BoxRec

J wrote:didnt know you were quite that precious mate , for what its worth I enjoy reading your stuff on the BBN, you never are going to agree with all the people all the time fella

Thanks, and of course I know not everybody's going to agree with that kind of article. I wouldn't expect them too. I was just a bit taken aback by not the fact of the disagreements, but the ANGER some people felt that I had written such things! I mean, you travel the boards and they're full of people slagging off boxers - and often in a far less informed manner than I did in those articles - and it's fine, but I put it on a website, and it's open season on me!

I would have thought the boxers themselves would be man enough to take the criticism, and would be just fine without their fans fighting for them. Somebody on another board even said it was irresponsible of me to write what I did about Hatton and Moore, as it was a blow to their morale when they had their biggest fights coming up. If my articles have the power to disrupt a full-time pro's preparations, then I'm flattered, but I seriously doubt that's the case!

It's not that I'm precious, just I was surprised. So considering the ill-feeling the articles generated, rightly or wrongly, I decided against doing something similar again.

oliverfennell wrote:Somebody on another board even said it was irresponsible of me to write what I did about Hatton and Moore, as it was a blow to their morale when they had their biggest fights coming up. If my articles have the power to disrupt a full-time pro's preparations, then I'm flattered, but I seriously doubt that's the case!

Surely the last thing they would do would be reading articles in the media? That's a serious question, as I haven't liased with a professional boxer before.

oliverfennell wrote:

J wrote:didnt know you were quite that precious mate , for what its worth I enjoy reading your stuff on the BBN, you never are going to agree with all the people all the time fella

Thanks, and of course I know not everybody's going to agree with that kind of article. I wouldn't expect them too. I was just a bit taken aback by not the fact of the disagreements, but the ANGER some people felt that I had written such things! I mean, you travel the boards and they're full of people slagging off boxers - and often in a far less informed manner than I did in those articles - and it's fine, but I put it on a website, and it's open season on me!

I would have thought the boxers themselves would be man enough to take the criticism, and would be just fine without their fans fighting for them. Somebody on another board even said it was irresponsible of me to write what I did about Hatton and Moore, as it was a blow to their morale when they had their biggest fights coming up. If my articles have the power to disrupt a full-time pro's preparations, then I'm flattered, but I seriously doubt that's the case!

It's not that I'm precious, just I was surprised. So considering the ill-feeling the articles generated, rightly or wrongly, I decided against doing something similar again.

Would you mind posting a link to the said article (should it still exist)?

Its on a CDRom with 7 million benefit claimants somewhere in Nigeria.

Khaosai will sell you a copy.

Terry D wrote:Boxers generally have other things to worry about. It may grate but you move on. I think Moore uses BBN but Hatton is not arsed about anything written, in general, by all accounts.

Oliver wrote well-written pieces so it was not an unfounded hatchet job. Merely a case of differing perspectives.

The interaction can actually keep you on your toes. Getting a text from a fighter you've mildly criticised in-ring along the lines of, 'Were you pissed at that fight' or 'I like your moustache', makes it all worthwhile.

I made one of my bext boxer friendships as a result of a critical article. Did a piece on Henry Akinwande vs Curt Paige, who was knocked out in a round. Can't remember what I said exactly, but some derogatory adjective prompted an email from Paige, and after a few emails back and forth, we became pals. Well, never met the bloke, but used to chat a lot on MSN.

I'm sure most boxers can accept "fair comment", even if they disagree, and I'd like to think any active boxers would seek to prove me wrong through their actions rather than sulk!

This is not possible for retired boxers, of course, which is probably why my article about them kicked up more of a fuss, but hey, if Cooper or Minter or whoever was upset by what I wrote, I'm sure giving their multiple belts a quick polish will go a long way to making them feel better.

Terry D wrote:Boxers generally have other things to worry about. It may grate but you move on. I think Moore uses BBN but Hatton is not arsed about anything written, in general, by all accounts.

Oliver wrote well-written pieces so it was not an unfounded hatchet job. Merely a case of differing perspectives.

The interaction can actually keep you on your toes. Getting a text from a fighter you've mildly criticised in-ring along the lines of, 'Were you pissed at that fight' or 'I like your moustache', makes it all worthwhile.

For the record Hatton does care about what is written about him, there has been a number of occasions he has commented or hinted about things in interviews - in addition he has a number of people who keep him informed.

In addition you only have to view the programme that Setanta aired just before the Jose Luis Castillo fight how much Barry McGuigan got under his skin when reading one of barry's rants in the mirror or something like that.

You and many others know how much fighters care about what is written -As for promoters and fight managers - where do you start with them if you write any criticisms - banning from shows etc etc

Spud wrote:

Terry D wrote:Boxers generally have other things to worry about. It may grate but you move on. I think Moore uses BBN but Hatton is not arsed about anything written, in general, by all accounts.

