Godding set for surprise Hamburg showdown

Godding has a huge opportunity on Saturday

This Saturday Wladimir Klitschko rolls into Hamburg as he defends his multiple world titles against unbeaten 27-0 Pole Mariusz Wach, a fight that the unified heavyweight champion will no doubt dedicate to his deceased legendary trainer Manny Steward, who's death last week hit the whole Boxing community. 

Undercards for Klitschko bills tend to be very weak in terms of action, the obvious reason being the fact they promote the bills themselves because of the TV deal they have in Germany and they don't have many guys signed to their stable, but there's one fight that catches my eye this Saturday. It's a welterweight showdown that pits the experienced former European champion Rafal Jackiewicz against unbeaten Bolton stylist Rick Godding. 

It's a terrific opportunity for the 18-0 Godding, who I very much consider a trade secret over here, not many people know about him, but the Steve Wood managed fighter is a cracking little fighter. He's only ranked #18 in the UK, but a victory here could see him pass many domestic contenders and land a crack at new British champion Frankie Gavin, or an all Lancashire clash with fellow unbeaten prospects Denton Vassell or Ronnie Heffron.

Jackiewicz is one of the toughest European welterweights

Godding has mostly fought on Frank Maloney bills, but has not had too much attention from TV companies, probably because he's more of a technical fighter than one punch knockout artist (just three stoppage victories). What has to be noted though is he has stopped two of his last four opponents, the power is starting to come on from the 27 year old, and although he travels to Germany as a big underdog, the Pole is way passed his best, as seen by the way Kell Brook dismantled him in October 2011.

Kell Brook destroyed the Pole in Sheffield

Clearly Rick has taken this because he feels he needs to be moving into title contention now, without the support of a big time promoter in the UK, he has had to look overseas and first and foremost, he must be applauded for taking this chance. Jackiewicz has improved his form of late, he's won his last four and that includes going over to Italy to stop Luciano Abis in seven rounds, becoming the European Union champion along the way. He's a real danger, but Godding has a solid 93 pro rounds of experience under his belt now, and I could definitely see an upset.

Interestingly this bill is being shown on ESPN this weekend at 10pm, I can't tell you if any of the undercard is being shown, but could this be a sign of things to come with ESPN venturing into more live Boxing events?

Cleverly hits LA

This Saturday (November 10) WBO light heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly makes his US debut, as he defends his title against South Dakota puncher Shawn Hawk, on a big bill at the Staples Center, Los Angeles.

Cleverly is making a name for himself in LA

Being Welsh and a massive Boxing fan, this is a very exciting weekend for myself, it's great to see British fighters going over to the States and this looks like an opportunity for Cleverly to really shine. Just like proposed opponent Ryan Coyne, Hawk looks like an opponent who will make the Cefn Fforest man look good. "The Sioux Warrior" is not that much of a step up in class from Nathan's last opponent Tommy Karpency, but to me this is not really about who he's fighting, it's about looking spectacular and getting the guys over in the USA excited.

Cleverly didn't tuck into this Man v Food type meal

Frank Warren and Cleverly have been touting for a fight with the likes of Dawson, Hopkins and Shumenov for a good year or so now, and if Cleverly comes through this test, then a showdown with a top five ranked opponent has to come. If you look at the Boxrec rankings now and you will see Nathan at #6 and Tony Bellew #5, which suggests that people should get off his back in terms of who he's fought, Bellew is an excellent fighter, but what the rankings suggest is that Nathan hasn't been too impressive of late and hasn't been fighting the right calibre of opponent.

Hawk is not a big name, but is a dangerous puncher

Hawk is ranked #50 in the world with the respected online rankings, and unlike Bellew's last opponent Edison Miranda, he doesn't have a great name in the sport. He's a serious puncher with 17 of his 23 wins coming early, but last time out he was outclassed over 12 rounds by then 8-0 former amateur standout Eleider Alvarez, therefore you're expecting Cleverly to win comfortably, but I've seen Alvarez fight and he's a devastating KO Artist, so this could be a test.

It's a great weekend of Boxing in the USA, Moreno v Mares on the same bill is a brilliant fight and I'm a massive fan of Leo Santa Cruz, who's also on show at the Staples Center, but this is the fight I've got my eye on and tracking the buildup already, there seems to be plenty of hype about Nathan over there. BoxNation are showing it over here and Showtime are expected to open their telecast with Cleverly's title defence. Warren has done a great job of getting him on the bill, now Nathan needs to deliver a top class performance, and move on to a huge fight.

Bute didn't impress in a light heavyweight venture on Saturday

Interestingly Lucian Bute fought at light heavyweight at the weekend and if that proposed rematch with Froch doesn't happen, I would think of him as a perfect test for Nathan, a fresh and hungry fighter would destroy the version of the Canadian-Romanian we saw at the weekend, he looked like a fighter with a lot missing from his game.

