Blackwell stoppage.

dalcumly · Post by **dalcumly** » 27 Mar 2016, 07:19

Before I go any further, my condolences to Nick and his family, I'm sure he'll be fine. One report I've read is that the bleed is actually in his skull as opposed to a bleed in the brain itself, which from my limited knowledge might imply that once that pressure is relieved he'll be up and about. I hope so anyway.

But , to the point. I feel that the stoppage was at exactly the correct time. The referee was very close to the action from about the 6th round onwards and could see close-up if their were any real issues. This was a BIG fight in more than one sense - live on TV, title on the line, 2 tough and relatively experienced boxers, and they both had a strong desire to win. Blackwell took a lot of punches on the arms and gloves and it would have been easy for the ref to believe that this was a tactic to tire out Eubank and come on late - he wouldn't have been the first to do this. From the TV Blackwell did seem to change around the 8th when I thought he had stopped throwing back as often and the 'bravado' from earlier rounds had gone. I put this done to tiredness and the fact he knew he was losing. Would there have been an outcry ( if not a riot) if the ref had stepped in a couple of rounds earlier?

This also brings me to another point I've made often on here. The animosity build up pre-fight, and encouraged by all concerned. In the ring before the fight we had the world heavyweight champion, a world middleweight champion, the promoter and a host of others in Blackwell's corner. What was their purpose? To intimidate Eubank !! Then when it all goes wrong they're full of apologies. There is always this danger. In fact did the TV not also say that they didn't even touch gloves on the ref's instruction. LET'S CUT THIS OUT ONCE AND FOR ALL. It's a sport not a fight in the street between a bunch of thugs.

Boxerbeetle · Post by **Boxerbeetle** » 27 Mar 2016, 07:45

I agree. I didn't think there was anything wrong with the stoppage at the time, I'd say Blackwell took significantly less than Chudinov did against Eubank and didn't ever really give the referee a reason to stop the fight earlier - he kept defending himself (albeit not always very successfully) and didn't ever look like touching down.

Obviously with the benefit of hindsight it's easy to say Blackwell should have been pulled out for his own good, but boxers have to be given a chance.

Anyhow, fingers crossed he'll recover well.

afcmarshall · Post by **afcmarshall** » 27 Mar 2016, 07:53

Thought he took a lot more than punches to the gloves and arms Eubank hit him with countless uppercuts and got through his defence with ease, ref was just about right to not stop it but could of understood if he had stopped it.

BJS and Fury went well over the top with there pre fight tactics but it almost cost eubank the fight when he was caught after pointing and talking to them

Rexob · Post by **Rexob** » 27 Mar 2016, 07:55

Same thing was happening to Spike Osullivan, getting systematically broken down but his corner men decided enough was enough and got him out early, they got a lot of stick for it aswell! looking at this fight now, it was a great decision Spike will have more fights Blackwell may not which is a shame.

rm1 · Post by **rm1** » 27 Mar 2016, 08:03

His corner should have pulled him out he was eating far too many shots and never looked like winning. I don't blame the ref as Blackwell took the shots but the corner should have pulled out on the grounds that he was taking pointless punishment.

Stuarty · Post by **Stuarty** » 27 Mar 2016, 08:12

rm1 wrote:His corner should have pulled him out he was eating far too many shots and never looked like winning. I don't blame the ref as Blackwell took the shots but the corner should have pulled out on the grounds that he was taking pointless punishment.

Yeah agree. The corner know Nick better than the ref does. He'd have kept going til the end. Feel a bit sorry for the ref as well because I don't think he done much wrong. Not blaming anyone For what happened. Hindsight is a wonderful thing. Gary Locket will be feeling it today also. Unfortunate but it's an occupational hazard. I'm sure Nicks in the best of care and God willing he makes a full recovery.

Cazelo · Post by **Cazelo** » 27 Mar 2016, 08:22

I think the round the fight was stopped cannot be argued. Up until then he was still in with a shout of a draw. Going in the tenth he was 4 down with 3 left to go so barring a knockout which never seemed likely then it was the only time he was really out of the fight.

As a fighter he has to be given every chance and for as long as he is in it he should continue. Good timing on the stoppage. Can't blame the corner either. Gary has pulled Enzo out for a closed eye before so if there was any corner concern I'm sure gary would have stopped it.

