Freddie Flintoff turning pro!

[dookus]

Curtis trained from a young un though. Sneaking off to spar during his early days as a footballer etc.

Flintoff ain't no exception. Seen him on the pads and bag? My mrs has more raw talent, no joke!

It's a gimmick. You will all see come fight night. He will make James Cracknell look like a prime Ali.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRpc8GzhkJk (from 0:28)

No kidding!

[1 nut]

I watched Freddie on the pads the other day and let's be honest he looks like a raw amateur , I no enough about boxing trust me I do and he isnt in any condition to fight a good heavy weight like Barry said , yes it's a great bit of fun but this isn't the business for fun especially a idiot like him making a mockery of boxing , baz give your head a shake!

[chad]

I watched Freddie on the pads the other day and let's be honest he looks like a raw amateur , I no enough about boxing trust me I do and he isnt in any condition to fight a good heavy weight like Barry said , yes it's a great bit of fun but this isn't the business for fun especially a idiot like him making a mockery of boxing , baz give your head a shake!

The guys on Ringside this week pretty much agree that boxing isn't a game to be played, it's a serious sport where Freddie could get hurt if not matched correctly.

I was however a bit surprised by the comments of Glenn McCroroy and Jim Watt in terms of 50 Cent and Freddie Flintoff being involved in boxing.

Glenn: "It's good that the big names are talking about it, Flintoff is interested. It's all good for the sport."

Jim: "It raises the profile (of boxing) I suppose if it does nothing else."

Here you have 2 of SKY's main pundits, with almost 75 years boxing and broadcasting experience between them essentially saying Freddie getting involved in boxing is a positive. Neither Johnny Nelson or Adam Smith jumped in to suggest otherwise.

[twenty six]

There'll be plenty to say when it all unfurls.
Sky showing the training and build up - then over to allegedly for the main event.
I'm sure the Sky Directors will be delighted in doing the build up for the Worthy One.
I wonder who approached Bunny ?
Tell you what, Mr McGuigan has put himself in a very awkward spot here - training Freddy, pundit on Sky, but fight shown elsewhere.
Mmmmmm

[chad]

There'll be plenty to say when it all unfurls.
Sky showing the training and build up - then over to Allegedly channel for the main event.
I'm sure the Sky Directors will be delighted in doing the build up for the Worthy One.
I wonder who approached Bunny ?
Tell you what, Mr McGuigan has put himself in a very awkward spot here - training Freddy, pundit on Sky, but fight shown elsewhere.
Mmmmmm

It's a real head scratcher of a situation. It'll almost be like SKY promoting an event on a rival channel. allegedly has distanced himself from the promotion in his Sun column.

"And Warren, who insists he is not involved with promoting the fight, is not convinced the Lancashire legend will make an impact in the heavyweight division. He added: “Flintoff’s actually a sportsman to start with, so he’s got that going for him, I just can’t see it going anywhere."

If this really is to the detriment of the sport, Barry McGuigan, SKY and allegedly are all on board.

[lefthook82]

Any news on an opponenet. He should consider the pregnant latvian that Price fought

[JC]

There are little bits of him on the bag and pads in this vid http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrMqeWHEJks

Does not look good but maybe he has improved since it was taken.

[n1ebf]

Surely they'll match him nearly as cynically as they do Cleverly.

Beware the fate of James Cracknell, who was fighting another novice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=No_z9NyIf8s

had heard about this but only just seen it. Cringeworthy viewing. Charity?? seemed to be no sportsmanship on behalf of the NewZealander it was just a glorified streetfight with a lad (Olympic champ) no less who didn't seem to have an aggressive bone in his body. He looked like he wasn't sure what he was getting into walking to the ring....regardless, himself and anybody involved that saw his limited ability and let him get into this want to be ashamed. Also where was the oxygen....at one point I even thought the ref was going to administer a count of 10 or help him to his feet and make them carry on (like they do in Germany)........sorry it's old news but that was a disgrace.

is Cracknell the chap that got hit by a bus wing mirror cycling across America? He's had some bad luck.

