Over the last forty years, there have been several fights between British and Irish fighters that have created a legacy that transcends fight nights and will long be remembered by fans as more than just a fight – becoming immortalized in the pantheon of great fights.

In lithe of what could become one of the most iconic British-British world title fights of all time between Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois at Wembley, it seemed appropriate to look back to the history books and relive other monumental British clashes from the last 40 years. years.

In my opinion, this list will feature five of the most memorable, dramatic and fierce world title fights between British and Irish fighters in up-to-date history.

On March 18, 1995, approximately 8,000 fans gathered at the Green Glens Arena in Millstreet to see who would become the WBO super middleweight world champion. Undefeated current champion Chris Eubank will fight for this honor, while WBO middleweight champion Steve Collins will be the challenger.

Eubank finished with 15^vol defended the title with a record of 41-0-2. During his reign, the champion took part in many grueling battles. Many believed Eubank was not the same player after what happened to Michael Watson four years earlier. This didn’t stop him from being a dominant champion, but cracks were starting to show.

Up to that point, Collins had been knocking on the door of the massive event for several years and knew he had to make a massive fight when his chance came. Luck was on his side as another Irishman, Ray Close, was scheduled to face Eubank but was not cleared to fight, so Collins was approached. A year earlier, after three unsuccessful attempts, he won the WBO middleweight world title and did not reject any chance to become the world champion in two weight categories – by defeating Eubank, he unlocked recent fighting possibilities that he had never seen before.

“Celtic Warrior” approached the mental war accompanying the prelude to combat in an unconventional way. He claimed that he had hired a professional hypnotist to trick his mind into believing that he was invincible and that he could not lose. The hypnotist even claimed that Collins managed to see punches delivered three times slower than usual and even see a target three times its actual size.

These mind games had a very real and real effect on Eubank, who seemed very concerned about Collins’ claims. It was clear that he was still very emotional about the second fight with Michael Watson. He even threatened to withdraw from the fight and appealed to the supervisory board.

“That’s why I’m scared, that’s why I wanted to cancel the fight, because I’m going into uncharted territory,” Eubank told Sky Sports on fight day. “I don’t know what I’m dealing with tonight.

“You’ve seen what I’ve done in the past. I have proven my heart, as I said before, I don’t want another man to be the father of my children because I am not capable of it. the worst thing that ever happened to me.

When the time finally came for the two to fight, it was a scorching heat in the arena packed with thousands of Irish fans supporting Collins. He performed the theme song “Rocky” and Eubank performed Tina Turner’s customary “Simply the Best” – with an accompanying lithe and pyrotechnics show as part of Eubank’s world tour.

The first rounds were a cautious fight between two very technical counter-attackers. This should not be confused with a non-action fight, however, as both men threw menacing lines with long spear thrusts and counterattacks. Collins had the advantage in the early rounds with his work rate and willingness to attack, using looping left hooks and three-shot combinations.

Eubank usually started slowly, but the fight seemed to be getting out of hand from round to round as Collins outworked him. Eubank seemed to find his rhythm and was potentially looking to attack overdue in the championship rounds after allowing Collins to wear himself out defensively and on the granite chin.

In the eighth round, Collins caught Eubank with his arms at his sides and hit him with a straight right hand to the stomach that knocked the champion down. Eubank jumped back and begged the referee not to let it be a knockdown. While it wasn’t a shot to the chin that sent him to the canvas, it was still a neat shot, earning Eubank eight points.

Both men looked as if they were beginning to feel the frantic pace of the fight that was reminiscent of a game of blitz chess, with both fighters technically gifted enough not to want to give away any obvious advantage, but also fierce enough to look for quick and powerful combinations. The eighth-round knockdown revitalized Eubank, forcing him to take more and more risks as he approached the championship rounds.

In a shocking moment, Collins was caught by the arms as Eubank charged in with a powerful right hand that clipped the chin of the ‘Celtic Warrior’, who was dazed and unable to stop himself from going down. This once again sparked a burst of energy in the ring as Eubank aggressively pursued Collins, who must have known by this point that he needed a knockout to win.

