Jamie Moore ready to step up
Posted: 07 Jun 2008, 12:33
http://www.livefight.com/news/jamie-moo ... p_586.html
Jamie Moore Ready To Step Up
By Matthew Sanderson 07.06.08
Manchester light middleweight Jamie Moore (29-3, 20 KOs) is ready to climb the ladder after a career spent waging war at the domestic level. With fights against Matthew Macklin and Michael Jones (the third bout) among the most savage in modern UK boxing, the former British and Commonwealth champion will soon use his experience to tread dangerous new waters.
Moore, who relinquished his British title (since won by Ryan Rhodes) months ago, got a taste of international competition last weekend. Weathering an early storm from Mexico’s Esau Herrera on the undercard to Ricky Hatton’s successful homecoming against Juan Lazcano, Moore tucked up and broke his man down in systematic fashion.
Finding his rhythm in round three, Moore punished Herrera up - and down -stairs with accurate hooks, dropping the 23-year-old in the fifth and forcing referee Steve Gray’s intervention with southpaw combinations moments later.
“I’d not seen anything of him” in preparation, said Moore of the rugged visitor. “I was learning as I was in there. He would’ve seen more of me than I’d seen of him (particularly the knockout of Macklin, still doing the rounds on Youtube). I’m a come-forward fighter but I can fight almost any way. I’m not a gung-ho, go-in-there-like-a-headless-chicken (style of fighter). I’m laid back in there, but people can’t always see I’m doing a lot of work.”
Though Moore, 29, needed the rounds after being inactive for six months – following the December '07 withdrawal of European champion Zaurbek Baysangurov, and a subsequent operation to fix his left shoulder – he was glad to score the knockout over Herrera. The fight had been reduced at the last minute from an 8 - to a 6 –rounder; and in stopping a young man who hasn’t been beaten early in six years, Moore proved that the left hand is still a potent weapon.
Before his rescheduled (mandatory) challenge to Baysangurov, Jamie will box Ciaran Healy (8-7-1, 2 inside) for the Irish light middleweight title at the National Basketball Arena in Dublin, on July 5. Rather than a step back in class, the Healy fight is another outing to build up ring-fitness and make sure that the best possible Jamie Moore enters a British ring against Baysangurov in September. “He’s a good fighter,” said Jamie of the touted Chechen fighter, “so I need tune ups to make sure I’m 100%”
British boxing fans will be able to size up both Moore and Baysangurov within a week. “I’ve just heard that he’s fighting on the Wladimir Klitschko-Tony Thompson undercard (July 12, to be televised by Setanta following their extensive deal with David Haye, in hope of hyping up a potential Haye-Klitschko bout). People can start watching Baysangurov fight and build anticipation.”
It’s a fight to look forward to, matching as it does the pressure of Moore and the precision of Baysangurov, a decorated amateur at cadet and junior level (in contrast to Moore, who learned on the job to develop a compact pro style). If the bout lives up to expectations, the winner could be a factor at world level – though Moore is ranked 15th in the WBC ratings, he can make up a lot of ground against the seventh-ranked EBU champion.
Although Moore has thrilled British fans over the past four or five years, he is eager to leave the domestic scene behind him in order to reach his full potential. Until recently, politics, bad luck and Sky’s demand for British title fights have put “Mooresy’s” international ambitions on hold.
“I was due to be made mandatory for the European title before I was disqualified against Michael Jones (in their disappointing second fight, November 2004). I beat him eight months later and they never moved me up,” admitted Jamie. “David Walker – I was bored at the British level then (after their September, 2005 contest). My plan is to win the European title and then go to America.
“Everyone thinks I’m quite content at British level. But I’ve got more chance of losing to a British fighter – through lack of motivation – than at international level. You need fights to get the adrenaline up,” to bring out the next level of performance.
