It was heralded as the one of the greatest Olympic Games in history. Beijing 2008 began with a remarkable opening ceremony; its highlight the sight of thousands of men beating drums inside the gigantic newly built Olympic Stadium, romantically named the Bird's Nest owing to its thatched design.
But, was it worth it? Did the Olympics justify its billion-Dollar price tag? Should China have been the host nation in the first instance? Broken promises, infringement of human rights, and lack of freedom for its people (and the journalists covering the Games) are reasons that suggest not. And of course we all know about the tragic events that have taken place in Tibet. But what is even more depressing is the vast amount of money spent on the Olympic games that could have been spent on more worthwhile causes. Yes, to stage an event as magnificent as an Olympic games requires large sums of cash, but this games broke all spending records. People were thrown from their homes, which were demolished to make way for new huge and expensive sports arenas that now lie dormant and empty and new apartment buildings were constructed for tourists that came and went, and that ordinary Chinese cannot afford.
The Olympics is traditionally a competition that has encouraged all nations to compete and come together in a friendly atmosphere. Taking part came first, winning was only a bonus. Unfortunately, more markedly in Beijing than in previous competitions winning gold medals took precedent over the art of pure competion.
Historically China has been a bastion of equality under the communist banner. In 1978 however this all changed when Deng Shaio Ping originated the Open Door Policy to foster a commercial mentality, exclaiming that 'to get rich is to get glorious'. This mentality has seeped into all areas of Chinese life, and particularly into the sports arena. China invested millions of dollars in training schemes, sports centres and coaches not to cement a sporting legacy but simply win the most gold medals, and top the medals table in 2008. This mentality even extended itself in the gymnastics arena in the form of entering fourteen year old girls with fake passports into competitions to win Golds in front of audiences around the world. Sadly, Liu Xiang was scorned and berated when he was forced to pull out of the 110 meter hurdle competition with a foot injury. He had been the face of the games in China, and one of few medal prospects in the track and field. Such was the Chinese hunger for success that his withdrawal made him a public hate figure.
China is not the only guilty party either. Great Britain, in its dash for Olympic success invested millions in specifically chosen events in which the GB Olympic Board felt success could be guaranteed. By investing heavily in futuristic bicycle technology, expensive yachts and shiny rowing boats the majority of GB's gold medals were achieved in elitist sports with few serious competitors. What percentage of the countries competing in the Olympics can afford to compete in events like sailing? Indeed, what percentage of the British population can afford a racing bike, kayak or shiny topper (a small racing boat, yup)? The lack of countries from Africa competing in these events highlights the lack of equality at the Beijing games.
London 2012 can be hugely successful in comparison to Beijing. But the International Olympic Committee and the GB organisers need to get their acts together. Currently only members of the Rich Man's Club are able to compete in a number of high-profile events like sailing, rowing and cycling. The number of medals on offer in these elitist sports should be halved, and more emphasis placed on track and field where all countries can compete on an equal playing field.
The Olympics also needs to regain its party atmosphere, visibly missing in China under the paranoid watchful eye of the state government. It is a cause for celebration and an opportunity for people to enjoy themselves whether they are athletes, spectators or members of the local community. This should and will happen in London.
But what the Olympic Games needs to regain most is its raison d'etre. It is an event for all countries to come together in peace and to respect each other's values and principles. This is impossible if rich nations are effectively allowed to 'buy' medals. Perhaps one way of achieving this would be to scrap official medals tables altogether and simply enjoy the occasion.
16/09/2008
King Kev?
Gloomy times in Newcastle at the moment. The man who relinquished his post at Fulham, resigned from his job at Manchester City, and walked out on England has now resigned as manager of Newcastle. For the second time.
Yesterday, thousands of Newcastle fans decided to skip a day of work to stand outside St James' Park battling the torrential rain to protest Kevin Keegan's decision to leave Newcastle after citing that he was unable to work with club's owners. Keegan was effectively reduced the position of coach, and was not consulted when new faces were brought into the football club. Unsuprisingly, given his erratic history he walked out on the club.
Should Newcastle fans be dissapointed? Yes, they should be outraged by the fact that the club's owner, Mike Ashley is apparently deciding who comes and goes at St James' Park. This should be the task of the manager. But they should not be so disheartened by Keegan's exit. Is he really the Messiah Newcastle fans believe him to be? Is he even a good football manager? No he isn't. Newcastle fans should remember this is the same man who left Newcastle all those years ago, without any hint of explanation or apology. This is the man who who led Newcastle to victory in barely a third of games during his second spell at the club. Neither is Keegan a good tactician. He makes every decision with his heart. Yes he is endearing, one of the reasons Geordies warm to him so much, but he annot be relied upon to make good decisions. The fact that he protested at the board's willingless to get rid of Joey Barton emphasises this point. Barton should have gone - he can only add to Newcastle's woes. And Newcastle fans should remember that Keegan has never won a major trophy as a manager.
The statements Keegan made on leaving were disrespectful to the new players who joined the club on transfer deadline day. Keegan mocked them as he plotted his exit - God knows how they feel at this moment. It is also worth noting that the players who were brought in have performed magnificently in the opening games of the Premiership. Gutierrez and Collocini in particular have looked like great signings.