Collins with his wife Gemma after defeating Eubank to become the two-weight world champion. Mandatory pass: Steve Munday/ALLSPORT

Collins fought brilliantly in the championship rounds to survive a brief onslaught from the champion and put in a sensational performance, simply defeating one of the kings of the golden era of British middleweight and super middleweight fighters.

The Irishman defended his recent title six times, including twice against Nigel Benn, further improving his record. He was scheduled to continue fighting Roy Jones Jr in the US, but this never happened and Collins retired as champion.

Read the first part of James Hicken’s series here: Lennox Lewis and Frank Bruno’s Cardiff heavyweight classic | Boxing News (boxingnewsonline.net)

How do you define a tidy boxer? What attributes do they rely on most to execute their rhythmic, defensively polished style?

Well, without claiming to be an expert in this field, it can be said that a true boxer will always employ his pointed jabs and practiced footwork to control the distance of the fight.

By doing this, they are able to move in and out of coverage on their terms, often moving into the pocket and even moving out of the pocket at an angle, so when an opponent becomes slightly confused by their animated movement, they can quickly exploit any openings, which in turn can become appear.

Dmitry Bivol is, of course, a tidy boxer. And yet, while he will usually fight for a long time – giving himself plenty of space not only to prepare attacks, but also to stay protected – he has also proven on uncommon occasions that he can hit the shot exceptionally well.

However, if you need further evidence of Bivol’s durability, look no further than his appearance on GQ Sports’ YouTube channel last December.

In the video “10 Things Boxing Champion Dmitry Bivol Can’t Live Without,” the 33-year-old reveals that every night before going to bed he lies down on a spiked mat – yes, you have a SPIKE – to “relax.”

While others may sip soothing herbal tea or maybe even take a heated bath, Bivol’s nightly ritual involves spreading out his lower back on a bed of metal needles.

But the truth is that every boxer – including Floyd Mayweather and Pernell Whittaker – must have a certain degree of mental and physical toughness in their back pocket to keep safely tucked away from exposure, almost like a hidden superpower whenever they are forced into a more threatening exchange.

And that’s certainly something Bivol may have to demonstrate when he clashes with Artur Beterbiev, a powerful knockout who, without needing a spiked mat, is capable of putting his compatriot to sleep at any moment.

Dmitry Bivol’s story so far

Bivol, like his next opponent, entered the professional ranks after a brilliant amateur career.

The highly skilled technician then fought his first 11 fights – earning nine stoppages – before winning the WBA airy heavyweight title in emphatic fashion, ruthlessly crushing Australian challenger Trent Broadhurst during the round.

And so, after performing in a sophisticated venue in Monte Carlo – perhaps even coming close to shattering the spectacular casino chandelier that shone brightly above the ring – Bivol soon made a name for himself on the 175-pound world stage with his explosive performance.

However, in subsequent appearances, the undefeated talent was forced to defend his newly acquired brilliance against three of the division’s most experienced operators.

And despite a significant escalate in levels, Bivol was able to complete each task with tremendous efficiency, defeating Sullivan Barrera in the 12th round before securing comprehensive points victories over wily veterans Isaac Chilemba and Jean Pascal.

By this point, the Russian had proven to be one of the most lethal performers in the sport, and dominant title defenses against the likes of Joe Smith Jr and Craig Richards only reinforced his greatness.

But then, in an unexpected clash with pound-for-pound star Canelo Alvarez, most bookmakers considered Bivol a clear underdog for the first time in his career.

And yet, regardless of the noise during the build-up, the airy heavyweight champion entered the T-Mobile Arena – Canelo’s playground – and delivered a fascinating clinic, defeating the super middleweight king with a methodical, vicious jab.

Indeed, the monumental victory – although slightly undermined by three stunning scorecards – gave Bivol the recognition he has long deserved.

However, his path to undisputed position was not yet complete. Standing in his way were Gilberto Ramirez and Lyndon Arthur, both of whom ultimately succumbed to the brilliance of Bivol, who barely broke a sweat before finally reaching his chosen destination – or so he thought.