Oliver wrote well-written pieces so it was not an unfounded hatchet job. Merely a case of differing perspectives.

The interaction can actually keep you on your toes. Getting a text from a fighter you've mildly criticised in-ring along the lines of, 'Were you pissed at that fight' or 'I like your moustache', makes it all worthwhile.

For the record Hatton does care about what is written about him, there has been a number of occasions he has commented or hinted about things in interviews - in addition he has a number of people who keep him informed.

In addition you only have to view the programme that Setanta aired just before the Jose Luis Castillo fight how much Barry McGuigan got under his skin when reading one of barry's rants in the mirror or something like that.

You and many others know how much fighters care about what is written -As for promoters and fight managers - where do you start with them if you write any criticisms - banning from shows etc etc

Billy Graham obviously keeps an eye on the press and is often critical of whatever's written about Hatton. He said in BN "some right bollocks has been written about Ricky".

As a writer who probably falls under that category in Graham's mind, I'd just like to say I hope Ricky proves me thoroughly wrong on Saturday night.

Terry D wrote:

Spud wrote:

Terry D wrote:Boxers generally have other things to worry about. It may grate but you move on. I think Moore uses BBN but Hatton is not arsed about anything written, in general, by all accounts.

Oliver wrote well-written pieces so it was not an unfounded hatchet job. Merely a case of differing perspectives.

The interaction can actually keep you on your toes. Getting a text from a fighter you've mildly criticised in-ring along the lines of, 'Were you pissed at that fight' or 'I like your moustache', makes it all worthwhile.

For the record Hatton does care about what is written about him, there has been a number of occasions he has commented or hinted about things in interviews - in addition he has a number of people who keep him informed.

In addition you only have to view the programme that Setanta aired just before the Jose Luis Castillo fight how much Barry McGuigan got under his skin when reading one of barry's rants in the mirror or something like that.

You and many others know how much fighters care about what is written -As for promoters and fight managers - where do you start with them if you write any criticisms - banning from shows etc etc

All I can go by is what I've seen. McGuigan's criticisms were addressed because he is a former fighter and his opinion carries weight.

I did see the Castillo documentary. As I've watched the HBO one being made also, in fact I saw both being made. A little bit of window dressing always plays a part, no?

Generally people inform him about what is written and he seems genuinely nonplussed. It might grate initially but no great thought is given to it. In particular the Internet stuff does not really pray on his mind.

Billy on the other hand, that is a different story. Whew! Some wicked people, naming no names, go to the gym and tell him stuff just to watch him go.

Good to see you back Spud, any news on Big Aud'?

I never left Terry despite what people say - as for news - I know nothing and never have!!! - getting excited about Clinton and also 2008 for a number of our British fighters!!!

As for websites - BBN have always done an outstanding job - and despite what people say secondsout.com are okay as well.

The more the merrier and people should not be discouraged from writing about a fabulous sport - when you have editors of newspapers who cannot be arsed!!! - but I won't go there.

Boxing Websites - all for them!!! - Except of course Paynes!!!

It's a blog.

By the way, doing some lovely Hatton t-shirts if anyone's interested?

Go on treat yourself.

Terry D wrote:

Spud wrote:

Terry D wrote:Boxers generally have other things to worry about. It may grate but you move on. I think Moore uses BBN but Hatton is not arsed about anything written, in general, by all accounts.

Oliver wrote well-written pieces so it was not an unfounded hatchet job. Merely a case of differing perspectives.

The interaction can actually keep you on your toes. Getting a text from a fighter you've mildly criticised in-ring along the lines of, 'Were you pissed at that fight' or 'I like your moustache', makes it all worthwhile.

For the record Hatton does care about what is written about him, there has been a number of occasions he has commented or hinted about things in interviews - in addition he has a number of people who keep him informed.

In addition you only have to view the programme that Setanta aired just before the Jose Luis Castillo fight how much Barry McGuigan got under his skin when reading one of barry's rants in the mirror or something like that.

You and many others know how much fighters care about what is written -As for promoters and fight managers - where do you start with them if you write any criticisms - banning from shows etc etc

All I can go by is what I've seen. McGuigan's criticisms were addressed because he is a former fighter and his opinion carries weight.

I did see the Castillo documentary. As I've watched the HBO one being made also, in fact I saw both being made. A little bit of window dressing always plays a part, no?

Generally people inform him about what is written and he seems genuinely nonplussed. It might grate initially but no great thought is given to it. In particular the Internet stuff does not really pray on his mind.

Billy on the other hand, that is a different story. Whew! Some wicked people, naming no names, go to the gym and tell him stuff just to watch him go.

