[url]http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/boxing/s/1328281_hall_quits_as_macklin_eyes_big_time?rss=yes&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Boxing-Sport-ManchesterEveningNews-RssFeed+%28Boxing+-+Sport+-+Manchester+Evening+News+-+RSS+Feed%29[/url] For Hall there are no more questions. After rebuilding his career following his eighth-round stoppage at the hands of Anthony Small last year, a shot at the vacant European light-middleweight title was as welcome as it was surprising. He saw it as a chance for redemption after 12 months of almost total inactivity. And it was a chance to emulate one of his heroes, Salford fans favourite Jamie Moore, and become European champion. But after twice being knocked down by Czech veteran Lucas Konecny in the sixth on Saturday, all those dreams turned to dust, prompting Hall to call time on his career at the tender age of 26. There was nothing there, he said. He stuck me with a good shot to the body but this is me done now. Clash If I cant compete at this level, Im not going to be second-best and scrape around. Defeat against the hard-hitting 32-year-old was no disgrace, with Konecny having lost only three of his 48 fights, and Hall may yet be coaxed round by trainer Anthony Farnell, who has worked so hard to rebuild his confidence after the Small clash. But after the fight, which was the third defeat of his career, El Torito seems determined to hang up his gloves. I just got beaten by a better man, he said. I was trying in there but like in other fights I just felt there was nothing there. Everything went right in the gym, but come fight-night just nothing was there so obviously Im not as good as I think I am. I may as well pack it in and do something else.
He should never have been at this level anyway. He still has his wits about him, he's hardly damaged. He can still do well/make money at a lower level, no shame in that. Compared to Saturday, he may well find domestic opposition easier now with the added experience. He was obviously disheartened at the time but hopefully Arnie can talk him round. Hall still has something left to give, that much is evident.
Yeh I still think he could be a good domestic level fighter. Seems like everyones been in his ear telling him he is world class which simply isnt true. To be honest Warren doesn't really handle anyone he doesn't think has world potential.
There's little things in his game where you think if you did this and that you be a quality fighter. He molds himself on Tyson yet doesn't use what Tyson used to great effect. Jab, Head Movement, Combination's head to body etc. He tried to move the head but he didn't do great with it as he started to just move the hands. He stood right in front of guy other night. A boxer with good brain would of flung his shots ( Konecny full guard) knowing he won't be countered off at angle and reset. He also never step to side or drop his levels create punching angles. Disappointing really. I think the problem was he was flung in at short notice. His game plan was go in and see if you can break him before he breaks you. Problem was he wasn't fighting a domestic level fighter. He met a experienced fighter who could switch up the levels tactically. I respect his decision but i think if he could get a good run of wins under his belt at domestic level and try develop on his technical side he may be able to have a good crack at his career.
He never looked a Euro class fighter. He did well against Pryce but found his level against Small. The euro title **** was worth a punt but it was a step too far. I still feel he can be good on the domestic scene and he should be good enough and still have enough left in him to fight for and win the British belt. Hall's decision to retire has to be respected and he can look back on some fine performances, very good wins and know that he offered us fans every incxh of entertainment we could ask for. For me though I would have loved to have seen him try for a Lonsdale belt out right.
decent fighter, he put on a great show vs pryce which may have caused some to big him up too much...how much pryce has left is debatable... seems to have found his level...decent career, no shame if he calls it a day now but i still think he has something to offer at domestic level
Some people don't want to be a 'domestic' fighter. It's okay for journeyman to turn up every few weeks and earn a payday like a regular job but for a decent fighter that aspired to higher things it probably doesn't motivate him. I can understand that. Why not get a regular job and try to progress that way?
yeah thats true...theres not really scope for progression in his boxing career now, other than going for the brit title, whats the point of doing something if you wont get ahead in it?
It's true. But being British champion and making regular defences would give him good money and self-respect. I have to say when it became clear he couldn't blast his way to victory again it looked as if his heart isn't really in the fight game. I have all the respect in the world for him for saying "I'm obviously not as good as I thought I was". I'd like to see him carry on.
I hope he doesnt retire. Iv got alot of time for Hall and i love the way he fights. But he cant just quit when he faces some adversity.
The guy is still green, he has some physical tools. Trust me this guy can be European level if he sharpens up some areas. He has the tools. He definitly should not retire, drop back down to Brit level look to get some experiance mould his game to be more effective and then relaunch at the Euro.
I continue to wonder how Anthony Small beat him, he's a ****ing terrible fighter and ridiculously lazy.
Because Hall spends too much time trying to emulate Tyson and was simply beaten to the punch. The kid has fallen in love with his power. Which taking into account he's competition may be somewhat overrated. Instead of throwing combinations and letting his hands go, he throws one punch at a time gets his camera out takes a picture and surveys he's work. Time and again he was hit at will by Small because he simply doesnt move he's head. In addition he's jab is almost non existent as he doesnt set punches up. Instead he comes in square on in straight lines and is a very easy target to hit. That being said i think he's a cracking fighter who does have a TV friendly style. He mustnt get discouraged by he's losses but instead see them as opportunitys to rise above his defeats. Judging by the type of guy he is the boxing bug will be back in him soon his wounds will heal and he'll be in the ring in no time.
I hope Hall doesnt retire,i personally think this fight was a step to soon for him,because he is so keen and proud he wouldnt let the oppurtunity slip away to fight for a european.Rhodes pulled out of this fight and with Anthony Small because he hasnt got the heart of Hall whilst Hall maybe should have just concentrated on the original bout that was against Vittu next week. I think he needs a good blow,come back hungry and start again,he is only 26 and hopefully build his confidence back up and if he learns to use that jab (like he can do,like the start of the 5th on saturday) he can imo compete at european level,instead of looking for the ko every time.He is as good as anyone out there domestically,he seems honest enough but hopefully the lads around him in the gym can turn his head on the thought of retiring and encourage him not to give up. It would be a waste of talent at this age to quit
I really respect his honesty. It must be a tough decision, but better than deluding himself like so many others do: "That wasn't the real <insert name> in there tonight. I know I'm going to be world champion one day." Why take a beating for short money when you can actually be able to talk properly when you get older? Contrast with Enzo who was slurring his speech when he lost to Afolabi. He's at serious risk. Better to accept your limitations and move on before you leave your family without a dad. Good for Matt Hall. Mature and responsible. He had some good nights and some exciting performances.