8th December - A Night To Remember!

Hi. I assume you are Steve Wood from VIP Promotions.

Thanks for the updated info re: Rushton v Reynolds. Still a packed bill as you'd come to expect from VIP.

I for one would never write off Hatton or Moore in any fight but even a fan like me has to be realistic.

Regarding your comment about the timing being right - its this that I primarily have reservations about concerning Moore. Why the 8th December?

Having waited so long to get a shot at the Euro Title it just seems odd to me that this fight is taking place the same night as Khan's forcing boxing fans to choose between going to the Wigan bill or the Bolton bill and their shared trainer Oliver Harrison to divide his time between them and be in two different venues in a very short timescale.

Do you know what time the Khan fight is on? ITV1 don't usually start their coverage before 9pm. What time is Moore fighting?

I'm really pleased that Moore has got his chance at last and home advantage is a big plus but I fear he could be playing second fiddle to Khan on the night. Perhaps when I know all the ins and outs of the situation I'll be happier but at the moment it seems like a big risk.

Another thing, this will be just 6 weeks since he fought Facey which proved to be a very testing fight for Moore so perhaps he could have done with some more preparation before facing Baysangurov.

Although the circumstances seem far from ideal, I will be rooting for Moore to win as always.

 

Steve

Thanks - your response has put my mind at rest to a degree.

I really don't like to sound negative where Moore is concerned but hope you appreciate I just see things purely as a fan and not from a tv or promoters point of view. I accept boxing is a business and dictates accordingly.

If you are able, please keep us updated on ESB about the fight.

Fingers crossed it will all work out on the night!

 

Now you guys, with all your inside info, have got me confused.

If Jamie isn't fighting until midnight how can he assure the fight will be over by 12.05?

I know he seemed to run out of steam at times in the Facey fight but I hope hes prepared to go more than one round with Baysangurov.

 

Should have known it was said in humour - by the way, your Michael Gomez interviews were some of the funniest I've read! :good

 

Elcock is the current British Champion and former WBU Champion. Any British fighter who is prepared to go overseas (Switzerland) and fight for a Title has my support.

Eastman took Elcock the distance before handing over his Title so should give Duddy a good fight. If Duddy gets a World Title shot I don't think it will just be on the back of popularity as he is a talented fighter in my view.

Bit concerning that Sky TV seem to be calling the shots over who Moore fights. Think Moore is currently ranked at 16 in the WBC rankings but hopefully he will move up if he beats Baysangurov and more Title opportunities will come his way.

 

Overrated boxers seems to be a theme on here. Only last week I was defending Moore in a thread after he was named in the top 3 most overrated british boxers. Now its Duddy's turn - personally I don't think he is way overrated - unbeaten in 22 fights (17 KO's).

As for the speculation about Duddy facing Pavlik in March I think its more likely a rematch between Pavlik & Taylor will take place in February. Should Duddy get a Title shot I wouldn't begrudge it - good luck to him.

So Sky call the shots over who everyone fights - if this is the case its not necessarily good for the sport. The fact we get Moore v Facey II instead of a WBC Title Eliminator says it all. No wonder Moore looked unmotivated in his last performance.

Understandable why Moore has dropped down the rankings but hopefully he can put all the setbacks behind him now and focus on capturing the Euro Title.

 

So can December 8th top the recent Calzaghe & Haye wins?

If Hatton were to beat Mayweather it would - what a way to end the year for british boxing!

 

Just to explain - your previous comment about "Duddy is way overrated on the back of his irish popularity in New York" came not long after a thread about the 5 most overrated british boxers, including Moore, which is what I picked up on.

Clearly you don't rate Duddy and I can now understand where you are coming from. I have to admit I haven't seen many of his fights as most have been in the States but now that he is fighting in Ireland more we may get to see some televised here. In your previous posts your criticism seemed to be based on his appeal "He'll get a title shot because of his popularity". My point is we shouldn't hold it against him (or any boxer for that matter) because he is popular - obviously those surrounding him are going to make the most of it if it leads to opportunities.

I see your point about who has Duddy beaten for a title shot but thats boxing for you. Its not always the most deserving who get the breaks - it could be argued that Rees didn't earn his shot at the WBA Light Welterweight Title but he took it well and beat M'baye.

I'm looking forward to all the boxing on the 8th Dec - although Duddy v Eastman comes down the pecking order for me given whats on offer! I note your opinion about Eastman being shot. Interesting that Michael Gomez is not retiring - like Eastman, he has lost 3 out of his last 5 fights and is also fighting on the 8th. Any idea who he will be facing as he is one of your VIP Promotions boxers?

Finally about Sky TV, I agree money talks but I still maintain my concern that it may not always be in the best interest of the sport - it depends how much they are influencing promoters as to what fights are actually made.