BoxRec

I read with interest the 'Is there about to be a split?' thread, referring to Hatton and Sports Network.

I've done a bit of research to help Ricky see which promoters get the big belt fights.

http://www.britishboxing.net/?page=news&id=889

Any views? And before you slag it, consider it took me ages to get that bloody list together... :)

I thought it was a great touch putting the list of big title fights together. Even frank couldn't argue with that. Conclusive, hard evidence as to why hatton should leave him.

That's a quality letter, you have been busy with that research Mr. McNeilly

Ian 'Mr' McNeilly wrote:I read with interest the 'Is there about to be a split?' thread, referring to Hatton and Sports Network.

I've done a bit of research to help Ricky see which promoters get the big belt fights.

http://www.britishboxing.net/?page=news&id=889

Any views? And before you slag it, consider it took me ages to get that bloody list together... :)

Controversial piece, don't think the people at SN will be too pleased to read it.

I think maybe you should have focused more on the promotional deals with potential rivals as opposed to the big fights each promoter has laid on. I don't think it matters to Ricky, which promoter laid on Hopkins vs Taylor for example, because it won't effect Ricky.

Maybe focused on who the likes of Mayweather, Zab, Spinks, Margarito, Corrales, Castillo, Freitas, Witter, Cotto, Moseley, Gatti etc are being promoted by and then look at which promoter has got the most of these fighters on their books.

Interesting. It puts it into glaring perspective to see it written down like that.

I suspect FW accepted the KT fight for hatton because he saw no downside. Hatton loses, he still can promote him as a brave UK loser. build up his record with lower grade fighters and get another shot down the line. More fights, more promotions, more money. Hatton winning meant he had the chance to be involved in some real fights.

Hatton is FW's golden goose. The fact he is, naturally IMHo, talking to others gives him the hives as he has precious few other options for decent shows.

A great shame. I remember going to some of FW's Bloomsbury shows when he first appeared on the scene and he was a breath of fresh air compared to Duff and Astaire.

Slapsie

Quality work Ian.

Who cares if Sports Network get upset, its their own fault for not delivering.

nothign to slag Ian, as always excellent, insightful and backed up with facts.

you sir are an excellent journalist, shame SN will probably boycott you from their shows from here on in but there comes a time when the truth will out and it needs saying for the overall good of the game.....


oops there goes my press passes as well i guess, fornicate em dont care.

good work fella

the good thing about it aswell is that sports network have no ground for all that 'defamation of character' bullshit because ian has presented facts, and clearly shown where he has used an opinion.

stujones wrote:

Ian 'Mr' McNeilly wrote:I read with interest the 'Is there about to be a split?' thread, referring to Hatton and Sports Network.

I've done a bit of research to help Ricky see which promoters get the big belt fights.

http://www.britishboxing.net/?page=news&id=889

Any views? And before you slag it, consider it took me ages to get that bloody list together... :)

Controversial piece, don't think the people at SN will be too pleased to read it.

I think maybe you should have focused more on the promotional deals with potential rivals as opposed to the big fights each promoter has laid on. I don't think it matters to Ricky, which promoter laid on Hopkins vs Taylor for example, because it won't effect Ricky.

Maybe focused on who the likes of Mayweather, Zab, Spinks, Margarito, Corrales, Castillo, Freitas, Witter, Cotto, Moseley, Gatti etc are being promoted by and then look at which promoter has got the most of these fighters on their books.

Go on then Stu, I'll bite...what's controversial about it?

Riddick Blowe wrote:the good thing about it aswell is that sports network have no ground for all that 'defamation of character' bullshit because ian has presented facts, and clearly shown where he has used an opinion.

Yes, you do have to be careful, Riddick. 8)

A 'source' told me they once received a letter from a certain promoter threatening legal action because...he listed on his website which fights he had in his video collection!

Great letter Ian, I just hope FW and RH read it

There's no arguing with the bald facts, but I think it is safe to assume you won't be attending any SN shows as a member of the press any time soon mate.

as they say revenge is a dish best served cold

it'll be served with mould at the rate SN puts shows on these days.

Unlike spunk, which I always insist on serving piping hot to female guests.

Ian 'Mr' McNeilly wrote:
Go on then Stu, I'll bite...what's controversial about it?

Well, allegedly has stated that there is a long term deal or as you state "ongoing agreement" and as James said I don't think SN will be too pleased with the "tone" of the arguement, even if "facts are facts".

If Frank is right and there is a "ongoing argreement" then there are no alternatives.

It's a bold move by Mr McNeilly, but then, Ian's a bold chap. I guess that if you don't have the rosiest of relations with SN, then it doesn't really matter anyhow.

Let's face it, Ricky and Ray are already aware that there are other promoters with more clout out there anyhow, or they wouldn't be talking to the likes of Arum, Main events etc. I doubt that they are going to decide on the strength of Ian's piece, and I don't mean any disrespect to Ian in that, I think it's an excellent illustration of the realities of the promotional world.

Fact is, Ray and Ricky are canny operators, and they know full well that Ricky is in the driving seat right now, and they will never have a better chance to negotiate for the biggest purses and the biggest fights.

Good work, Ian.

Also makes you think about it from the persepctive of the British fight fan. What mugs we are.

edit

I support your effort Ian and it'll be interesting to see if you get any response. I would say though that unless Warren starts rapidly signing foreign fighters (i.e better fighters) then he'll always fall way behind his stateside rivals when it comes to putting on major title fights.

Warren might not measure up but then nor do our boxers, generally.

Good job, let us know if you got a reply from them! :)

Brilliant and ballsy article; it's fantastic to see the issue finally put into an article so frankly (no pun intended).

mrbassie wrote:put into an article so frankly (no pun intended).

Don't you mean "put into an article so allegedly"

Ian 'Mr' McNeilly wrote:I read with interest the 'Is there about to be a split?' thread, referring to Hatton and Sports Network.

I've done a bit of research to help Ricky see which promoters get the big belt fights.

http://www.britishboxing.net/?page=news&id=889

Any views? And before you slag it, consider it took me ages to get that bloody list together... :)

Up until now Ricky has been a big fish in a small pond and bloody well paid one at that. Apart from the Zoo fight he has earned handsomely from low risk fights.

How many of the other promoters you mention could have paid their stars as well as Ricky has been paid up to and including a world title shot?

How much did all the other stars on your list get paid for their initial shot at the genuine world champ in their division. Not as much as Hatton did against Zoo. (Except DLH, maybe).

If Ricky moves to Arum et al, he will find much stiffer opposition for the big purses.

If I were him, I'd stay with Frank.

Good research, Ian, but considering Ricky's will almost certainly be a 100% financial decision, how much did the fighters in your list get paid?