due to the involvement of a celebrity figure. And you don't like the fight because of the reduced publicity it will bring boxing because of the involvement of a novice boxer in his debut?

Boxing needs a popularity boost, that much is clear - the current TV situation, inactivity of leading fighters and a general lack of money make that abundantly clear. I don't see the Cracknell analogy as valid - that was an exhibition bout where someone took the p1ss. This is a much more serious endeavour - I don't get why everyone expects it to be a joke. If he's not serious about his training, he won't be licensed, and if that happens there is no TV show. That means there is a huge incentive for him to do this properly. The lad was a world class sportsman for over 10 years, he has a greater appreciation of the efforts needed to succeed at whatever he chooses to do. If you don't like it, don't watch it. But let's stop with this circus, freak act nonsense. There are a lot worse events in boxing than this that should get people whining with proper cause.

[TheCobra]

I'm looking forward to seeing him fight, but I don't think he's going to be at all very good. If he couldn't even keep fit enough to play cricket, constantly injured and clearly likes a piss up, well I don't see those being the ingredients of making a good boxer I'm afraid.

[spudder56]

Has Freddie got or even applied for a License yet ?

[Khaosai-Galaxy]

Andrew Flintoff really gets on my wick. As a bowler he was one dimensional and with the bat he was the worse kind of flat track bully.

But my main problem with him, is that his drunken "hellraising" is completely lacking in any style. There is no talent in drinking 15 pints and falling about 10 downing street. We can all do that.

Drinking 15 pints and kidnapping the PM's wife would be more like it.

[Bronxbull666]

Andrew Flintoff really gets on my wick. As a bowler he was one dimensional and with the bat he was the worse kind of flat track bully.

But my main problem with him, is that his drunken "hellraising" is completely lacking in any style. There is no talent in drinking 15 pints and falling about 10 downing street. We can all do that.

Drinking 15 pints and kidnapping the PM's wife would be more like it.

You'd need 15 pints to do Cherie Blair. I know you said kidnap, but I'm adding bestiality.

[Khaosai-Galaxy]

Andrew Flintoff really gets on my wick. As a bowler he was one dimensional and with the bat he was the worse kind of flat track bully.

But my main problem with him, is that his drunken "hellraising" is completely lacking in any style. There is no talent in drinking 15 pints and falling about 10 downing street. We can all do that.

Drinking 15 pints and kidnapping the PM's wife would be more like it.

You'd need 15 pints to do Cherie Blair. I know you said kidnap, but I'm adding bestiality.

I would have to conceded that point.



Labour MP Luciana Berger tho:





Looks like a real latin "3 holer"

[el_grande_mauro_mina]

I've got a mate, he's 33, been a park warden all his adult life. Was always into sport at school and has always been in good shape - does bike rides and 10k runs regularly. We go out for a few beers and we like a kebab, but nothing crazy. He's always loved boxing and has spent time in gyms since he was a teen. Never done any boxing "for real", but plenty of pad work, a bit of light sparring but nothing heavy. Recently, he got chatting to someone in our gym and has got an idea to try for his pro-licence - even if just to say he's done it. He's looked into it and found out what he needs to do, what hoops he needs to jump through to convince the Board. He has no delusions of grandeur and doesn't consider himself a world or UK titlist in the making, he just wants to get in the ring and be able to say "I did it".

I guess I ought to tell him to pack it in as he's making a mockery of the sport.

There is absolutley no comparison. If you mate turned pro - he would debut in some club in Hull or Paisley or Sunderland as the 'opponent' and if he got the shite beaten out of him - nobody would care - he wouldn't get three lines even in the trade papers unless he died in the ring and therelin lies the difference.

Flintoff is going to have the scrutiny of the media onto him and there is no way this doesn't turn into a farce - if he gets beaten up the same way Cracknell did then boxing is brutal and it should be banned or if they import some Latvian bouncer who lays off him for 4 rounds then it will be boxing is a farce. (Which it is in all fairness).

What nobody seems to get in the game (promoters, fighters, writers, trainers - all of them) is the reason our sport isn't banned isn't because anything they have ever done. It is down to the fans and followers of the sport and the profile that is kept up by the fan - if it wasn't for the fans then professional boxing would have been banned long ago.

Simply put, every time they do something stupid like this - it is another own goal where they lose out in the long run as we (the fans) turn off and lose interest thus damaging their profile which in turn affects their profit margins and their legal future. (I believe professional boxing will be banned in the UK in my lifetime).

We don't need this, Flintoff cannot handle a pedalo in shallow waters never mind a heavyweight boxer -actually - I think of you are fit and have some competence then you should be allowed to box but the fact that the media hype will be there to give us a hiding the next day whatever happens is what irks me and I would rather not see it thanks.

Huh? Are you saying that you don't like the fight because of the publicity it will bring boxing due to the involvement of a celebrity figure. And you don't like the fight because of the reduced publicity it will bring boxing because of the involvement of a novice boxer in his debut?

Boxing needs a popularity boost, that much is clear - the current TV situation, inactivity of leading fighters and a general lack of money make that abundantly clear. I don't see the Cracknell analogy as valid - that was an exhibition bout where someone took the p1ss. This is a much more serious endeavour - I don't get why everyone expects it to be a joke. If he's not serious about his training, he won't be licensed, and if that happens there is no TV show. That means there is a huge incentive for him to do this properly. The lad was a world class sportsman for over 10 years, he has a greater appreciation of the efforts needed to succeed at whatever he chooses to do. If you don't like it, don't watch it. But let's stop with this circus, freak act nonsense. There are a lot worse events in boxing than this that should get people whining with proper cause.

Boxing won't get publicity - it will just get canned - again - on the morning after. Flintoff will get the publicity. If he was actually serious and began his career away from the media and the hype and got himself going like Curtis Woodhouse boxing in places like Hull and Wolverhampton away from the tv and the media circus then nobody would abject - this is just another circus act.

Why doesn't he go and have a game for Sale Sharks/Wigan Warriors or have a game for Oldham Athlectic and make a docmentary about that - because the people running those sports would be horrified at the prospect - do you think they would let David Beckham have the opening bat for Essex CC? Not a chance and he is 10 x the athlete Flintoff is. Unfortunately for us - we don't have the admin looking after our sports best interests - we have greedy, self serving, politicos running boxing instead and they are pounding our sport into a laughing stock as they get their slice of the pie.

The Cracknell analogy is completely valid. You don't know what Flintoff can do and the risk of him getting near decapitated in the ring is very big. He nearly come a cropper in the shallow tide on a pedalo - and I don't fancy his chances this time. Boxing doesn't need this kind of 'publicity' we really can do without it.

[Crazyboy]

Everyones taking it waaaay too seriously, give the guy a break ffs,

He's in a position where the dream of becoming a boxer (Or at least giving it a go) has been made a reality...good for him.

you'd do the same...any of you.

[el_grande_mauro_mina]

Everyones taking it waaaay too seriously, give the guy a break ffs,

He's in a position where the dream of becoming a boxer (Or at least giving it a go) has been made a reality...good for him.

you'd do the same...any of you.

You, me or most people turning pro and getting beaten up in a small hall show in Wallsall or wherever wouldn't harm boxing as nobody would care about it or get to see it.

Flintoff on prime time tv having a beating in the ring renders our sport into a joke - again!