It is time for the board at Newcastle to enforce stability and lead from the top. It is time for Mike Ashley to stop wearing his XXL Newcastle shirt during mtches whilst downing lager and mingling with the fans. He is the man who now has to set an example and instill leadership at a club that quite frankly is the worst run in the Premier League. Keegan should not have been appointed in the first instance. It was a very bad decision. It is now time for Newcastle to refocus, and rebuild solid foundations at a club that needs them, particuarly in these turbulent economic times.
Newcastle United needs stability. Keegan is not the man to provide it.
Yesterday, thousands of Newcastle fans decided to skip a day of work to stand outside St James' Park battling the torrential rain to protest Kevin Keegan's decision to leave Newcastle after citing that he was unable to work with club's owners. Keegan was effectively reduced the position of coach, and was not consulted when new faces were brought into the football club. Unsuprisingly, given his erratic history he walked out on the club.
Should Newcastle fans be dissapointed? Yes, they should be outraged by the fact that the club's owner, Mike Ashley is apparently deciding who comes and goes at St James' Park. This should be the task of the manager. But they should not be so disheartened by Keegan's exit. Is he really the Messiah Newcastle fans believe him to be? Is he even a good football manager? No he isn't. Newcastle fans should remember this is the same man who left Newcastle all those years ago, without any hint of explanation or apology. This is the man who who led Newcastle to victory in barely a third of games during his second spell at the club. Neither is Keegan a good tactician. He makes every decision with his heart. Yes he is endearing, one of the reasons Geordies warm to him so much, but he annot be relied upon to make good decisions. The fact that he protested at the board's willingless to get rid of Joey Barton emphasises this point. Barton should have gone - he can only add to Newcastle's woes. And Newcastle fans should remember that Keegan has never won a major trophy as a manager.
The statements Keegan made on leaving were disrespectful to the new players who joined the club on transfer deadline day. Keegan mocked them as he plotted his exit - God knows how they feel at this moment. It is also worth noting that the players who were brought in have performed magnificently in the opening games of the Premiership. Gutierrez and Collocini in particular have looked like great signings.
It is time for the board at Newcastle to enforce stability and lead from the top. It is time for Mike Ashley to stop wearing his XXL Newcastle shirt during mtches whilst downing lager and mingling with the fans. He is the man who now has to set an example and instill leadership at a club that quite frankly is the worst run in the Premier League. Keegan should not have been appointed in the first instance. It was a very bad decision. It is now time for Newcastle to refocus, and rebuild solid foundations at a club that needs them, particuarly in these turbulent economic times.
Newcastle United needs stability. Keegan is not the man to provide it.
Football To Die For
In an era when money rules, wealthy Arabs are turning up at football clubs on a more regular basis than the weekly delivery of cornish pasties and Russian oil barons are spending their pocket money on football trophies, it is a breath of fresh air that one Premiership club has maintained some tradition and kept the club in British hands. Arsenal Football club has fought off takeover attempts from Russian billionaires and American business tycoons in the last few months as it attempts to maintain some sanity, when all around everyone seems to be going potty. Last week Manchester City was snapped up by a Middle East company with a combined wealth that outweighs even that of Roman Abramovich. Although Manchester City fans are happy, with the promise of extra transfer funds, is this takeover good for football? And is it really good for Manchester City? These are the same fans who rejoiced at the start of last season when a former Prime Minister from Thaliand bought the club and made promises he couldn't keep.
Yes, they have signed Robinho. But, did he really see himself playing for Manchester City, even an hour before he signed for the Eastands club? No. He didn't. He wanted to play for Chelsea. But then Dr Sulaiman of Abu-Dhabi United group gave him lots and lots, and a bit more money and passed him a contract and a gold pen and told him there would be more if he signed. Remember this is the player who went on strike at Santos until he forced a move to Real Madrid. Then whilst playing fot the Spanish Champions told his employers that he didn't want to play anymore, and that he was off to Chelsea. He didn't even have time to remove his dummy from his mouth before his agent told him Manchester City would pay him more than the Blues, and that is where he was going.
On the same day Manchester United spent over thirty million pounds on Dimitar Berbatov. A great footballer, but another spoilt player who decided to refuse requests from his manager to play for Tottenham and instead moaned and groaned his way out of White Hart Lane to Old Trafford.
These are sad times for English football. Money rules. Every club has adopted a 'keep up with the Jones' attitude. Even Sunderland have spent over 30 million pounds on football players in the last eight months. That is just plain ridiculous. If they are relegated, the club is effectively ruined.
Where my admiration for Arsenal grows is that its manager, Arsene Wenger refuses to be pulled in by the madness occuring around him, especially down the road at Tottenham Hotspur, a club that has spent more than treble on transfers than their nearest rivals Arsenal, but haven't come close to matching their success. Wenger has said repeatedly that he is not impressed by big names. Instead he looks for players who can adapt to the Arsenal style of play. And if they have a high price tag, they probably won't be able to. Players at the club are brought in at a young age, without egos, and are determined to learn to play with the quick deciveness and techinical ability that all Arsenal players possess. Arsenal made a profit during the transfer window last season of almost £18 million. This summer they spent what they recouped on player sales. Not bad when you consider that every other club in the premiership spent more than they recouped.
If the performance against Newcastle last weekend is replicated on a regular basis over the course of the season Arsenal will be successful despite not adding to their squad on transfer deadline day. They may not win the league, but they will certainly win over more fans playing the beautiful game the way it deserves to be played. Wenger will live or die by playing the beautiful game. But he won't spend what the club can' afford. He won't kill the club.
