THE BANTER BOX
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Are the Eubank's leading a change in British boxing?
11th February 2017
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Chris Eubank Jnr took the IBO Supermiddle weight title on Saturday night on the newly launched ITV box office channel. No viewing figures have yet been released, but the show generated a lot of publicity and I've heard more than a few passing comments from casuals regarding the Eubanks.
Quinlan to be fair wasn't a world class operator and was fair in experienced, and as such never posed a serious threat the the new business venture for ITV and the Eubanks. At super-middle Eubanks punches didn't seem to have a devastating affect, and it seemed much like middleweight he overwhelmed his opponents with flurries and systematically broke them down. Eubank Jnr has never been known for devastating one punch knock out power, however I think this fight showed he is more suited to middle weight.
I once heard comments from Eubank Snr addressing issues as to why he is so difficult to negotiate with, he mentioned that currently Floyd Mayweather was the only fighter to own the IP (intellectual property) to his own fights. He wanted his son to be in the same category and learn from his own mistakes of not making money for yourself in the future every time your fight is shown on TV.
With David Haye dipping into the promotional world now and openly stating his wanted fighters to make the most money they can, we are seeing a changing scope within the UK and better choice for current fighters to choose a different path towards financial security. This is a positive move that most boxing fans can resonate with, as after all it should be the fighters who earn the most, as they put themselves in risk every time they step into the ring.
Everyone has a lot to say regarding Eubank Jnr and his father, But what one cannot deny, is that they are remaining thick skinned and still looking to carve their own way and fight against the system and market in place in the UK. They have to be respected for this, I liken it to when a child grows up and make decisions for themselves going against their parents will; parents might nor necessarily agree with them, but they respect them for making decisions and being strong minded enough to go through with them.
So Eubanks, keep doing what your doing and pissing people off along the way, and make as much money as you can, and please think of us fans and throw some mega fights in there too, I'll happily pay £15 if GGG were lined up! I just hope we done see parallels between son and father and witness some easy defences and very few tests, the fans are the ones that pay your money, please never forget that!
Brook won't last 10 rounds with Spence
9th February 2017
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Errol Spence is a dangerous fighter. he's got good hand speed, great power plus he's defending his zero.
Brook is the perfect name for him to add to his names but it's not going to be a walk in the park.
Spence is ready to make the jump from good to elite fighter. Credit Brook for taking the fight.
I think Spence is a more even in completion of a fighter as Triple G which could present a lot of problems for Brook plus Brook has to go back down to 147 and he's no spring chicken.
In my opinion Brook should've went at Khan cause that would've bin better fight for him since Khan has a name and a glass jaw. Its about time someone steps up and truly runs the UK instead of bumping their gums. I don't think Brook will last 10 rounds but you never know. Remember Ali never beat Ken Norton.
Its a sport where style makes fights so lets hope we see a great one.
Every boxing fan wins by being able to see such a marquee match up.
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Follow Shawn @ShawnKnottz
Brook v Spence Jr: Time for questions to be answered
8th February 2017
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Rumours are circulating that Kell Brook will in fact defend his IBF title against Errol Spence Jr at some point this Spring. Which would suggest that Brook’s insistence on staying at Welterweight whilst he is still champion has won over Eddie Hearn’s apparent desire to get him to move up to Light-Middle.
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There are a lot of question marks over both Brook and Spence. Both, it is clear have bags of ability however fans across the pond in America rate Spence above Brook and fans this side of the water place Brook above Spence. Understandable as neither fight has received much coverage in the other one’s home country.
As a UK based fan, I must admit I am a huge fan of Kell Brook- although I fully agree that we are still yet to see him truly step up to the higher realms of elite level. I am yet to see much of Spence, but what I have seen and heard particularly on American podcasts it should pan out to be a very good matchup between the two.
Without any comparable names on their resumes it’s difficult to compare the two fighters records, however with both unbeaten at Welterweight it would appear on paper to be a potential 50-50 fight.
Will Kell Brook finally deliver in a match that truly excites fans on both sides of the Atlantic? Brook as champ will go into the fight as favourite regardless of where the fight happens. If Eddie Hearn has secured home advantage for his man, which twitter rumours suggest he has, then I can’t see Brook losing. Despite Brook winning the title on the road against Shawn Porter, such is the apparent excitement around Spence in the States, you can’t help wondering whether things would swing in the challengers favour should Brook take his title defence over there.
One thing is for sure, I’m definitely excited at the prospect of this fight and getting the opportunity to see both fighters tested. Of course, a Brook win will only resurrect talk of Brook v Khan….After all Amir did state that he wants Brook to defend his title before facing him.
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Dean Wigzell writes for The Boxing Banter follow him @Deano4x8
Is there anyone that can beat Golovkin?
6th February 2017
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Many would say a sharp no - As we've seen over the last 10 years nothing short of a master class in specific fights against David Lemieux, Daniel Stevens, Martin Murray and Kell Brook just to name a few. Almost everyone that I've spoken to on the subject of the Middleweight Division King has said that his power cannot be beaten. It's also been said that his tremendous aggressive style fits well together with one of the best jabs in boxing. The most feared man in boxing is still going strong at the age of 34, with 36 fights unbeaten- 33 by KO!
Are there any fighters that can stop this man?! Some say Eubank Jr, some say Saunders and most say Canelo. There's many more you could add to the mix which would make a good could of mega fights to look forward to.
Eubank Jr has said in many interviews that he can and will beat Triple G easily. With his quick speed and pace, not forgetting his stamina I think he would definitely be tested when it comes to Golovkin. Personally I think Eubank Jr is a star that's been overshadowed by the past of his fighting father who doesn't let his son take centre stage. I'm certainly looking forward to seeing what happens!
Billy joe Saunders I think is a great fighter when he's actually fighting and not taking time out, it's hard to get back into fight mode from such a long break of 8 months, which you noticed when he got in the ring with Artur Akavov on 3rd Dec. He's a fighter that shows true grit, determination and a tricky south paw that could pose a threat to Triple G.
Canelo is one of my favourite fighters in the division, with his body shots should be one of the biggest weapons to use against Triple G. Not only will it slow down the Kazak, but it can potentially set-up a finishing blow once the opportunity opens itself. This fight is proberly for me the most exciting out of the 3 as the experience and power of both the fighters will and I am sure pose to be an amazing fight in the near future.
Written by James Bennett @jbennett_193