Seems a weird move from Degale to bin your title and go after Eubank?
Can only think Degales been offered good money for it?
http://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.th...-ibf-belt/amp/
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Seems a weird move from Degale to bin your title and go after Eubank?
Can only think Degales been offered good money for it?
http://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.th...-ibf-belt/amp/
I think De Gale wants to fight the winner of Groves v Smith. What can Junior offer?
Nothing unless he's done a crash course in the fundamentals of boxing in the last few months, Groves absolutely schooled him with basic tactics a great jab and good footwork.
An on form or even 75% form Degale simply does the same unless Degale does his macho bullshit and sits on the ropes wanting a war.
Groves chinned Jnr good and early, put him firmly in his box, he never really got back out. DeGale doesnt have that same power. He's going to get mauled.
DeGale was going to get bashed up defending and losing his title for peanuts.
De Gale looks shopworn now and the best thing for him is to rest his injuries, stay active in the gym and wait for Groves/Smith.
I agree with Memphis, I think a young, fit active Eubank Junior beats this version of James that lost and won against Traux.
The old De Gale who beat Bute et al schools Junior and beats him with ease.
Degale doesnt fight anything like Groves, and he doesnt look like hes about to outclass anyone. Does anyone think that Eubank wouldnt beat truax? Or that he isnt more effective in fighting the same way?
If you are pretty good, fit, come forward with a high output and have a chin, you beat Degale from what we've seen over the last couple years. His chance to show that he had an off night or wasnt healed up was the rematch with truax. The guy is done.
James DeGale vs Chris Eubank Jr set for February date as both fighters tease imminent announcement
It appears we will see an all-British dust-up in early 2019
A domestic clash between James DeGale and Chris Eubank Jr is seemingly on the cards for February 2019.
The meeting of the UK super-middleweights has been in the works for several months, with dates originally said to be targeted for the fight in December and January, however, Eubank Jr has now revealed that February will be the month of his return.
https://talksport.com/wp-content/upl...60&quality=100
When quizzed on the delay, the 29-year-old simply told FightHype: “February.
“February I’ll be back out and it’s going to be a massive fight.”
Both men have teased an announcement in recent social media posts, and it appears official confirmation is now imminent.
https://talksport.com/wp-content/upl...60&quality=100
It has been previously reported the bout would take place on ITV Box Office pay-per-view as part of influential US advisor Al Haymon’s venture into the UK market.
With the Haymon/ITV link-up now official and the first couple of US shows confirmed for the network, it is expected that we will see an DeGale vs Eubank Jr announcement shortly.
https://talksport.com/sport/boxing/4...-announcement/
Worthless, meaningless fight. What does it do for either fighter? Old man Hearn was right- The Eubanks are just wasting the kid's talent.
It gets Eubank Jnr an opportunity to establish confidence after his spanking by Groves.
He can then put on a show vs Calum Smith in 2019. (tongue in cheek but possible)
I agree.
Old Degale would box his ears off but this version of Degale is finished.
I've got no doubt that Jr beats this version of Degale but a Jr win means absolutely nothing, I suppose it is a 'semi' name on his record and casual fans will get on the back of it but people who have watched Degale over the last 2 or 3 years will know that there is nothing left in the tank.
Having said that I think that Degale will actually look good whilst getting beat.
James DeGale vs Chris Eubank Jr to be announced this week, reportedly set for February 23 at London Olympia
It is understood that the bout will shown on ITV Box Office pay-per-view as part of US advisor Al Haymon’s new link-up with the broadcaster.
https://talksport.com/sport/boxing/4...lympia-london/
Haven’t they announced this fight yet? Fun build up, fun fight, but it should NEVER be PPV. Think I’ll swerve that one.
James DeGale to fight Chris Eubank Jr live on ITV Box Office this February
Photo: ITV Sport
James DeGale and Chris Eubank Jr will clash at London’s O2 on 23 February in the first major UK event of the new deal between ITV and Haymon Sports’ Premier Boxing Champions.
The Super Middleweight match, to be screened exclusively live on ITV Box Office, will take place against a backdrop of hostility between two fighters who have long made no secret of their mutual dislike and are relishing the prospect of settling their differences in the ring.
James DeGale has already fired off an opening shot in the direction of his opponent. He said: “Really excited and looking forward to being back home to a fight of this magnitude.