Yes, they have signed Robinho. But, did he really see himself playing for Manchester City, even an hour before he signed for the Eastands club? No. He didn't. He wanted to play for Chelsea. But then Dr Sulaiman of Abu-Dhabi United group gave him lots and lots, and a bit more money and passed him a contract and a gold pen and told him there would be more if he signed. Remember this is the player who went on strike at Santos until he forced a move to Real Madrid. Then whilst playing fot the Spanish Champions told his employers that he didn't want to play anymore, and that he was off to Chelsea. He didn't even have time to remove his dummy from his mouth before his agent told him Manchester City would pay him more than the Blues, and that is where he was going.
On the same day Manchester United spent over thirty million pounds on Dimitar Berbatov. A great footballer, but another spoilt player who decided to refuse requests from his manager to play for Tottenham and instead moaned and groaned his way out of White Hart Lane to Old Trafford.
These are sad times for English football. Money rules. Every club has adopted a 'keep up with the Jones' attitude. Even Sunderland have spent over 30 million pounds on football players in the last eight months. That is just plain ridiculous. If they are relegated, the club is effectively ruined.
Where my admiration for Arsenal grows is that its manager, Arsene Wenger refuses to be pulled in by the madness occuring around him, especially down the road at Tottenham Hotspur, a club that has spent more than treble on transfers than their nearest rivals Arsenal, but haven't come close to matching their success. Wenger has said repeatedly that he is not impressed by big names. Instead he looks for players who can adapt to the Arsenal style of play. And if they have a high price tag, they probably won't be able to. Players at the club are brought in at a young age, without egos, and are determined to learn to play with the quick deciveness and techinical ability that all Arsenal players possess. Arsenal made a profit during the transfer window last season of almost £18 million. This summer they spent what they recouped on player sales. Not bad when you consider that every other club in the premiership spent more than they recouped.
If the performance against Newcastle last weekend is replicated on a regular basis over the course of the season Arsenal will be successful despite not adding to their squad on transfer deadline day. They may not win the league, but they will certainly win over more fans playing the beautiful game the way it deserves to be played. Wenger will live or die by playing the beautiful game. But he won't spend what the club can' afford. He won't kill the club.
13/08/2008
Arsenal win in Holland
It will take a miracle for FC Twente to progress into the group stages of the Champions League. The Dutch side, managed by former England manager Steve McClaren suffered a home defeat at the hands of Arsenal. Only a total collapse at the Emirates Stadium in two weeks time will prevent Arsenal progressing. A young Arsenal side hampered by injuries to nine key players struggled to create chances on the night, and were lucky not to concede as Twente made their debut in the Champions League.
Mid-way through the first half FC Twente striker Arnautovic failed to control a perfectly weighted pass from the energetic Dutch midfielder Denneboom, and his weak shot was easily parried by Almunia. Denneboom had already tested Almunia with a long-range effort that seemed to swerve in mid-air and the Spanish goalkeeper was forced into making a good save. The Arsenal defence, weakened by the absence of injured Kolo Toure looked fragile, and Almunia was far the busier of the two keepers in the opening forty-five minutes.
Arsenal could have gone ahead before half time. Bacary Sagna fired wide after the Twente keeper failed to hold onto a long-range effort from Arsenal full back Gael Clichy. The ball rebounded to Sagna but his left-footed effort was a yard wide.
Arsenal showed more urgency after the break as they stepped up their efforts to grab an away goal. It came in the sixty-third minute when Gallas latched onto a Robin Van Persie free kick and managed to knock the ball past Twente keeper Boschker with his knee.
The Arsenal midfield duo of Denilson and Aaron Ramsey, making his full debut, used the ball more efficiently in the second half. However Arnautovic was presented with another opportunity to score towards the end of the match and should have equalised. With only Almunia to beat the sluggish Dutch striker hit the side netting with a poor effort.
Arsenal's superiority in the final third eventually told with ten minutes to go. A long ball from Denilson found Theo Walcott who used his electric pace to beat the Twente full back before squaring his pass to Adebayor who kept his shot low and found the back of the net.
Arsenal managed to achieve a positive result. But with the transfer deadline approaching Arsene Wenger will need to strengthen his squad if his team are win the competition proper.
Mid-way through the first half FC Twente striker Arnautovic failed to control a perfectly weighted pass from the energetic Dutch midfielder Denneboom, and his weak shot was easily parried by Almunia. Denneboom had already tested Almunia with a long-range effort that seemed to swerve in mid-air and the Spanish goalkeeper was forced into making a good save. The Arsenal defence, weakened by the absence of injured Kolo Toure looked fragile, and Almunia was far the busier of the two keepers in the opening forty-five minutes.
Arsenal could have gone ahead before half time. Bacary Sagna fired wide after the Twente keeper failed to hold onto a long-range effort from Arsenal full back Gael Clichy. The ball rebounded to Sagna but his left-footed effort was a yard wide.
Arsenal showed more urgency after the break as they stepped up their efforts to grab an away goal. It came in the sixty-third minute when Gallas latched onto a Robin Van Persie free kick and managed to knock the ball past Twente keeper Boschker with his knee.