Good to see you back Spud, any news on Big Aud'?

Didnt Billy read some stuff that was written on here no so long back slagging hatton off.... ?

Chuckle chuckle Wales.

I stand by what I have wrote and have no problems in stating the Ticket allocation debacle surrounding this fight is outrageously wrong and in addition the lottery prices fans having to pay is also wrong.

As for my criticisms of Ricky - whatever you say - you will find all I have done is state I do not think he will win on Saturday and you will also know that I have been stating for a long time if there were one fighter who I thought Ricky should leave until his very final fight it was Floyd Mayweather - the man is a freak of boxing - I rate him that highly and that is why I do not think Ricky will win and in fact I think he will be stopped.

Lennox's advice is spot on by the way - absolutely spot on - Ricky has to do him early or not at all.

Does that constitue as advice? More an observation isnt it... or is lennox saying he'd concentrate his training camp and tactics for the fight on going hell for leather for 4 rounds?

Wales,

Ricky has to take Floyd out of his stride from the outset - otherwise he will be taken apart himself and very early.

Spud wrote:

Terry D wrote:Boxers generally have other things to worry about. It may grate but you move on. I think Moore uses BBN but Hatton is not arsed about anything written, in general, by all accounts.

Oliver wrote well-written pieces so it was not an unfounded hatchet job. Merely a case of differing perspectives.

The interaction can actually keep you on your toes. Getting a text from a fighter you've mildly criticised in-ring along the lines of, 'Were you pissed at that fight' or 'I like your moustache', makes it all worthwhile.

For the record Hatton does care about what is written about him, there has been a number of occasions he has commented or hinted about things in interviews - in addition he has a number of people who keep him informed.

In addition you only have to view the programme that Setanta aired just before the Jose Luis Castillo fight how much Barry McGuigan got under his skin when reading one of barry's rants in the mirror or something like that.

You and many others know how much fighters care about what is written -As for promoters and fight managers - where do you start with them if you write any criticisms - banning from shows etc etc

Spud, you handsome fellow!

Anyway, back to reality. I can understand Hatton (or any pro for that matter) getting upset by public criticism from one of his peers but I can't see them getting upset when one of us 'anoraks' writes something in a forum or one a web site.

Collins2000 wrote:

Spud wrote:

Terry D wrote:Boxers generally have other things to worry about. It may grate but you move on. I think Moore uses BBN but Hatton is not arsed about anything written, in general, by all accounts.

Oliver wrote well-written pieces so it was not an unfounded hatchet job. Merely a case of differing perspectives.

The interaction can actually keep you on your toes. Getting a text from a fighter you've mildly criticised in-ring along the lines of, 'Were you pissed at that fight' or 'I like your moustache', makes it all worthwhile.

For the record Hatton does care about what is written about him, there has been a number of occasions he has commented or hinted about things in interviews - in addition he has a number of people who keep him informed.

In addition you only have to view the programme that Setanta aired just before the Jose Luis Castillo fight how much Barry McGuigan got under his skin when reading one of barry's rants in the mirror or something like that.

You and many others know how much fighters care about what is written -As for promoters and fight managers - where do you start with them if you write any criticisms - banning from shows etc etc

Spud, you handsome fellow!

Anyway, back to reality. I can understand Hatton (or any pro for that matter) getting upset by public criticism from one of his peers but I can't see them getting upset when one of us 'anoraks' writes something in a forum or one a web site.

I disagree a tadge with your point of view.

Every now and again - us "anoraks" as you put it are occasionally right about things - in addition it is "us" anoraks who in some and I am writing "some" ways keep the sport going when it is in the doldrums and no gives a toss about it.

The day a boxer does not give a toss about what the fans think it is time for to realise they have put themselves on that stool to be shot at big time.

When the Editors of papers who can't be arsed to write about the sport it is us "anoraks" who kept going and kept faith in our fantastic sport.

We have a right to our say.

Spud wrote:

Collins2000 wrote:

Spud wrote: For the record Hatton does care about what is written about him, there has been a number of occasions he has commented or hinted about things in interviews - in addition he has a number of people who keep him informed.

In addition you only have to view the programme that Setanta aired just before the Jose Luis Castillo fight how much Barry McGuigan got under his skin when reading one of barry's rants in the mirror or something like that.

You and many others know how much fighters care about what is written -As for promoters and fight managers - where do you start with them if you write any criticisms - banning from shows etc etc

Spud, you handsome fellow!

Anyway, back to reality. I can understand Hatton (or any pro for that matter) getting upset by public criticism from one of his peers but I can't see them getting upset when one of us 'anoraks' writes something in a forum or one a web site.

I disagree a tadge with your point of view.

