Anthony Joshua beat Konstantin Airich with a third knockout, adding to his unbeaten streak. Anthony Joshua is one of the brightest prospects in boxing; Joshua won gold at 2012 London Olympics, and seems to have the physical and technical ability to have a bright future in the professional ranks.

Joshua started the first round looking extremely sharp, landing clean and hurtful jabs, in addition to landing the right hand against Arich. Joshua continued to show his strong jab and right hand in the second round. Airich survived though, and was able to start the third round, the only opponent to date who has seen the third round against Joshua. However, Joshua landed a terrific right hand in the third round which hurt Airich; Joshua followed up and landed a flurry of punches, with one landing when Airich was on the canvas. Airich survived the count, and the referee proceeded to warn Joshua with the punch when Arich was on the floor. After the warning, Joshua looked to finish Arich, and after landing some hurtful punches, the referee stopped the fight, as Arich was seriously hurt. After the fight, Eddie Hearn looking to progress the quality of Joshua’s opponents. Another impressive victory for Joshua.

The fight between Anthony Crolla and Gamaliel Diaz for the WBO Inter-Continental Lightweight ended on a disappointing note, with a clash of heads and a cut to Gamaliel Diaz meant that the fight ended in a technical draw, due to the fight being stopped before four rounds.

Both fighters started at a measured pace, with the first few rounds being hard to differentiate between the two fighters; Crolla was active and measured with the jab, with Diaz landing solid body shots on the inside. A clash of heads at the end of round three opened a serious cut over the eyelid of Diaz. Diaz stayed on his stool when the bell rang for Round 4, and the referee waved the fight off on advice  due to an accidental handbutt. After the fight, Crolla expressed his disappointment of the outcome of the fight, however the promoter of Crolla, Eddie Hearn, stated that he is planning for Crolla to fight WBA lightweight World Champion, Richard Abril, in his next fight.

In an entertaining fight, Sam Eggington was victorious against Denton Vassell via 8th round TKO for the eliminator of the British welterweight title; it was a competitive fight, with both fighters having success before the impressive finish by Eggington. Eggington started the fight looking sharp, landing clean punches against Vassell. In the third round, Eggington landed a terrific left hook, which stunned Denton Vassell; Eggington continued to catch Vassell with clean and hard punches throughout the round, with Vassell showing courage and heart to survive the round. However, this seemed to awaken Vassell, who made the fourth round a competitive and punished Eggington in the fifth round with terrific inside punching, landing solid uppercuts and body shots from the inside and went upstairs to hurt and stun Eggington with terrific straight punches to the chin. The next few rounds were competitive, with both fighters landed good punches. In the 8th round, Eggington stunned Vassell and followed up with landing accurate combinations, stunning Vassell and the referee stopped the fight, with Vassell in no state to continue.

Scott Cardle scored an impressive first round knockout victory over Kirk Gooding to remain undefeated at 16-0 (4KOs). Both fighters started at a quick pace; Cardle knocked Gooding to the canvas with a well-timed counter uppercut after Gooding was defensively open throwing punches. Gooding survived the count, but Cardle continued to land successive punches, especially the straight right hand. After a number of unanswered right hands, the referee stopped the contest, a stoppage which seemed a tad premature. Regardless, Cardle made an impressive statement with this victory.

– Qadeer Ali / @abdulqadeer

– Contributor for www.BehindtheGloves.com

Brophy remains optimistic about future

Following an unbelievable card last Saturday in Hull, Matchroom Sport returns this weekend as Ricky Burns defends his WBO lightweight world title against the undefeated Terence Crawford. The card plays host to bouts including Scotty Cardle vs Paul Appleby and John Simpson vs John Murray and also features a host of talent including Anthony Joshua, Anthony Ogogo, Martin Joseph Ward and more.