WebRep

currentVote

noRating

noWeight

Plumber Price turns the tap off on Fraudley's career

It took very little time for Audley to hit the canvas

This past Saturday night at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, local 6ft8 heavy hope David Price turned in a devastating display to end the career of 2000 Olympic Gold medallist Audley Harrison in a mere 82 seconds. Price deserves all the praise that's coming to him from all corners of the Boxing universe, but the focus has to be on another terrible display from "A-Farce".

Harrison has got to go down as one of the worst Gold medallist from any Olympic games in any weight class, the fact is this man has made a fortune from the sport, despite several failures. Despite that truly embarrassing display against David Haye in November 2010, Harrison still got himself many column inches pre-fight, including a double page spread in Thursday's Mirror, which I was disgusted by. In that interview he talked of being back to the form of his March 2004 4th round knockout of Richel Hersisia, but I doubt anyone would have believed his deluded hype this time around.

Before his comeback bout with Ali Adams, Harrison had talked of fighting a Klitschko and in media interviews before his meeting with Price, Audley got himself another buzz word, this time it was 'redemption'. This after his infamous "Yes I can" speech pre Hayemaker. Harrison deserves respect somewhat for defying so many critics, but there is no way he's bouncing back after this latest debacle.

Harrison in better days

The reason I've written this post is not to make fun of Harrison however, I respect what he accomplished as a Gold medallist and the legacy he left in the amateur game for the likes of Amir Khan, James DeGale and Anthony Joshua, who benefited from increased funding after Audley's Sydney success. What I did not like post-fight was people on TV and online speaking against the Echo crowd for taunting Harrison for a terrible display. Many have said it takes great bravery to enter the ring, and that's true, Boxing is a violent sport, but many of those in the arena on Saturday could have done what Harrison did and would have done it for much less money. Once again he failed to throw a power punch and like in the Haye fight he turned into a human punch bag.

His career has long been tainted and he has played his part in three of the most recognisable TV channels ending their interest in the sport. The 40 year old turned pro at Wembley Arena in May 2001 having signed a million pound deal with the BBC, and blew plenty of opponents away early, which he could afford to do for a two or three years, but the excitement and hype started to wain, people lost interest in Harrison v "a bum" and the BBC ended their coverage of live Boxing, and are very unlikely to return. Audley was then given an opportunity with Frank Warren, who had a new TV deal with ITV, but the beginning of the end started as he lost for the first time in a split decision snore-fest against Danny Williams in December 2005. He did overturn that defeat, but that was after a loss in the States against Dominick Guinn, and just three months after the Williams rematch, he was knocked out in three rounds by Michael Sprott, and Warren soon returned to Sky. Dishwater wins over Jason Barnett and George Arias followed, but after a loss to unheralded Belfast cab driver Martin Rogan, Audley split ties with the veteran promoter.

The Wembley man went on to win Prizefighter and claim the European title with a stunning 11th round knockout of Sprott, which got him the shot against Haye in Manchester. The buzz around the fight was great, Harrison talked up his chances, but his display was one of the worst seen in a world title fight. This fight was screened on Sky Box Office and the uproar from the public made Sky discontinue with charging fans extra for fights. This changed their perception of the sport and has got them to the situation we currently have, which is one promoter providing all of their content, Warren launching his own TV channel and Frank Maloney and Ricky Hatton with no TV contract for their stables.

What it may seem is that I'm pinning a lot of British Boxing's troubles on Harrison, that is not true, there are many contributing factors to the ongoing politics festering in the game, but in the last ten or fifteen years, I can't think of many figures who have tainted Boxing as much as Harrison. I don't know how anyone can justify anything that he has done in his career or how he performed on Saturday night, well done on winning the Gold, but 12 years on, he must take a long, hard look in his mirror at home and think, what have I achieved? It's hard to know what Harrison will do without Boxing, it's never easy to give the sport up, and I personally hope he finds something that gives himself the same fulfilment as he had in Sydney, but judged on the amount of PPV buys he got Sky that November, a job as a door to door salesman isn't a bad idea.

Fury v Price would be a huge fight in Britain

Let's not forget Price here though, this guy looks the real deal, a massive grudge match with Tyson Fury could beckon in 2013, this after the Manchester man launched two separate foul mouthed rants aimed at Price on Saturday night. Like Harrison, Fury could sell time to an inmate, but unlike Fraudley's fight with Haye, that could be a heavyweight fight which lives up to it's hype and puts the former's bout firmly in the back of our minds.

