Boxing
“Scary” Harry Scarff ready to step up to the plate against Karen Chukhadzain
Published
6 months agoon
By
J. HumzaFor a few compact weeks, it looked like Harry Scarff had finally become the main beneficiary of the boxing business that had kept him on the fringes for so long.
Last November, Scarff did his part by defeating Ekow Essuman to win the British and Commonwealth welterweight titles and earn a high ranking in the IBF.
The sanctioning body then rewarded his efforts by ordering a world title final eliminator between Scarff and Ukrainian Karen Chukhadzian.
When Scarff’s promoter Wasserman won the bid to stage the fight, it seemed like the stars had finally aligned perfectly for the 30-year-old from Derby, England.
It wasn’t meant to be. Boxing policy means that if Scarff is to earn the right to fight Jaron Ennis for the IBF title, he will first have to defeat Chukhadzian in Hamburg, Germany.
The disappointment quickly passed.
Scarff has been on the road for all of his biggest fights, and while he would have preferred to walk into a familiar arena filled with recognizable faces on the biggest night of his career, that doesn’t matter right now.
The most vital part of the contract is still in force, and Scarff (13-2, 3 KO) will get the fight he has always dreamed of.
“Wasserman won the bid and we were looking forward to it happening locally,” Scarff told BoxingScene. “It didn’t work out that way. I think they fought for a date and location that matched the TV dates, and their team insisted and insisted and appealed to the IBF, and that’s how it started. I’m just glad I’ve sorted it out at this stage. I kept my head down, continued training and now I’m just ready to go.
– It’s like Harry Scarff, isn’t it? I’m looking forward to this though. I will take advantage of this opportunity.”
Scarff’s nickname “Scary Harry” is one of the more eye-catching ring nicknames in the sport, but while it suited him perfectly early in his career, it now does a disservice to his boxing skills. The technical details of Scarff’s game are hidden in an angular frame that gives the impression that each collision of bone against bone hurts. Scarff is not a sullied fighter, but if the situation calls for it, he is more than capable of pulling off an ugly, mighty victory.
The inexperienced Scarff suffered a couple of losses early in his career to Anthony Fowler and Troy Williamson as a junior middleweight, but has performed admirably since he dropped down to 147 pounds two years ago. The virtual defeat to Louis Greene looks even better considering the way Greene has been competing as a junior middleweight recently, and his title-winning decision over Essuman last November was a textbook demonstration of how to tame, negate and then dominate an undefeated, full-fledged opponent’s action. master.
Despite having to travel to Germany, Scarff will rely on his ability to adapt to the challenge before him, rather than taking a more aggressive approach in trying to impress the judges.
“I’ll just be myself. I think this is the best way,” he said. “I’ve always approached huge fights this way and that’s generally how I am. I like to look at you and then really grab them and drag them into the deep end where they don’t want to go. At this weight I am huge, athletic and mighty. I have an awkward fighting style, I can fight in two ways. It’s a tough night for everyone.
“It’s strenuous for people to prepare for it. I have many strings on my bow and I feel like I can unravel and deal with it as I need to.
Chukhadzian is known to boxing fans for going the distance against the standout Ennis in the previous must-see IBF title fight. Chukhadzian (28) showed resilience but caused Ennis several problems and suffered a crushing points defeat in January last year.
Scarff expects a different version of Chukhadzian on Friday night. The Ukrainian Chukhadzian will undoubtedly value him much less than Ennis, and with such a high prize on offer, it seems he will surely put up a very different kind of fight.
Scarff analyzed Chukhadzain’s style and background and found nothing that would cause him to lose sleep at night during the preparation period. In fact, a case can be made that his victory over Essuman trumps any of the Ukrainian’s 23 welterweight victories in history.
“Honestly, I don’t recognize anyone other than Ennis. I’ve fought some good names in the past. I have no problems with this fight,” he said.
“He was often on the defensive against Ennis. He ran around a lot that night, trying to pick and poke at things. In other fights we’ve seen, he’s been on his feet a little better. He still likes to work at angles, has quick feet and quick hands. I feel like I’ll push him onto his back foot and he’ll feel my size and strength. I think after that I will really take control of the fight. I think if you win exchanges, it’s a good start in boxing.
The way fighters are promoted and built today means that many reach world-class level without having to meet an opponent who has a similar level of skill and determination as them. Scarff’s journey was different.
His 15 professional fights were spread over seven years, and he developed a win-at-all-costs mentality that comes from being an unfashionable opponent with a string of losses under his belt.
Scarff’s mental strength cannot be questioned, and he believes the Essuman fight proved that he, too, has the ability to thrive at the highest level.
“I was quite content with the fight against Ekow,” he said. “I like that I started pretty aggressive, then I got into the box, then he pushed a little bit and I was able to finish the championship rounds aggressively. So I was content with that. I’m thinking about doing this and showing many aspects of my game. I will try to do something similar.