Q&A with Joe Gallagher: Part One

Behind The Gloves contributor Martin Perry recently spoke to British Boxing trainer Joe Gallagher about his vast stable of fighters, which include world champion Scott Quigg and the Smith brothers. We look back at an extremely successful 2013 and look ahead to what he hopes to be an even more successful 2014.

2013 was such a fantastic year for Gallagher’s Gym; How proud of you were you of the lads and your achievements last year?

I was really pleased with all the performances last year. All the lads had a career best performance. Everyone reached new levels last year. Anthony Crolla (vs. Gavin Rees), Hosea Burton doing Jahmaine Smyle in a round, Scott Cardle (vs. Maxi Hughes), Stephen Smith (vs. Gary Buckland), Paul Smith in a real good domestic dust up with [Tony] Dodson, beating him better than he did first time around, then Liam Smith doing as well he did, Callum Smith. I was really pleased with the Smith brothers [Paul, Liam and Stephen] winning three British belts, first time in 104 years, and Callum Smith picking up the English title and the WBC [International title]. And Scott Quigg being World Champion, it doesn’t really get much better than all of that. But we do know that was last year, we can’t look back and got to keep looking forwards.

They are all in big fights coming up this year and I do feel a couple of kids didn’t get the credit they deserve for last year. I think the Smith brothers for what they achieved, I don’t know how on Earth that hasn’t made the main broadsheets and magazines because [if you had] three brothers playing for England football team, rugby team or cricket team, you wouldn’t hear the end of it. I just thought it was a bit disappointing, I just don’t think it was pushed or acknowledged enough in the main papers, but they had a civic reception in Liverpool and I’m very proud of them.

Why do you think they did not get the recognition they deserved? Is it because the sport of Boxing is not as big as it used to be?

No, I don’t, there’s loads [in the papers]; [Anthony] Joshua’s in the papers, [Luke] Campbell’s in the papers, Dereck Chisora, Tyson Fury, Carl Froch, Amir Khan, David Haye. I just feel the niche of three fighters who are brothers, because they have different promoters; If they had the same promoter, they would be easier to push. But I do feel the BBBofC should have absolutely have had a press officer get onto them and celebrate the success [of the brothers]. There was a huge opportunity there to put British boxing into the main spotlight. It was a quite a unique achievement.

Scott Quigg is the WBA world super bantamweight champion, despite that being a fact, many fans question his credibility as champion due to Guillermo Rigondeaux holding the WBA ‘super’ belt. Scott won the title in similar circumstances to fighters such as Gennady Golovkin, do you think it will be the case that a succession of big wins against credible challengers and/or other champions will convince people that he is a legitimate champion?

I think Scott Quigg, where he’s come from in the time that I’ve had him, we’ve been thrown in at the deep end. His first fight with me was with Jason Booth, at the time it was a massive test, then obviously Alex Arthur and then Rendall Munroe. And then we’ve gone on to fight Salinas who’s ranked in the world top 10 in all the governing bodies. I thought Scott Quigg brought a great game plan, got an unlucky deicision, but I felt there was a bit of a kick back from the Ricky Burns-[Raymundo] Beltran decision. The he dismantled a kid quicker than what Fernando Montiel did, a round earlier and Scott Quigg was on fire there. The inactivity at the start of last year didn’t help Scott Quigg, but at the end of the year, that was Scott Quigg back to his best. He was proud in the changing rooms in the [Phones4u Arena, Manchester], and it was a proud moment for me and him.

He was just in the Wildcard Gym in America getting in plenty of rounds of sparring and he’s not fighting until the end of April. But that’s Scott Quigg, he never switches off and I’m always kicking him out of he gym but he’s always wanting to learn and test himself. We’ve got a tough mandatory next [Nehomar Cermeno]. The kid we’re fighting has beaten Cristian Mijares twice, Mijares is obviously fighting Leo Santa Cruz on March 8, and drew with Salinas – he’s no mug. Hopefully we’ll get through that and fight the winner of Martinez vs. Hasegawa in the summer. After that, then, we’ll look to fight Santa Cruz. And we’ve had an offer to move up to 126lbs. So they are the fights we are looking at this year for Scott Quigg and that’s where we want to go.

