Yeh thats him, he broke his hand in tha fight and had to have an operation on it so hes been out since then, still got 3/4 months out I think. Hes only 21 so hes got plenty of time but I reckon he will turn over by 2014, hes got an excellent amateur record, but a really nice style which would be even better suited to the pros IMO.
Tom Stalker is a top quality fighter, believe me! Franky Gavin at the height of his Ama best, beat Tom by one point at LW, he's won almost everything worth winning at Ama level, and should transition nicely into a very good pro. People will be surprised by Stalker, i guarantee it!
Your talking like Gavin's career is over, fair enough he hasn't lived up to expectation so far, but he's an undefeated British champion, he's actually in a very good position.
Will they be able to keep any of the amateurs? I'm glad, once an amateur hits a certain level then it should be off to the pros so they are there for their physical prime. The pros has not go a competative architecture to produce new talent, the amateurs has so there will be fighters to replace whoever goes and they have 4 years to get them to the Olympic level.
Yeah, I agree with this. Stalker was a fantastic amateur, he just under-performed a bit at the Olympics and it cost him dear. At 28 he's starting late but he doesn't have to learn as much other beginners do because he's been in the game for a while and boxed all over the world, he has all the experience a fighter needs. I think it's more of a case of whether or not he has mental toughness to make it as a pro? Loads of Olympians turn pro and take to it like a duck to water, but others lack the inner heart and spite needed to win when they're in at the deep end. Audley Harrison is probably the greatest ever example of this. World-class amateur, rabbit in the headlights as a professional. Good luck to Tom, he's a top bloke. :good
Didnt see much as an amateur,but did think he was unlucky with the decision that put him out.With this background,how can he fail to be an excellent pro?The lad deserves a bit of luck.For me,the main thing is for him to be active,hes used to a good training regime,will he stay with McCracken?If so,great,got a great chance.All being well,European champion?
This is very true. I think a bit late but prob near if not a prime age so needs to move fairly quick.
I think he might be able to do a few things in the pro game. He is certainly hungry for it. 28 but a young 28 there are plenty of precedents of late started doing well with solid amateur pedigree Rigondeaux, Tarver, Campbell, Froch even. The trend seems to be that boxers are peaking later often 30+ Marquez Martinez Pac Hopkins
I beat him 20.7 Mate but I was very experienced he weren't, an it was closer than that when seen it on video, plus I have sparred him a lot since been pro he's a fit lad an can do the rounds well I expect big things!!!