Re: the actual topic..........I can see Flintoff being keen and game even but whether he's got any skill or idea is another matter altogether and if his knee really is hurt then not sure how he'll rack up the miles required.

[spudder56]

This is surely a wind up and publicity stunt by all concerned I carnt beleive that Freddie will even be granted an interview with an Area Council never mind get a licence but if he does that will only show how low Pro Boxing has sunk in the UK If Freddie wants to fight I suggest that he goes down the EBF or White Collar Route I am sure they will licence him today without any problem whatsoever

[chad]

This is surely a wind up and publicity stunt by all concerned I carnt beleive that Freddie will even be granted an interview with an Area Council never mind get a licence but if he does that will only show how low Pro Boxing has sunk in the UK If Freddie wants to fight I suggest that he goes down the EBF or White Collar Route I am sure they will licence him today without any problem whatsoever

It's no joke. Tickets are already selling via Ticketmaster with some seats costing a staggering £109.75.

I think Freddie will only have one fight, and it will be against a very limited opponent. SKY champion themselves on being invested in boxing and delivering quality boxing programming. I'm sure SKY, who are making a 2 part documentary on Freddie's journey, will be keeping a close eye on public opinion. I'm hopeful that when all is said and done that the documentary, and Freddie himself make it clear that:

1. Boxing is the toughest sport in the world
2. Boxing isn't a game, it takes hard work and dedication
3. Everyone who dedicates their life to boxing deserves respect

[spudder56]

This is surely a wind up and publicity stunt by all concerned I carnt beleive that Freddie will even be granted an interview with an Area Council never mind get a licence but if he does that will only show how low Pro Boxing has sunk in the UK If Freddie wants to fight I suggest that he goes down the EBF or White Collar Route I am sure they will licence him today without any problem whatsoever

It's no joke. Tickets are already selling via Ticketmaster with some seats costing a staggering £109.75.

I think Freddie will only have one fight, and it will be against a very limited opponent. SKY champion themselves on being invested in boxing and delivering quality boxing programming. I'm sure SKY, who are making a 2 part documentary on Freddie's journey, will be keeping a close eye on public opinion. I'm hopeful that when all is said and done that the documentary, and Freddie himself make it clear that:

1. Boxing is the toughest sport in the world
2. Boxing isn't a game, it takes hard work and dedication
3. Everyone who dedicates their life to boxing deserves respect

Has he actually been granted a licence Yet ???? Mind you I am sure Bunny and BB could sort him out a licence with Luxembourg Boxing Board or the Antarctica Boxing Federation or something similar the whole sport is fast becoming a joke

[chad]

This is surely a wind up and publicity stunt by all concerned I carnt beleive that Freddie will even be granted an interview with an Area Council never mind get a licence but if he does that will only show how low Pro Boxing has sunk in the UK If Freddie wants to fight I suggest that he goes down the EBF or White Collar Route I am sure they will licence him today without any problem whatsoever

It's no joke. Tickets are already selling via Ticketmaster with some seats costing a staggering £109.75.

I think Freddie will only have one fight, and it will be against a very limited opponent. SKY champion themselves on being invested in boxing and delivering quality boxing programming. I'm sure SKY, who are making a 2 part documentary on Freddie's journey, will be keeping a close eye on public opinion. I'm hopeful that when all is said and done that the documentary, and Freddie himself make it clear that:

1. Boxing is the toughest sport in the world
2. Boxing isn't a game, it takes hard work and dedication
3. Everyone who dedicates their life to boxing deserves respect

Has he actually been granted a licence Yet ???? Mind you I am sure Bunny and BB could sort him out a licence with Luxembourg Boxing Board or the Antarctica Boxing Federation or something similar the whole sport is fast becoming a joke

Fr&nk allegedly apparently has nothing to do with the show or the promotion. There have been rumours that it's going to be a Hatton Promotion event. Can anyone confirm this or is it just speculation?

[Chambers2]

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?

