Bantam bragging rights

The domestic boxing season gets off to a promising start in Doncaster on Saturday night with what should be an excellent bantamweight clash between local man Jamie McDonnell & rival Stuart Hall. It's the logical fight for both men, with McDonnell defending his European & Commonwealth titles, while Hall makes a 4th defense of the British belt in what looks a genuine 50-50 contest

Having overcome the setback of a couple of losses early in his career (down at super flyweight against decent opponents Lee Haskins & Chris Edwards) McDonnell has matured & made huge strides forward over the past two years. The British & Commonwealth titles were won in January 2010 after a split decision victory over Ian Napa, a fight in which McDonnell was the clear underdog against his talented & experienced opponent, but he got the narrow victory after going the full 12 rounds for only the second time. The victory led to a European title shot & he was again given little chance as he travelled to France to face Jerome Arnould, but put in a career best performance to halt the Frenchman in the 10th round

A subsequent defense against Stephane Jamoye raised a few question marks as McDonnell laboured to a majority decision victory, but he put in an improved display in defeating Kenyan Nick Otieno in a Commonwealth defense & appears to have the ability to make an impact on the world stage. Whilst not the biggest puncher, he still hits hard enough to get respect, shows a good variety in his work & has good movement around the ring. Crucially, he also appears to be able to raise his standard when faced with a bigger challenge

At 31, Darlington's Hall is the older man by six years, but he only turned pro in 2008, is fresh & unbeaten with 7 stoppages in his 11 victories. Hall was also a beneficiary from McDonnell's European win as the Yorkshireman subsequently vacated his British belt, leaving Hall to face former champion Napa for the vacant title. It seemed a difficult challenge for Hall in what was only his 10th fight & as it unfolded those predictions seemed correct as he struggled to land against his slippery opponent, with Napa appearing on the way to a comfortable win. However, in what was a surprise to everyone, Napa's corner withdrew their fighter at the end of the 8th round. While he had shown no obvious signs of distress, apparently Napa was suffering with a combination of the heat in the building & problems with making the weight. 

However, despite the slightly fortunate beginning to his title reign, Hall has grown into his role as champion; two quick defenses took place, with Hall impressing as he stopped a pair of former champions in Martin Power & Gary Davies. Outright ownership of the Lonsdale belt was confirmed with a one sided beating of prospect John Donnelly

It's difficult to predict an outcome with any confidence; I think McDonnell is the more talented boxer & potentially capable of moving further up the ladder, but at the same time Hall has been on an excellent run since becoming champion, is growing with belief & has the confidence of an unbeaten fighter. Both men will be in shape & have good stamina so fitness shouldn't play a part & there are no obvious size advantages, both standing at 5'8, tall for the weight division. There is a feeling that McDonnell has been cornered into taking the fight & views it as a step backwards which could be risky against such a dangerous opponent

Extremely tentatively, I'll go for McDonnell on points; he needs to keep moving, forcing Hall to miss & then counter from range. If he is drawn into trading with Hall then it could be a completely different outcome. It should be a strong start to the new season either way

Big Macc

I was reminded of one of the forgotten men in British boxing the other night when watching Enzo Maccarinelli's 2007 victory over Wayne Braithwaite in what probably turned out to be his finest performance.

"Big Macc", from Swansea, is a former WBO World Cruiserweight champion, a hard hitting & entertaining fighter to watch & one of the most likeable men in the sport; it has been a shame to see his career fall apart over the past few years. Although he has 25 stoppages to his name, cementing his standing as one of the biggest punchers in world boxing, the Braithwaite fight surprisingly went the distance. It was a very impressive performance against a respected former world champion as the Welshman won every round, including a 5th round knock down, keeping his opponent on the end of his powerful jab before showing a nice variety of attack, with heavy hooks mixed in with body shots & spiteful uppercuts. It showcased Maccarinelli at his best & as far more talented than just a slugger. The fight was the third of his four successful world title defenses & led into the unification fight the following year with WBC champion David Haye. Which was the beginning of the fall...

Dubbed "Bombs Away", the clash was highly anticipated & pundits were split over the likely outcome beforehand. However the fight didn't live up to expectations; Maccarinelli looked tense & uncomfortable on his ring entrance, in stark contrast to the demeanour of Haye, & he remained stiff when the bell went. The first round was cagey but two big right hands form Haye wobbled Maccarinelli badly in the second  & the Londoner quickly followed up to bring about the stoppage (watch here)

The following year saw Maccarinelli suffer back to back knock out defeats to Ola Alofabi (last seen virtually decapitating Terry Dunstan on the Haye-Klitschko undercard) & Denis Lebedev, and with vague comments on retirement & a flirtation with MMA, it looked like the end was approaching. His fall from prominence was highlighted when he became seen as an "opponent", having to travel to St Petersburg to face unbeaten local Alexander Kotlobay for the vacant European title. However Enzo showed he still retained his ambition & power as, away from home & with no attention from the British media, he pulled off a stunning victory in only 2 minutes

Sadly the celebrations didn't last long as Maccarinelli suffered a 4th knock out in his first defense against unbeaten German Alexander Frenkel. It's worth noting that he was actually fighting well & winning the fight before Frenkel pulled out the huge left hook. Enzo bravely made it back to his feet but had no control of his legs & looked concussed; disgracefully the referee, Erkki Meronen, allowed it to continue & a defenseless Maccarinelli had to endure another two heavy shots before it was ended; he needed treatment from medics in the ring afterwards. It was the most appalling officiating I've ever witnessed, it could have led to a disaster & how that idiot can be allowed to continue to referee is beyond me

There were a lot of calls for Enzo to retire following the brutal defeat & he hasn't fought since (that was back in September 2010) but recent news suggest he is continuing & is to drop down in weight to light heavyweight. He is back working with former trainer Enzo Calzaghe & the target is a meeting with fellow Welshman, WBO champion Nathan Cleverley. I'm not sure how sensible it is; while he is only 30, four heavy knock out defeats in the past three years suggest his punch resistance has gone & it would be horrible if anything more serious was to occur. Yes he can get fit, he can still punch, probably even more devastatingly at the lower weight, & he still has a lot of ability, but none of that will matter if he is unable to take a punch anymore. There is also the issue of a career cruiserweight boiling his 6"4 frame down to 12"7.

Personally I'd like to see Enzo walk away now; he's provided plenty of entertainment,made it to the top when becoming world champion & I don't want to see him risk his health further. Sadly boxing is full of fighters who couldn't resist having "one more" attempt.

A request

I've been struggling to think of new topics for posts over the last week; with boxing having entered it's summer hiatus I'm feeling bereft of inspiration. If anyone has any suggestions that they'd like to see covered please let me know

Thank you