Pawn or Party Pooper? The Curious Case of Tony Harrison

 

 

Tony Harrison comes into Sunday’s showdown against Australia’s Tim Tszyu with opportunity knocking firmly at his door.

(29-3-1) ‘Super Bad’ Tony Harrison has stood on top of the Super Welterweight division previously, and victory on Sunday will hand him an unlikely opportunity to do it again.

Tim Tszyu had his own shot at the Super Welterweight crown secured, with a fight against current undisputed champion Jermell Charlo scheduled for January.

But plans came unstuck when Charlo was injured in training camp, a hand injury seeing a postponement until the second half of 2023.

It left Tim Tszyu and his team with a decision. Sit on his opportunity at the undisputed crown and wait for Charlo at some point later this year. Or remain active, earning another significant payday in the meantime, and put the Charlo fight on the line.

The Tszyu camp has chosen the latter, with the Australian scheduled to face former world champion Harrison on Sunday, for the interim WBO Super Welterweight Title.

Boxing is Risk vs Reward. There is plenty of both in Tony Harrison.

The 32-year old Harrison is the ideal opponent in the eyes of the Tszyu team. A fighter who has been largely inactive in recent times and is in the backend of his career. They see him as beatable.

He’s a marketable name, an opponent sufficient to earn the fight interim world title status – and a big payday for all involved.

The fight has sold plenty of tickets and pay-per-views. A win for Tszyu makes the eventual Charlo showdown even bigger. There’s the reward.

Harrison is a fighter who has defeated Charlo previously, and who can provide the needed seasoning to Tszyu ahead of his eventual showdown at the undisputed champion. Tough rounds against an elite level fighter.

The risk in all of it, is Harrison remains the most credentialed opponent Tszyu has ever faced.

You can argue Tim Tszyu is still to be properly tested. The marketing machine is firmly behind him, but good judges agree question marks are there.

Tszyu has been fairly emphatic on his way to a 21-0 career record. Wins over Terrell Guasha, Takeshi Inoue, Jeff Horn, and Dennis Hogan are the standouts on the Tszyu resume - but delve a little deeper and some cracks begin to appear.

Terrell Guasha has never quite reached the elite level in boxing. Losses to Erickson Lubin and Erislandy Lara, plus a draw with Austin Trout highlight this.

Guasha dropped Tszyu in the opening round and had his moments throughout their showdown.

Some experts came away chalking the performance up as an ‘off night’. The fight proving terrific education for Tszyu – his first on American soil. Others suggested advancing towards a Charlo showdown next was a mistake.

The glowing highlight of Harrison’s fight record is a unanimous victory over the division’s current undisputed king Jermell Charlo, where Harrison claimed the WBC World Super Welterweight Title – handing Charlo his only career defeat to date.

Harrison would go on to lose the title in the rematch, after Charlo dropped him in the second round, and finished him in the 11th.

Since that defeat in December 2019, Harrison has been inactive, fighting just twice since.

April 2021 saw him fight to a majority draw with the (17-3) Bryant Perrella – a fight that finished with a ridiculously lopsided scorecard (114-114, 116-112, 111-117).

In April 2022, Harrison responded with a comfortable unanimous decision victory over (33-1) Sergio Garcia, where Harrison claimed the WBC Silver Super Welterweight Title.

But is Harrison the fighter that defeated Charlo? Or is he the one that clung to a draw against Perrella, or the one knocked out on three occasions – by Charlo, Jarrett Hurd and Willie Nelson?.

Harrison is an enigma at times in the boxing ring. He’s beaten the very best in the division, but he’s flailed against lesser fighters.

There’s no denying though that he has more experience, he’s the more hardened fighter. Sunday will be his sixth world title fight.

Conversely it will be Tszyu’s first world title encounter, and alarmingly the Australian has only gone twelve rounds twice before in his 21-fight career.

This is where Harrison believes he has the edge. The American feels he can take Tszyu to the deep water – and drown him.