“I believe Eubank doesn’t have the pedigree, the size and skill to beat me. Eubank is a decent fighter but every time he has stepped up he has been found out.
degale
DeGale's last fight saw him stop Fidel Muñoz in the US. Credit: PA
"He has called my name for a long time so now I’ve finally got my chance to zip his lips.”
Eubank Jr responded in kind, saying: “DeGale is going to get the schooling of his career. A good old-fashioned hiding.”
Poxon Sport is the promoter of DeGale v Eubank Jr, as the exclusive promoter of all UK PBC events on ITV.
The fighters face off at the Hotel Café Royal, in London, today [Thursday 3 January]. Live streaming of the press conference, hosted by ITV’s Gabriel Clarke, can be found on the ITV Box Office Facebook page and Youtube channel.
eub
Eubank's last major bout was a defeat George Groves last February. Credit: PA
Full details of the undercard and how to access this ITV Box Office PPV event across all platforms will be announced and made available in due course. For updated and further information, please go towww.itvboxoffice.com
Tickets for the fight go on sale on Friday 4 January at midday to O2 members and to the wider public at midday on Monday 7 January. Tickets available from www.AXS.com and Inner Ringside/VIP Hospitality from www.sportandmusic.co.uk.
News of the DeGale v Eubank Jr showdown follows the announcement at the end of December of two major world title fights to be shown free to air on ITV4 as part of the broad scope of the ITV and PBC deal.
Video of the press conference here. DeGale was even chippier than he normally is , almost to the extent of insecure. I hope he does have something left in the tank, because Eubank will only beat him if he’s shot and then we’ll never hear the end of it.
All new singing and dancing team for Eubank , only his invisible New coach from Vegas wasn’t there!:rolleyes: no sign of the Rookie cop , which is a bonus.
If you can’t be arsed to watch the whole video, I advise you to at least go to the last 30 seconds, where the Promoter ??? Is trying to have a fucking selfie with DeGale. Cringeworthy and embarrassing to the max.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=oebPZ1XKMxw
I just read that Jnr has a new trainer from the Mayweather gym.
No idea who it is but maybe it'll be like Apollo training Rocky to beat Clubber Lang 😁
Not in a Million years is this a PPV event but should be a decent grudge match still.
What is Eubank doing at 168?!
He is doing himself a major disservice.
I think now that BJS has no longer got a title it would be easier for Eubank to drop back to 160 and start making a few waves at his natural weight.
Eubank vs Andrade for the IBF title?
Then Eubank vs BJS 2?
Jr has been going to the Mayweather Club for years, doing loads of stuff with old boy Floyd and others, fat lot of good it did him. He's not improving or changing now, just needs to be matched with the right styles. He'll give anyone a decent row who isn't world-class and half-slick.
The pair announced yesterday they would trade blows in a super middleweight contest at the O2 Arena on February 23.
The fight has long been expected and their brewing rivalry over the last few years will reach boiling point in seven weeks’ time.
DeGale suggested the grudge match is a “retirement fight” for the loser, with both men still trying to rebuild their reputations from recent losses.
DeGale (25-2-1), whose name occupies the left side of the bill, shockingly lost his IBF world title to Caleb Truax in December 2017 and despite avenging the defeat four months later is still yet to convince fans he’s not on the decline.
Eubank Jr (27-2), meanwhile, looked bereft of ideas during his points loss to George Groves in February 2018 and won a tune-up fight in September.
The bout will be shown on ITV Box Office, which drew some criticism from boxing fans who feel they should not pay for what is more a grudge match than an elite level fight.
When posed about the prospect of backlash, DeGale, 32, asked iFL TV: “How can you knock this fight?
“Right about now is about being in fights that people want to see me in.
“I think the majority of England and a lot of the boxing fans want to see this fight.
“The rivalry with me and Eubank goes back from when he come to my gym - we did six rounds or whatever, I don’t know.
“He left, the day after on Twitter he said he schooled me. And from there it’s gone back and forth.
“Finally now I get my just to shut him up, embarrass him, school him. I’m gonna show him how to box, again.”
DeGale also made clear his intention not to outstay his welcome in the sport, and admitted he could well retire after this fight, win or lose.
The plan remains to fight for a world title once more, though, after relinquishing it in early 2018 so he could secure some box-office fights before his career ends.