“I think Eko was already rumored to be an IBF eliminator final – albeit against a different opponent – but he was at that level. I am more than confident that I will rise to the challenge here and take the top spot in the welterweight division.”
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Boxing
Mike Tyson’s fresh boxing record left a mark on the sport forever
Published
3 hours agoon
November 17, 2024Mike Tyson can boast the seventh defeat of his career after a one-sided loss to Jake Paul on Friday evening in Texas.
Tyson accepted a $20 million payout, leaving a lasting stain on his boxing and sport. Tyson is 50-7, two winless, and will never be able to remove the check mark from his resume.
Fans of the heavyweight legend will forever have to deal with the fact that Tyson was brought out of retirement to take on an influencer in exchange for content, praise and clicks. Fans who grew up watching Mike rule the world as the youngest ever top-flight ruler and undisputed champion will undoubtedly have a difficult time accepting the fact that Tyson is no longer 50-6.
Having lost four of his last five fights, Tyson should have retired after beating Lennox Lewis 49-3.
In a statement, Tyson thankfully turned down another fight, even though he declared after the fight: “I don’t think so. Maybe his brother.
“It’s one of those situations where you lost but you still won. I’m grateful for last night. But I don’t regret entering the ring for the last time,” Tyson said.
“I almost died in June and had eight blood transfusions. I lost half my blood and 25 pounds in the hospital and had to fight to get better to fight, so I won.
“For my children to see me stand shoulder to shoulder and finish eight innings with a talented fighter half my age in front of a packed Dallas Cowboys Stadium is an experience no man could ever ask for. Thank you.”
Despite Tyson admitting his career is over, many blame Paul for adding an unnecessary stain to the boxing legend’s notebook.
Former world champion Carl Froch fell in love with Paul after witnessing the shocking events at AT&T Stadium from his home in Nottingham.
“It looked like Mike Tyson just showed up to play his part in this little circus,” The Cobra noted. “Jake Paul was either too scared to get involved or he didn’t want to hurt him.
– I don’t think he can. I don’t believe Jake Paul is good enough. The fight itself was awesome. Mike Tyson is 58 years aged. But Jake Paul also gave an amazing performance.
“I don’t like how he tries to say he didn’t really try, because I think he tried sometimes. And I don’t think he had the courage to stand in front of Tyson and try to do anything to get him out of there.
We hope that one day Paul will take his boxing career seriously and stop cutting corners. This is unlikely because Paul does not have enough talent to compete with anyone in the top 15 in any weight class.
The circus will continue.
Boxing
“Mike Tyson knocking out Jake Paul is an ‘all-time backfire’
Published
3 days agoon
November 14, 2024Mike Tyson may not win at all even if he knocks out Jake Paul on Friday.
Tyson is approaching a comeback fight that many believe will not end with anyone winning.
Tyson was told that winning at the age of 58 in boxing was an empty joke. Tyson can’t really win either way if he crushes Paul or gets knocked out himself.
The former UFC star turned analyst weighed in on the Tyson debate as Daniel Cormier offered his views on the controversial fight.
Tyson will wear his professional gloves on November 15, nineteen years and more since his last appearance. Despite “Iron” Mike losing his previous two contests by knockout, YouTuber Paul sees Tyson as a cash opportunity to gain some recognition.
However, Cormier joins many voices who believe that both men have no chance of winning this fight. The only advantage of the entire Netflix event is money, which is no reason to create such an antagonist, since both men are already millionaires.
On his “Funky and the Champ” show, Cormier discussed Tyson’s smokescreen training videos, saying, “I understand that [he looks good at 58]and I understand what he is saying [he feels great].
“I agree when he hits the pads with Rafael Cordeiro. It looks like there’s still something left there. But then I see Jake Paul fighting Mike Perry. I saw Jake Paul get overwhelmed to the point where he started to feel uncomfortable. It looked like Mike Perry had a chance. But Jake has a reserve tank he can go to and benefit from because he’s 28 years ancient. Then he comes back and finally finishes Mike Perry.
“At the beginning of the fight, Mike Perry gets beaten up and dropped. He looks trained and unmatched. This worries me because what if it looks like a 58-year-old man fighting a 28-year-old man while Mike can’t operate the backup tank to stay and compete with this juvenile kid? I think it’s a failure for Jake Paul because if you beat Mike Tyson, everyone will love him.
“What if Mike knocks him out? It’s over,” Cormier added. “Everything is ready. This would be the backfire of all time. If he gets knocked out, nothing like this has ever happened in the history of sports.”
Paul has eight two-minute rounds to get the job done, while the consensus is that Tyson only has 30 seconds before he’s blowing tough and having difficulty keeping up.
The only comparison fight fans have made to the Paul vs. Tyson fight is when Evander Holyfield returned to action at the same age as Tyson in 2021. Facing Vitor Belfort, who was twenty years older than Paul at the time, Holyfield lasted only 109 seconds.