I think Scott has taken too much unfair criticism for the way that he became champion and the way that [the WBA] rules. Like you say, Golovkin [was upgraded to WBA World Champion], The WBC has made [Omar Figueroa world champion at lightweight], and there’s other fighters [that have been upgraded to World Champion], Nathan Cleverly, Ricky Burns, and have never have received as much criticism as Scott Quigg has. Time will prove that he is a worthy world champion.

The British Boxing Board of Control have rejected Tobias Webb as a voluntary defence for Paul Smith’s British super middleweight title, and have made Rocky Fielding the mandatory challenger. Is the plan now for Paul to relinquish the belt or to fight Fielding?

I don’t know, Paul Smith, he makes no bones about what he wants to do, he wants to fight for the British title. He’s one win away from winning it outright and as soon as he wins it, he’ll vacate it and move on, for possibly his brother [Callum] to fight for it.

Paul’s a fighter, he doesn’t duck anyone, whoever that may be. He’s in the gym, he’s training, whoever the opponent will be, will be. Paul has never ducked anyone in his career, he’s fought [James] DeGale and George Groves, and they’re are going on to fight for world titles. I’m sure Paul won’t duck any challenge at this stage of his career.

It would have been nice to have had Tobias Webb, that’s who they were trying to get. He did really well in Prize Fighter, gave everyone plenty of problems, he was just tired by the time he came to fight Rocky [Fielding in the final]. He’s an exceptional talent. He would have made a good fight. I expected to give Paul all types of problems to I don’t think it was soft touch. He’s a hungry kid and got good pedigree.

Paul Smith, whatever happens now down the road, wants to win 7that belt outright. We’ll just have to sit and see what happens. He’s very highly ranked in the WBO and I know he was looking at the winner of Robert Stieglitz vs. Arthur Abraham [for the WBO title on March 1]. So there’s that possibility as well.

Moving on to Liam Smith; Navid Mansoori has been made mandatory for his British light middleweight title. Liam’s been out with a hand injury, when is he expected back?

Liam, as you say, has had a hand injury. He had a good win over Erick Ochieng and then Mark Thompson. They were looking to get him on the Aintree bill [on March 8] but Liam’s had a hand operation. So I think he’ll go straight into [the fight with] Mansoori. It’s a good fight for Liam, Mansoori is a good kid, a strong kid but I think Liam is that little different in class above. I think Liam Smith is one of the most underrated champions in British boxing at the moment.

I think the trouble with all the brothers, the Smith, they all get lost amongst each other. Where if they were called different, individual kids [they’d get more recognition]. I rate Liam Smith, obviously he’s with Frank Warren, he’s one of the three that I think are the stars of that organisation with Billy Joe [Saunders] and Frankie Gavin. I’ve seen what he’s done in the Wildcard over the years in sparring and what he’s done in sparring. I do feel he’s a kid that can go through the gears. If he gets the opportunity to fight in America, whether it be against John Molina, I have no hesitation about putting Liam Smith in with that [level of opposition]. He’s very, very underrated and one of the most improved British fighters. And one of the better British champions there is out there. There aren’t many better than him.

Stephen Smith is taking on Fernando Saucedo for the WBC Silver super featherweight title and an eliminator for the world title on the Mersey Beat show on March 15. How tough is this fight and how far away do you think ‘Swifty’ is from being ready for a world title challenge?

This is a massive test for Stephen Smith. This is one unbelievably dangerous fight. Saucedo has won 51 bouts, He seems to be getting better in his last performances, he’s fought Chris John for a world title, very early on in his career, lost on points. He’s a really dangerous fighter. He’s the WBC ranked number three, this isn’t your typical, what we bring over, Argentinian roadsweeper, this is a very well schooled, disciplined fighter.