Purdy set for Jones test

Purdy overpowered his Argentinian opponent

It looks as though Lee "Lights Out" Purdy has earned himself another big fight for December, with a bout against American tough man Carson Jones being mooted for either the 8th or 15th. Eddie Hearn is expected to put together another stacked bill, featuring the return of Darren Barker (hopefully), a cracking domestic dust up between John Ryder and Kreshnik Qato, as well as the return of Erick "The Eagle" Ochieng.

Jones, who gave Kell Brook an incredibly tough fight in July, is set for a return to Britain and will no doubt give Purdy the biggest test of his career. It represents a real change in fortune for the Colchester man, who was handed a last minute opportunity to fight unbeaten Argentine banger Gumersindo Carrasco for the IBF International Welterweight title in September, stopping the crude 25 year old in four rounds, in what was a thoroughly enjoyable spectacle.

Purdy is never in a bad fight and judged on Jones' fight with Brook, it could be a real pre Christmas cracker for Boxing fans tuning into Sky Sports. The step up in class for the talented Ryder will be another reason to tune in as he takes on the very experienced and battle hardened London based Albanian.

Five opponents for Ricky Burns

Ricky Burns stunned Kevin Mitchell on Saturday night by completely out-muscling the Dagenham man inside four rounds to remain WBO lightweight champion. That win has led calls for an unification clash with Antonio DeMarco or Miguel Vazquez, but that won't be happening this year and is more likely going to happen in March or April. After the fight Frank Warren said that Burns is likely to be out in December and here are five potential opponents for that date.

1. Scott Harrison

An all Scottish fight with Harrison is likely for Burns

I don't think Harrison deserves a shot at the title, but this is modern Boxing and with both guys signed up to Frank Warren's promotional company, this would be an easy one to make, but would also make a huge amount of money for Warren. These are Scotland's two best boxers in the last 10-15 years, Harrison was a great featherweight, but in his two fights back, he's fought a very low level of opponent. Saturday night Harrison got a six round points decision over Joe Elfidh, and other than the first round, he showed that he was a long way off a world title fight. This is the fight that would least surprise me, even though I'm totally against it, Harrison should be nowhere near a world title fight when there's so much quality domestically and world wide at 135lbs. Personally I would like to see Harrison fight Mitchell on the undercard of Burns' next title fight.

2. John Murray

Murray's on the comeback trail

Another fight that would be pretty easy to make because of the promotional deals. Murray has been out of the ring since a brave challenge for Brandon Rios' world title in December 2011 over in New York, where he was stopped in eleven rounds. Before that Murray had lost to Kevin Mitchell in what was an amazing fight, but one he hadn't trained properly for, and he showed that he's very dangerous if he's taken his preparation seriously. Murray is back in full training at Joe Gallagher's gym, him v Burns would be a serious contender for FOTY.

3. Sharif Bogere

Bogere would be an interesting choice

Ugandan based in Las Vegas holds a high ranking with the WBO as he's the current WBO NABO champion, and is certainly a live contender at 135 as he's ranked #14 in the world by boxrec and undefeated in 23 pro fights. Is promoted by Golden Boy in the States, and they have a good relationship with Frank Warren, which certainly makes it a contest with not so many political brick walls in front of it. Bogere however is being linked for a November title fight with Richard Abril, although it's doubtful if that will go ahead, Eddie Hearn was expecting Gavin Rees to challenge for that WBA title.

4. Raymundo Beltran

Beltran has never challenged for a world title

26-6 31 year old Mexican is having a resurgence in his career, this after the biggest win of his career against then top 10 ranked Hank Lundy in July, claiming a majority decision over 10 rounds. Has lost two of his last four fights against US based prospects Bogere and Luis Ramos Jr, but the victory over Lundy has brought him into the title picture. On form this defence would hold little risks for Burns, Beltran's tough, but you would expect Burns to be far too good technically.

5. Miguel Acosta

Acosta (left) has a fan friendly style

I'm not expecting a huge name for this defence for Burns, Acosta fits the type of name who could get a title shot. The Venezuelan is a former WBA champion, but is on the slide having lost three of his last four fights. The first of those was when Brandon Rios took his title off him, and since then both Richard Abril and unbeaten Armenian Art Hovhannisyan have beaten the 34 year old, although his last fight with Art was a split decision and he did put him down. Again an opponent you'd expect Burns to beat cosily, but ranked 22nd in the world by Boxrec.

There's no doubt Frank Warren has many options for Burns, hopefully Burns v the winner of DeMarco v Broner will take place next year, but judged on these five potential opponents, there's definitely some nice appetisers out there ahead of the tasty looking main course!

