BoxRec

It's classic mutton dressed as lamb. A British level fight dressed up as a world title fight that tv would be asked to pay a world title fee for - what with all the IBF fees attached to be covered. Maybe it won't be breaking the bank but why should they. The sudden arrival of Ward in the rankings is there for all to see (if they can be bothered.) No, it's not something new in boxing but at the same time people
seem genuinely surprised that terrestrial tv might not be interested in showing boxing. Many can't seem to see beyond blaming Audley for the BBC's disinterest. The shameless politics makes boxing look a joke.

Horse wrote:

Crazyboy wrote:I think you dislike the politics around it mate, the fight itself is a great one i think, stylistically and for the north east fans especially.

I respect peoples opinions but it is what it is and neither Hall or Ward are at fault, i think good luck to them (well especially Stuey as he's a mate )

If Hall's got anything about him then he should wipe the floor with Ward.

This is a chief support level fight, not a good main event.

I hope he does!

I respect everyones opinions mate so fair do's, thanks for replying, hopefully Stuey will come through it and start to gain more respect as he defends against different opponents

Hagler2002 wrote:

mickey1975 wrote:

Hagler2002 wrote:I met Hall on Sunday, top bloke who had plenty time for a chat. Even he admitted he was lucky to get a shot due to boxing politics.

Have you been on a diet, Hagler?

I've lost 7 stone m8 in the last 11 months.

Did you go on a lads holiday to Africa??

Hurlock, hard work, dedication m8

Haha im beginning to hate that phrase!! Sure it's not medication m8
I preferred you when you was bigger you looked younger & happier

[quote="JimJim2009"]It is deliberate, targeted, opportunistic ranking of an opponent for the sake of making upcoming domestic match-ups. I don't know if Ward was in the IBF top 15 prior to Hall's world title victory but I would put money on him not being in the previous rankings.

Look at Crolla in at no.6 in the WBO's featherweight rankings. Ricky Burns is the champ. Crolla is nowhere in any other set of world rankings."

I agree wih the sentiment but that's an unfair example. Crolla beat Rees fair and square to take and earn his ranking. That's how you should do it IMO if you best someone in the ranking you go above them. I'm not a fan of people like Ward appearing there conveniently just before a title shot is announced but Crolla earned his ranking

hurlock wrote:Haha im beginning to hate that phrase!! Sure it's not medication m8
I preferred you when you was bigger you looked younger & happier

I was 21 stone fast approaching 40 and the ideal heart attack candidate, I had to do something.

This isn't a great world title fight and a few months ago it wouldn't have looked out of place at domestic level, but things change, Hall is now world champion and fighting Ward makes perfect sense. On paper it's a nice easy one for his first defence that will draw the crowds in, the fight might not go as expected, but I would guess this is the first time two fighters from the North East have contested a world title, so it's a huge event up there and will give some local fighters much needed exposure. So, while Ward probably shouldn't be fighting for a world title, I can understand why he is.

Hagler2002 wrote:

hurlock wrote:Haha im beginning to hate that phrase!! Sure it's not medication m8
I preferred you when you was bigger you looked younger & happier

I was 21 stone fast approaching 40 and the ideal heart attack candidate, I had to do something.

You didn't look obese to me. Stocky, I would have said.

Hagler2002 wrote:

hurlock wrote:Haha im beginning to hate that phrase!! Sure it's not medication m8
I preferred you when you was bigger you looked younger & happier

I was 21 stone fast approaching 40 and the ideal heart attack candidate, I had to do something.

Fair play to you fella

will they match up well, produce a good fight?

hall just beat one of the top contenders, in a brutal fight, bear in mind.

Autobarn wrote:will they match up well, produce a good fight?

hall just beat one of the top contenders, in a brutal fight, bear in mind.

I think the fact its an all NE affair it will bring the best out in them both, the crowd will be great as well

Autobarn wrote:will they match up well, produce a good fight?

hall just beat one of the top contenders, in a brutal fight, bear in mind.

