BoxRec

For me, this was the first Henessy show that had attained some major public interest. I mean the Sun was even involved in the final week of it. It was (I believe) broadcast live on the BBC and also had been hyped on shows such as Grandstand and the other BBC Boxing bills for some time.

They all hyped Walker up as some Rocky character and yes his bravery against Fearon went beyond the call of duty. So to be honest I believe, even though nobody expect him to cause the upset, that as the main event of a big bill he would go through some rough patches.

Whilst I applaud the compasion of McCraken I can't help but wonder how much potential harm this has done for BBC's future imput (and nationwide media coverage). It was the mismatch he all expected, but for a main event I can't help but feel a bit short changed by the whole show. You expect to see some action in the main event and it usually is supposed to be a close contest, but it seemed like that Team Walker knew they were out of their depth before the fight and we never got a chance to see some of the warrior instinct.

Having been in the ring myself I can applaud compasionate decision, but I did expect to see Walker get in similar predicaments to the Fearon fights. I'm looking at it from a media/'non-hardcore' fans percpetive. For these people they would like to see a 50:50 contest, if that is not the case then they want to see bravery beyond the call of duty. Unfortunately, we didn't see either in the main event. This is not intended to disrespect David Walker (as it wasn't his fault) but does anyone think that the BBC chiefs will feel a bit embarresed this morning by how they promoted him.

I wonder what the Sun's reaction to the whole event will be, I will be surprised if I see them sponsoring such a bill in the near future. Also, even John Inverdale not to pleasing of the whole affair.

I feel the fight was a mistake, and it could be costly one.

I enjoyed the BBC show especially the Williams, Woodhall, Bunce, Harrison thing at the end.

Walker never had a prayer, but I suppose he got well paid and got to see Jordan's tits close up.

bennie wrote:Walker never had a prayer, but I suppose he got well paid and got to see Jordan's tits close up.

I suppose its got its good points then.

Anyway, does anyone else agree that (from a layman percpetive) Hennesy has promoted Walker as the star of the real class of 2002. With the poster of Walker being surrounded by the rest of the class, you know when he's sitting in the chair.

The layman is going to think, if he's the star and the hype - there's no point seeing the rest of them.

No disrespect, I just think short -term goals such as this can effect the long term aim. Unless Henessy has got a MAJOR signing coming. Walker's had even more hype than Howard Eastman.

That's my dissapointment, just can't see the other people involved (Beeb, the Sun) being too happy with the whole fight.

You raise some very astute points (as ever), but you grossly overestimate the boxing acumen of The Sun and of BBC boxing. Neither know a thing about boxing any more and wouldn't know a good fight if it unfolded right in front of their eyes. Harsh words perhaps, but I learned a long time ago that those who know nothing about boxing only talk about boring overrated heavyweights. Look at the Scum, the BBC, and that tramp Steve Bunce!

bennie wrote:You raise some very astute points (as ever), but you grossly overestimate the boxing acumen of The Sun and of BBC boxing. Neither know a thing about boxing any more and wouldn't know a good fight if it unfolded right in front of their eyes. Harsh words perhaps, but I learned a long time ago that those who know nothing about boxing only talk about boring overrated heavyweights. Look at the Scum, the BBC, and that tramp Steve Bunce!

I well aware that the Sun and Beeb don't know much about the game (dare I say, that's why they had interest in this fight). However, you've got to appreciate the power they have to influence the masses. The Hardcore fans will be influenced by Boxing News and Boxing Monthly.

The fact is that the Sun and the BBC did show interest in this bout. They showed interest cause they wanted to see a typical Walker gutsy display, which they didn't get. You can't blame Robert McCraken, or David Walker. The only blame (if that is the correct word) must lie with the Matchmaker. Why make such a big deal about the Warrior - in reality he is one of the worse members (technically) of the class of 2002. Yet now he's had the image of being the main man. Like I said, for the masses viewing yesterday, if the main man isn't that good - then what is the point of watching the rest.