I think it’s a huge gamble and we may have bitten off more than we can chew but he’s in a decent run of form, he’s had a good year last year with the win over Gary Buckland and then finishing the year with a great body shot over Silva, and Silva went the distance with Saucedo. This is definitely the top of the bill fight, the March 15 bill. There’s no other fight that’s like this. A genuine, genuine real tough fight. I wouldn’t have Stephen Smith the favourite going into this fight, I’d have Saucedo the favourite. I think Stephen’s got to be a very live underdog and he has to put in the best performance of his career. And whatever he has done in the past, he’s got to improve by 10 or 15% to beat this opponent.

But like all fighters, they want to test themselves, like Matthew Macklin with Golovkin, Amri Khan with Mayweather and David Haye with Klitschko. They want to test themselves with the best in the world to see what level they really do belong at and this fight, Smith has got to answer those questions. I just hope they all get behind him [in Liverpool on the night] because that kid is going to need everyone in that arena to be shouting, encouraging him and roaring him on that night. He’s going to have moments in that fight where the crowd really have to get behind him and push him through.

You mentioned Matthew Macklin there, last year, you briefly began training him again after his split with Buddy McGirt. He’s since gone on to be trained by Jamie Moore. What were the reasons for you parting ways again, was it just a logistical issue?

What it was, Matthew came back, he asked me to train him for his next fight. I said yes, he said he wanted to go to Marbella for the month of November. He did 4 or 5 weeks training with me but then I said I just couldn’t go to Marbella, as I had 4 or 5 kids on the [Froch-Groves November 23] bill. We couldn’t just all uplift to go to Marbella for one person and do all the sparring over there. Logistically, it didn’t work out right. There’s no hard feelings and Matthew has gone on, like you say, he got Jamie Moore to do a bit but I was too busy with the amount of fighters that I had on the Manchester bill and obviously after the Manchester bill I had Liam Smith’s fight as well [on December 7] and then Paul’s fight after that [on December 14]. So that was the reasons for it, nothing more and there’s no ruling out that we won’t work together again in the future, so we’ll see.

—

That concludes part one of Martin Petty’s interview with Joe Gallagher, keep an eye out for the second in the coming days where Joe and I extensively discuss his recent trip with his fighters to the Wildcard Gym in Los Angeles and the benefits of spending time; hot young prospect Callum Smith, his hopes for Anthony Crolla’s return and his thoughts on the Froch vs. Groves rematch.

-Martin Perry / @MartinPez
-Contributor for www.BehindTheGloves.com

Q&A with Scott Cardle

Behind The Gloves’ David McIntosh spoke exclusively with lightweight prospect Scotty Cardle as he discusses his past, present and plans for the future. Here, we ask Cardle (13-0-0, 2 knockouts) his thoughts on representing team GB in the Olympics, his career to date and much more.

DM: Jan. 2012 saw you turn pro with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, leaving team GB behind to join the pro ranks. It seems to becoming a common move for Olympic boxers, what were your thoughts on leaving the team?

“I was gutted to leave team GB and all the boys in the team too. It was more than just a training camp, we all became very close like a family and it was hard leaving that behind. But, after I failed to qualify for the Olympics at the first qualifiers, losing to Alexis Vastine (France), I knew the time had come for me to turn over to the paid ranks.” 

DM: You were instantly displayed on the big events, firstly on the undercard of Kell Brook, followed by Tony Bellew and then Froch vs Bute. How did you feel playing your part in those massive shows in such a short period of time?

“It was great, everything was a brand new experience to me and I was getting shown at the sold out British shows! It stands me at good stead though because I’ll never be a ‘rabbit in the headlights’ when the time comes for me to step up to a higher level.”

DM: Last year saw you out five times and we witnessed a great match-up between yourself and Maxi Hughes over 10 rounds, what are your thoughts on the year?