It’s no wonder that Moore’s in a hurry. The light middleweight division is flooding with aggressive, heavy hitting young talent such as Baysangurov, James Kirkland, Joel Julio, Alfredo Angulo and Vanes Matorisyan. Even middleweight “Mean” Joe Greene seems to be inching closer and closer to the light middle limit of 154-pounds; and if lanky Paul Williams fails to win back his WBO welterweight crown from Carlos Quintana in their rematch later tonight, he’ll surely be headed up a division.
If Jamie has used his prime in punishing fights at the British level (notwithstanding a dominant win over then-world class welter Sebastian Lujan), he could be in for a tough time. Over half of the above are either southpaws or switch-hitters. Doesn’t that further reduce the advantages of Jamie, who has always fought from the left-handed stance? Should he not gun for one of the few orthodox hopes out there?
Not necessarily. “When I was an amateur, there were four or five of us at the gym who were southpaws (so I’m used to it). Most southpaws aren’t used to fighting other southpaws. I am. It doesn’t make a difference to me.”
Though Moore has wanted to step up for a long time, now could be the perfect time to make his mark. Vernon Forrest has looked sharp and skilled winning and defending his WBC crown, but he’s never looked comfortable under pressure. At 37 – and coming off injuries – he could be there for the taking.
People are just starting to take notice of the improving light middleweight class, making it a land of explosive opportunity. American cable giant HBO have already featured Kirkland and Angulo in meaningful fights (surprise stoppage wins over Eromosele Albert and Richard Gutierrez) and may have them back as soon as October according to Maxboxing’s Steve Kim.
Inroads could be made for Moore, should his good friend Ricky Hatton’s relationship with major US outfit Golden Boy Promotions have a trickle down effect. Oscar de la Hoya’s company were quick to sign lightweight wildman Michael Katsidis on the strength of his war with Graham Earl. Moore has had as many seesaw battles as Katsidis, and he’s a much more polished fighter than the wide-open Aussie.
An American campaign, and a world title shot, may not be too far off.
Jamie Moore has the personality, the seasoning and willpower to be a factor in a fiercely competitive weight class. That’s why he won’t be looking past his upcoming Irish and European title fights this July and September.
Jamie Moore Ready To Step Up
By Matthew Sanderson 07.06.08
Manchester light middleweight Jamie Moore (29-3, 20 KOs) is ready to climb the ladder after a career spent waging war at the domestic level. With fights against Matthew Macklin and Michael Jones (the third bout) among the most savage in modern UK boxing, the former British and Commonwealth champion will soon use his experience to tread dangerous new waters.
Moore, who relinquished his British title (since won by Ryan Rhodes) months ago, got a taste of international competition last weekend. Weathering an early storm from Mexico’s Esau Herrera on the undercard to Ricky Hatton’s successful homecoming against Juan Lazcano, Moore tucked up and broke his man down in systematic fashion.
Finding his rhythm in round three, Moore punished Herrera up - and down -stairs with accurate hooks, dropping the 23-year-old in the fifth and forcing referee Steve Gray’s intervention with southpaw combinations moments later.
“I’d not seen anything of him” in preparation, said Moore of the rugged visitor. “I was learning as I was in there. He would’ve seen more of me than I’d seen of him (particularly the knockout of Macklin, still doing the rounds on Youtube). I’m a come-forward fighter but I can fight almost any way. I’m not a gung-ho, go-in-there-like-a-headless-chicken (style of fighter). I’m laid back in there, but people can’t always see I’m doing a lot of work.”
Though Moore, 29, needed the rounds after being inactive for six months – following the December '07 withdrawal of European champion Zaurbek Baysangurov, and a subsequent operation to fix his left shoulder – he was glad to score the knockout over Herrera. The fight had been reduced at the last minute from an 8 - to a 6 –rounder; and in stopping a young man who hasn’t been beaten early in six years, Moore proved that the left hand is still a potent weapon.
