Other Welsh Prospects - Spoiler and opinions

[stujones]

Well what did everyone think of the prospects that was put on show.

Being a Welshman (here comes the sheep gags!) I have had the opportunity to see the guys perfom as amateurs.

I also have trained with Scott Gammar as he used to come down to my old gym (with Ralph) on a regular basis - so did Kevin Evans.

BTW the way, for those you didn't see the fights Gammar beat Derek McCafferty on points, Tony Docherty (points) and Jamie Arthur (stoppage) were also victorious.

From these three, the one who I think will go the furtherest is Tony Doherty, he's a good puncher and uses alot of variety. He needs to stick to authodox and he wasn't very effective when he changed. Its very early, but I'm very impressed with him - he's been THE standout fighter in his last two appearances in the WABA finals and his style suits the pro ranks.

Its early, but I do predict big things.

However, I don't feel the same about the other two Welsh fighters on show tonight. Arthur is a fit lad who's as gutsy as they come, however he lacks power and his skills aren't quite good enough to get him to the top of the domestic game. With Arthur, and Lear still very young its hard to see Arthur winning the British title. I hope I'm wrong, cause he's as nice as he comes.

But it this way, I thought Doherty did the wrong move turning pro because the Olympics are just around the corner and I believe he could have been a medal prospect there. Now getting ANY medal at Lightweight is a better achievement than GOLD at Superheavy. He should have tried the Olympics. However, I think Arthur was wise turning pro on the back of his surprise Commonwealth games medal, I think that was an overachievement and I don't think he would have done much (might not have qualified) in the Olympics.

Scott Gammar is unfortunately too one pace to win the British title, his natural strength (which is good despite being 15 and 1/2 stone) might have got him a shot - but his combination punching is poor. I don't know what was Adam Smith, Spencer Oliver and Barry Jones (who did say more variety was needed) thinking when he said he threw good combinations. Watch the fight again, he threw ONE, 4 punch combination throughout the ENTIRE contest. It always the novice amateur straight one two. I've seen this guy in action enough, I have never seen throw a 5 or great punch combination on the BAG, let alone on an opponent.

I actually quite like Adam Smith, who shows great enthusiam, but what fight was he watch - 'sweet combinations

[bennie]

Well what did everyone think of the prospects that was put on show.

Being a Welshman (here comes the sheep gags!) I have had the opportunity to see the guys perfom as amateurs.

I also have trained with Scott Gammar as he used to come down to my old gym (with Ralph) on a regular basis - so did Kevin Evans.

BTW the way, for those you didn't see the fights Gammar beat Derek McCafferty on points, Tony Docherty (points) and Jamie Arthur (stoppage) were also victorious.

From these three, the one who I think will go the furtherest is Tony Doherty, he's a good puncher and uses alot of variety. He needs to stick to authodox and he wasn't very effective when he changed. Its very early, but I'm very impressed with him - he's been THE standout fighter in his last two appearances in the WABA finals and his style suits the pro ranks.

Its early, but I do predict big things.

However, I don't feel the same about the other two Welsh fighters on show tonight. Arthur is a fit lad who's as gutsy as they come, however he lacks power and his skills aren't quite good enough to get him to the top of the domestic game. With Arthur, and Lear still very young its hard to see Arthur winning the British title. I hope I'm wrong, cause he's as nice as he comes.

But it this way, I thought Doherty did the wrong move turning pro because the Olympics are just around the corner and I believe he could have been a medal prospect there. Now getting ANY medal at Lightweight is a better achievement than GOLD at Superheavy. He should have tried the Olympics. However, I think Arthur was wise turning pro on the back of his surprise Commonwealth games medal, I think that was an overachievement and I don't think he would have done much (might not have qualified) in the Olympics.

Scott Gammar is unfortunately too one pace to win the British title, his natural strength (which is good despite being 15 and 1/2 stone) might have got him a shot - but his combination punching is poor. I don't know what was Adam Smith, Spencer Oliver and Barry Jones (who did say more variety was needed) thinking when he said he threw good combinations. Watch the fight again, he threw ONE, 4 punch combination throughout the ENTIRE contest. It always the novice amateur straight one two. I've seen this guy in action enough, I have never seen throw a 5 or great punch combination on the BAG, let alone on an opponent.

I actually quite like Adam Smith, who shows great enthusiam, but what fight was he watch - 'sweet combinations

Excellent post. It's nice to see some Welsh prospects coming through and, the Welsh being Welsh, these lads will have heart in abundance and will get far on sheer grit alone. Welsh small men in particular are renowned for their toughness, and Doherty and Arthur fit the mould. I agree that Doherty is the standout, though Arthur impressed me in the Commonwealth Games. Gammer is a white heavy, so he's going nowhere, though he'll probably get a couple of paydays on complexion alone. He's certainly not the second coming of Joe Erskine.
I've noticed recently how the Celts - the Scots and the Welsh, have a whole number of propsects currently climbing the greasy pole and, given the right matches, one or two will definitely get to the top. Sometimes it's the ones you least expect who make it.

[steve689]

Sometimes it's the ones you least expect who make it.

True words Bennie, while Bojado and Williams were hyped Abdullaev, Salita and Cotto quietly moved in at Light Welterweight, the curse of the prospect methinks!

[stujones]

The only thing about my post is I called these 'Welsh' prospects, however Doherty was born and raised in Ireland.

[lamphey]

That was the first time I've seen Gammer as a pro and I was amazed at how trim he looked, he must be working hard in the gym to have got that late amateur career blubber off.

I'm from the same town as Gammer so I seen many of his amateur fights (mostly schoolboy), but like Stu says I was disappointed in the lack of variety and combinations on show as well, but I guess the rounds will have done him good.

