1970's Unlicensed boxing

Tony is quality was very suprised when he lost to Mcintyre however in hindsight not such a bad result.

 

Did he ever really "take off" as a pro. I didnt think he ever really made the transition, not compared to what I personally expected.

 

These guys are basicaly glorified bar brawlers and nothing more. They dominated a verry small and isolated talent pool.

I would not compare them in any way to the British bare knuckle champions of the 19th century such as Tom Cribb who were genuine athletes.

 

Not really but I think thats more to do with Warrens softly, softly approach which doesn't really suit all fighters. I trained with him a few times and he is quick and heavy handed... I would certainly put him amongst the most talented fighters i've trained with.

 

I've only seen him live once as a pro - a 60-54 points win over my mate Ernie Smith at the Nottingham Arena in 2006 - but you get the impression he could and should be acheiving more. I did see him at the Commonwealth Games in 2002, losing to Ali Nuumembe on a cut. No shame in that.

I think it would be true to say that his career has never really hit the heights it should have, though he is only young (24) and has time on his side. I've never seen someone with so much family at ringside.

That close loss to Kevin McIntyre doesn't look so bad in light of the Scot winning the British title.