by James Slater: It was a fight that was announced to much derision, and some people went even further and suggested the possibility that either guy may get hurt. The fight in question is the quite unnecessary third fight between the 44-year-old Jeff Fenech and the 49-year-old Azumah Nelson – and thankfully the bout passed without incident just a few hours ago in Melbourne, Australia. According to reports the fight was a rather dull affair and both men were huffing puffing at the end of the ten rounds..
Fenech won by a close majority verdict, with his victory coming via scores of 96-94, 96-94 and 95-95. Both men, despite not being anywhere near the fighters they were in their youth, did look in surprisingly good physical condition – even though the bout took place at a much higher weight than either boxer fought at during their prime years. Now all tied up at 1-1-1, the frightening possibility of yet another meeting between the two former greats is not out of the question.
Fenech is almost certainly going to fight on – if recent reports of how much he’s missed the fight game are to be believed. And the rumour that continues to be whispered is that none other than that also once-great champion, Julio Cesar Chavez, was looking to take on the winner of Fenech-Nelson III. So could we soon see a seniors tour version of Fenech Vs. Chavez?
Let’s hope not. For while all fighters, despite their age, and as long as they are able to pass their physicals, have the right to pursue their desire to box, the spectacle of once great fighters struggling to recreate past glories is one of the saddest things in sport. There are precious few George Foremans in the world. Still, at least veterans such as Fenech and Nelson are being matched with fighters their own age. To have even gone ten full rounds at any pace – as Jeff and Azumah just have – is quite an achievement in itself. Then again, if the reaction of some of the fans who were at ringside yesterday (Australian time) can be believed, this wasn’t a fight that should be done again.
In the final analysis, the seniors’ tour is fine for sports such as tennis – but not for boxing. Boxing is, after all, the single most physically demanding sport there is.