As an aside, I was back at my home village just outside Pembroke Dock a few weeks back and noticed in the pub a list of names of people who were banned from licensed premises throughout West Wales or something. Near the top of the list ..... Scott Gammer.

[stujones]

Lamphey a fellow west walian, good to here from you

I trained with Scott when he used to use the training fascilities up in Tenby, him and his old man used to come quite often. Kevin Evans also.

Scott's Brother (can't remember his name) wasn't a bad fighter aswell.

Unfortunately what you said about him being banned from the premises down in 'the dock' doesn't surprise me to be honest.

I'm from West of Haverfordwest (Letterson) - but will be moving to Trefforest to continue my studies.

Hope to be making a comeback myself this season.

But like I said, Gammar hasn't improved technically from when he was a schoolboy, his lack of variety can be seen when he works the heavy bag.

Strong lad though, maybe good to with a change of scenery.

[lamphey]

Stu, yes I know Letterston, when I left school I worked at TJ Harries for a while on the Fishguard Road out of Haverfordwest.

To be honest, I can't place Scott's brother. Then again, I'm closer to Ralph in age and was in school with Scott's uncles.

Good luck with the studies.

[bish]

The only thing about my post is I called these 'Welsh' prospects, however Doherty was born and raised in Ireland.

Raised in Ireland? I know they are a family of travellers, but must have been in the Pontypool area for a good few years.Doherty is from the Panteg gym run by Tony Williams and John Williams has been talking this boy up for years and is well known in this area.John always said this boy was the best prospect hes seen from the gym which as produced a conveyor belt of Welsh champions.

[bennie]

That was the first time I've seen Gammer as a pro and I was amazed at how trim he looked, he must be working hard in the gym to have got that late amateur career blubber off.

I'm from the same town as Gammer so I seen many of his amateur fights (mostly schoolboy), but like Stu says I was disappointed in the lack of variety and combinations on show as well, but I guess the rounds will have done him good.

As an aside, I was back at my home village just outside Pembroke Dock a few weeks back and noticed in the pub a list of names of people who were banned from licensed premises throughout West Wales or something. Near the top of the list ..... Scott Gammer.

That's a funny story. Maybe that's why he's lost so much weight.
Incidentally, does anyone know what Jason Matthews is doing nowadays? He was a Welsh amateur star of the early 90's. I remember he licked Georgie Smith in the 1991 ABA light-welterweight final. He proved much too tough for Smith.

[stujones]

The only thing about my post is I called these 'Welsh' prospects, however Doherty was born and raised in Ireland.

Raised in Ireland? I know they are a family of travellers, but must have been in the Pontypool area for a good few years.Doherty is from the Panteg gym run by Tony Williams and John Williams has been talking this boy up for years and is well known in this area.John always said this boy was the best prospect hes seen from the gym which as produced a conveyor belt of Welsh champions.

Bish, maybe your right just thought the BBC Wales Commowealth games show left me with the distinct impression that he'd only been in Wales the last 3 or 4 years and had boxed in Ireland. His accent certainly sounds more Irish. The BBC Wales Boxing Correspondent was saying he moved to Pontypool to hone in on his boxing skills after a boxing as a schoolboy in Ireland. Put its not the first time BBC Wales have got their facts wrong. I was left under the IMPRESSION that he was a up there with the best fighters in Ireland, but came to Wales because in truth the competition is easier and he'd be more likely to gain selection for major champs.

However, you sound like you know about the situation more than BBC Wales so sorry if I was misinformed.

I did think it was odd that Sky haven't mentioned his heritage.

[bish]

The only thing about my post is I called these 'Welsh' prospects, however Doherty was born and raised in Ireland.

Raised in Ireland? I know they are a family of travellers, but must have been in the Pontypool area for a good few years.Doherty is from the Panteg gym run by Tony Williams and John Williams has been talking this boy up for years and is well known in this area.John always said this boy was the best prospect hes seen from the gym which as produced a conveyor belt of Welsh champions.

Bish, maybe your right just thought the BBC Wales Commowealth games show left me with the distinct impression that he'd only been in Wales the last 3 or 4 years and had boxed in Ireland. His accent certainly sounds more Irish. The BBC Wales Boxing Correspondent was saying he moved to Pontypool to hone in on his boxing skills after a boxing as a schoolboy in Ireland. Put its not the first time BBC Wales have got their facts wrong. I was left under the IMPRESSION that he was a up there with the best fighters in Ireland, but came to Wales because in truth the competition is easier and he'd be more likely to gain selection for major champs.

However, you sound like you know about the situation more than BBC Wales so sorry if I was misinformed.

I did think it was odd that Sky haven't mentioned his heritage.

You maybe right Stu i will find out more this week sometime

[Lugh]

I had Scott Gammer on a course that I ran in Pembroke Dock (at the Cricketers) years ago (at least 8) and he was talking about a deal he was considering with Baloney back then.

The first thing I thought when I saw him on TV (having remembered the name) was "that is a hell of a lot of muscle he's put on".

He has bulked up beyond all reason IMO and looks really ponderous as a result. There aren't that many Heavyweights out there that can make Gary Mason look fast handed, but sadly Scott is one of them.

[Kilburn]

I was disappointed in Gammer. For a 15 stoner his workrate is piss poor. I thought at the start he was just leaving enough in reserve for the last 2 rounds but he never picked it up at any point. Compare him to the heavier Greenburg (who really impressed me last time out) and it's clear he's not got a sparkling future in boxing.

Really liked the Doherty performance though, he actually pulled off some really clever moves in there. One to watch.

[REAL_DEAL]

anyone taped the event, look at the enzo interview after the fight, i am not the person in the calzaghe top in the back ground waving at everyone at home, :P