“You’ve got to dig in your bag (in boxing). He doesn’t have a bag to dig in, because he’s never had to dig in one. This time, he’s got to dig in that bag and find that. He’s got to find that this time,” Harrison told Fox Sports.

Many experts see Tszyu’s damaging body shots and fight changing power as an X-Factor that will cover any perceived flaws. Tszyu has habitually broken-down fighters with ease, standing in front of his opponents and unleashing at will. No one has withstood it as yet.

But Tszyu has not fought a fighter with the credentials of Harrison. Harrison will not let Tszyu unload when he wants, and every round will be hard won. How will Tszyu react when things aren’t going his way?

It’s exactly the test Tim Tszyu needs before his showdown with Jermell Charlo. But in securing it, he’s opened the door to a dangerous Tony Harrison who is eyeing a career defining third fight with the same man.

The Charlo carrot is motivation for both. Sunday’s fight is a chance for Tszyu to again prove he belongs on the elite level of boxing, whilst Harrison looks to prove he isn’t the doorman to that very place.

ADAM SANTAROSSA

 

Kambosos ready to lead Aussie world title charge

He’s done over 250 rounds with Manny Pacquaio and fought in some of the biggest arenas in boxing, now ‘Ferocious’ George Kambosos is ready for Australia to take notice.

George Kambosos goes into the famed Madison Square Garden on Sunday, knowing that his world title dreams and a place in the top tier of professional boxing lay in wait.

Promoted by the legendary Lou DiBella andbeing the main training partner to boxing legend Manny Pacquaio, Kambosos is primed for the big stage.

But first he must find a way past former IBF world champion Mickey Bey (23-2).

Despite the fact a world title shot is seemingly lying at the Australian’s doorstep, the number three ranked Kambosos had no hesitation in agreeing the fight the dangerous American.

“Bey has been in some really big fights and he’s been at the top of boxing, where I’m going,” Kambosos said.

“That’s why we picked him. We wanted a name like this. This is his make or break fight, as it is mine. This is my acid test.

“Whatever he brings to the table, we’re ready for. This is my American coming out party, and this will be his retirement party.

“There is a lot on the line.”

While he is not prepared to look past Bey, an impressive display from the Australian in New York, could just land him the opportunity of a lifetime.

Top Rank kingpin Bob Arum has discussed bringing boxing superstar Vasily Lomachenko out to Australia, and handing Kambosos his mega fight.

Lomachenko will be in attendance on Sunday, and Kambosos knows he must bring the fireworks to grab the Ukrainian’s attention.

“Bob Arum is Lomachenko’s promotor and he is the promotor of Sunday’s fight, so it all hinges on the statement we make,” Kambosos explained.

“We’re on this card for a reason. Everything has been put here to create even more interest and those opportunities could be there, if we do the business against Bey and look great.

“I’m ready to bring real boxing back to Australia. They know I’m a real fighter, a real contender.”

Current IBF lightweight champion Richard Commey will defend his title against Teofimo Lopez on the same card as Kambosos.

If Lopez was to dethrone Commey, number three ranked Kambosos will likely be lined up as the next challenger. 

“If Commey is to win, I’ll probably go to Lomanchenko, but if Commey is to lose, there’s a big chance me and Lopez get it on next,” Kambosos said.

“There’s a big chance Bob moves his fighters around, he either says he’s going to take Lomachenko to Australia or I fight Lopez. Either way, a world title will be next.”

A new generation of Australian fighters have come to the forefront in recent months, with Tim Tszyu, the Moloney brothers and Michael Zerafa grabbing the countries attention.

But Kambosos says he will be the one to lead boxing forward in Australia.

“I’m the leader of the pack,” Kambosos said.

“Out of all those guys, I’m here fighting at Madison Square Garden, against a former world champion. They are in Australia, fighting in front of 2000-3000 people.

“Australian boxing is in a really good position. I’m not going to sit and knock different fighters and say they’re doing something wrong.But I’m happy to be the leader of the pack.