“I knew I had a task to beat Maxi, all my other previous fights had been with the likes of tough durable fighters that just wanted to go the distance! Maxi was a tough fight and came to win, but I felt great that night and I thought my level was shown to move me up quicker than I had been. The step up was shown over the 5 fights of the year and I still felt comfortable so it would be good to keep progressing.”

DM: You’re just back from the Wild Card gym with your team. It seems like it’s becoming a regular trip for you guys, what does it mean to work beside Freddie Roach and get that level of sparring at this stage of your career? Does that break from home benefit you?

“The boxers in America fight different to the boxers back home so it’s good to go to the likes of the Wildcard to see if you can handle it over there. The sparring all the boys have had over there has been more than beneficial and I’m sure we’ve all came back knowing more about the game! The good thing with the boys is, we’ve all pretty much came from the international circuit so it doesn’t really matter to us being away from home, obviously it’s hard for the family men of the team but there’s sacrifices in this job!”

DM: You’re part of a great stable, with yourself, Scott Quigg, Anthony Crolla and all four Smith brothers all holding titles. What like is Joe as a trainer and do you look forward to training, knowing your entering a gym with this bunch?

“Joe is great! Don’t get me wrong, he can be hard work most of the time but that’s how a coach should be! But we’re all a decent bunch of lads, we all get on like brothers and it’s a good team to be a part of. The banters great in the gym but when we have to train, we train hard!”

DM: You return to Glasgow on Mar. 1 featuring on the undercard of Burns-Crawford. You certainly have a fan base here, do you enjoy coming to Scotland?

“Love it! The atmosphere in Glasgow is always electric so it’s good to be a part of that, plus Scotland is where my family are all from and I’m sure they’ll all be there making noise”

DM: Your next opponent is local boxer Paul Appleby. His last 2 fights have been at light welterweight but he’s moved down to lightweight as it’s heating up domestically. What are your thoughts on this fight and Appleby?

“I’m over the moon the fight has been made! I had a meeting with Eddie Hearn recently and it looks like this year I’ll be fighting the high profile fights I’ve been wanting so Appleby is a good start to the year! I’m studying Appleby a lot at the moment and I like his style, seems to like getting involved in a fight and has a good left hook so I know what to keep an eye on. But I think my style is suited to beat him in style”

DM: What are your predictions for Glasgow’s Mar. 1 card? Ricky Burns has come under some stick recently and is out to prove he deserves to hold his title. Terence Crawford is undefeated in 22 bouts and can pack a punch, so how do you see this match up going and what is your prediction?

“Burns’ previous 2 fights have been very tough and let’s be honest, he’s came out by the skin of his teeth. But, you got to give him credit for taking the fight with Crawford, because again, this is a very tough fight for Ricky! I have a good feeling for him though, he’s got a lot to prove and I think he’ll do it in style. I’ve had the pleasure of sparring Ricky and he takes no prisoners, I know he’ll be fitter than ever for this fight”

DM: Stephen Simmons defends his titles against Wadi Camacho at cruiserweight, and if the presser is anything to go by the fans are in for a treat. What are your thoughts on this match

“I’ve grown up with Simmons on the international scene and I’ve boxed abroad with Camacho a couple of times so I get on with both lads. Simmons was one of my boys on the squad though and were still good pals! I can see it being an electric fight, there’s genuine needle in this fight so there’ll be some big shots landed for sure. My prediction is Simmons will be too strong for Camacho and will stop him in the middle stage of the fight. Good luck to both lads though!”

DM: David Brophy moves up to super-middleweight to challenge for the vacant Celtic title over ten rounds.  How do you think he’ll do at the weight and cope with the increased rounds?

“I’ve trained with Brophy too, and I rate him highly. He’ll be more comfortable at the weight which is always a good thing and I know he’ll be fit for 12 never mind 10 round, so I think this fight will get people talking more about him after he puts a good show on.”