“I spoke to my advisor Al Haymon, and I will get the chance to box for another world title before my career is done,” DeGale claimed.
“I would like to be a three-time world champion. I would like to win the WBC or the WBA, whatever.”
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/boxi...ox-officeg/amp
James DeGale vs Chris Eubank Jr undercard to feature Lee Selby and Joe Joyce
It appears as though there will be at least a couple of known names appearing in the preliminary fights on 23 February
James DeGale will fight Chris Eubank Jr in the headline attraction of an ITV Box Office pay-per-view show on February 23 in London.
The bout was officially announced on Thursday and will feature a couple of other big names on the undercard.
https://talksport.com/wp-content/upl...60&quality=100
DeGale revealed in an interview with IFLTV that he’s “pretty sure” former IBF featherweight world champion Lee Selby will be on the card, alongside heavyweight contender Joe Joyce.
31-year-old Selby recently declared that he will be moving up to lightweight following his defeat to Josh Warrington in May.
His return fight is not expected to see him in against top opposition, as he will come back after a nine-month layoff and be testing out a new weight class.
https://talksport.com/wp-content/upl...60&quality=100
33-year-old Joyce only turned professional late in 2017 and so a bout on this card would be his eighth professional contest.
Regardless, it is hoped that we will see him in against a step up in opposition, as he must be moved quickly in order to reach title contention before it’s too late.
https://talksport.com/wp-content/upl...60&quality=100
https://talksport.com/sport/boxing/4...lby-joe-joyce/
DeGale is well past his best now. He never had that much power, but he was a tidy boxer with a good heart. He could never avoid getting caught up in wars and I think that is catching up with him now.
Eubank was being built up as if he was the second coming of Marvin Hagler, and his distasteful reaction when he badly injured that bloke was horrible. Groves showed him up for what he is .... a tough, fit guy with a real lack of boxing fundamentals
A peak DeGale justvtoys with any version of Eubank over 12 painful and boring rounds. The only interest here is to see how much DeGale has got left.
De Gale says he is injury free and back to his best, I guess he would say that, but if he is then he wins comfortably. If he is not then he gets stopped brutally.
I don’t like either of these guys, though Eubank seems especially cringe. Think he wins though. Limited as he is, there’s no reason to think he’s not at his best, and no reason to think Degale has much left. His fights with truax showed a huge decline in form. If he doesn’t have it in him to avoid a dogfight with that caliber of opponent(no disrespect to truax, very good journeyman), he’s not about to put on a clinic against a guy who is quite a bit better at the same stuff. Hope I’m wrong and agree at his best degale wins in style, but he looks done.
Lee Selby is set to return on the undercard, against highly underrated Omar Douglas. This fight is supposed to be at 135. This won't be an easy fight, and I even slightly favor Douglas here.
Joyce vs Stiverne also set for the undercard.
Chris Eubank Jr playing mind games with James DeGale in Instagram comments
The super-middleweights will square off on February 23 at the O2 Arena
With just over a month to go until their fight, Chris Eubank Jr is starting to turn up the heat on James DeGale.
The pair exchanged words at the initial press conference to announce their fight on February 23 in London, however their old rivalry is yet to truly catch fire.
Now, however, Eubank Jr has started to prod at his opponent by leaving a subtle comment on social media to play mind games.
DeGale posted a picture of himself training with an impressive looking barbell, only for Eubank Jr to reply on Sunday night: “Weights will not save you.”
Previously, angry words have been publicly exchanged back-and-forth between the pair, stemming from a dispute over a sparring session that took place several years ago.
https://talksport.com/wp-content/upl...60&quality=100
Upon the announcement of the fight, DeGale declared: “Really excited and looking forward to being back home to a fight of this magnitude.
“I believe Eubank doesn’t have the pedigree, the size and skill to beat me.
“Eubank is a decent fighter but every time he has stepped up he has been found out.
https://talksport.com/wp-content/upl...60&quality=100
https://talksport.com/sport/boxing/4...gram-comments/
Wilder's younger brother Marsellos (don't give his Mrs a foot rub) has been added to the bill
Marsellos Wilder, the younger brother of WBC Heavyweight Champion Deontay, will make his UK debut at The O2 in London on Saturday 23rd February.