I thought he beat Vusi Malinga?

Deserter wrote:

Hagler2002 wrote:

hurlock wrote:Haha im beginning to hate that phrase!! Sure it's not medication m8
I preferred you when you was bigger you looked younger & happier

I was 21 stone fast approaching 40 and the ideal heart attack candidate, I had to do something.

Fair play to you fella

He's done well!!! Never would of thought he was over 16stone!!
I just want to know how comes he's lost all that timber & his clothes are still to small! DD

earsjohn wrote:

Autobarn wrote:will they match up well, produce a good fight?

hall just beat one of the top contenders, in a brutal fight, bear in mind.

I thought he beat Vusi Malinga?

top IBF contenders

Horse wrote:

keithmoonhangover wrote:Explain how this fight is not a match up of styles. I want to know what your logic is.

I don't care about the styles, the fight is a disgrace.

to you maybe but to the north east its a local derby 1st time 2 nrth east boxers have ever competed for a world title so it will be a good crowd.and im sure martin ward will put everything into an opportunity like this.why is it a disgrace??

bodyactive wrote:

Horse wrote:

keithmoonhangover wrote:Explain how this fight is not a match up of styles. I want to know what your logic is.

I don't care about the styles, the fight is a disgrace.

to you maybe but to the north east its a local derby 1st time 2 nrth east boxers have ever competed for a world title so it will be a good crowd.and im sure martin ward will put everything into an opportunity like this.why is it a disgrace??

Simple Martin Ward got stopped by Haskins in 5 rounds less than a year ago. Plus Haskins also had a comfortable points win over Hall in July 2012 so he must feel insulted. If this was a British/Commonwealth/European title fight even then it wouldn't be that big of a deal but this is actually a genuine World Title that Hall holds and Martin has not earned the right to fight for it.

April 19th should be the actual IBF Bantam title fight between the two top ranked fighters, one of which is the righful champion of that organisation.

Don't want to critisize Hall for this he admits he was lucky to get a shot and put an awesome performance in to win it. Not a dig at Ward either he won't turn down a chance like this because he probably won't get it again. Its the IBF taking the pi$$ putting Ward in at 15 randomly just like the WBA put Diego Silva in at 15 (when he never fought at the weight) so he could get splattered by 'World Champion' Scott Quigg in an embarrasment of a fight.

one thing, perhaps hall will raise his game, having won the title.

a lot of fighters add to their game with the extra responsibility, holding a title, knowing everyone's gunning for you.

hall has momentum on his side, with strong performances in those 2 fights he paid IBF sanctioning fees for.

if a collision with butler's on the cards, why's butler fighting at 115-pounds?

Anyone going on Saturday just give 150 for a ring side seat but salty if ya as me

Anyone going on Saturday just give 150 for a ring side seat but salty if ya as me

Anyone going on Saturday just give 150 for a ring side seat but salty if ya as me

Don't want to critisize Hall for this he admits he was lucky to get a shot and put an awesome performance in to win it. Not a dig at Ward either he won't turn down a chance like this because he probably won't get it again. Its the IBF taking the pi$$ putting Ward in at 15 randomly just like the WBA put Diego Silva in at 15 (when he never fought at the weight) so he could get splattered by 'World Champion' Scott Quigg in an embarrasment of a fight.[/quote]

Great points. The problem is, this sport's standards in terms of what constitutes a world championship fight are so low a lot of people don't care about this sort of thing. It's not the fault of the fans. Everyone is so used to it, most people don't stop to think how it could be better. You don't have three reigning English premiership champions, two FA cup winners etc per season.

I'm boxing on this show on Saturday a can't wait! two north east lads fighting for a world title aswell, North Easts a hot bed for boxing at the minute.

REEVE wrote:I'm boxing on this show on Saturday a can't wait! two north east lads fighting for a world title aswell, North Easts a hot bed for boxing at the minute.

Good luck mate

Thanks a lot Martin appreciate it :) dream really getting on this show mate.