SARJ

Another Mayweather v McGergor press conference last night, this time from Toronto. Highly entertaining, well worth a watch IMO. McGregor is verbally tearing Mayweather to pieces lately. Granted he stands no chance in the fight itself, but for pre-fight antics, mind games and confidence, you got to admire the guy, certainly believes in himself and has riled Mayweather up. I was especially happy to see him rip into Mayweather's clothing. The whole 'hip-hop' culture is embarrassing with snap back hats, over sized trainers, baggy jeans etc. McGregor looked dapper in his suit whereas 40 yr old Floyd looked a little bit embarrassing.

So lat night was the first Mayweather v McGregor press conference and it looks like there's going to be a full week of these until the fighters break to go back to training camps next week. I watched the thing in full and got to say, I admire McGregor. He got into Floyds head and oozes confidence (even though it is ultimately futile). I would certainly say McGregor 'won' the first presser, firing jibes at Floyd's clothing ("He's wearing a ****ing tracksuit") to broke jibes out his IRS tax bill. Mayweather genuinely looked annoyed at uneasy at times so could be an interesting week.

Today the WBO ruled that Jeff Horn did beat Pacquiao. Following an appeal from PacMan's camp, they had 5 professional and netural judges watch the fight with no sound. 3 of the 5 awarded Horn the victory. Don't get me wrong, a close fight and good contest, but how Pacquiao lost that I'll never know. Horn was throwing (and was very aggressive) but actually landed very little.

A controversial stoppage, but the result of the fight was only going one way. Ward looked class and Kov looked gassed!

Like it or not, call it a 'circus' or whatever, but the fight has achieved it's aim: we're all talking about it and will undoubtedly all watch the build up and bout itself.

That was my plan mate, although I assume Sky think he'll win on points rather than Round stoppage. Joke really. My personal opinion: I think McGregor will be pulled out or the Ref will stop it as Conor takes too much punishment. Genuinely think Floyd will be very aggressive in this fight.

The press conferences and build up will be absolutely hilarious, comedy gold. The fight itself however will be a farce. The most 1 sided thing you could ever witness (Stortz - I'm thinking similar to Mayweather v Gatti but worse). Interestingly a lot of pundits and online blogs backing McGregor to do something stupid to get himself disqualified but save face i.e. flying kick to the head at some point during the fight. No jokes. Sky also have Mayweather to win by DQ as evens. McGregor's ego is too big to accept a public humiliation, so this could be interesting if it pans out.

Finally. Nice to see a bit of justice in boxing for once. Will the fight result now be amended to 'unanimous'. Saw the judge at ringside. Very old, frail and was apparently asking what fighter Haskins was. I know we shouldn't be ageist, but boxing, just like football, is a business where records matter and can sell a fighter. Such a farce shouldn't be happening at world title level. Sort it out IBF.

Entitled to your opinion Yardy, but Haskins does have power, included winning his IBF title by 5th Round KO. I've watched him box live and on TV many times where he's won by KO. Whilst his tricky style never appeal to the masses, you got to respect the man, he's done things the hard way. Turned pro at 19 and fought often away or in poor leisure centres and sports halls due to Bristol having zero infrastructure. That takes balls and self determination in itself, especially when you see other IBF champions packing out their local state of the art arenas or getting Sky PPV. As for Saturday night he was getting soundly beaten in the first 4 rounds before his arm went. People criticisng Sanigar for his words in the corner, but as a world champion, you're never going to want to give up, even if it means fighting with 1 arm (Danny Williams and Malignaggi done it and won titles). Actually gained a lot more respect for him carrying on for the full 12 fair play. Even landed some flush punches in Round 12. He announced his retirement of Facebook later that evening however.

Used to train with Lee in St Pauls. Such a shame that many of his big fights end up being seemingly boring as he's got a great style and superb movement. Some of his most explosive fights included the loss to Jamoye in Belgium, which wasn't even broadcast over here (it's a real tear up and available on Youtube) and of course when he won the World Title against Japanese challenger Iwasa at Whitchurch, which was on Channel 5. Great fight ending in round 5 KO. Hopefully the Burnett fight will be a bit more exciting than Haskins v Hall 2.

Looks like Wlad v AJ II will be happening. Venues range from Cardiff to Nigeria!

Ironically, of all the boxers in the world, it was only the brash Adrian Broner who personally sent a tweet to Kell Brook warning him not to fight GGG saying the punishment he would receive would ruin his career.

