BoxRec

nickd wrote: I'll believe it when I see it.

There has definitely been a dramatic reduction of bogus title fights on Sky of late, with the current schedule as clean as a whistle. They just might be starting to gain an understanding.

Yes, but they would all probably beat Harrison - so I don't really see the point of him fighting these for no belt when there is a similar level fighter who can earn him more money and a belt.

I'll be saying a similar thing regard the Bennett vs Earl winner, they should be looking for these top ten fighters as a step up - go for the IBF champion.

Kilburn wrote:

nickd wrote: I'll believe it when I see it.

There has definitely been a dramatic reduction of bogus title fights on Sky of late, with the current schedule as clean as a whistle. They just might be starting to gain an understanding.

I don't think it will be ever 100% great again though, Sky still have a fascination for headling their bills with belts (the cancelation of Calzaghe vs Magee), there is not enough legit titles to go around.

Enjoyed all the fights last night, interesting to hear SKY refuse to discuss the minor belts, could it be with the removal of alledgedly all of the phoney belts could go the same way? Let's hope so.

Nicky Cook looked great, his body shots were taking there toll early as i could see Williams face grimace in the first round. I really think Cook is close to fighting Harrison and having a good chance of winning, his body shots will certainly cause Harrison problems. The only negative is that Cook's style is just what Harrison likes, a straight forward type of brawler, it's the slick Boxer types that trouble him, still Cook's power and conditioning seem to make it interesting. I think Cook should get in with a steping stone type of guy next, someone like Juan Cabrera or even Manuel Medina.

I thought Ian Napa won his fight clearly, it's always sad when a slick boxer loses a decision over a crude brawler, Callaghan simply wasn't landing any decent shots...it's this old "effective aggression" argument again i suppose, i don't think much of Callaghan's aggression was effective though.

Kilburn wrote:

stujones wrote:

nickd wrote:Also something else. At the start of the show Piper and Dempsey talk about it being rare fighting for all 3 belts, British, Commonwealth and European. Piper says something about spurious world titles and Dempsey then says "we dont talk about those Nicky".

You fornicating idiot Dempsey you talk about them week in week out selling your 'world' title fights on Sky. pudendum.

Perhaps these days are coming to an end?

Yes I got the impression that's what he meant. The ridiculous illusion that has hurt boxing for the last 10 odd years may finally be buried. Hurrah!

I was going to post a thread on Demseys comment, my take on it is that he was suggesting they (SKY) were cutting down on the 'bogus' title fights.

The schedule does look very promising, so fingers crossed.

Yes, haven't they committed to buying in fights on an individual basis, rather than long term exclusive contracts.

This is what Showtime did, and their fortunes have increased dramatically since doing so, after being criticised heavily for the poor quality of their shows.

In fact, I remember interviewing Jay Larkin and asking him if he thought long term contracts with fighters were harming the sport, he said no, but shortly afterward Showtime announced that they were no longer going to have long term agreements with fighters. I'm not saying I prompted it, what I'm saying is that networks must have realised there is better value in bidding for important fights on an individual basis, as it allows them to cherry pick big international contests.

stujones wrote:

jamesmcdonnell wrote:

stujones wrote: Name names, there isn't a depth of talent into the devision - below Harrison there is the likes of Juarez, Gainer, Medina, Polo, Raheem. All arguably better than Scott (with the possible exception of Medina).

I don't know these seasoned world level contendors that Cook can fight that might not give Harrison trouble.... Johnny Tapia perhaps.

Yes I was looking through the rankings Stu, and there's not much strengtn in depth in the division, with Barrera, Pacqiauio and Morales all gone, there are no really proven quantities except Marquesz and to an extent Chi. Chacon or Polo might be good tests, but you could argue that Polo is more of a fighter than Harrison based on their fight I guess,

Went on fightnews to check who is ahead of Cook in the governing bodies' rankings. It is ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING that a Polo, who drew with Harrison who should be ordered into a rematch is now no longer in the WBO top 15. Absolute b/s.

Probably because he fought for the IBF & WBA belts last month. Agreed its bullshit but thats the way these mofo's work.

nickd wrote:

Kilburn wrote:

stujones wrote: Perhaps these days are coming to an end?

Yes I got the impression that's what he meant. The ridiculous illusion that has hurt boxing for the last 10 odd years may finally be buried. Hurrah!

I'll believe it when I see it.

I'm pretty sure he actually said: we don't talk about those now, Nicky.

As you say, believe it when we see it, but if he is suggesting Sky have turned a corner then that can only be a good thing.