The Arsenal midfield duo of Denilson and Aaron Ramsey, making his full debut, used the ball more efficiently in the second half. However Arnautovic was presented with another opportunity to score towards the end of the match and should have equalised. With only Almunia to beat the sluggish Dutch striker hit the side netting with a poor effort.
Arsenal's superiority in the final third eventually told with ten minutes to go. A long ball from Denilson found Theo Walcott who used his electric pace to beat the Twente full back before squaring his pass to Adebayor who kept his shot low and found the back of the net.
Arsenal managed to achieve a positive result. But with the transfer deadline approaching Arsene Wenger will need to strengthen his squad if his team are win the competition proper.
08/08/2008
Khan can fill void left by Calzaghe and Hatton
Bad news this week surfaced when Frankie Gavin had to withdraw from the British Olympic Boxing Squad. Unfortunately the young boxer was unable to consistently make the 60kg weight required to compete in the Lightweight division. Olympic boxers are required to make weight each day; for Gavin to have done so carried the risk of dehydration. This news is a hammer blow for the Olympic team; Gavin was expected to win Gold and do so in style. It is also a blow for British boxing, the Olympic squad now deprived of its brightest talent. However, the team is still overwhelmingly able, and expectations are high. Amir Khan, who brought back a Silver medal from Athens four years ago predicts a successful campaign for the British team, and a bright future for all the boxers involved. Before Gavin's withdrawal, Khan exclaimed 'we have eight boxers going out there and we have a chance to bring back eight medals. Every one of these boys is a great fighter. They are all capable and all they have to do is to stay focused'.
Khan, due to fight in early September in his nineteenth fight since turning professional struggled in his last outing against a strong, brave and more experienced fighter in the shape of Michael Gomes. The gritty Mancunian never took a backwards step during the encounter and sent Khan to the canvas in the opening rounds. However, the speed and accuracy of Khan's punches was the telling factor and a bruised and bloody Gomes was forced to retire from the contest. With a new trainer appointed into the Khan camp this week, the Bolton boxer is expected to improve his defensive technique, his Achilles heel in previous contests, whilst continuing to increase his strength and power. Jorge Rubio, a Cuban with an impressive track record and former trainer of Olympic Champion Kindelan, whom Khan defeated in his last amateur fight, will continue to train Khan in his familiar Bolton surroundings. Already, he has been impressed with Khan's enthusiasm, 'it's fantastic to be given the opportunity to work with such a natural talent like Amir and I believe that I can bring the best out in him. I'm really impressed by what I've seen of him so far and I know that we still have a lot of work to do'.
There are many similarities between Amir Khan, and Britain's most successful boxer of the last few years, Joe Calzaghe. Both men struggled in the early stages of their careers with their defensive capabilities. Both fighters like to stand with their hands held low, head leaned forward with chin slightly tucked underneath the shoulder blade. And both men possess vibrant and swift hand speed. With Calzaghe, and Ricky Hatton both fighting in the autumn in potentially the last fights of their careers, there will soon be a huge void for Khan to fill. He has the skills and technique to become the best in the world and dominate his division. And now it seems he has the trainer to help him achieve his goals and develop his obvious potential.
The future of British boxing is still bright, despite the inevitable retirements of Hatton and Calzaghe before the end of the year. Khan, and the British boxers representing Britain in Beijing can help soften this blow.
Khan, due to fight in early September in his nineteenth fight since turning professional struggled in his last outing against a strong, brave and more experienced fighter in the shape of Michael Gomes. The gritty Mancunian never took a backwards step during the encounter and sent Khan to the canvas in the opening rounds. However, the speed and accuracy of Khan's punches was the telling factor and a bruised and bloody Gomes was forced to retire from the contest. With a new trainer appointed into the Khan camp this week, the Bolton boxer is expected to improve his defensive technique, his Achilles heel in previous contests, whilst continuing to increase his strength and power. Jorge Rubio, a Cuban with an impressive track record and former trainer of Olympic Champion Kindelan, whom Khan defeated in his last amateur fight, will continue to train Khan in his familiar Bolton surroundings. Already, he has been impressed with Khan's enthusiasm, 'it's fantastic to be given the opportunity to work with such a natural talent like Amir and I believe that I can bring the best out in him. I'm really impressed by what I've seen of him so far and I know that we still have a lot of work to do'.
There are many similarities between Amir Khan, and Britain's most successful boxer of the last few years, Joe Calzaghe. Both men struggled in the early stages of their careers with their defensive capabilities. Both fighters like to stand with their hands held low, head leaned forward with chin slightly tucked underneath the shoulder blade. And both men possess vibrant and swift hand speed. With Calzaghe, and Ricky Hatton both fighting in the autumn in potentially the last fights of their careers, there will soon be a huge void for Khan to fill. He has the skills and technique to become the best in the world and dominate his division. And now it seems he has the trainer to help him achieve his goals and develop his obvious potential.
The future of British boxing is still bright, despite the inevitable retirements of Hatton and Calzaghe before the end of the year. Khan, and the British boxers representing Britain in Beijing can help soften this blow.
03/07/2008
Is the EPL becoming too strong?