“I’m the guy over here and those back home need to look at the Kambosos blueprint.

“I’m a 26-year-old, and ranked number three in the world. I’m ready to bring the entertainment back to Australian boxing.

“We have never had the easy road, and I’ve never wanted the easy road. 

“I’m a fight away from cracking the big, big time and world title fights.”

ADAM SANTAROSSA

Horn vs Crawford : The Fight for Respect

People have been writing Jeff Horn off his entire career, and it’s about time he was given some respect.

Every step he has made in his fight career, has come with doubters.

The Manny Pacquiao camp tried to discredit his famous victory over the Filipino legend at Suncorp Stadium to save their marketability.

Roy Jones did the same when he was crushed by Danny Green.

It’s what you do when you underestimate your opponent and pay the price.

Both Jones and Pacquiao cried foul, blaming those “corrupt Aussies”, when the only unjust thing was the way both prepared for the fight.

They overlooked the man in front of them and it cost them.

The Pacquiao fight was a close fight, but not a robbery. Good judges had no complaints, even Pacquiao agreed, at least in the ring, following the decision.

Since his victory, Horn has unjustly had an asterix placed against him and his title win has been considered a nuisance, rather than the unearthing of a genuine star.

Horn’s win disrupted grand plans and future fights for Pacquiao and other Bob Arum managed stars.

As champion, rather than dictate terms, Horn has been toyed with.

The Pacquiao rematch was next on the cards, and then it wasn’t. It was going to be held in Brisbane, then it wasn’t.

Then it was the Philippines’, then the United States, then Pacquiao was going to be on the undercard, and hopefully fight the Horn-Crawford winner next. It’s hard to keep up sometimes.

All the while Horn kept his head down and jumped when Bob Arum and Top Rank told him too.

Horn had every right to have put his feet up, and spend time with his first child, Isabelle, born in December. Instead he’s been training and has had almost two full fights camps in preparation for Crawford.

Originally scheduled for April 14, the fight was postponed after Crawford suffered a hand injury.

In a further sign of disrespect, the two will fight for Horn’s WBO Welterweight title this Sunday, a date that clashes with UFC 225, headlined by Australian Middleweight champion Robert Whittaker.

That decision will vastly hurt the pay packet of Horn, with Australian pay-per view sales to take a significant hit. That’s not to say Horn isn’t a draw but asking the public to shell out $50 for both fights, only the most ardent fans will do so.

The Queenslander had every right to say the date didn’t work for him. But he didn’t.

Horn doesn’t make excuses. He just gets back to work. Another obstacle to overcome.

Crawford will be the toughest fight of his career, tougher than Pacquiao. At 32-0, his resume is impressive, but lacking any real big names.

Crawford is now Top Rank’s Golden Goose, a man who will lead their new TV deal with ESPN and is earmarked for the top of the pound for pound tree.

A future fight with Errol Spence Jr is already being widely discussed, as if victory over Horn is a sure thing.

Just like Pacquaio, the Horn fight is considered step one, on a wider, long term plan.

Crawford has moved up a division, handed a world title shot and looks set for big fights to come.

Few Stateside see Horn pulling off another upset. Many still can’t get his name right. Most credit the Pacquiao victory as “right place, right time” against an ageing champion.

But it’s time people give Horn the credit he deserves.

Jeff Horn won a Queensland amateur title, after just one fight, and an unofficial one at that.

He followed it up with an Australian title. Went to the Olympics, and followed that with a legit World Title win, over a Hall of Famer, at the first time of asking.

Jeff Horn has made a habit of proving people wrong.

Since defeating Pacquiao, he has silently gone about his work. The Crawford fight will be his third in a 11-month period.

Horn is sharp, supremely fit and rightfully has a chip on his shoulder. He’s big for a welterweight, has great endurance and has power in his shots. The most remarkable asset though is his composure on the big stage.

The world of boxing, and the Australian public may not appreciate him for the world class fighter he is. But come Sunday, win or lose, they will respect him.