The first big British boxing show of 2019 and PBC’s premiere event in the UK has set the standards high and Wilder joins a huge list of star names on the show headlined with the mouthwatering clash between grudge rivals James DeGale and Chris Eubank Jr., supported with the explosive showdown between Commonwealth Heavyweight Champion Joe Joyce and Former World Champion Bermane Stiverne, plusthe return of Former IBF World Featherweight Champion Lee Selby.
With Deontay, the “Bronze Bomber”, holding the WBC crown and coming off a thrilling fight against Tyson Fury to defend his title, fast-rising star Marsellos is creating a name for himself in the division below at Cruiserweight where he’s undefeated in three fights with two knockouts.
The 29-year-old from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, first fights this Saturday night in Brooklyn, New York, when he faces Will Florentino on the PBC show headlined by the highly-anticipated return of WBA World Welterweight Champion Keith Thurman against battle-hardened contender Josesito Lopez, televised live in the UK on ITV4.
Marsellos will then follow in the footsteps of Deontay, who stopped Olympic Champion Audley Harrison inside a round in Sheffield in April 2013, by having his first fight in the UK as he builds towards joining his older sibling in becoming a World Champion and Deontay will accompany Marsellos on his first excursion to the UK.
He said, “I feel super duper blessed. I’m grateful to get this ultimate experience to be able to go to another country and showcase my talents to another culture. I’m going to give it my all and give it my best for the fans in the UK and represent the U.S."
“It’s going to be great to have my brother who is the Heavyweight Champion of the World to be able to watch me perform in the UK. It brings me a lot of motivation and pride to be able to perform in the UK and represent our last name. That’s amazing.”
Deontay beamed, "I think it’s a grand deal for him to be able to display his talent before the UK fans. Boxing is very popular there. It’s going to be fun to be able to root him on. It’s going to be good for him to get that experience outside of the U.S. I’m very excited for him. I’m looking forward to coming over there and being with the fans and to show support for that fact that we’re teamed with ITV and we’ll be doing PBC shows there.”
http://www.secondsout.com/news/deont...--boxing-debut
George Groves back in the gym and could fight James DeGale vs Chris Eubank Jr winner, reveals trainer Shane McGuigan
The Saint will likely make an announcement regarding his future soon
George Groves’ trainer Shane McGuigan has revealed the former super-middleweight world champion is now back in the gym.
The 30-year-old lost his WBA title to Callum Smith last September in what was the fourth defeat of his career.
This prompted retirement speculation from fans and he has since spent a well-earned period away from the sport and away from the media spotlight.
“I think he’s enjoyed the time off, reflecting with his family and switching off from boxing,” McGuigan told Boxing Social.
“He’s back in the gym now just doing some conditioning. I’ll let George discuss his future plans.
https://talksport.com/wp-content/upl...60&quality=100
“But I think it was great for him to have a bit of a breather from it and reflect on what he wants in the next stage of his life and the next stage of his career.
“I think that [an announcement on his future] is gonna be very soon, he’s gonna sit down with his promoters and his team and discuss the options. He’s still processing it.”
Prior to his defeat to Smith in the World Boxing Super Series final, George Groves overcame Chris Eubank Jr by decision.
Eubank Jr is now set to square off with another of Groves’ former foes, James DeGale, with McGuigan believing that the winner could potentially be a big fight to tempt his man to continue.
When asked if the winner of the February 23 fight made sense for Groves, McGuigan replied: “I think so, if DeGale won.
“But then again, are you doing it for the wrong reasons? You can’t just set your mind on one fight.
“I think that would be the one that would get him up the most, but so would the chance to avenge the loss against [Callum] Smith and Badou Jack.
“The super-middleweight division – I don’t know if he can make it again personally.”
https://talksport.com/sport/boxing/4...hane-mcguigan/
Chris Eubank Jr aims to relaunch career by sending Brit rival James DeGale into retirement
The 29-year-old faces the two-time IBF super-middleweight champion at the 02 Arena on February 23
CHRIS EUBANK JR is back in the deep end — and he knows defeat could see him washed up as a high-profile boxer.
After just one year and one underwhelming tune-up fight since his super-middleweight title loss to George Groves, he is taking on another of West London’s finest in the packed division.
When the fight with two-time IBF king and 2008 Olympic gold medal winner James DeGale was announced, 29-year-old Eubank refused to agree to a retirement clause, insisting he had too much in the tank to consider quitting.