Mike is in deep crisis and must get out of the fight or destroy his opponent to gain any recognition. Senior Tyson would have beaten that opponent in a matter of seconds. Therefore, he must prove that money is not the only thing that counts.
In a recent workout, Tyson’s muscle mass remains off the charts for a man his age. The only problems will be its resistance to attacks and movement. If Mike can’t move around the ring, he’ll be chosen at his discretion by a guy three decades younger, with a much more significant engine.
Paul clearly doesn’t have skills comparable to Tyson. However, Mike has shown on numerous occasions, even in his thirties, that he is prone to impoverished performances and falling out of the game.
An audience of millions will watch to decide his ultimate legacy.
If Paul knocks Tyson out, it will be a disaster.
Boxing
Ardreal Holmes Jr. is the leader of Large Time Boxing on December 12 in Flint, Michigan
Published
4 days agoon
November 13, 2024Salita Promotions returns to Flint, Michigan on Thursday, December 12 with another edition of BIG TIME BOXING USA, the leading talent development series in the sport, featuring a fight card packed with some of boxing’s top prospects, including Michigan Jr.’s Ardreal “Bossman” Holmes. , Joey Spencer, Da’Velle “Hitman 2.0” Smith and Leon Lawson III.
This will be the sixth BIG TIME BOXING USA card since the series premiered in February, and it is without a doubt the series’ strongest lineup yet, from top to bottom. All the action takes place at the Dort Financial Center in Flint, and the top four fights are broadcast live on DAZN, the undisputed home of boxing worldwide. Tickets for the event go on sale Wednesday at 11 a.m. EST and can be purchased online HERE or in person at the Dort Financial Center box office.
After successfully defending his USBA junior middleweight title in September, Flint native Holmes (16-0, 6 KO) returns to his hometown to once again put his title on the line in the main event against an experienced challenger, French veteran Ahmed El Mousaoui ( 35-6-1, 9 KOs).
Fan favorite Spencer (18-1, 11 KO), from nearby Fenton, Michigan, will fight in a 10-round 160-pound fight. Spencer has bounced back with two wins since his lone loss to undefeated, highly-rated Jesus Ramos in March 2023.
Spencer will fight as a professional for the second time in his home state of Michigan. “Fighting in front of fans and friends from all over the state was the best experience,” Spencer said. “I grew up fighting alongside Ardreal Holmes and Leon Lawson – training and traveling to tournaments together and even sparring with each other as we grew into the same weight class.
“Large Time Boxing is a very cold series and Dmitriy Salita does a lot for boxing in Michigan. I can’t wait for December 12th and I’ll be ready to put on a show.
“My team and I are proud to announce the strongest BIG TIME BOXING USA fight card to date,” Salita said. “Since the series launched in February, we have been building and evolving it to become the premier talent development platform for newborn fighters, and this fight card is the best yet. Thank you to DAZN for providing a global platform for these fighters to shine and earn a shot at a world title. We would also like to thank Flint fans for supporting their hometown heroes and the entire sport of boxing. We had a great performance at the Dort Financial Center in September and this fight card is even more packed with incredible talent.”
Smith, touted as Detroit’s best undefeated middleweight prospect since Tommy Hearns, scored an impressive victory over Gilberto Pereira dos Santos last month in Puerto Rico. Smith has a record of 10-0 and 8 knockouts, and his momentum will be even greater when he returns to the ring against William Townsel (8-1, 6 KO) from Virginia Beach. This matchup represents the first major test for Smith, who is considered the second coming of the legendary Hearns due to his combination of speed, power and physique. Townsel previously upset Nadim Salloum, who had a 12-1 record heading into the fight, during the March edition of BIG TIME BOXING USA.
Flint native Lawson (16-1, 9 KO), cousin of Anthony and Andre Dirrell, returns after an impressive performance in September when he dominated Argentine Luis Alberto Veron and scored his second straight TKO. Lawson’s super welterweight opponent will not be announced. Additionally, former world title contender Byron Rojas (28-4-3, 11 KO) will fight on the fight card.
Rising star Samantha Worthington (9-0, 7 KO) of Lexington, Kentucky, will compete for the third time in 2024, defending her undefeated record in women’s super lightweight fighting. Worthington is ranked No. 2 by the IBF, No. 4 by the WBO and No. 6 by the WBC and WBA at 140 pounds. Worthington is promoted by “GWOAT,” unified women’s world champion and Flint native Claressa Shields and T-Rex Promotions. Shields and Worthington were members of the 2016 U.S. Olympic team.
Shields added that Worthington is a player that Flint fans won’t want to miss. “Samantha will showcase the relentless work ethic and tremendous skill that first caught my eye and has seen her rise through the ranks,” Shields said. “Samantha is well on her way to challenging the top competitors in the sport, with future world title fights against the likes of Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano well within her reach. Michigan fans, get ready to watch a rising women’s boxing star in your own backyard.
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