Jimmy Diamond · Post by **Jimmy Diamond** » 27 Mar 2016, 08:27

I dont think a few rounds earlier in terms of stopping it would have hurt. I too noticed the bravado go from Blackwell and you just sensed he was really feeling it. Cant be too critical but you have to look to the corner to pull him out a few rounds before it actually ended because he was eating big big shots. The ref's position was more difficult because he risks the flack that Howard Foster took after Froch-GG. Great point made by the OP regarding Fury and BJS........it's very difficult for Gary Lockett to pull his man out when he had all those lads in the corner baying for more, perhaps without their presence and on a smaller show he might have made the decision himself earlier and not left it to the doctor who thankfully had seen enough!

We will obviously never know when the damage was done so its all if's, but's and maybe's but lets hope Blackwell makes a full recovery because whilst he was clearly outclassed, it was a phenomenal display of courage.

Tuan_Jim · Post by **Tuan_Jim** » 27 Mar 2016, 08:40

Like everyone else I hope Blackwell makes a speedy recovery. I hate hindsight and the stoppage looked perfect to me. It was a big fight, for a title, and we have seen far too many British referees botch fights and leave us wondering whether they are corrupt, inept or simply too squeamish for the job. Boxing is extremely dangerous, but mercifully most fights that play out like the one last night don't result in Blackwell's injuries. He was still attacking till the last, and you never know what might happen. Laughlin did a fine job.

ns9246 · Post by **ns9246** » 27 Mar 2016, 08:50

Saunders a disgrace pre fight totally biased is not a pundit
During bout was a disgrace ringside showed his true colours
Hennesy and channel 5 must be embaressed by him
Hope blackwell recovers soon he is a true warrior

Peanut Brittle · Post by **Peanut Brittle** » 27 Mar 2016, 08:50

dalcumly wrote:Before I go any further, my condolences to Nick and his family, I'm sure he'll be fine. One report I've read is that the bleed is actually in his skull as opposed to a bleed in the brain itself, which from my limited knowledge might imply that once that pressure is relieved he'll be up and about. I hope so anyway.

But , to the point. I feel that the stoppage was at exactly the correct time. The referee was very close to the action from about the 6th round onwards and could see close-up if their were any real issues. This was a BIG fight in more than one sense - live on TV, title on the line, 2 tough and relatively experienced boxers, and they both had a strong desire to win. Blackwell took a lot of punches on the arms and gloves and it would have been easy for the ref to believe that this was a tactic to tire out Eubank and come on late - he wouldn't have been the first to do this. From the TV Blackwell did seem to change around the 8th when I thought he had stopped throwing back as often and the 'bravado' from earlier rounds had gone. I put this done to tiredness and the fact he knew he was losing. Would there have been an outcry ( if not a riot) if the ref had stepped in a couple of rounds earlier?

This also brings me to another point I've made often on here. The animosity build up pre-fight, and encouraged by all concerned. In the ring before the fight we had the world heavyweight champion, a world middleweight champion, the promoter and a host of others in Blackwell's corner. What was their purpose? To intimidate Eubank !! Then when it all goes wrong they're full of apologies. There is always this danger. In fact did the TV not also say that they didn't even touch gloves on the ref's instruction. LET'S CUT THIS OUT ONCE AND FOR ALL. It's a sport not a fight in the street between a bunch of thugs.

First of all I'd like to echo your sentiments regarding Nick Blackwell, I wish the guy a speedy recovery and hope he doesn't suffer any lasting problems.

With regards to Fury and Saunders, they were an absolute disgrace in my opinion the pair of them want hauling before the Board for their conduct. They are world champions (well Fury is anyway) surely this should carry some responsibility to behave in a dignified and professional manner in public. They embarrassed Blackwell, themselves, the sport and added to the lingering 'Traveller' stereotypes that abound.

There was some slight justification for Fury being present (Blackwell is ostensibly a stablemate) but Saunders has no connection whatsoever with Blackwell he was there simply to goad Eubank yet again, when is he going to let this go? He won their fight, he's gone on to win a fragment of the title so why is he still carrying on this petty feud with Eubank is beyond me.

As well as the in ring antics before the main event, Fury also decided to sing again (clip is on Youtube I don't want to post on this thread) act as a ring card girl and look faintly absurd in an ill fitting tracksuit, what a role model for aspiring young boxers well done Tyson.

Peanut Brittle · Post by **Peanut Brittle** » 27 Mar 2016, 09:08

I always felt that poor Nick would take a pasting when this match was made, Eubank is one of those fighters who hits hard enough to hurt and stun but not hard enough to take someone out (see the Chudinov and Sullivan fights) Nick is fit, brave, very durable and just keeps ploughing forward no matter what is coming his way, a long sustained beating was always on the cards.

Although he took a lot of hard shots last night he always remained defiant and managed to fire something back so I don't think either the ref or Lockett can blamed for letting it go on, and it was always possible (though unlikely) that Eubank would fade after the high workrate in the earlier rounds.