[Counter-puncher]

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)

[JamesH]

As I posted last night on the other thread:

I do understand the skeptics and I agree Freddie isn't going to go far, but at the risk of being vaguely positive....

The forum is generally negative about boxings ability to crossover to the public, here is a chance to win some new fans. Have a tasty undercard, you'll hook a few in longer term. Many neutrals became more interested in the wider sport having been nurtured in with the likes of contender and prizefighter. The forum stronghold didn't/don't like those either.

It is what it is, I'm aware of the negatives, but we shouldn't exclusively focus on those. I don't have particular interest or any hope in Freddie, but if we get some more fans, even some more posters, I don't think thats such a bad thing.

[Chambers2]

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)

Freddie used to do boxing training whilst he was still an active cricketer, he's good mates with Amir and BIG Ricky. If Freddie's not upto being a pro boxer then he gets KTFO early by an unknown boxer and retires, can't see how that will particularly be a good career move for him (it would further highlight what a tough sport boxing is).

IMO he deserves the chance to be a pro boxer, in the same way that any of us would deserve the chance with the right dedication to the sport.

[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.

[CheckHook]

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.

The difference between your friend and Freddy is that your friend isnt doing it to raise his profile....

[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.

The difference between your friend and Freddy is that your friend isnt doing it to raise his profile....

That's just nonsense. Are you saying that, all other things being equal, a celebrity trying out boxing brings shame on the sport, while an unknown doing EXACTLY the same is fine?

[CheckHook]

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.

The difference between your friend and Freddy is that your friend isnt doing it to raise his profile....

That's just nonsense. Are you saying that, all other things being equal, a celebrity trying out boxing brings shame on the sport, while an unknown doing EXACTLY the same is fine?

No, Im saying a celebrity envolving himself in a combat sport for the sole purpose of improving his television profile makes the whole affair a bit of a circus...

[earsjohn]

No, Im saying a celebrity envolving himself in a combat sport for the sole purpose of improving his television profile makes the whole affair a bit of a circus...

I must have missed that bit from the announcement. How do you know it is for his profile? Yes, his profile is going to benefit, but why does that make a mockery of the sport? He's renowned as a big fight fan and I can recall seeing him at a number of fights over the years. I'm sure he carried someones belts into the ring too. Does him being in the public eye automatically exclude him from trying out boxing?

The snobbery by some people on here is unbelievable.

[CheckHook]

How do you know it is for his profile?

Because he is a media whore who wouldn't be doing this if the spotlight wasnt on him and he wasnt getting paid far more than the average 34 year old who turns pro. Look at the difference between a lad like Curtis Woodhouse and Freddy, who anyone with half a brain can tell has a genuine and palpable love for the sport.... In comparison, Freddy is a fuckin' joke.

And you are putting words in my mouth, I never said anything about him making a mockery of the sport or that he can't 'try out' boxing. I have no hold over what he does or how he wants to sell himself to the media. I don't think what he is doing is going to have any lasting effect on our sport either, so ultimatley I really don't care one way or the other. I just said the whole thing is a circus, and it is.

[Chambers2]

There are a lot easier ways of raising your profile than getting punched in the head by a giant, sure he'd have breezed into Big Brother if he was that media orientated

[Crazyboy]

There are a lot easier ways of raising your profile than getting punched in the head by a giant, sure he'd have breezed into Big Brother if he was that media orientated

i know there are a lot of knockers on here about this, but i agree with you on that point for sure.

he certainly could have taken easier rouites if it was just about his profile.

I just think he is a normal bloke who likes boxing and wanst to give it a go, yes he is a 'celebrity' but so what. yes he may use his stardom to help him in his venture but thats not really his fault, he's using what he has to try a sport he loves, i think lay off him a bit personally.

[earsjohn]

For all those precious souls crying over a Cricketer, of all people, wanting to lace up the gloves, is it really more damaging to the health of the sport than, say, a recently banned drug offender being handed a British title shot? Or more damaging than a faded 41 year old with just 5 rounds against a journeyman in nigh on 18 months being given a UK title shot?