Andy Lee Wants Another Crack at Billy Joe Saunders
Andy Lee held a piece of the Middleweight world title before being upset by Billy Joe Saunders at the weekend, and so it’s only natural for the 31-year-old to pursue a rematch. Lee has been gracious in defeat, but understandably wants another shot at beating his conqueror.
“I just want to congratulate Billy Joe,” Lee told Boxing News. “It’s been a pleasure throughout the build up, we both conducted ourselves like gentlemen. We both fought our hearts out. The two knockdowns lost it for me, so I can’t argue with the decision. I’d like another go at it, though.”
Tyson Fury Comes 4th in BBC Sports Personality of the Year
I guess it was kind of a given that Tyson Fury wasn’t going to win this award. Cos, you know, the big guy’s been mouthing off about a bunch of sensitive topics lately, such as women and homosexuality. Personally, I think it’s only Fury’s new mainstream audience who has been particularly shocked – for us boxing heads, controversy and Fury are part and parcel.
“If I’ve said anything in the past that’s hurt anybody, I apologize,” Fury said. “I’ve said a lot of stuff in the past and none of it with intentions to hurt anybody. It’s all very tongue in cheek, it’s all fun and games to me. I’m not a very serious kind of person – it’s all very happy-go-lucky with Tyson Fury.”
Fury lost out to Jessica Ennis-Hill, Kevin Sinfield and winner Andy Murray, but, with 72,330 votes behind him, managed to beat British sports favorites Lewis Hamilton, Chris Froome and Mo Farah. I’m not really sure how you measure a personality, or even vote on it…but Andy Murray having the best? Really?
Zolani Tete Inks Deal With Frank Warren
Zolani Tete, South Africa’s heavy-handed former Junior Bantamweight titlist, has signed a multi-fight deal with promoter Frank Warren. If you’re a fan of boxing’s lower weight division’s, then Tete, who carries a record of 22 wins, 3 defeats, 18 knockouts, is probably already fixed on your radar.
The 27-year-old, who hails out of the Eastern Cape, disposed of Paul Butler in 8 rounds back in March before vacating his IBF title and clocking up wins over Diuhl Olguin and Jether Oliva.
“My ambition is to win another world title at super-flyweight,” Tete told Boxing News, “and I will then move up to bantamweight and do the same there, and I could even move on to super-bantamweight, with Mr. Warren’s guidance my opportunities are endless and I look forward to a great 2016 with him.
“My first fight under his promotion will be very soon and as the English fans’ have seen I bring a big punch and excitement [against Paul Butler] every time I fight, I can’t wait to thrill the fans’ again.”
Erkan Teper Fails Drug Test After David Price KO
While this news has disgusted David Price and his promoters Team Sauerland, most of all it points to one of boxing’s ugliest recurring problems: anti-doping commissions need to shape up. Not only did Erkan Teper, who made a name for himself after destroying Price in July, fail the test, the results have only just surfaced.
Why they took 5 months to come to light, I’ve no idea. But if there’s any solace to be found here for Price and Sauerland, it’s that Price’s loss could at least become a No Contest soon. While Price was never considered a serious talent, especially after getting battered by veteran Tony Thompson twice in 2013, this news still stinks to the high heavens.
Nonito Donaire Ready for Redemption Against Guillermo Rigondeaux
It’s unlikely that Donaire, who recently went life and death with Cesar Juarez, would be able to conquer such a top-end talent as Guillermo Rigondeaux. But there’s much worse fights out there, and whatever your opinion, Donaire is gunning to get back on top of the division.
Donaire’s first clash with the Cuban standout was back in 2013, and compared to most of Rigondeaux’s ring outings, was pretty exciting. Donaire came up short, wound up receiving some hefty facial damage in the later rounds, but at least scored a knockdown during the 12-rounder.
“I didn’t train as hard as I should [for Rigondeaux]; I didn’t study any fights as I should,” Donaire told The Ring. “In the fight, I’ve seen so many mistakes that I should’ve capitalized on but the reason that I couldn’t is that the muscle memory that I created in training was just the left hook and that’s the only thing that I knew how to throw.
“Now I’m throwing combinations, all kinds of punches. We’ve gotten back most of our old ways of fighting but there are still lots of bad habits that came out in that last fight [against Cesar Juarez], which was a great learning experience for me to see.”
What’s your take on the day’s boxing news, fight fans? How would Nonito Donaire fare in a rematch with Guillermo Rigondeaux, or against any of today’s top 122-pounders? How big a problem are SEDs in boxing? Is there anything different Andy Lee could bring to a sort-of potential rematch with Billy Joe Saunders? And what’s your take on Andy Murray’s ‘personality’ beating Tyson Fury’s?