Sad ending to a great fight.

davie · Post by **davie** » 27 Mar 2016, 09:21

Regards the stoppage, I thought the ref did his job all fight, kept an eye on the fighter and pulled him out at the right time.
I wouldn't have complained if he had gone a round earlier but no problem with his decision to do it when he did.

Gary Lockett is also not to blame. His fighter was still in the fight and Eubank makes enough mistakes that he'll have believed that he might have turned it round. If the ref didn't stop him then I'm sure Lockett would have between rounds, he's showed before he isn't afraid to pull a fighter out and is always straight with his man in the corner.

As for Saunders, he embarrased himself as a pundit and a spectator and i wouldn't have him on again if he can't comment without obvious bias.

And I'd agree with the sentiment earlier from dalcumly, all the pre fight bullshit needs to stop.
Main reason being that sometimes the fake ill feeling becomes real bitterness which could be translated in spite in the ring ( not saying this is what happened last night) and also, the fighters must feel like a total berk afterwards.
It must feel terrible knowing you've hurt an opponent anyway, how must it feel if you have spent the build up disrepecting your opponent.

Stuarty · Post by **Stuarty** » 27 Mar 2016, 09:24

davie wrote:Regards the stoppage, I thought the ref did his job all fight, kept an eye on the fighter and pulled him out at the right time.
I wouldn't have complained if he had gone a round earlier but no problem with his decision to do it when he did.

Gary Lockett is also not to blame. His fighter was still in the fight and Eubank makes enough mistakes that he'll have believed that he might have turned it round. If the ref didn't stop him then I'm sure Lockett would have between rounds, he's showed before he isn't afraid to pull a fighter out and is always straight with his man in the corner.

As for Saunders, he embarrased himself as a pundit and a spectator and i wouldn't have him on again if he can't comment without obvious bias.

And I'd agree with the sentiment earlier from dalcumly, all the pre fight bullshit needs to stop.
Main reason being that sometimes the fake ill feeling becomes real bitterness which could be translated in spite in the ring ( not saying this is what happened last night) and also, the fighters must feel like a total berk afterwards.
It must feel terrible knowing you've hurt an opponent anyway, how must it feel if you have spent the build up disrepecting your opponent.

What did Saunders do/say? I didn't watch the analysis afterwards. Recorded it and put it on straight after Brook. Seen the interview with Eubank post fight and it sounded as if someone was running their mouth a bit too much?

davie · Post by **davie** » 27 Mar 2016, 09:33

Stuarty30 wrote:
davie wrote:Regards the stoppage, I thought the ref did his job all fight, kept an eye on the fighter and pulled him out at the right time.
I wouldn't have complained if he had gone a round earlier but no problem with his decision to do it when he did.

Gary Lockett is also not to blame. His fighter was still in the fight and Eubank makes enough mistakes that he'll have believed that he might have turned it round. If the ref didn't stop him then I'm sure Lockett would have between rounds, he's showed before he isn't afraid to pull a fighter out and is always straight with his man in the corner.

As for Saunders, he embarrased himself as a pundit and a spectator and i wouldn't have him on again if he can't comment without obvious bias.

And I'd agree with the sentiment earlier from dalcumly, all the pre fight bullshit needs to stop.
Main reason being that sometimes the fake ill feeling becomes real bitterness which could be translated in spite in the ring ( not saying this is what happened last night) and also, the fighters must feel like a total berk afterwards.
It must feel terrible knowing you've hurt an opponent anyway, how must it feel if you have spent the build up disrepecting your opponent.
What did Saunders do/say? I didn't watch the analysis afterwards. Recorded it and put it on straight after Brook. Seen the interview with Eubank post fight and it sounded as if someone was running their mouth a bit too much?

It was mainly in the build up
Refused to credit Eubank with anything, said he was going to lose the fight and basically made him out to be a hopeless fighter who will achieve nothing.
Anyone who knew these fighters would have fancied Eubank.
Trying to sell the fight by saying it is competitive and that Blackwell had a chance is one thing. But his opinion was purely down to his bias and dislike of Eubank.

Sklar · Post by **Sklar** » 27 Mar 2016, 09:47

I wonder if Eubank Sr's assertions in the run-up that Nick had swallowed and quit in a previous fight had any bearing on him and his corner not choosing to retire? Ifs, buts, maybes. The stoppage was fine. It's a dangerous sport.

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 27 Mar 2016, 10:01

Can't blame the ref. If anything I'd say the corner could have pulled him out he might still have been throwing the odd chopping shot, but he wasn't making any progress, and was losing by a large margin one must assume.