Of course, Walker had to accept the offer, but Henessy should have been astute enough to put it has a co-feature, not a main event. At least when Walker failed he had another star to keep the interest. With Howard Eastman already a European champion, then a defence of his title (recieving the same hype) would have been ideal. Also, if Karmazin was prepared to wait a few months, then Walker's challenge could have been on the Undercard of Hide vs Williams.

The Sun and the Beeb could have hyped both fights similarly and at least (hopefully) Hennessy and Britain would have one winner to continue.

However, all eggs were thrown into the David Walker basket and those eggs went firmly on the faces of the BBC and to a lesser extent the Sun. John Inverdale (who is a lay fan) expression said it all. After the result he constantly looked like he wanted to appologise and say something like 'Well, we were told he was the warrior'.

Yes I know the Sun or Mirror famously did a get behind Julius Francis promotion when he fought Tyson, but that was done tongue firmly in cheeck. This campaign was different.

I agree, they might not have a clue - but they do influence the massive. I wouldn't be surprised if Hennesy proclaims the show a success, the gate seemed large and I bet view figures were good. I wonder what they'll be like next time.

stujones wrote:

bennie wrote:You raise some very astute points (as ever), but you grossly overestimate the boxing acumen of The Sun and of BBC boxing. Neither know a thing about boxing any more and wouldn't know a good fight if it unfolded right in front of their eyes. Harsh words perhaps, but I learned a long time ago that those who know nothing about boxing only talk about boring overrated heavyweights. Look at the Scum, the BBC, and that tramp Steve Bunce!

I well aware that the Sun and Beeb don't know much about the game (dare I say, that's why they had interest in this fight). However, you've got to appreciate the power they have to influence the masses. The Hardcore fans will be influenced by Boxing News and Boxing Monthly.

The fact is that the Sun and the BBC did show interest in this bout. They showed interest cause they wanted to see a typical Walker gutsy display, which they didn't get. You can't blame Robert McCraken, or David Walker. The only blame (if that is the correct word) must lie with the Matchmaker. Why make such a big deal about the Warrior - in reality he is one of the worse members (technically) of the class of 2002. Yet now he's had the image of being the main man. Like I said, for the masses viewing yesterday, if the main man isn't that good - then what is the point of watching the rest.

Of course, Walker had to accept the offer, but Henessy should have been astute enough to put it has a co-feature, not a main event. At least when Walker failed he had another star to keep the interest. With Howard Eastman already a European champion, then a defence of his title (recieving the same hype) would have been ideal. Also, if Karmazin was prepared to wait a few months, then Walker's challenge could have been on the Undercard of Hide vs Williams.

The Sun and the Beeb could have hyped both fights similarly and at least (hopefully) Hennessy and Britain would have one winner to continue.

However, all eggs were thrown into the David Walker basket and those eggs went firmly on the faces of the BBC and to a lesser extent the Sun. John Inverdale (who is a lay fan) expression said it all. After the result he constantly looked like he wanted to appologise and say something like 'Well, we were told he was the warrior'.

Yes I know the Sun or Mirror famously did a get behind Julius Francis promotion when he fought Tyson, but that was done tongue firmly in cheeck. This campaign was different.

I agree, they might not have a clue - but they do influence the massive. I wouldn't be surprised if Hennesy proclaims the show a success, the gate seemed large and I bet view figures were good. I wonder what they'll be like next time.

