Undy English

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/jul/15/lashana-lynch-new-007-james-bond-daniel-craig Sad but inevitable. The end of a great franchise. James Bond as a man retires, but the 007 mantle, and presumably the future of the franchise is being taken over by Lashana Lynch.

This weekend saw former IBF champ Paulie Malignaggi take on MacGregor's sparring partner Artem Lobov in Bare Knuckle boxing. A scrap that's been hyped over social media with lots of bad blood etc. especially given Malignaggi's history with Conor's team pre-Mayweather 2017. For those who watched, it wasn't a great fight. Malignaggi treated it like a point scoring contest, which clearly it wasn't. The judges awarded Lobov the decision following clumsy but sustained aggression in rounds 3/4 (Malignaggi claimed he broke his right hand early, hence only jabbing for the last 3 rounds). At times Malignaggi showed signs of his former glory; lightening jabs, good movement etc. But ultimately he gassed, looked slow and lacked head movement (the guy is approaching 40). Lobov didn't look great either, often hitting thin air but managed to connect later as Paulie tired and stopped throwing. I think this will be an end to the Paulie v Conor feud, Malignaggi must know his chances of chasing the big payday against Conor in a boxing match now all but over.

Spot on. All these Under Armour adverts boasting how much of a warrior he is, yet he seemingly gave up after the 2 knock downs in round 7 (as you say, turns his back, gum shield out, arms on ropes, half hearted responses to the ref). Really needs to up his game and mental attitude if he's to be victorious in the rematch.

Congratulations to Ruiz Jr, written off all over the shop due to his physic. Those who have watched some of his fights will know he was never going to be a push over like the Polish plummer journeymen. That said, fully expected Joshua to deal with him, points or late KO. Props to the guy for catching AJ when he was gassed. For those who have boxed, you'll know shots to the temple are the worst, completely takes your equilibrium out of the game. AJ got caught and never fully recovered. Ref 100% correct to stop it when AJ wasn't responding well to the questions. As for something being up with AJ, one has to agree. He didn't look himself and the post fight father-manager arguments alude to something. That said, you can't call a fight off for having a cold. GGG defeated Brook despite being in bed with a fever days before, Malignaggi won world titles with broken hands, Selby fought with broken ribs, Bruno competed with serious eye problems - the list goes on.

They are deluded mate. Like I completely understand if City 'bought' the team from Rovers and re-branded it, but that wasn't the case at all - Rovers washed their hands of the women and cut off all support. Now they are seemingly proud of this fact? Deluded and tin-pot don't cover it!!

So funny. They seem to completely gloss over the fact that they WITHDREW FUNDING (i.e. cutting off support for women's football altogether, leaving it for various bodies to pick up the pieces). Only then did the Women's team go on to greatness.

Hahahahaha so tin pot, so bitter.

Did anyone watch the new Bare Knuckle FC brand on the weekend? Bit of background: new corporation has started to mainstream bare knuckle fighting. Circular ring, referee, judges, strict rule set. Big fight this weekend was Artem Lobov v Knight. For those unaware, Lobov is Conor MacGregor's sparring partner. Both are currently involved in a spat with ex-world light welterweight champ boxer Paulie Malignaggi, who coincidentally has also signed to Bare Knuckle FC recently. The idea was that if Lobov defeated his opponent, he would then fight Paulie in June. I tuned in out of curiosity and I have to say, it was thoroughly entertaining. Very little body punching or fancy footwork, all out head hunting action. 5 rounds all 2 minutes each. Blood, cuts and plenty of knock downs. For boxing purists the skill set of these fighters is very low, but it's certainly enthralling stuff (much more action for the casuals). Lobov managed to come away with the victory but wasn't overly convincing. I imagine Paulie, even with his lack of power, should outclass him, but remember Malignaggi suffers with brittle hands and it's a tough old game in this new sport - could potentially be interesting. As for the Bear Knuckle FC brand itself, they put on a good show, very professional and the fights are very entertaining. That said, can't imagine it'll captivate the boxing purists because, as mentioned, the skill set of these fighters is very low (surprisingly I have to say as some are ex-UFC). Think little footwork, limited head movement, chins high and wide guards. But that's what makes the bouts so entertaining!

Correct - this is England after all where the powers that be make decisions of zero benefit to the populace. And don't get me started on Bristol Stadium no longer being at Temple Meads.........

Shows the gulf between the clubs. They toast a guy who prevented us from reaching the top flight. We toast to Colin Daniel, who relegated the sags to non-league.