With Beterbiev suffering a knee injury ahead of the supremacy fight, which was originally scheduled for June 1, Bivol took the opportunity to dance under the lights one last time and scored a devastating sixth-round stoppage victory over the awkward but threatening Malik Zinad.

And that, if anything, would be a heartfelt reminder to his next opponent, illustrating that a real boxer can also punch with a little power when he needs to.

ELEVEN professional opponents tried to solve Skye Nicolson’s great mystery. They all failed. The Australian won easily. Only one opponent tested it. Tough night last year in Fresh York against Tania Alvarez. An instructive fight for Nicolson. She still won. In fact, she won well. But Alvarez made it work. So far, the only opponent to achieve this. Nicolson learned. She changed. Since then, the former Olympian has been untouchable.

On Saturday night, Raven Chapman will be the last competitor to try out. Chapman has a better chance than the rest. He is a living opponent. An undefeated challenger who, perhaps unlike most, if not all, of the Australian’s previous opponents, inspires confidence and a genuine belief in victory. Trust me, it matters.

I spoke to both of them more than once. It’s tough to see the crack in their self-confidence. It’s a fight they both want. It’s a fight they both need.

The plan to defeat Nicolson looks simple on paper. But no one has managed to do it yet. In fact, no one came close. Nicolson could disappear from view very quickly. Before you know it, the fight is practically over. You can lose five or six rounds on the cards without landing a single punch. Chapman knows he has to start speedy. If Nicolson comes out on top. She probably won’t get caught. 11 previous opponents will attest to this.

But Chapman brings a lot to the table. In nine fights and nine wins, she had to work a little harder for those wins than Nicolson did for eleven wins. A petite fact that could be crucial if the fight gets deep and fierce. If Chapman is going to win, it just has to go in this direction. She’ll know she has to make Nicolson feel more than uncomfortable.

In miniature, he needs to stick it to himself. And repeatedly. Chapman finds it very different from those who have tried before. She will have to be. Chapman will win the rounds. The question is whether he will win enough. Everything indicates that he will not do it.

This coming weekend, Nicolson and Chapman will create a little piece of history. The first women’s fight of the season in Riyad. An essential footnote in the current climate. It should have come sooner. But we have it now. A lot will fall on the shoulders of both players. The WBC featherweight world title will not be the only thing at stake on Saturday evening. For many reasons you feel that the fight must bring results.

Skye Nicolson defends her WBC bauble for the second time. He won’t admit it, but this is the first fight he’ll enter where there’s a real chance he’ll lose. But Chapman is in exactly the same situation. Maybe even more. But they both wanted this moment of truth. They both just want to know how good they are. This is sporadic in boxing. It’s a good fight.

Chapman believes he will win. “I just think I’m doing everything better. Just expect violence at night,” she told me last month.

But Nicolson has never lacked confidence. Already at the initial stage of her professional career, she called for a fight with Amanda Serrano. Honestly, she still is. Of course that won’t happen. But it won’t hurt Nicolson if he shouts.

Nicolson wants to be the greatest fighter who ever lived. Bold claims. But you have to admire the ambition. But sometimes reality hits harder than any blow. Nicolson may very well be the best featherweight in the world, but in other respects you need to be reserved. When the featherweight ranks are left behind, trouble can begin. Raven Chapman might even cause her as much trouble as she can handle this coming weekend.

Nicolson’s elusive Catch Me If You Can style isn’t for everyone. Often, single-strike attacks and refusing to attack only from a protected distance discourage many. Some will say Nicolson runs. He’ll say it’s a move. But whatever it is, it works. And quite attractive. This is her greatest weapon. It’s not up to her to change. It’s up to her opponents to decide what her style will be. Boxing Rubik’s Cube.

The fight will take place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyad, Saudi Arabia. Good fight. But also very essential. This is history. Well, sort of. An overused expression in every area of ​​life. But more in boxing. But regardless of the label, Skye Nicolson and Raven Chapman have the seismic platform and fight they wanted. It may be a moment of time. We hope that there will be many more moments like this in their sport.