But a third top-level defeat, having fallen short against Billy Joe Saunders in 2014 and The Saint last February after rebuilding, would leave him perilously close to rock bottom.
Most of the early bravado, which was not helped by his father embellishing his ability, has subsided.
Now the Brighton fighter concedes that failure on February 23 at the O2 Arena in London could run his dreams aground.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/...1947.jpg?w=960
Sitting in his East Sussex gym without the guidance of Chris Sr, Junior said: “I am proud of what I have done but there is so much more I want to do.
“I want to become a world champion and win multiple belts, so this fight is make or break for me.
“I have to beat James in convincing fashion so I can go on to fight for world titles or legitimately fight the best, I cannot afford a flat performance.
“James was talking about the loser having to retire but I don’t really pay attention to that. Losing never comes into my mind but this is a fight I cannot lose.
“A defeat would leave me in a very difficult spot in my career. This is the most important fight of my life.”
To overcome the taller DeGale, a natural 12st fighter with a longer reach, Eubank will have to have dramatically improved on the courageous but basic brawler who was comfortably outpointed by Groves.
In a last-ditch attempt to improve, he has finally employed a full-time coach to work alongside veteran Ronnie Davies.
Nate Vasquez, a part of Floyd Mayweather’s team in Las Vegas, has moved into Eubank’s Brighton mansion, along with specific southpaw sparring partner Denis Douglin.
The mention of new room-mates puts a shock smile on the 27-2 fighter, who makes mean and moody look effortless.
Tucking the grin away after a rare outing, he said: “After ten years of living alone, it has been a bit of a shock. And it’s two men too, not a woman. A woman I could handle — but two men is different.
“It has been a huge undertaking and something I had to really get used to. Luckily, they are not animals or pigs.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/...3762.jpg?w=960
“I got lucky, they clean up after themselves and it has actually been a nice experience. Would I have them live with me outside of a fight camp? Probably not but it’s working.
“I am happy. Everything is falling into place inside and outside of boxing.”
The role in the corner for his father, who was away on a trip to Africa, is yet to be decided.
Junior insists the relationship remains strong but says Vasquez will be the leading man in his corner, sliding between the ropes during the breaks and helping to formulate the game-plan.
DeGale has always spoken highly of his 52-year-old former two-weight world champion dad, but Junior admitted it has played on his mind when rivals verbally attacked his father over previous fights.
He said: “My dad is still around the same amount, he was not training me for the Groves fight, he was not in the gym with me every day, he never has been, he is a busy man with his own life.
“I can speak for myself. I also don’t need rival fighters targeting him to try to get under my skin.
“He is still a big part of the team, he always will be. Will he be in the corner on the night? We have not discussed that yet. But Nate will be No 1 in the corner.”
‘Next Gen’, as he has branded himself, does hope to have plenty of other family members in the ring.
Brother Seb made his light-heavyweight debut on the Groves undercard, cousin Harlem is a 7-0 prospect and half-brother Nathaniel Wilson is now part of the family after reconciling with Chris Sr.
Junior said: “We’ve got Team Eubank going. It’s great to have brothers and cousins fighting and involved in the sport.
“I will be trying to get some, if not all, of them on the bill. That would be a great thing to do. Seb spends a lot of time in Dubai, we used to train together a lot but we don’t really get to any more.
“Harlem is in and out of this gym quite often. I have never trained with Nathaniel but he is welcome down here anytime.”
Privately educated Eubank has been questioned for insisting on fighting at 168lbs when he is naturally more suited to the division below.
Junior now admits he is open to a return down to middleweight but has defended the fight game.
He said: “I would not say boxing is a mug’s game. It’s only a mug’s game if you don’t prepare and dedicate yourself to it, then it is a mug’s game 100 per cent.
“You are going to get beaten up, hurt, used. You are going to get put on shows to lose and not get paid. Boxing is a hard way to earn money.
“But if you are going to be responsible, if you are going to make it your life’s work and be in the gym every day, living and eating right, it is not a mug’s game.
“Done right, boxing is the most noble and amazing sport in the world.”
https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/82863...le-retirement/
Billy Joe Saunders believes old friend James DeGale will beat old enemy Chris Eubank Jr
Saunders outpointed Eubank himself in 2014
Billy Joe Saunders has unsurprisingly picked his old amateur teammate James DeGale to beat his old rival Chris Eubank Jr.
