World Boxing News 2010-2013

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor Kiwi Ryder hopes to seal heavyweight match-up New Zealand cricketer Jesse Ryder is looking to follow-up his successful boxing debut in June by securing a clash with former England all-rounder Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff in 2013. The 28 year-old, who battered radio host Mark Watson in one round at the Sky Convention Centre in Auckland last summer in a head guard bout, is keen to lure Flintoff for what would be a crossover scrap from the crease to the ring. “My people have been in touch with Freddie to try and set up a fight," Ryder told The Independent . "I'm keen to get in the ring again so hopefully it will be possible to try and get that on. "Freddie looked in good shape, he had obviously done a lot of work before his own fight. Between us we must have shed a lot of weight." Ryder’s manager Aaron Klee added: "From a promoter's perspective a bout needs to be marketable, as typically a fight like Ryder v F...

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor Harrison put at novice level with boxing fans Recent boxing forums have been buzzing with the anticipation of a fight that a surprising portion of fight fans want to see. No it’s not Mayweather v Pacquiao or Fury v Price – but a humble scrap between Audley Harrison and Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff. After ex-cricketer Flintoff made a successful foray into the boxing world last month with a four, two minute round win over two-fight pro Richard Dawson, the fans now want to see if he has the tools to deal with the former Olympic gold medallist. I may be mistaken, but that does not sound like a compliment to Harrison, who has 34 professional fights behind him and not to mention a European title reign, albeit a brief one at that. But to be put in the same bracket as an England all-rounder with his experience proves the light in which the ‘A-Force’ has become with the everyday supporting collective of boxing. The Londoner’s feeble attempts against...

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor Debutant may stand down after 39-38 victory Former England all-rounder Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff has given an indication that his Friday night win at Manchester Arena against Richard Dawson may be he last in professional boxing. The 34 year-old, who took up the sport in a bid to bury some demons and fulfil a lifetime love for boxing by competing legitimately, expressed his relief af coming through the experience unscathed with a four-round triumph. Speaking in an interview with Lancashire Cricket reporter Chris Ostick for the Manchester Evening News , Flintoff also hinted that his bout would be a one-off, although a final decision has not yet been made. “I proved a lot of things in this fight,” said Flintoff. “I have had a few personal battles, and every time I walked through the ropes during training it has been a battle. “I don’t want the adulation of an open-top bus tour, but I know myself that I gave it everything I have and it ha...

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor Trainer set to stand by fighter’s decision Former world champion Barry McGuigan believes that ex-England all-round cricketer Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff has gone as far as he can in professional boxing and should hang up his gloves. McGuigan, who whipped Flintoff into shape along with his son Shane for the novice’s successful pro debut last Friday night, is against a second bout for the now TV star and sees retirement as the best option for the 34 year-old. "I just hope he doesn't want to do it anymore because it was such a tough, difficult job to get him into that type of shape," McGuigan told Sky Sports . "He worked exceptionally hard but it was a real trial.” Talk has already surface that Flintoff is hoping to box in the fight capital of the world in Las Vegas following his 39-38 victory over Richard Dawson, although McGuigan is not sure that a trip Stateside is a good idea. "But could we reproduce this, let...

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor Ex-Cricketer defeats Dawson in Manchester Sportsman Andrew 'Freddie’ Flintoff made successful foray into professional boxing after a 39-38 points win over previously unbeaten Richard Dawson at the Manchester Arena. The 34 year-old, who claimed ashes glory with England as an all-round cricketer, was dropped in the second session by the American, but took every round with his technical ability to claim his first victory. Dawson, 23, had a 25-pound weight advantage over Flintoff, but seemed to struggle with the Briton’s rangy jab and awkward style as he suffered his first defeat since turning pro earlier this year. Flintoff was documenting his switch into boxing for his three-part TV series on Sky1 HD, which reaches it's end this Thursday at 9pm, and it is not yet known if he plans to continue his career in the ring. Earlier in the night, Ancoats-based  Denton Vassell retained his Commonwealth welterweight title with an impressive si...

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor Ex-cricketer lines up potential opponent Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff is expected to make his professional heavyweight boxing debut against Oklahoma-born Richard Dawson at the Manchester Arena on November 30th. The 34 year-old, who played in 79 test matches for the England Cricket Team, is turning his hand to pugilism after years as a boxing fan and is now set to delve in head-first against undefeated Dawson. The Okmulgee fighter, 23, is 2-0 with one stoppage since turning pro last February and will fight for the first time outside his native state when he travels across the Atlantic later this month, according to early indications. Dawson usually scales around 236-240lbs for his bouts and could be a baptism of fire for Flintoff, although early reports on the American are that his two previous outings have failed to impress thus far. Flintoff, who is also a team captain on the popular Sky 1 show ‘A League of their own’ is currently being ...

Phil D. Jay  WBN Editor ‘Freddie’ to try hand at pugilism in November Former England Cricket star Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff is hoping to make his professional boxing debut at the MEN Arena on November 30 after announcing his intention to return to sport. The 34 year-old, who won the Ashes with England in 2009, retired from Cricket in 2010 and has so far been content with appearances on hit Sky 1 show ‘A League of their Own’ until his recent career decision. The Preston-born sportsman, who has also starred in numerous TV ad campaigns, now intends to apply to the British Boxing Board of Control for a professional licence and is set to begin life as a prizefighter in the heavyweight division. "This is an amazing opportunity to try a sport that I love, to be tutored by a man I respect and admire and, at the age of 34, the chance to become a professional sportsman again,” said Flintoff. "It's a huge challenge – probably the biggest I have ever undertak...