DM: Anthony Joshua will also feature on the card, pending no injuries during his outing in Cardiff this weekend. We’re seeing a lot of hype surrounding him after only three fights, how do you think he’s coping?

“I’ve known the big man since the GB days and I think the way he’s been since he’s turned over has been great. He’s progressed so much already and he’s handled the media very professionally. I’m looking forward to seeing his progression this year and I hope he gets a few big tests also.”

DM: It’s rumoured Scott Quigg and Anthony Crolla will also feature, with Crolla looking to keep active before defending his title. Can you confirm this and how do you think they’ll get on?

“Both lads have been looking well in our recent training camp but Quigg won’t be out till April I don’t think. However, Crolla will be on the Burns undercard, opponent to be announced, but he seems in good shape and on his weight so he will be ready for any opposition.”

DM: Lastly, after Mar. 1, what are your ambitions for this year? Anyone in particular you would like to share a ring with, or any belts you’re eyeing up?

“Like I said, this year will be the step up I’ve wanted and I should be fighting some good domestic names! I’ve mentioned a few names to Joe Gallagher and Eddie Hearn but time will tell who I fight and what I fight for this year! My aim this year is to raise my profile and start making a name in the domestic scene and I think this year I will achieve that.

DM: Scotty, thank you for your time and we wish you the all the best for the future.

-David McIntosh / @daviemac89

-Contributor to www.BehindTheGloves.com

Ricky Burns aims to silence the critics

WBO lightweight champion Ricky Burns is set to make his fifth title defense against Top Rank prospect Terence Crawford in what will be both men’s  toughest challenge to date. The fight has been set for Mar. 1 and venue is confirmed as the Scottish Exhibition Centre, Glasgow, meaning Crawford will be challenging out of his home country for the first time in his professional career.

Burns, 36-2-1 (11 knockouts), makes his return to the ring after suffering a broken jaw during his controversial draw with Raymundo Beltran. Having now underwent surgery and given the all clear from his doctors, he now aims to silence the critics after questions were asked following that night on Sept. 7.

Crawford is undefeated in his 22-fight career and has won 16 of his fights by KO. He is confident that he will be able to go one further than Jose Gonzalez and Beltran and take the title from Burns. “I hope Burns is ready to walk to hell and back,” said Crawford. “I’m going to fight with all my heart. I have the determination and the skill to win the world title and bring it home.”

“It’s going to be a very difficult fight for me,” said Burns in speaking to Sky Sports after the press conference.

“He’s 22 fights undefeated. Everybody has been saying he’s the next big star at lightweight, so just under seven weeks to go now and I’m going to find out myself.”

“Training has been going ideal, so whatever happens on the night, I’m going to be prepared for it as always. After the last fight, I think everybody knew and I think the right thing to do was give Beltran the rematch, but the WBO, there was no way getting around this. I have to box Terence Crawford or get stripped of my title. But I feel this is a much tougher fight for me. Stylistically, he’s very, very good and fingers crossed I can go out there and get the win, but we’re expecting a hard nights work.”

This will be Crawford’s first 12-round fight, while Burns completed his back in 2006. I’m sure he will take this into consideration and pressure his challenger from round one. If both camps go to plan, I’m sure both men will be at their best and provide fight fans with a great display.

The fight will be shown live on Sky Sports and Matchroom Sport’s Eddie Hearn hasn’t left anything to chance with the undercard. We will see Stephen Simmons defend his WBC International Silver cruiserweight title against rival Wadi Camacho, which will please fans after the men clashed during the presser. David Brophy will step up to super middleweight to challenge for the vacant Celtic title as he aims to continue 2014 as he finished off 2013. We will also see heavyweight Anthony Joshua return to the ring and it’s hard not to get caught up in the hype which surrounds him. Scotty Cardle, Michael Roberts and John Simpson also supporting.

-David McIntosh / @daviemac89

Contributor to www.BehindTheGloves.com