One interesting aspect of the latter stages of this summer's superb European Championships was the obvious lack of Premiership stars on display.The Semi-finalists; Spain, Russia, Turkey and Germany all have one thing in common; they play without any English Premiership players. With the exception of Michael Ballack who plays for Germany and Chelsea, and Spain's Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas of Liverpool and Arsenal respectively, the rest of the Premiership’s elite watched the penultimate round of the competition on television. Of the 44 players who started the semi finals, only two, Ballack and Torres represent a Premiership club. For all you stats freaks out there, that's just 4.5 per cent. Not a great return since the Premier League boasts to be the most dynamic, exciting, and strongest competition in world football.But, perhaps one reason for this lack of Premiership representation at the business end of the competition is actually a direct result of the strength of the Premier League. Perhaps, the reason the Premiership wasn't represented in the same way as La Liga, the Turkcell Super League, the Bundesliga or even the Russian Premier League is because English Premiership players are physically shattered after long hard, gruelling seasons in their domestic competition. Couple that with the fantastic success of the top clubs in England in the Champions' League, a competition in which the top two in England, Chelsea and Manchester Utd reached the final, and perhaps it is not surprising that many Premiership stars ran out of legs before and during the tournament in Switzerland and Austria. The physical nature of the Premier League is also possibly the main factor in England’s inability to even qualify for the tournament.There is no doubting that last year's domestic competition was stronger than any previous year in history. The dominance of British clubs in European competition was impressive, especially in comparison to the unusually poor performances by teams from Spain, and in particular Italy. The ease with which Arsenal dismantled AC Milan was petrifying. And Manchester United’s progression into the final was frightening. Barcelona and Roma were pushed aside with apparent ease.Real Madrid, a club that supplied Spain with the backbone of their team performed atrociously in this season's Champions' League. Knocked out by Roma in the Quarter Final stage, Madrid were able to rest players and literally stroll to a victory in La Liga. Barcelona failed to push them all the way, and could only manage a third place finish behind a relatively weak Villarreal side.Spain were truly magnificent in conquering Europe and determining that the Henri Delaunay Trophy would rest gloriously in Madrid for the next four years. They certainly played the most attractive football in the competition, and looked to score and create chances in every game. But, perhaps their success was also a result of the relative weakness of the Spanish Championship and poor performances by Spanish teams in European competition. The positive effect this had on the national side in the form of rest for the players, both physically and mentally is undeniable.The success and strength of the Premiership is great for spectators and fans. Every game is contested. But perhaps the pace and tempo of EPL games is playing a detrimental role for national sides with a wealth of Premier League stars. We only need to look at Sweden's dire performance against Russia in the Quarter-final stage. The players, most of whom ply their trade in England's top division, looked physically drained, and were visibly dismantled by a fresher, and more energetic Russian side.The solution is a reduction in the number of teams in the EPL from 20 to 18 sides, following the examples of the French, German and Spanish governing bodies. This reduction in teams would ease the heavy schedule in England and enable the players to enjoy a Christmas break.If we want to see England qualify for the World Cup in 2010, and more Premiership players contesting major finals, the gap that seems to be widening between the Premiership and other European Leagues needs to close. And soon.
30/06/2008
Desert Skin
The ground is dry,
Calling for rain,
Cracks like wrinkles,
I'm in so much pain,
honey,
Ripped my heart from inside my cage,
Infuriated,
Sick with rage,
Look at you,
That smile on your face,
I don't laugh at all these days,
No fruit grows on my trees,
Dry, tasteless, lightning,
Puts me on my knees,
Nothing can bring you back,
honey,
Days remembered with a sick fondness,
Me, you, us,
Gone,
Turned to dust,
Like desert skin.
Calling for rain,
Cracks like wrinkles,
I'm in so much pain,
honey,
Ripped my heart from inside my cage,
Infuriated,
Sick with rage,
Look at you,
That smile on your face,
I don't laugh at all these days,
No fruit grows on my trees,
Dry, tasteless, lightning,
Puts me on my knees,
Nothing can bring you back,
honey,
Days remembered with a sick fondness,
Me, you, us,
Gone,
Turned to dust,
Like desert skin.
21/06/2008
Calzaghe Reigns Supreme in Las Vegas
Joe Calzaghe achieved his American Dream yesterday and cemented his legacy as the best British boxer of his generation as he defeated Bernard Hopkins on a split points decision in front of 14,000 fans at the Thomas and Mack Centre in Las Vegas. It was a spectacular victory considering it was Calzaghe's first fight in the US, and his first as a light-heavy weight. The fact that Calzaghe had to rise from the canvas after just ninety seconds makes this victory all the more impressive. Hopkins unleashed a vicious right hook mid-way through the opening round that toppled Calzaghe for only the third time in his forty-five fight career as a professional. Calzaghe looked stunned, but in the fashion of a true champion, he was able to rise to his feet, and outbox the 'Executioner' Hopkins, particularly in the latter rounds to claim victory on two of the judges score cards and secure the most prestigious win of his illustrious fifteen year career.
There is no doubt that this was certainly Calzaghe's toughest fight to date. He struggled to cope with Hopkins’s tactic of fighting on the inside, and was unable to make use of either his left jab, or his famed hand speed. Hopkins is a defensive master, and he frustrated his Welsh opponent throughout the contest by refusing to come forward, instead preferring to attack on the counter. Calzaghe dropped his hands in an attempt to draw the 'Executioner' into a boxing fight, but Hopkins was far more savvy that any of Joe's previous opponents and remained on the back foot, throwing accurate punches and landing the cleaner shots throughout. ‘I didn't box as well as I could, it was bit messy’, Calzaghe said ‘Hopkins was very dirty on the inside. But I fought at a new weight for the first time, got put down and still managed to win. I'm very proud, I came to America to fight, and to win’.