With 4 to go, he looked spent, and Eubank still looked to have enough left to continue hurting him.

My thoughts go out to Blackwell and to Lockett, as I'm sure Lockett is now wishing too he pulled his man out, It must be terrible for him.

Old bones Ian · Post by **Old bones Ian** » 27 Mar 2016, 11:03

Can't fault the stoppage at all, Blackwell was throwing back and Eubank was having breathers so made it hard for anyone to stop it.

Do have to say I'm having a hard time justifying boxing to myself, when a young man in his prime now lays in an induced coma to satisfy my entertainment

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 27 Mar 2016, 11:10

Old bones Ian wrote:Can't fault the stoppage at all, Blackwell was throwing back and Eubank was having breathers so made it hard for anyone to stop it.

Do have to say I'm having a hard time justifying boxing to myself, when a young man in his prime now lays in an induced coma to satisfy my entertainment

Well, whether you were entertained or not had no bearing. The guy wanted to fight for a living, he knew the risks.

Stuarty · Post by **Stuarty** » 27 Mar 2016, 11:15

jamesmcdonnell wrote:
Old bones Ian wrote:Can't fault the stoppage at all, Blackwell was throwing back and Eubank was having breathers so made it hard for anyone to stop it.

Do have to say I'm having a hard time justifying boxing to myself, when a young man in his prime now lays in an induced coma to satisfy my entertainment
Well, whether you were entertained or not had no bearing. The guy wanted to fight for a living, he knew the risks.

Still not nice when it happens. The ref, trainers and anyone involved will no doubt be feeling a bit of guilt today. Same goes for any compassionate viewers. IMO nobody should feel guilty today but it's human nature.

Ps. I thought the medical team dealt with the situation expertly last night. Very professional and credit to them.

liamlion · Post by **liamlion** » 27 Mar 2016, 11:23

I think the stoppage was too late. I was saying so at the time. I think Blackwell was rocked and sagged onto the ropes in or around round 8. Yes he fired back with a few punches but his face was a mess and thats when i would have stopped it.

You dont have to be an ex-pro fighter to know when someone has had enough. Thank god the doctor stopped the fight. Eubank was too fast, strong and accurate with his combos.

Supremo · Post by **Supremo** » 27 Mar 2016, 12:01

How many people on here were calling for a stoppage or the towel to be thrown in whilst watching it? Probably none of us. So how anyone can then criticise the corner or referee I don't understand! Hindsight is 20/20.

At the end of the day boxing is a dangerous sport and these things will happen from time to time. It's terrible for Nick Blackwell and his family and I wish him all the best and a full recovery. However this is the risk all boxers accept when they step in a ring.

palooka · Post by **palooka** » 27 Mar 2016, 12:20

Blackwell didn't seem to have any idea about defending against uppercuts. They are a big part of Eubanks game and they are not impossible to defend. I thought it'd be a fight of 2 halves but Eubank prepares very well and won pretty easily. I hope Nick recovers well and quickly, I imagine Eubank Snr and Jnr feel awful today, it's a big burden to carry. The doctor stopped the bout at the right time, Blackwell had been given every chance to get back into it.

Saunders does seem to have an obsession with Eubank Jnr, he'd be better off forgetting about it or at least not mentioning him every couple of minutes. If I were him I'd talk him up, make my victory seem better and build a rematch.

reggaereggae · Post by **reggaereggae** » 27 Mar 2016, 13:03

palooka wrote:Blackwell didn't seem to have any idea about defending against uppercuts. They are a big part of Eubanks game and they are not impossible to defend. I thought it'd be a fight of 2 halves but Eubank prepares very well and won pretty easily. I hope Nick recovers well and quickly, I imagine Eubank Snr and Jnr feel awful today, it's a big burden to carry. The doctor stopped the bout at the right time, Blackwell had been given every chance to get back into it.

Saunders does seem to have an obsession with Eubank Jnr, he'd be better off forgetting about it or at least not mentioning him every couple of minutes. If I were him I'd talk him up, make my victory seem better and build a rematch.

Right.... I find it odd when fighters stand inside, get hit with the same shot again and again, but still just stand there rather than take a step back.... Easy to say from the sidelines of course

palooka · Post by **palooka** » 27 Mar 2016, 13:13

I know it all looks easy from the settee but if you've seen a Eubank Jnr bout you've seen 100 right uppercuts thrown, they are a major part of his arsenal, ducking and rolling with your hand and wrist under your chin at least deflects the punch. Attempting to ignore the punch as Spike and Nick have done is just not an adequate strategy.

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