The thing is, Horn is a winner, even when no one gives him a hope, he finds a way.

A win on Sunday is no guarantee, but should his hand get raised in Las Vegas, it's time the boxing world recognise his talent.

Then things can get done on Jeff Horn's terms.

ADAM SANTAROSSA

Mundine-Green 2: 11 years on, but same old story

Normally on the eve of a big fight like Anthony Mundine-Danny Green I'd file a preview.

In it I'd pick the fight apart, highlighting areas I think it will be won and lost and then give a prediction.

This is very much the same, but probably harder to write. If you’ve followed this blog back since its inception, you know the names Mundine and Green feature significantly.

In fact, they permeate through it. Both have shaped my love for the fight game, which is ultimately why this blog exists.

I'm cornered for this fight, in that my prediction was made long ago. I always said they'd fight again. No one leaves good money on the table – especially not Mr Mundine and Green. 

Read through my previous blog posts on the pair and you'll find my thoughts haven't really changed.

But all those articles that discussed a future rematch came with a ready made prediction.

I've said for several years, Mundine would win , just like the first fight, because I feel he is a better boxer.

I can't really back away from that statement now.

That prediction wasn't made because I'm a 'Mundine super fan' as some on social media suggest, but more due to the fact I think 'The Man' just matches well stylistically.

Danny Green is what’s considered a ‘come forward’ fighter. They like to press the action, but as a consequence are pretty easy to find.

Mundine is the opposite. He uses range well. Gets punches off and then gets out of the way. Works well on the outside and his jab, is unbelievable.

He can score at will and frustrate you for 12 rounds- as he did to Green in their first fight.

Mundine has great footwork and great hand speed. He’s slowed a bit in his later years, but he’s still got some silky skills. He has good defence and solid head movement also.

But Mundine is his own worst enemy. He's lazy at times and he often says he struggles to get up for fights. A big fight, world titles, yet lacks motivation.

You just never know sometimes what you're going to get. That's the biggest factor with this fight.

He can get lazy in the ring as well. Mundine is often caught up against the ropes, in corners or just standing straight in front of a guy.

Joshua Clottey knocked him down five times because Mundine stood in front and didn’t use angles. Charles Hatley did similar.

If he stands in front of Green he'll get knocked out.

Markus Beyer was destroyed by Danny Green if their first fight in Germany doing exactly that.

But in the return fight Beyer boxed and was far too good. Speed, movement and angles have exposed Green in the past. 

To be fair though, Green has added a dimension as well since the pair last fought. 

Fighting against bigger cruiserweights forced him to box. His performance against Krystof Wlodarczyk (which ended in a savage KO) I consider the best of his career.

He out boxed a highly rated cruiserweight world champion and was winning comfortably. Until he made one mistake and paid for it! 

But I wasn’t impressed by Green in his last fight against Kane Watts. He looked sluggish and should really have handled the 34-year-old more comfortably than he did. 

The biggest factor people look at in this fight is the weight difference. I don’t see it as being that significant.

It’s something Mundine has encountered before as a super-middleweight. For example in his fight with Mikkel Kessler, the Danish star was able to rehydrate so he resembled more of a light-heavyweight. Having a similiar advantage to what Green will have.

He had a much bigger frame and far heavier punch than Mundine. It’s not ideal, but not necessarily insurmountable. Mundine prefers to be lighter anyway and his style is suited to it.

As long as he can absorb the heavier punch at the weight, it’s really all that matters. The main thing is he looks much healthier at this weight.

Mundine hasn’t really troubled anyone with his power in a while, but with a bit more weight behind him, you just never know. He used to throw a lovely check hook as a super middleweight and Green will have to watch its return. Mundine has caught many a guy coming forward with it.

Looking at recent fights in the fight game where guys have moved up in weight and the heavier guy has benefited. Andre Ward and Conor McGregor both struggled against bigger bodies and the pair do generally like to fight on the outside, like Mundine.

It remains to be seen whether Mundine-Green 2 follows that trend. But as I've always said, I think Mundine will win.

