This day in boxing. A look back.

[Spicoli]

lots of stuff here to read about boxing

Yes there is Carlos welcome to the forum.

[Master]

On this day in 2015: James DeGale wins super-middleweight title

On May 23, 2015 James DeGale won the IBF super-middleweight title against Andre Dirrell in Boston.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look back at the fight.

After Carl Froch vacated the IBF super-middleweight title due to injury, challengers DeGale and Dirrell were paired together. The bout took place at the Agganis Arena in Boston and DeGale put on the performance of his career, completely outboxing the American. He floored Dirrell twice in the second round, but could not force a knockout. However, the Briton had done enough to earn a comfortable unanimous points victory, with two judges scoring the fight 114–112 and the third 117–109.



In beating Dirrell and becoming world champion, DeGale earned a slice of history. He became the first British boxer to win an Olympic gold as an amateur and then win a world title as a professional. The Londoner topped the podium at the 2008 Beijing Games. Only Anthony Joshua and Nicola Adams, have followed suit.

DeGale took on Sweden’s Badou Jack in a unification fight, but it was declared a draw so he retained his IBF belt. But he lost it in his next defence against Caleb Truax at London’s Copper Box on a majority decision only to claim it back in a rematch five months later with a unanimous points decision. A routine knockout victory over Fidel Munoz followed before DeGale’s career ended in 2019 when he was beaten on points by Chris Eubank Jr and subsequently retired.

https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/day...050000867.html

[Spicoli]

Had doubts about DeGale early on but turned out to be an interesting run. Liked when he came over to beat Dirrell and some fireworks with Medina and Jack. Hope he's done for good though as honestly he looked like a ko waiting to happen late with the lesser of the Eubanks.

[Master]

Had doubts about DeGale early on but turned out to be an interesting run. Liked when he came over to beat Dirrell and some fireworks with Medina and Jack. Hope he's done for good though as honestly he looked like a ko waiting to happen late with the lesser of the Eubanks.

De Gale also had a high quality match up early in his career against George Groves. He also seemed hampered by injury and poor personality. I am glad he put on that good run which you mentioned when he won the title, went on the road defending it and made good money.

I do not think he will comeback losing to Eubank Junior would be embarrassing for him especially knowing Groves handled him so easily.

[Master]

Tony Bellew becomes WBC world cruiserweight champion

On May 29, 2016 Tony Bellew won the vacant WBC world cruiserweight title with a third-round knockout of Ilunga Makabu at Goodison Park.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look back at that fight.

Bellew got the chance to fight for the WBC world cruiserweight title after reigning champion Grigory Drozd vacated the belt due to injury. The Liverpudlian was not overly keen on facing the Congolese fighter, describing him as his “worst nightmare”. A southpaw, with a big punch, Makabu had the ability to cause Bellew problems. The British fighter had home advantage on his side, though, with the bout staged at Everton’s Goodison Park stadium. Bellew is a devoted Everton fan, making it a special night for him.



Fears about Makabu were well-placed as his power caught Bellew cold in the first round and sent him to the canvas, even though he had dominated. A long night looked on the cards, but Bellew recovered and delivered a barrage of left hooks in the third round that floored Makabu, with the referee intervening. It was a glorious moment for Bellew, who won a world title at the third attempt after previous bouts against Nathan Cleverly and Adonis Stevenson had ended in defeat.

After a routine defence against BJ Flores, Bellew stepped up to heavyweight to settle his rivalry with David Haye. Bellew beat a heavily impaired Haye with an 11th-round knockout. The pair had a lucrative rematch, which Bellew again won with a convincing display. He returned to cruiserweight to take on undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk, but lost and subsequently retired.

https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/day...050000284.html

[NoSavingByTheBell]

I was wanting Bellew to beat Usyk.

[Master]

I was wanting Bellew to beat Usyk.

I never wanted Bellew to win but when I heard him interviewed before this world title fight at his favourite football teams stadium I wanted him to win. It was a very exciting and dramatic fight so glad he achieved his dream.