In defeating Hopkins in front of a star-studded audience, Calzaghe won the much respected world light-heavy-weight title as recognised by the Ring magazine, and is now just four victories short of Rocky Marciano's forty-nine victory record. The Newbridge boxer is Britain's longest reigning world champion. Recently awarded BBC Sport's Personality of the Year, he is at last winning the accolades and respect he deserves. Acknowledged as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, Calzaghe entered the ring as heavy favourite. But he couldn't have got off to a worse start. Disaster struck when Hopkins landed a heavy right to Calzaghe's nose in the second minute of the bout. Calzaghe was cut, and visibly shaken. In his first fight in the Nevada desert, Calzaghe was too relaxed during the opening exchanges, he dropped his hands, and got too close to Hopkins, who was able to catch the Welshman with a wicked right hand that sent him crashing to the canvas. Hopkins was unable to take proper advantage however. His forty-three years prevented him launching an onslaught after the knockdown that may have prevented the dazed and confused Calzaghe continuing. Instead, Hopkins was only able to throw one more decent shot in the opening round. Nevertheless the judges scored the first round 10-8 to Hopkins.
Rounds two and three told similar stories. Hopkins continued to hold Calzaghe when they got close in an attempt to slow the fight down, and prevent Calzaghe operating at a fast tempo. Hopkins continually fought on the back foot inviting Calzaghe to fight up close, which allowed him to demonstrate his greater strength in the grappling that ensued and dominated the opening rounds. Despite the ''Wales, Wales'' chants that echoed around the arena at the end of the third, Calzaghe looked subdued as he trounced back towards to his father, and trainer, Enzo, in his corner.
The fourth round was very scrappy, and Hopkins continually led with his head, which forced a warning from the referee, Joe Cortez. But, this was a better round for Calzaghe who was able to land a good left jab in the last ten seconds, and raised the volume in the crowd by lifting his arms into the air on the bell. Calzaghe's confidence was markedly growing, and he landed his best punch of the fight, a hard left during the opening exchanges in the fifth. Even at this early stage, Hopkins looked to be tiring, and it was Calzaghe who was controlling the tempo of the fight. Despite losing the sixth round, Calzaghe came back in the seventh with some good combinations to the torso of Hopkins. However, a frustrated Calzaghe was still unable to fight at a pace that suited him and Hopkins continued to grapple in the middle of the ring thereby continually decreasing the tempo of the fight.
The Welsh National anthem welcomed Calzaghe as he exited his corner at the beginning of the eighth, the liveliest round of the fight. Calzaghe was able to land a clean right, but Hopkins retaliated with a great right of his own, and Enzo could be heard warning his son that he needed to up the tempo and land more combinations of punches. By the ninth, Hopkins was visibly becoming tired. His mouth gaped wide open as he gasped for oxygen under the mass of blurry lights above his head, and Calzaghe was finally able to break through Hopkins marvellous defence, and hurt his opponent for the first time in the contest. With two rounds remaining, the American Hopkins showed off his talent for gamesmanship and claimed a phantom low blow. Despite TV replays indicating that the shot was fair, the referee allowed Hopkins over four minutes to recover. The infuriated crowd taunted Hopkins with growls of ''cheat cheat'' as he returned to action in a stand off with Calzaghe in the centre of the ring. The recovery time afforded to Hopkins enabled him to take a breather away from the action and he looked rejuvenated, landing a flurry of blows to Calzaghe’s chin that enabled him to nick the tenth. The eleventh and penultimate round was dramatic, and Hopkins claimed another low blow. This time the referee justifiably ignored it, before Calzaghe landed an accomplished right at the end of the round.
In a gripping final round, Calzaghe threw more punches than his exhausted opponent, and looked far more energetic and active as he moved around the ring. Hopkins stood back as he had done all fight, and invited Calzaghe forward. As the final bell sounded, both fighters became engaged in a brawl in the middle of the ring, before raising their arms to claim victory.
Although Calzaghe’s performance was scrappy, it would have been an injustice if he had not been awarded victory. He out boxed his opponent, and threw over a hundred more punches over twelve disjointed rounds. The man from Newbridge finished the stronger, and made sure of his victory by upping his work rate in the final rounds. Sweaty, bruised, but relieved, Calzaghe said ''after six or seven rounds I felt him struggling. He couldn’t handle the pace so he took a rest and the referee allowed it. I feel very proud of what I've achieved. When I turned pro with my dad as my trainer people laughed. But now we've shown them''. This was Calzaghe's night. Victory in America is a dream no longer.
There is no doubt that this was certainly Calzaghe's toughest fight to date. He struggled to cope with Hopkins’s tactic of fighting on the inside, and was unable to make use of either his left jab, or his famed hand speed. Hopkins is a defensive master, and he frustrated his Welsh opponent throughout the contest by refusing to come forward, instead preferring to attack on the counter. Calzaghe dropped his hands in an attempt to draw the 'Executioner' into a boxing fight, but Hopkins was far more savvy that any of Joe's previous opponents and remained on the back foot, throwing accurate punches and landing the cleaner shots throughout. ‘I didn't box as well as I could, it was bit messy’, Calzaghe said ‘Hopkins was very dirty on the inside. But I fought at a new weight for the first time, got put down and still managed to win. I'm very proud, I came to America to fight, and to win’.