The 'experts' don't think so and the odds suggest punters don't either.

But I remember they all said the same before the first Mundine-Green fight as well.

I think it will be a very similar outcome, with Mundine bringing an identical game plan. Not much will change. Mundine will be looking to simply bank rounds and win over the distance – his jab dictating throughout.

It’s hard to really know what to expect in the fight game. Stories coming out of camps are always largely creative. You hear the clichés, ‘best camp ever’ and all that and we’ve heard similar stories in the lead up to this.

My prediction was made many years ago, but I’m standing by it.

The rivalry has dominated the sport in Australia over the last 15 years. As much has time has changed, both have stayed the same.

Polar opposites, two different styles, appealing to two different crowds.

Do they have a surprise up their sleeve? – Only time will tell.

Who knows, we may even see them throw down a third time.

PREDICTION: Mundine by decision 

Go west in A-League expansion

I’ve been against the proposed Sutherland Shire A-League franchise since the idea was first floated several years ago.

I think it’s a mistake and having lived in the area for over 20 years and having been involved in the local football community, I’d say I’m well qualified to judge.

My concerns were detailed in a previous blog and it can be viewed here.

When trumpeting the need for a Shire franchise, supporters always look towards the junior participation numbers. Two of the local association clubs, Menai Hawks and Lilli Pilli FC were once the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere.

But times are changing. I played for the Menai Hawks when it boasted over 100 teams, that figure is now closer to 60, and dropping. The local primary school I attended is going through the same thing. There’s talk of shutting up shop, given the lack of enrolments.

The median house price in the Sutherland Shire is rising all the time, currently sitting above $1.1 million. It’s clear young families are not moving to the area like they once did.

So if not Sutherland, then where? Western Sydney is your answer. Young families are moving there in staggering amounts. 

I can hear the cries already, ‘But what about the Wanderers?’ - Don’t worry they’ll be fine, there’s a bigger enough slice of the pie for everyone.

For mine the region can sustain a second side, further west, towards Penrith. Simply put, business is booming and the trend out West is only upwards. So much so, that soon trips east will be a thing of the past. New commercial and economic opportunities will arrive.

The three fastest growing parts of Western Sydney are Camden, Campbelltown and Penrith. All far exceeding the national growth average, and will continue to do that for at least the next thirty years, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

The area will only transform further with the duplication of Northern Road, continued development at Oran Park and Badgerys Creek airport.

The National Rugby League has Wests Tigers, Penrith Panthers, and Parramatta Eels in the region. All continue to post membership increases year on year. Even clubs like South Sydney have begun marketing to Sydney’s West, having looked at population data amongst its membership base, another sign of the population shift.

Western Sydney will soon resemble its own city, so why not give it its own derby. It has the numbers to support a second team, but understand this plan is one for the future. It’s a proactive move, much like the AFL’s push into the same market.

The AFL never implemented the Greater Western Sydney Giants so that they would see their reward in 2016, it was always with the long term in mind.

Look at the Giants marketing strategy – capture the kids and the parents will follow, and the Giants have done exactly that.
Who do they target? Why wear bright Orange? It’s all part of the plan.

Having previously worked for the club during their inception, I’ve witnessed this shift first hand. The numbers are not brilliant when compared to Collingwood, but one day they will be and the penny will drop for their critics. It was a move made with Generation Next firmly in mind, and it's one football should follow.

People will say Rugby League is king in the region, but football is well and truly in the fight. Western Sydney carried Parramatta Power, Sydney United and Marconi in the National Soccer League.

A tier below the A-League, Blacktown City FC, Sydney United 58 and Bonnyrigg dominate, and we can’t forget the Blacktown Spartans, Macarthur Rams, Marconi and others.

Penrith Nepean United’s once impressive crowds saw the Western Sydney Rovers A-League bid come to life.

A source recently told me that the Panthers Group had a role in that potential franchise, with financial support discussed, which isn’t widely known.