Gallagher debuts in Belfast

Gallagher with his Delhi Gold

This weekend sees some huge fights at the top of the bills in Britain, with Ricky Burns v Kevin Mitchell in Scotland and Carl Frampton v Steve Molitor in Belfast. At the Odyssey Arena, Eddie Hearn has put together a stacked card, which includes some tremendous prospects. Martin J Ward, Khalid Yafai and Scott Cardle are three talented guys on show, but one making his debut and not attracting too much interest at the moment is 2010 Commonwealth Gold Medallist Paddy Gallagher.

The 23 year old from Belfast performed brilliantly two years ago in Delhi, beating Callum Smith 11-5 in the final as he claimed Gold for Northern Ireland. He joins fellow Delhi Gold Medallist Eamon O'Kane in fighting on this bill. Following that Gallagher went on to participate in the World Series of Boxing, having two fights, going 1-1, but he did suffer some disappointment last year in the Ulster Championships as he lost to the talented William McLaughlin.

Gallagher in my opinion is better suited to the pros, and it was way back in May when he signed with Belfast based manager John Rooney, becoming one of several Northern Irish amateurs to have gone pro. The intention of Eddie Hearn seems to be get more big shows in Belfast, they are a great Boxing crowd, and Rooney will be able to get Gallagher on these shows if he impresses.

Hopefully we'll get some highlights of this fight on Saturday night, or on Ringside in the coming weeks, but I believe "Patman" is definitely a good addition to the very competitive domestic 147lbs division. There's no doubt he should win, but his opponent William Warburton is a real tough kid and has been stopped in just two of his 44 fights, expect Gallagher to be keen to put on a real show, that's the key in Boxing nowadays.

In form Selby can shine in Belfast

Selby reigns the Commonwealth and in Britain

One of the biggest tests in Boxing is when you have to go into an opponent's backyard and face a partisan welcome from his adoring fans, and that's something talented Welshman Lee Selby (13-1, 5 KO's) will have to face this coming weekend on the big Sky Sports bill at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast.

Selby is a fighter many people won't have heard too much about a year or so ago, but on the 17th of September 2011, he produced a fantastic performance by winning in Liverpool against Stephen Smith, stopping "Swifty" in the 8th round of a great scrap. That won him the British and Commonwealth featherweight titles, and following that he produced arguably the most impressive display of his career so far, stopping the incredibly tough Scot John Simpson, in five rounds, where Selby showed his impressive array of shots, including heavy ones to Simpson's body.

In May he had a Commonwealth title defence against unknown Ghanaian Patrick Okine, and did what he had to do by stopping him in five rounds, but the acid test comes this Saturday night. The experience of fighting in Liverpool against Smith will stand Selby in good stead, but going to Belfast will be on another level. The Odyssey is a big arena, the fans will be packed in there because of so much home interest, and Selby will have very few fans, this is a fantastic test for one of the most talented boxers in Britain at the moment.

Selby's manager and corner man Chris Sanigar has said this should be his last fight at domestic level, if he comes through this fight with Lindsay, then the best in Britain will have been beaten, and you can't deny that the 25 year old from Barry has looked unbelievably impressive in his title fights. 

Lindsay will have the home support

This has the makings of an awesome bout though, Lindsay is 19-1 with 7 KO's, but hits much harder than his record suggests and his only loss was against John Simpson, who to his credit came to Belfast and put on a real Boxing masterclass. I think we'll see a different, hungrier, Lindsay this weekend though. He's waited patiently for another title chance, Eddie Hearn won the purse bids and got him this opportunity on home soil, which provides a little off-point, credit has to go to the board for putting this fight out to purse bids and things have been done the right way, we need more of these bouts at British, Commonwealth and European level, promoters have had their chances to make fights, but many have fallen by the way side!

Credit to the aforementioned Hearn for putting on another very good show, he's certainly keeping the bar high, but his charge could be in for a defeat here. I'm delighted Selby is Welsh, he along with Nathan Cleverly could be real standard bearers for Boxing in the principality for the next two or three years, both have huge amounts of potential and can flourish with the right matches. Selby has been sparring at the Mayweather Gym in recent months and that kind of experience will no doubt improve him as a fighter. His power has developed so much in the last 12 months, at the start of his career he did struggle to make a mark in the game and no big promoter really got involved, but now with Frank Warren's backing, things are definitely happening for Lee.

Miskirtchian lies in wait for Selby

Selby has a very fluid Boxing style, from a technical standpoint he's a pleasure to watch, but he's also the type of fighter who's perfect for Hearn's show on Saturday night, he comes to fight and now with that improved power I've talked about, he delivers big knockouts. I fancy him in this fight, Lindsay's tough, but I'll be having a few quid on another knockout win. That should set up a European title fight against champion Belgian based Georgian Alex Miskirtchian, which I'm confident would take place in Britain, but also ending up in a Selby win, considering the champion has lost to Paul Truscott in the past. The featherweight division is packed with exciting fighters and Wales has it's own pocket rocket.