WBBS Semi-Final: Callum Smith vs. Nieky Holzken - 24 February 2018

[Taansend]

Eubank Groves was free in America via Facebook & Youtube.

I'm sure there's some way you can access a Youtube via a US IP address, isn't there?

[bripez]

Eubank Groves was free in America via Facebook & Youtube.

I'm sure there's some way you can access a Youtube via a US IP address, isn't there?

I watched it free on YouTube after somebody posted on the RBR thread.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Eubank Groves was free in America via Facebook & Youtube.

I'm sure there's some way you can access a Youtube via a US IP address, isn't there?

Or if I change my location on FB?

[stujones]

It will be pretty bad if Groves isn't fit and it does mean a change of opponent. The WBSS was designed to find out the number #1 in the division. Yes there will be some arguements at Super Middleweight, but it would be a challenging arguement.... but the WBSS with only the WBC diamond title on the line is bad form.

It should have been Callum Smith vs John Ryder - yes sounds like a mismatch - but Neilson was the supposed substitute entry if things went tits up - Ryder beat him in a WBSS undercard bout.

[East End]

Doesn't surprise me in the slightest that Braehmer pulled out. He has been ducking dangerous opponents for years. Hopefully he will finally do the sport a long overdue service and retire.

Holzken, imo, represents a sterner test for Callum, and not only because of the late sub factor. Nieky did an impressive number on Viktor Polyakov only 17 days ago and will be primed and ready to take the fight to Callum in a way that will be stark contrast to the negative tactics that Braehmer would almost certainly have employed. Callum should still have enough in his arsenal to progress to the final but it's by no means a foregone.

Personally, I think it will be a far better fight for the fans and I am a lot happier to part with a tenner for this than I would have been to watch Braehmer.

[SAPFO]

Doesn't surprise me in the slightest that Braehmer pulled out. He has been ducking dangerous opponents for years. Hopefully he will finally do the sport a long overdue service and retire.

Holzken, imo, represents a sterner test for Callum, and not only because of the late sub factor. Nieky did an impressive number on Viktor Polyakov only 17 days ago and will be primed and ready to take the fight to Callum in a way that will be stark contrast to the negative tactics that Braehmer would almost certainly have employed. Callum should still have enough in his arsenal to progress to the final but it's by no means a foregone.

Personally, I think it will be a far better fight for the fans and I am a lot happier to part with a tenner for this than I would have been to watch Braehmer.

Hi Kalle

[Ruthless-RKO]

It will be pretty bad if Groves isn't fit and it does mean a change of opponent. The WBSS was designed to find out the number #1 in the division. Yes there will be some arguements at Super Middleweight, but it would be a challenging arguement.... but the WBSS with only the WBC diamond title on the line is bad form.

It should have been Callum Smith vs John Ryder - yes sounds like a mismatch - but Neilson was the supposed substitute entry if things went tits up - Ryder beat him in a WBSS undercard bout.

Even The Ring won't sanction it.

[East End]

Doesn't surprise me in the slightest that Braehmer pulled out. He has been ducking dangerous opponents for years. Hopefully he will finally do the sport a long overdue service and retire.

Holzken, imo, represents a sterner test for Callum, and not only because of the late sub factor. Nieky did an impressive number on Viktor Polyakov only 17 days ago and will be primed and ready to take the fight to Callum in a way that will be stark contrast to the negative tactics that Braehmer would almost certainly have employed. Callum should still have enough in his arsenal to progress to the final but it's by no means a foregone.

Personally, I think it will be a far better fight for the fans and I am a lot happier to part with a tenner for this than I would have been to watch Braehmer.

Hi Kalle

Curses Batman! How did you know it was me!

[Datsue]

This is the 30-something Dutch kickboxer, right? Same guy?

[stujones]

This is the 30-something Dutch kickboxer, right? Same guy?

Don't you mean Tyrone Spong?

[Datsue]

This is the 30-something Dutch kickboxer, right? Same guy?

Don't you mean Tyrone Spong?

Don't say the name, Stu, it'll summon... him, like in fornicating Candyman...

[Gnome]

Nicky Holeskin sounds a bit like a porn star name

I think (any dutchmen here correct me if I'm wrong) it actually means "little wood" in Dutch, so maybe not.

[gilgamesh]

This is the 30-something Dutch kickboxer, right? Same guy?

Yes he was a recent Kickboxing World Champion. He kept pestering Dana White about getting into the UFC too, but he's been doing solid work as a boxer of late. I doubt he's ready for THIS level, but he might've been ready for Chudinov.

I always liked Nieky though so I'll be curious to see how he can do here.

[Horse]

Greed. This wasn't a PPV level fight to begin with.

Why would anyone buy this?

The undercard is absolutely awful as well.

[Taansend]

So the final could possibly be Holeskin Cox.

Now THAT'S definitely a porno name.

[Datsue]

Holzken's last fight:

[gilgamesh]

Polyakov it should be noted was on the undercard to one of the WBSS fights against Stefan Haertel. I thought he got screwed in that fight as I thought he kicked Haertel's ass pretty clearly, but the judges gave it to Haertel.

Take that for whatever it's worth to you.

[jamamb]

holzkens last win was better than any of jamie cox, just fwiw

but hell get his butt whooped

[Ruthless-RKO]

holzkens last win was better than any of jamie cox, just fwiw

but hell get his butt whooped

Smih will jab his way to victory..

[handsofstone]

Ive no idea who Holzken is or how good he is, apparently he's pretty well known in K-1 and Muay Thai so he has at least got fighting pedigree, surely Smith's experience will be too great though, as well as being in with far better opposition he's fought on the big stage before, he's a well schooled boxer who does everything well

There were a lot of people whoe weren't impressed with the Skoglund performance but I thought it was a mature fight fromm Callum, kept his composure throughout and dominated Skoglund on my card, even after scoring the KD Smith didn't get flustered and seen out an easy win and I can see him overwhelming Holzken around the halfway mark

Braehmer' a pain in the arse though, forever puling out fights or sitting on the sidelines, he was odds on to be the first guy to withdraw from the WBSS

[jamamb]

hes an excellent kickboxer and boxng respectably well for someone who thats there 2nd form of fighting (as said he has a better win then any cox does) but should be well out of his depth as a boxer here

[CaptainSpacerod]

The 168 tournament has been a joke. Groves is an elite fighter, the rest are wannabes nobodies and hasbeens.

If it’s earned the fighters a few quid then FairPlay but as a barometer of who’s the best at 168 in the world it’s been fvckin worthless

[Gnome]

The 168 tournament has been a joke. Groves is an elite fighter, the rest are wannabes nobodies and hasbeens.

If it’s earned the fighters a few quid then FairPlay but as a barometer of who’s the best at 168 in the world it’s been fvckin worthless

Ach stop moaning. It's proved eubank, cox, skoglund and brand are not world class for a start.

[Stuarty]

This is the 30-something Dutch kickboxer, right? Same guy?

Don't you mean Tyrone Spong?

Don't say the name, Stu, it'll summon... him, like in effing Candyman...

Burst out laughing there

[stujones]

Holzken's last fight:

What a strange ending.