The Panthers name was even bandied around at one stage, before market research returned saying that such a move would alienate supporters who did not follow the Rugby League counterparts.

Don’t forget, the Panthers briefly flirted with a move to secure the Wanderers when they were privatised, until the FFA shut it down. They know the potential is there.

Could the group look to make a play with the round ball again perhaps?

There was talk of a brand new stadium for the area as part of the NSW Governments recent ‘Stadium plan’, with the funds ultimately scuppered through the bickering of ANZ Stadium and the SCG Trust.

Pressure is still being placed from stakeholders, such as the Penrith Panthers, to commit funds to a world class facility in the region. A second A-League franchise should force the hand.

The Rovers bid did the research and they had the numbers. Sure it was in a time before the Wanderers, but the numbers still make good reading. The bid team secured funds from a number of corporate partners in the region, which allowed them to gain approval from head office.

Problem was it was pledged funds and not operating capital - numbers on a page and not necessarily in the bank.

A new franchise will be solely dependent on its own start-up capital and not the Football Federation Australia money and experience that made the Western Sydney Wanderers an instant success.

The rumours of a Sutherland franchise continue to bubble along, and they simply won’t go away. The ducks are almost all in a row.

Lyall Gorman, former Wanderers CEO, now leads the Cronulla Sharks, whilst Greg O’Rourke, formerly of the Sutherland Shire Football Association, heads the A-League.

It has to be said, both are football men that come with significant experience, but is the devil in the data, or its detail? Just because the numbers look good now, doesn’t mean they will look the same in twenty years time.

The numbers look better and better out West with every glance. Western Sydney is a safe bet.

Go West, or don’t go at all.

ADAM SANTAROSSA

Read more: The Sutherland Shire has no place in the A-League

How UEFA killed the Euro's

Every game of the European Championships was once must see.

They're not anymore.

Throwing the 'if it ain't broke don't fix it' mantra out the window, UEFA expanded the tournament to 24 teams for France 2016.

More teams equal more games, which equals more money - seemingly the justification for any decision made by a football governing body.

24 teams obviously doesn't divide as well into a Round of 16 or Quarter Finals, therefore this tournament has introduced a farcical situation where the best four third placed sides qualify for the second round.

The fact you can now qualify from third place has made the entire tournament rather dour. Games aren't necessarily must win anymore and sides often look content with a draw. 

This has been reflected in the amount of goals scored, with Euro 2016 seeing an average of 1.84 goals per game.

Euro 2012 saw an average of 2.45 – enough said.

Interest in the group stage wasn’t as high, with weaker groups and the odd mismatch.

It’s a stark contrast to previous tournaments.

At Euro 2012 Germany, Portugal and The Netherlands were in the same group, as were Spain, Italy and Croatia and France and England.

Euro 2008 was much the same The Netherlands, Italy and France were grouped together, along with France, England and Croatia at Euro2004.

Every game was a blockbuster, every game mattered and points were precious – it was why everyone loved the Euro’s.

But the biggest mistake made at Euro 2016 is how the Round of 16 opponents are decided.

Instead of the top four ranked group winners landing the four best third placed sides, the matches were predetermined. 

It means Italy who topped Group E with six points, and could have finished with a maximum nine, had they not made 11 changes against the Republic of Ireland, take on Spain, the runner up of Group D.

On the other hand Wales, the second lowest ranked group winner will play Northern Ireland, the lowest ranked third placed side.

How is that fair?

Instead the third place sides, Slovakia, Republic of Ireland, Portugal and Northern Ireland should have been made to play the top four group winners - France, Germany, Croatia and Italy. 

As mentioned above Italy made 11 changes for their game with the Republic of Ireland, given they had already secured top spot and couldn't alter their position in the group or chances of progression in the second round. 


That meant the Republic of Ireland were able to win against a weakened side, a chance every other team in the tournament didn't have. 

The Round of 16 also has delivered a horror draw for both organisers and fans.

Italy, Spain, Germany, France and England all sit in the same half of the draw.