The British super-middleweights will finally meet at the O2 Arena on February 23 – live on talkSPORT – after years of bitter trash talk.
Saunders has plenty of experience in the company of both men, having been in Team GB with James DeGale at the 2008 Olympics and having fought Chris Eubank Jr as professionals in 2014.
When asked who he thought would win the fight, Saunders told Behind The Gloves: “People are saying, ‘DeGale’s finished, he’s over the hill.’
“You can’t lose that technical ability. Everybody gets old.
“Let’s say he’s lost five per cent of his movement. Five per cent of pure boxing is purely good enough to beat Eubank. That’s all.”
https://talksport.com/wp-content/upl...60&quality=100
Saunders and Chris Eubank Jr have had their own raging conflict for several years after Saunders beat Eubank Jr in a 2014 defence of his British, European and Commonwealth titles.
Since then, Saunders has always spoken disparagingly of Eubank Jr and continued to do so in his prediction.
“He’s just not good enough,” Saunders continued, “End of story.
“I can see nothing but a DeGale points win.”
https://talksport.com/sport/boxing/4...ris-eubank-jr/
Been following the ITV footage of the build up, they both have some snazzy houses, Jr drives his billion pound McLaren around Brighton to fetch milk and bread and Paulie has been staying with DeGale's parents (another snazzy gaff) as he's working with him.
The real question though is who is the best looking? Both think the other is delusional?
https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/...0&h=413&crop=1
Between a Horse and a Gnu ?:-X
it is not a good sign when a fighter in talking openly about retirement before a big fight.
James DeGale: British boxer to consider retirement after fight with Chris Eubank Jr
James DeGale will consider retirement after his fight with fellow Briton Chris Eubank Jr in London later this month.
The 33-year-old vacated the IBF super-middleweight title in July having won a rematch against Caleb Truax.
He will face Eubank Jr in a super-middleweight fight at the O2 Arena on 23 February.
"I'm going to get this good win. After this good win I'll maybe knock it on the head. I don't know," he said.
DeGale lost the IBF title to Truax in December 2017 but reclaimed the belt against the American in April 2018.
https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cp...ale_getty2.jpg
He said the decision to vacate was to free him up to pursue "massive fights" rather than face mandatory defences ordered by the IBF.
"I could go on to have another three or four fights; I'm not too sure," he added.
"I'm in a good position where I'm happy and content in what I've done with my career. I've left my mark. I'm sitting nice.
"The hunger and desire hasn't been stronger. I've been training for this fight for a long, long time. Mentally, I'm ready; physically, I'm ready, I'm healthy. There's a lot of questions hanging over this fight as well, but the main one is how much have I got left? Am I declining, am I shot? We'll see."
DeGale's fights against American Truax followed a draw with Badou Jack. He stopped Colombian Fidel Monterrosa Munoz in his last fight in September.
Former WBA super-middleweight champion George Groves, touted as a potential future opponent for DeGale, retired in January.
"I didn't feel anything. I didn't even think about it," said DeGale of Groves' decision.
"I'm concentrating on my fight and what I want to do. I don't care about George Groves' career; he's retired. He thought it was the right time to get out of it and he's knocked it on the head."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/47233259
Lee Selby on the undercard but why is he jumping up two divisions? He better bring some punch with Omar Douglas. He'll outclass him but Douglas is a very physical rough fighter and I'd put money on Selby getting butted and opened up again.
Good luck to them trying for a big money fight, which it certainly isn't in my view. I don't know about Degale but EU certainly has a load of followers 20-30 yr olds with money to splash on £100 tickets at the O2, cant see the ppv bringing in much but time will tell.
Lee Selby interview: A tale of triumph, tragedy and a second coming on the James DeGale vs Chris Eubank Jr undercard
Few fighters have walked the line of tragedy and success with the same silent valour as Lee Selby. The slender Barry-born boxer, slightly tanned but largely unscuffed after weeks spent touring Los Angeles’ roughneck gyms, returns to the ring on Saturday nine months after losing his featherweight world title to Josh Warrington.
Selby’s career, even in world title triumph, has been unforgiving. He speaks in the slightly tired manner of having already been here a thousand times. A career where he has reached the summit, but never quite seen the stars.