In defeating Hopkins in front of a star-studded audience, Calzaghe won the much respected world light-heavy-weight title as recognised by the Ring magazine, and is now just four victories short of Rocky Marciano's forty-nine victory record. The Newbridge boxer is Britain's longest reigning world champion. Recently awarded BBC Sport's Personality of the Year, he is at last winning the accolades and respect he deserves. Acknowledged as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world, Calzaghe entered the ring as heavy favourite. But he couldn't have got off to a worse start. Disaster struck when Hopkins landed a heavy right to Calzaghe's nose in the second minute of the bout. Calzaghe was cut, and visibly shaken. In his first fight in the Nevada desert, Calzaghe was too relaxed during the opening exchanges, he dropped his hands, and got too close to Hopkins, who was able to catch the Welshman with a wicked right hand that sent him crashing to the canvas. Hopkins was unable to take proper advantage however. His forty-three years prevented him launching an onslaught after the knockdown that may have prevented the dazed and confused Calzaghe continuing. Instead, Hopkins was only able to throw one more decent shot in the opening round. Nevertheless the judges scored the first round 10-8 to Hopkins.
Rounds two and three told similar stories. Hopkins continued to hold Calzaghe when they got close in an attempt to slow the fight down, and prevent Calzaghe operating at a fast tempo. Hopkins continually fought on the back foot inviting Calzaghe to fight up close, which allowed him to demonstrate his greater strength in the grappling that ensued and dominated the opening rounds. Despite the ''Wales, Wales'' chants that echoed around the arena at the end of the third, Calzaghe looked subdued as he trounced back towards to his father, and trainer, Enzo, in his corner.
The fourth round was very scrappy, and Hopkins continually led with his head, which forced a warning from the referee, Joe Cortez. But, this was a better round for Calzaghe who was able to land a good left jab in the last ten seconds, and raised the volume in the crowd by lifting his arms into the air on the bell. Calzaghe's confidence was markedly growing, and he landed his best punch of the fight, a hard left during the opening exchanges in the fifth. Even at this early stage, Hopkins looked to be tiring, and it was Calzaghe who was controlling the tempo of the fight. Despite losing the sixth round, Calzaghe came back in the seventh with some good combinations to the torso of Hopkins. However, a frustrated Calzaghe was still unable to fight at a pace that suited him and Hopkins continued to grapple in the middle of the ring thereby continually decreasing the tempo of the fight.
The Welsh National anthem welcomed Calzaghe as he exited his corner at the beginning of the eighth, the liveliest round of the fight. Calzaghe was able to land a clean right, but Hopkins retaliated with a great right of his own, and Enzo could be heard warning his son that he needed to up the tempo and land more combinations of punches. By the ninth, Hopkins was visibly becoming tired. His mouth gaped wide open as he gasped for oxygen under the mass of blurry lights above his head, and Calzaghe was finally able to break through Hopkins marvellous defence, and hurt his opponent for the first time in the contest. With two rounds remaining, the American Hopkins showed off his talent for gamesmanship and claimed a phantom low blow. Despite TV replays indicating that the shot was fair, the referee allowed Hopkins over four minutes to recover. The infuriated crowd taunted Hopkins with growls of ''cheat cheat'' as he returned to action in a stand off with Calzaghe in the centre of the ring. The recovery time afforded to Hopkins enabled him to take a breather away from the action and he looked rejuvenated, landing a flurry of blows to Calzaghe’s chin that enabled him to nick the tenth. The eleventh and penultimate round was dramatic, and Hopkins claimed another low blow. This time the referee justifiably ignored it, before Calzaghe landed an accomplished right at the end of the round.
In a gripping final round, Calzaghe threw more punches than his exhausted opponent, and looked far more energetic and active as he moved around the ring. Hopkins stood back as he had done all fight, and invited Calzaghe forward. As the final bell sounded, both fighters became engaged in a brawl in the middle of the ring, before raising their arms to claim victory.
Although Calzaghe’s performance was scrappy, it would have been an injustice if he had not been awarded victory. He out boxed his opponent, and threw over a hundred more punches over twelve disjointed rounds. The man from Newbridge finished the stronger, and made sure of his victory by upping his work rate in the final rounds. Sweaty, bruised, but relieved, Calzaghe said ''after six or seven rounds I felt him struggling. He couldn’t handle the pace so he took a rest and the referee allowed it. I feel very proud of what I've achieved. When I turned pro with my dad as my trainer people laughed. But now we've shown them''. This was Calzaghe's night. Victory in America is a dream no longer.