That Fowler v Fitzgerald fight was quality, the last 2 rounds were completely enthralling, back and forth action.

David Allen has a massive online following and he's a very likeable guy. But does it transpire to people buying £60 tickets in London or PPV buys? No it doesn't. Is this card a PPV? Can't see many people parting with 20 notes for it tbh.

Correct. Fans really don't care about belts or money. They want to see the best v the best. Sadly the boxing business and arguably many of the fighters and networks don't see it the same way.

Daft name - sounds like some sort of exotic W@nking technique

An interesting fight to say the least. I actually like Jr but thought De Gale would edge it, purely because of his CV. In reality, De Gale looked a bit washed out - lacked fitness in the latter rounds, breathing heavily, lack of combination punching, excessive 'hugging' and no real game plan. Junior by contrast was a lot more composed, clearly very fit, lovely timed punches and combos, not rushing in as he did previously. The new trainer giving him sound info in the corner, to which he executed brilliantly. Fair play to De Gale for lasting the full 12, but Eubanks looked good, deserved the win, onto bigger and better things hopefully.

I thought that myself! And I like Eubank Jr. But surely you have to look at the last few fights for each, DeGale's CV is far more impressive. Assuming bookies believe age is catching him?

Eddie Hearn (& to a degree AJ) have rested on their laurels. Yes, Wembley for Klitschko was a great night, great fight, everything the public could want. Since then his fights haven't matched the entertainment factor. Takam & Parker were drawn out affairs and Povetkin was a one sided simple business. Since then Fury & Wilder have filled the void, giving people the classic 'best v best' we all want to see. Fury won bigger respect more so from coming back to depression and fighting the world title holder after only 2 low level warm up fights. It proves he's not scared to get in there and have a go. I get the desire to fight in America, but Miller should be a simple victory for AJ. It seems money, and a perfect record, speak more volumes than winning universal public acclaim by fighting the best (I'm thinking your Sugar Ray Robinsons, Pacquiaos etc.). I'd respect him more for fighting Fury and Wilder in 1 year and losing both than for hand picking fights like Povetkin, Miller, Pulev et al.

Eubank Jr v DeGale very soon - who's everyone rooting for?

The Sun, The Mirror & Boxing News all reporting that Malignaggi v Conor McGregor will go ahead this year, likely April. Might have something to do with McGregor being banned in UFC, thus needing to keep fighting/make money somehow in the first half of 2019. Genuine beef between these 2 following the 'sparring video' incident, in which an out of shape Malignaggi was made to look a bit silly. Personally, this would be a much more interesting fight than the Mayweather one. Malignaggi has skill but lacks the power. At 40, if he could avoid an early KO defeat and take McGregor into the later rounds, it could be very interesting.

It is a shame, but in reality, the fight is 5 years past it's sell-by date anyways, and can we really blame Khan for chasing a big title fight on American soil for millions of dollars, rather than facing Brook domestically? That said, can't see anything other than a Crawford KO victory!

Not sure it was a dive in my personal opinion, Mayweather hit him quite hard, and the poor kid was devastated in the end, crying in the ring. Just a weight class and skill set above what essentially is a child kick boxer. None the less, an out of shape Floyd got paid $9mil for under 3 mins easy work. If organisations are stupid enough to pay the guy such sums, can you blame him?

Further update: Mayweather cannot be located, show has been put on hold. Pundits unsure as to whether this is due to timings (lots of 1 round KOs on under card) or whether something more sinister is happening. Either way, only 2 more fights until the main event and Floyd isn't in the arena, nor can be located.

For those interested, the Mayweather v Tenshin Nasakawa fight is going ahead today, ring walks expected later this afternoon (I estimate 12-1PM). Exhibition fight with no judges and doesn't go on either combatant's record. 3 x 3 min round, boxing queensbury rules only. Mayweather is making a cool 9 mil USD for what is essentially a glorified sparring match. You cannot watch the fight on any UK stations, but I've just looked and plenty of streams on Facebook if you search for it.

Haven't watched Brook but heard from reports it was dire. He's never been the same since the ridiculous decision to fight GGG. Khan v Brook is fast becoming irrelevant. Years ago it was a match-up people both sides of the pond wanted to see. Nowadays not so much.

Jokes aside would you argue it could be a dangerous fight for Floyd? Most professional athletes can give a good account of themselves in 9 mins. Even McGregor started strongly when he face Floyd, only for fatigue to seep in as the fight went on. Could this Japanese kid make a name for himself by going all out, non-stop frantic action for 3 rounds in the hope of stopping, or at least troubling Floyd?