Matt Christie

1 week ago | boxingscene.com | Matt Christie

There are few things that annoy a fighter more than a journalist advising them to retire. Frankly, how dare they publish their opinions about the life of another, after never experiencing anything like the life they’re so opinionated about. Yet when journalists are doing so it is nearly always because they care and not because they’re wishing to spoil anyone’s fun.

2 weeks ago | boxingscene.com | Matt Christie

The heavyweight division, historically, is both the most lucrative and forgiving weight class in boxing. It is where money-making prospects are nurtured for as long as possible and, in turn, it is where faltering stalwarts with name value become their dinner of choice. It explains why Dave Allen, after seven losses, was invited in December to serve the unbeaten Johnny Fisher, a likeable slugger, with a wholly digestible feast.

2 weeks ago | boxingscene.com | Matt Christie

Terri Harper retained her WBO lightweight title with a points victory so one-sided that it was a surprise all three judges gave the plucky Natalie Zimmerman one round on their unanimous 99-91 scorecards. Afterwards, the victor called out Caroline Dubois, an altogether more fitting rival. “[Dubois] rubs me up the wrong way – she gets my fire burning,” Harper said. “I hope that’s what comes next.

2 weeks ago | boxingscene.com | Matt Christie

Maxi Hughes defeated Archie Sharp via unanimous decision in one of the dullest championship 12-rounders ever seen in a British ring. Hopes were high for this matchup, staged in Doncaster, England’s open air Keepmoat Stadium, given the careers of both were seemingly at stake. In the end, thanks to scores of 115-113, 116-112 and 120-108, Hughes improved to 28-7-2 (6 KOs). Sharp, 25-2 (9 KOs), might struggle to secure another meaningful contest, such was the astonishing negativity on display.

3 weeks ago | boxingscene.com | Matt Christie

Johnny Fisher beat Dave Allen on points over 10 rounds in December, but then he didn't really, because a large portion of those watching on screens disagreed with the opinions of the three ringside judges following the clash staged in Saudi Arabia. As is custom in the current era following even the slightest sniff of contention, a rematch was hastily arranged for May 17 and the tagline, 'The Inquest', was attached to it.