Calls and messages of support following my supposed “loss” to Robert Helenius, have compelled me to break my silence. On Saturday, the whole world saw yet another travesty in our beloved sport of boxing when the judges dubiously awarded the vacant ECB belt to my opponent, Robert Helenius. So bad was the call that I felt I could have just stayed away in north London and watched Helenius’ “coronation” as European Boxing’s Lord and Emperor in the comfort of home on the telly!
I am not one to moan and bleat about a bad result. The heavyweight I am is built to take knocks and trips, my champion instincts cajole me to stand up when I fall or lose; and the disciplined professional athlete in me is ever gracious even in the most unjust defeats.
And as Saturday’s is one – and a glaring, blatant one – I feel it’s only fair that I demand an immediate rematch against Helenius.
The thousands who came to see the fight in that massive Hartwall Areena on Saturday will at the very least privately admit shock and surprise at the decision. Millions other boxing fans watching the bout on the small screens; and starved of a true and exciting heavyweight champion for years, felt as sour in the mouth as I did after the fight.
For me, these are the people who matter because the fans are more important judges than anyone else in my trade and industry.
Those judges overlook one very important fact. Saturday’s result will do little to drag the reputation of the world heavyweight boxing category out of the state of crisis which many observers, pundits and fans feel it is enmeshed in.
When I was in that ring alone with Helenius, I saw a lot which no one else in world except the two of us did. Robert will be the first to admit that I gave him the fright of his life. I felt it, I smelt and I touched it. And if he is man enough, he will put that belt back on the table, and I can promise the world, this time I will knock him out and mop the canvas with his head!
I would like to thank all the people that came to the arena, all my fans, promoters and Team Chisora for their belief in support. In you, I know I am a World Champion.
Derek “Del Boy” Chisora
Team Gunn Launches Premier Bare Knuckle Boxing Website
Team Gunn recently announced the launching of their new website—www.wbkba.com—to spread awareness of bare knuckle boxing and connect fans around the world.
The mission of the WBKBA—World Bare Knuckle Boxing Association—is to provide BKB fans around the world with the latest news and updates about everything related to bare knuckle boxing.
“We are the Bare knuckle bible; we are the first website of its kind,” said World Heavyweight Bare Knuckle Boxing Champion Bobby Gunn. “We want to pay homage to the legendary John L. Sullivan and keep the sport clean and free of the corruption and politics surrounding other combat sports.”
Since Gunn defeated Richard Stewart in August of this year to claim Sullivan’s vacant linear title, bare knuckle boxing has rapidly grown in popularity throughout the fight world.
“Bare knuckle boxing combines the skills and techniques fighters need to excel in the boxing ring with the excitement of the standup aspect of a MMA fight,” said Chris Cella, co-founder of WBKBA. “Bobby Gunn displayed what an art BKB is in his recent title defense against Ernest Jackson.”
In the fight against Jackson, Gunn showed poise and patience as he slowly picked apart his opponent on his way to winning via knockout.
“Bare knuckle boxing is not a street fight or an alley fight between two bums,” said Gunn. “It is a strategic fight that needs to be fought smart, like a game of chess. You have to be as mentally sharp as you do physically.”
Team Gunn was adamant about creating the WBKBA to create a foundation for everything related to bare knuckle boxing.
“Going forward, the only way we are going to take off with the WBKBA is to offer legit, sanctioned fights to give fighters around the world a chance to shine,” said Gunn. “I have participated in over 70 BKB fights, but none of them meant anything until my sanctioned bout against Stewart this past summer.”
At WBKBA.com fight fans can learn about upcoming fights, connect with their favorite BKB fighters, and get all of the latest BKB news, videos and interviews.
Join the conversation on Facebook, and for more information on the World Bare Knuckle Boxing Association visit www.wbkba.com.
Tough Test For Freddie Turner – Faces Kevin McCauley on Dec 14th
On Wednesday 14th December Canning Town’s exciting unbeaten Welterweight prospect Freddie Turner will be making the short journey to the York Hall in Bethnal Green, where he is set to face Birmingham’s Kevin McCauley.
With just four pro bouts under his belt, all won by shutout 40-36 points margin, young Freddie will surely be facing the toughest fight of his fledgling career to date, as McCauley is not just more experienced but also the reigning British Masters Light Middleweight Champion.
Saying that Freddie is more than confident that he will win through on the night, having said earlier, “Yes, just found out it’ll be Kevin McCauley I’ll be fighting on the 14th.
He’s a tough kid who loves to come forward. He’s no walk over, I mean he went to Scotland and beat Craig Windsor Jnr. in his own back yard to win the British Masters title last month. I think that says all that needs to be said about him.
That doesn’t bother me though, I never mind who I fight, I believe in my talent and ability and hopefully it’ll all come together on the night.
I’ve been training hard, all’s well and looking good. I live clean and train hard, nothing can stop me now really.
I’m with the best training team, Jimmy and Mark Tibbs, in the country at the minute and they’re producing great champions.
I’m in a great, great stable, again the best in the UK – The TRAD TKO. There’s always plenty of great sparring, it’s really good and I really enjoy it here.
All’s really well and I can’t wait for the 14th, he’s gonna get smashed.”
Freddie Turner, against Kevin McCauley, features on the Francis and George Warren’s Queensberry promotions event, headlined by the British and Commonwealth Featherweight title clash between Lee Selby and John Simpson. takes place at the York Hall in Bethnal Green, and broadcast live on Sky Sports, on Wednesday the 14th December 2011.
Tickets, priced £60 (Ringside) and £40 (Standard Seated), are available now on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com or from the TRAD TKO Boxing Gym, Gillian House, Stephenson Street, Canning Town, London E16 4SA