Good post.
Yes, it would be interesting to find out what the viewing figures were for the show. Perhaps Real Deal will be able to enlighten us shortly (though he may be slashing his wrists after what happened to Evander). Then we can compare them to the next 'live' boxing on the Beeb.

bennie my user name is nothing towards holyfield,

as for the ratings they may pop up on seconds out or in the sun.

i dont know what the sun had to gain in sponsoring walker, the sun seemed to make out walker had a very good chance of wining,
i hope walker had a good time with jordan afterwards :P

walker should have a few months off and then go back to the drawing board,

I successfully predicted the outcome of all the fights tonight which is a world record for me, am i the only one though who thinks a better man at British level could beat Karmazin. Walker was shell shocked and out of his depth however when ever he punched in twos and threes he backed up Karmazin easily, also Karmazin looked like he was breathing heavily by the third. I definately think someone like Williams or Takaloo could give him a match, especially seen as Takaloo is a come forward puncher. As for Herbie well.....just fight Williams be done with it you fool

steve689 wrote:I successfully predicted the outcome of all the fights tonight which is a world record for me, am i the only one though who thinks a better man at British level could beat Karmazin. Walker was shell shocked and out of his depth however when ever he punched in twos and threes he backed up Karmazin easily, also Karmazin looked like he was breathing heavily by the third. I definately think someone like Williams or Takaloo could give him a match, especially seen as Takaloo is a come forward puncher. As for Herbie well.....just fight Williams be done with it you fool

I agree, I would say Karmazin is on their (Tak, Williams etc) level. Probably would just pick the Russian, but no-way certain in that prediction.

Karmazin is good, but not some world beater who DLH was afraid of.

Stone vs Karmazin would be good. As you can probably tell I'm an admirer of Stone's skills.

I said at the start that I thought Walker was of the level of Rock and Logan, looking back I think I was over estimating Walker a bit there. I would tip Logan and Rock (if he wants to continue) to despatch him quite confortably.

Its a crying shame what happened last night and all too predictable. After seeing Walker lose to Vincent and get dropped twice against Fearon it seemed obvious to me that the lad needed more pro schooling and experience, plus a lot of work on his defence, but what happens?... he's thrown in against a world class fighter!.... amazing!!!. The thing is that Walker has a lot going for him, power, amazing heart and drive, the raw potential is there, but it needed developing. If he had been brought along a bit slower then in 12 or 18 months he may well have been able to make a successful move for a title like the Euro crown (Karmizan will probably move on to a world title in about 18 months if he can get a title shot) ....but now after the humiliation of Saturday night its going to take an awful lot for Walker to recover emotionally from that defeat and I doubt if he ever will. Its not that he took a physical beating but an emotional one. And those are the hardest to come back from.

Having finally seen the Walker-Karmazan fight, I was just wondering one thing?

Sure, Walker was outclassed from the start and was being beaten to the punch but he didn't look in any particular distress after the 2nd knock down and his eyes looked clear, i was shocked that the towel was thrown in! Surely after Walker's great comeback performances previously he should have been allowed maybe a little extra time. If he'd got knocked down once more, I'm sure the ref woulda ended it any way so WHY NOT GIVE WALKER THE BENEFIT of Doubt!

He'd just cut KARMAZIN, so had the tiniest of chances and Karmazin was starting to look tired!

As someone said, this was walker's world title shot and the fight should have been allowed to go on a few more moments as Walker coulda have changed the fight with one punch!

Also, i think you guys are over reacting to the BBC having egg on their faces!

This was their 1st LIVE peak time fight for maybe 10 years and they needed a Test to see if they could CUT it and more Importantly whether there was an audience there.

Remember, now they've got this experience, they'll need it for Live Fights between Hide/ williams, Carl Froch, Audrey, and Eastman in the future!


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stujones wrote: Stone vs Karmazin would be good. As you can probably tell I'm an admirer of Stone's skills.

Yeah this was my first thought too until i remember how vulnerable Stone looked in his last fight, i think his chin is worn a bit and Karmazin would have the power to stop him. Any come forward guy would give Karmazin trouble as Walker showed when he backed Karmazin up with combinations, when you step back and let a massive guy jab all night (don't get me wrong Karmazin is good) then he's gonna look masterful, he's good but beatable, I can still see why DLH didn't fancy the job however.