Before his rescheduled (mandatory) challenge to Baysangurov, Jamie will box Ciaran Healy (8-7-1, 2 inside) for the Irish light middleweight title at the National Basketball Arena in Dublin, on July 5. Rather than a step back in class, the Healy fight is another outing to build up ring-fitness and make sure that the best possible Jamie Moore enters a British ring against Baysangurov in September. “He’s a good fighter,” said Jamie of the touted Chechen fighter, “so I need tune ups to make sure I’m 100%”
British boxing fans will be able to size up both Moore and Baysangurov within a week. “I’ve just heard that he’s fighting on the Wladimir Klitschko-Tony Thompson undercard (July 12, to be televised by Setanta following their extensive deal with David Haye, in hope of hyping up a potential Haye-Klitschko bout). People can start watching Baysangurov fight and build anticipation.”
It’s a fight to look forward to, matching as it does the pressure of Moore and the precision of Baysangurov, a decorated amateur at cadet and junior level (in contrast to Moore, who learned on the job to develop a compact pro style). If the bout lives up to expectations, the winner could be a factor at world level – though Moore is ranked 15th in the WBC ratings, he can make up a lot of ground against the seventh-ranked EBU champion.
Although Moore has thrilled British fans over the past four or five years, he is eager to leave the domestic scene behind him in order to reach his full potential. Until recently, politics, bad luck and Sky’s demand for British title fights have put “Mooresy’s” international ambitions on hold.
“I was due to be made mandatory for the European title before I was disqualified against Michael Jones (in their disappointing second fight, November 2004). I beat him eight months later and they never moved me up,” admitted Jamie. “David Walker – I was bored at the British level then (after their September, 2005 contest). My plan is to win the European title and then go to America.
“Everyone thinks I’m quite content at British level. But I’ve got more chance of losing to a British fighter – through lack of motivation – than at international level. You need fights to get the adrenaline up,” to bring out the next level of performance.
It’s no wonder that Moore’s in a hurry. The light middleweight division is flooding with aggressive, heavy hitting young talent such as Baysangurov, James Kirkland, Joel Julio, Alfredo Angulo and Vanes Matorisyan. Even middleweight “Mean” Joe Greene seems to be inching closer and closer to the light middle limit of 154-pounds; and if lanky Paul Williams fails to win back his WBO welterweight crown from Carlos Quintana in their rematch later tonight, he’ll surely be headed up a division.
If Jamie has used his prime in punishing fights at the British level (notwithstanding a dominant win over then-world class welter Sebastian Lujan), he could be in for a tough time. Over half of the above are either southpaws or switch-hitters. Doesn’t that further reduce the advantages of Jamie, who has always fought from the left-handed stance? Should he not gun for one of the few orthodox hopes out there?
Not necessarily. “When I was an amateur, there were four or five of us at the gym who were southpaws (so I’m used to it). Most southpaws aren’t used to fighting other southpaws. I am. It doesn’t make a difference to me.”
Though Moore has wanted to step up for a long time, now could be the perfect time to make his mark. Vernon Forrest has looked sharp and skilled winning and defending his WBC crown, but he’s never looked comfortable under pressure. At 37 – and coming off injuries – he could be there for the taking.
People are just starting to take notice of the improving light middleweight class, making it a land of explosive opportunity. American cable giant HBO have already featured Kirkland and Angulo in meaningful fights (surprise stoppage wins over Eromosele Albert and Richard Gutierrez) and may have them back as soon as October according to Maxboxing’s Steve Kim.
Inroads could be made for Moore, should his good friend Ricky Hatton’s relationship with major US outfit Golden Boy Promotions have a trickle down effect. Oscar de la Hoya’s company were quick to sign lightweight wildman Michael Katsidis on the strength of his war with Graham Earl. Moore has had as many seesaw battles as Katsidis, and he’s a much more polished fighter than the wide-open Aussie.
An American campaign, and a world title shot, may not be too far off.
Jamie Moore has the personality, the seasoning and willpower to be a factor in a fiercely competitive weight class. That’s why he won’t be looking past his upcoming Irish and European title fights this July and September.