Brook getting a lot of abuse online and in interviews, including from Tony Bellew and Eubank Jr. Truth is, no point being a hero where your eyesight is concerned. I 100% would do the same thing and any man who says otherwise is an idiot, not a 'hero'. As for Groves, delighted for the kid, he deserves it. Stood tough as the Russian was game and got the win in brutal fashion. Hoping for a rematch with Chunky, only this time at the Emirates.

I see the WBA said they wouldn't recognise the fight as 'official' either. They've suggested it should be an exhibiton match, similar to when De La Hoya and Moseley fought Shaq O'Neil.

In front of 80,000 people no less, not that Froch was counting...

Only seen Chudinov fight once. Aggressive and come forward but if I was a betting man I'd go with Groves, far more slick/skillfull. Just hope the pressure of finally winning a world title doesn't get to him come fight night. He could play it safe and outjab this guy to a victory.

Wish Groves all the best, always admired his boxing style with the low/wandering left. It took Bruno 4 attempts to win a World Title so it can be done by a fellow Englishman. Best of luck to him. Should he fail this time I don't see where else he can go, other than continue fighting domestically for other non-important titles.

Sam Eggington does the basics well but is one dimensional and isn't entertaining (a 36yr old Malignaggi was beating him on the cards before the KO) but take my hat off to the guy, went into the gym with the ambition of becoming a journeyman, now look how well he's doing. As for Martinez, loads of time for the bloke. Spanish warrior, but fair play Warrington. Can't see him being better than Commonwealth/European level at best though.

Wondered why he was in London and not back in Spain training. Been keeping up with his social media posts. They're rather funny. I certainly think he'll be back by the alleged July 8th date, but can't see him fighting AJ for a good while yet. He really needs 2-3 fights before that.

Thoroughly agree Stortz, all I will say (which has swayed my decision) is this: If GGG fought Chavez Jr, it would have been a KO victory.

Same. Chavez Jr is entertaining but not in the same league as Alvarez. Chavez will try to make it a Mexican brawl, but Canelo will ultimately box clever and get the KO. Matthysse v Provodnikov was a great fight a few years back. 2 big punchers.

Very true, a lot of people actually involved in boxing do not like how it becomes so mainstream whenever AJ fights; suddenly every Tom, Dick or Harry has an expert opinion and wants to lace up their gloves. In reality, the exposure and money is good for the sport. That said, seen some beautiful tweets over the weekend that sum up the boxing casual. My particular favorite was one bloke asking when AJ will fight Mayweather and what a great fight it will be.

Not having a dig at all, firmly behind Joshua. As others have said, great demeanour and seems like a nice, grounded young man. I watched the fight with a lot of people from the boxing community. Notable amateurs, judges etc. All of us had Wlad winning on points. I noticed the ringside judge had Joshua, but as we see in boxing all the time, home town decisions often occur, even if the judges are foreign. Germany is notorious for it. Everyone has an opinion and I'm sure many saw AJ as winning that, but for me, Wlad boxed brilliantly. Controlled the fight tempo, kept AJ at bay, caught him with the jab lots. But when Joshua storms in and connects, no-one is safe. Just hope he sorts his fitness out.

Completely agree Yardy. First of all, it must be said, what a fight and what a spectacle, Great for the casual fans also who complain boxing is boring. Really entertaining. Fair play to AJ as well for coming back after seeming a beaten man in Round 6. That said, let's not get ahead of ourselves. AJ lacked stamina and was out on his legs end of round 5 and then from rounds 6-9 where Wlad basically outboxed him. If the fight would have gone the distance Wlad would have won on points no question. Certainly the better technical boxer and makes me wonder if a fit and ready Tyson Fury could cause problems for the boy wonder AJ. Joshua reminded me very much of Bruno. To his credit, he has the killer punch that can turn a fight in seconds if he connects, but lacks stamina and movement and would struggle against the 'boxers' rather than 'brawlers'. Say what you like about Fury, but he moved brilliantly against WK picking him off with the jab. Would be interesting to get him in the ring with AJ. He'd certainly do Wilder though.

Enjoyed the press conference. AJ looked calm but maybe slightly amazed by the sheer scale of this occasion. Obviously Wlad has been here before fighting in German footy stadiums so knows the score. Certainly won the mental battle. The USB stick thing was a bit weird, especially if he's predicted that it's AJ who's the winner on there! As for Haskins, great match up. Burnett is trained by Hatton and in front of a partisan Belfast crowd it will get some decent exposure.