The last time Selby was seen outside of the ring, taking to the scales before that gruelling bloodbath with Warrington, Selby cut a dangerous mess of skin, sinew and bone. Gaunt in the face with dark circles around his eyes, he had spent the last three weeks chewing on lettuce leaves trying to trick his stomach into believing he was full, as he wrung his 5’9” frame down to a skeletal 126lbs (57kg).
“I wouldn’t eat,” Selby tells The Independent. “I couldn’t spar for three weeks out from a fight because of how few calories I was eating. I was just on the cross-trainer or running all day. I would be constantly thinking about my weight, it was mentally draining. Looking back, I can’t even imagine how I did it.”
Selby was exhausted and outclassed in a punishing and ultimately one-sided contest with Warrington. After three years as a world champion, only pride and mettle kept him on his feet.
Defeat in a sport like boxing rarely brings relief, but after toiling at the weight in search of that one big fight – and payday – Selby was finally released from the crippling cycle. It may not have been on his own terms, but in a game so crude and often unjust, it became cathartic. “It’s not frustrating,” he says. “To be honest, it felt like I could finally move on.”
Selby has now moved up two weight divisions, to lightweight, giving himself an extra 9lbs of leeway. On Saturday, he takes on Omar Douglas, a dreadlocked puncher from Delaware, who has only lost twice in his career – both times at world title level – and is eyeing a coronation of his own. Selby could have had a softer touch on his return, but that’s not what he wanted. That’s not who he is.
Still living just a short drive from the council estate in Barry in South Wales where he grew up, Selby is on the one hand so daring and borderless, but on the other inseparably rooted in his hometown. “It’s all I know,” he says. “It might be tough to an outsider, but not when you’re brought up like that. It’s just the life everybody is living around me.”
Children wail in the kitchen along with the sound of the television set, just down the road is the rundown gym where his father catapulted him into boxing aged 8, and where he had his first amateur fight, 22 years ago, as a fearless 10-year-old boy.
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“It was hard from the beginning,” he says. “I was fighting on the small hall shows, no money, no slots on TV, going away as the opponent. It’s tough but you appreciate it more when you’ve done it the hard way.”
Home has also been a place of heartache.
When Selby’s older brother, Michael, suddenly passed away, it was the gym where he re-devoted himself to boxing after time spent papering over his emotions. When he became Wales’ 12th world champion, beating undefeated Russian Evgeny Gradovich in 2015, despite “nobody believing it was possible”, it was Michael to whom he dedicated the belt.
Eighteen months ago, when preparing to make the third defence of that belt, Selby arrived at his hotel room in London on the Tuesday evening of fight week. At 3am in the morning, he was awoken by numerous phone calls from his younger brother, Andrew, back in Barry. Only in the morning did he find out his mother, Frankie, had been rushed to hospital and passed away during the night.
Outside of his close circle, Selby didn’t tell anybody. Still starving himself to make the weight, he insisted he would fight on. “That’s just me I guess,” he says. “I just got on with it, that’s just the type of person I am.” That night, he produced one of the most impressive and assured performances of his career and drove back to Barry to see his family before sunrise.
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So, you see, when Lee Selby says defeat to Josh Warrington was “just another fight” he hasn’t watched back yet, it’s not an attempt at a front. And when he says he is returning to the ring to become Wales’ first two-weight world champion, not for the money, you believe him too. He is no average, nor ordinary fighter, but he is disarmingly honest.
A career, and a life, where everything has been earned in the hardest possible way and where success has walked hand-in-hand with tragedy from sports hall to stadium. Sometimes, between training and raising his two daughters, he’ll walk long and high up into the fields and woods above the town to go shooting with his seven dogs to get away from it all. To get a taste of “an easy life”.
“A nice, easy life,” he says heavily. That’s what he is most looking forward to. “I’ve done enough work in these gyms to last me a lifetime.”
https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/lee...002219253.html
Never ceases to amaze me that after all this time, with countless precedents and unlimited knowledge at their disposal, there are still fighters doing things this way and putting their neck on the chopping block. That or they're lying through their back teeth. Whats equally as amazing is the teams these people have endorsing this kind of behaviour.
The Selby's are a weird pair. Neither of them seem to like boxing that much, Lee just wants to tick over quietly with his kids and dogs, Andrew with not even a dozen pro fights under his belt talks openly about not liking boxing.