18/06/2008
Boxing is far better than playing Cricket
Recently I had an argument with a friend. He is a cricketer. He had a very serious expression of disappointment on his face when I claimed that cricket was not a sport, but in fact, simply a game. And not a very good one at that. I shuffled backwards when I thought he was going to hit me, which led to me inform him that boxing is a better sport. He scoffed in a very cricket-like way when I said this. And, so I told him I would prove it by writing it down.Every Saturday morning (only in the summer of course, and when it isn't raining and the weather man comes on TV with his smiley face and promises it definitely won’t be raining) he strolls down to the local cricket field where he puts on multiple layers of white/beige clothing. He wears white trousers that look like they are made of cheap imitation silk. And he puts on a thick white woolly jumper. It is so thick a whole sheep has definitely been used in the process of making it. He only puts on his trousers after he has carefully placed a white (of course) plastic box over his groin area. This I am told is to protect his crown jewels from the solid red circular piece of wood, in the shape of a ball, that they 'bowl' at each other. He then covers his face in factor two-hundred and fifty, and folds wraparound sunglasses over his eyes. A Royal Marine in Iraq wears less protection during an ambush.I have watched him play once. I arrived at the ground early in the morning. The sun's rays were strong, but the woolly jumpers prevailed. A team of men and boys ranging from the ages of 14 and 144 jogged onto the pitch. As far as I could tell, at least fifty per cent of the 'fielding' team were clinically obese. And whilst watching the game I understood why. Nobody moved. Every player just stood still absolutely motionless, admiring the aeroplanes overhead, occasionally watching the bowler throw a ball towards the stumps strategically positioned behind the batsman (donned in white jumper and metal helmet of course). I couldn't help thinking 'what is the point of this?...Do these guys actually find this fun?...Do the spectators enjoy spending their weekends watching amateur cricketers stand around as if they forgot to move when someone told them the grass was being covered with tarmac, picking their noses, day dreaming about what else they could be doing on a sunny day in august?'. Surely even 'Country Life is more exciting'? But, then it became obvious. These guys don't actually enjoy watching or playing cricket. They enjoy the male company that comes with being part of a team, or spectators of the local cricket team. It is often asserted that there are no homosexual footballers. This always seemed very strange to me, since one in ten men are apparently gay. But, now it makes sense. They all play cricket. They bat for the other team. On Saturday mornings.There are no women at cricket games. Even the 'tea-lady' was male. I think. Every one who plays is normally very middle class. It is after all a gentleman's game. They are all white, and are balding (even the twenty-year olds). I don't like cricket. And I don't love it either. It is one of those British pastimes that claims sport stattus, one that we invented, but aren't any good at. That only a handful of countries around the world bother to play is testament to its pathetic nature. Secretly, including those that play it, nobody really enjoys cricket. Even commentators sigh at having to pretend to be excited watching a bunch of homesexual South Africans stand around on a field, occasioanlly screaming 'He's out', and then hugging each other when a piece of wood falls over.Boxing, on the other hand is a true and popular sport. Boxing fans really do appreciate its uniqueness and the skills involved. Nobody comes to watch boxing to drink tea and chat about the weather. Boxing as we know it today has emerged, but not changed much from the London Prize Ring Rules of the late eighteenth century. Admitedly, after a dull patch in the last couple of years, it is a sport that has experienced a recent surge in popularity especially in Britain, in part due to the successes of excellent British boxers like Joe Calzaghe, David Haye, and in particular the very likeable Ricky Hatton. It has also managed to fend off rival sports in the US, including MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) and cemented its position as the number one combat sport in the world. In Mexico, Mexican boxers are treated like Gods. In America, boxers are saluted in their home states as heroes, and in the Philippines, Manny Pacquiao is more popular than God.I like boxing, because it promotes respect. Ask anybody who has stepped into a ring if it has taught him or her to respect an opponent and they will answer in a firm toned, straight-eyes, very positive single syllabed ‘Yes’. Once you have been beaten up in the ring, you immediately find yourself to be a more humbled homosapien. You begin to respect everyone, teachers, parents, peers, no matter where they are from, regardless of colour, religion or creed. I have a cousin who boxes in Northern Ireland. The first thing he learned was that there was no sectarianism in the boxing gym. Any segregation that existed in the fractious communities in Belfast didn’t exist in the West Belfast Boxing gym. Boxing enabled black men in 50s and 60s America to achieve success and superstar status in a racist, divisive community. Joe Louis, the first African-American Heavy weight Champion of the World became a national hero, and cememnted his legendary status by representing his country, when he didn't have to, in World War Two.Boxing also promotes physical fitness. 'Super-fit' is about the only word capable of describing a boxer primed for a fight. Unlike cricketers, boxers train endlessly in an attempt to be at their peak level of fitness come fight night. To be anything less than at full fitness not only reduces your chances of success in the ring, but can lead to inury too. That is not to say boxing is a dangerous sport. It isn't. Protective head gear and the excellent training and supervision offered by dedicated coaches up and down the country mean boxing is as safe, if not safer than other sports.As a spectacle boxing is far superior to cricket in terms of enjoyment and entertainment. I can honestly say that I have never sat down and watched a cricket game and then come away enthralled at what I have just witnessed. It is almost a chore having to watch a game of cricket. It cannot provide the same sort of enjoyment or arouse passionate emotions like a boxing fight can. I genuinely can't count the number of times I have sat and watched a boxing fight, unable to remain calm and seated on my chair. The emotions it arouses watching two men at the peak of their sport challenge each other in the ring. It is as Roy Keane once exclaimed, 'the pinnacle of sport - one on one combat, with nobody to help you in there, except yourself'.Recently I was lucky enough to find myself in Las Vegas to watch Joe Calzaghe defeat one of the greatest boxers of his generation, Bernard Hopkins. The atmosphere in the Planet Hollywood arena was electric. With every punch thrown, the crowd ooed and awed, appreciating the skill and technique on display. Calzaghe won in front of a star-studded audience and we all (with the exception of Hopkins) went home happy and satisfied.My friend, boxing is certainly better than cricket.
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