Every now and again - us "anoraks" as you put it are occasionally right about things - in addition it is "us" anoraks who in some and I am writing "some" ways keep the sport going when it is in the doldrums and no gives a toss about it.

The day a boxer does not give a toss about what the fans think it is time for to realise they have put themselves on that stool to be shot at big time.

When the Editors of papers who can't be arsed to write about the sport it is us "anoraks" who kept going and kept faith in our fantastic sport.

We have a right to our say.

Not disputing you have your right to have your say.

Just doubt that the detritus of the internet makes much, if any impact, on most boxers.

Collins2000 wrote:

Spud wrote:

Collins2000 wrote:
Spud, you handsome fellow!

Anyway, back to reality. I can understand Hatton (or any pro for that matter) getting upset by public criticism from one of his peers but I can't see them getting upset when one of us 'anoraks' writes something in a forum or one a web site.

I disagree a tadge with your point of view.

Every now and again - us "anoraks" as you put it are occasionally right about things - in addition it is "us" anoraks who in some and I am writing "some" ways keep the sport going when it is in the doldrums and no gives a toss about it.

The day a boxer does not give a toss about what the fans think it is time for to realise they have put themselves on that stool to be shot at big time.

When the Editors of papers who can't be arsed to write about the sport it is us "anoraks" who kept going and kept faith in our fantastic sport.

We have a right to our say.

Not disputing you have your right to have your say.

Just doubt that the detritus of the internet makes much, if any impact, on most boxers.

If you are correct why do so many visit these forums?

In addition regardless of whether they get bothered or not - why do so many comment on these forums when I am at shows - regardless of what you and others say - these boxing forums despite the endless amount of shit that is written on them is also contains some top notch debate and criticisms!!!

In addition if boxers do not give a toss - why do the owners of these websites and forums get so much shit from the promoters??

Spud wrote:

Collins2000 wrote:

Spud wrote: I disagree a tadge with your point of view.

Every now and again - us "anoraks" as you put it are occasionally right about things - in addition it is "us" anoraks who in some and I am writing "some" ways keep the sport going when it is in the doldrums and no gives a toss about it.

The day a boxer does not give a toss about what the fans think it is time for to realise they have put themselves on that stool to be shot at big time.

When the Editors of papers who can't be arsed to write about the sport it is us "anoraks" who kept going and kept faith in our fantastic sport.

We have a right to our say.

Not disputing you have your right to have your say.

Just doubt that the detritus of the internet makes much, if any impact, on most boxers.

If you are correct why do so many visit these forums?

In addition regardless of whether they get bothered or not - why do so many comment on these forums when I am at shows - regardless of what you and others say - these boxing forums despite the endless amount of shit that is written on them is also contains some top notch debate and criticisms!!!

In addition if boxers do not give a toss - why do the owners of these websites and forums get so much shit from the promoters??

Spud, old fellow, I would have thought someone like yourself who claims to be here there and everywhere in boxing would realise that boxers and promoters are very different animals. Promoters who complain about comments on forums are not doing it for any other reason than to protect their own interests. You did know that didn't you?

touchee

Collins2000 - A lot of boxers love the internet.

OK, there's an unbelievable amount of rubbish spouted on 'it' but to tar it all with the same brush is like saying 'books are shit' or 'films are shit'. Some sites are good, some are bad.

If I had a pound for every time a small hall fighter I had a chat with at ringside praised BBN and said that nobody else gives them coverage, I'd have at least three quid.

Ian 'Mr' McNeilly wrote:Collins2000 - A lot of boxers love the internet.

OK, there's an unbelievable amount of rubbish spouted on 'it' but to tar it all with the same brush is like saying 'books are shit' or 'films are shit'. Some sites are good, some are bad.

If I had a pound for every time a small hall fighter I had a chat with at ringside praised BBN and said that nobody else gives them coverage, I'd have at least three quid.

Not quite sure where I said it was all rubbish, Ian. Can you point me to that statement.

I do believe that you have to sift through a lot of rubbish to find the gems. I guess that makes the finding of them worthwhile...

Have a look at the Boxers of the Past page. I'm not sure what is more annoying there, the arrogance or the ignorance apparent in equal measure in many threads. Some of the posters even claim to be boxing historians. Hahahahahaha.

Yes, I can imagine a small hall fighter would be chuffed about an article on him at BBN and that is where the internet IS very useful. Not sure Floyd Mayweather would be so excited about it though.

Spud wrote:touchee

Your good health, sir.

Collins2000 wrote:Yes, I can imagine a small hall fighter would be chuffed about an article on him at BBN and that is where the internet IS very useful. Not sure Floyd Mayweather would be so excited about it though.

Sorry mate got to correct you !!!

Look at boxingtalk.net - Mayweather even goes on that site for on line chats with the fans!!!