The other side includes Switzerland, Poland, Hungary, Wales and Belgium.

We’re hardly going to get the marquee final we all hoped we would.

The Euro’s have lost their lustre and I don’t think it’s going to change anytime soon.

Euro2020 may be even more farcical with 24 teams again taking part, but the biggest issue around the next Euro’s is the fact is wont have a host nation.

Instead it will be held across thirteen European cities in thirteen different countries.

England’s Wembley Stadium will host the Semi Finals and Final, but the remainder will be played out in Copenhagen, Glasgow, Brussels, Budapest, Bilbao, Dublin, Amsterdam, Bucharest, St Petersburg, Rome, Munich and Baku – in Azerbaijan.

Co-hosting is not uncommon in recent times, but many issues come with it.

The impacts of travel between countries, inadequate rest time and issues for fans will no doubt once again be on the agenda in 2020.

The Round of 16 kicks off tomorrow and maybe Euro2016 will have a late twist that glosses over the issues the tournament has had so far.

It would want to be something special, because up to now, the Euro’s have been painfully underwhelming. 

ADAM SANTAROSSA

Laurie it's time for the future, not farewell parties

So New South Wales have lost another series, their tenth in the past eleven. 

The Blues got close once again, but close isn’t close enough. 

The players try hard, they give 100% for their state, but they simply come up short.

It’s time for change.

Laurie Daley has already come out and said he won’t make any changes for Game III, but I’m sorry Laurie, you’re wasting a great opportunity.

Paul Gallen, Greg Bird and Robbie Farah have all been great servants to NSW, but their time is up. Even if the Blues had won the series it’s unlikely that the three would have featured next year anyway.

Instead of giving these guys a farewell party in Game III, let’s start planning for the future.

Daley himself came out and said during the week that he was hesitant to blood young players because of his own experience as a 19-year-old on debut, where he was overawed by the State of Origin arena and the occasion.

If we’re going to head towards some new talent next series, let’s ensure they don’t have the same issue - give the next generation a chance in Game III. 

 At the end of the day, does it really matter if we lose, we’ve lost the series anyway.

Matt Moylan wasn’t the worst player last night, but he’s not the best fullback in the state. James Tedesco should be the first player picked for the next State of Origin.

Dylan Walker has been made the whipping boy for New South Wales’ performance in the current series, but he was okay in Origin II. Sure he gave away some silly penalties, but his opposite Greg Inglis was kept fairly quiet.

It’s easy to forget Walker is just 21 years old, he’ll see more Origin football. 

James Roberts is someone we need to find a place for in the Blues backline. Whether on the wing or in the Centres, the 2015 Dally M Centre of the Year can win a game on his own.

Jack Bird showed last night he’s an Origin player, let’s not confine him to a cameo role like Game II. Whether at Five-Eight or Centre, he needs to be there.

Adam Reynolds could be a part of New South Wales’ future as well, but he’ll miss the next match with injury. It’s the ideal chance to try a new halfback, where the pressure to succeed isn’t as great as a live Origin match.

 Aidan Sezer is that man.

The best Rugby League judges in the land are crying out for Bryce Cartwright to be given a chance in the Origin arena and Game III can do that. 

He’s a real X-Factor and Cartwright will play a huge role in the next phase of State of Origin football.

Tyson Frizell was a stand out for the Blues in Origin II – it helps when you pick players in form. 

Ryan James is in Dally M contention, currently sitting up the top of the leader board. He has the versatility to play in both the front row and back row as well.

Nathan Peats is the future dummy half option for NSW and Tyrone Peachey is the spark off the bench, providing a utility option. He can play in the centres, halves, hooker and back row – virtually covering all bases.

These changes need to happen ASAP, but realistically they won’t happen – at least not for Game III.

Laurie Daley will pick the same side in hope of a victory. ‘We’ can salvage some pride, losing the series 2-1 and talk about how we were ‘so close again’. It’s a short term view, no doubt with Daley hoping to keep his job.

Why should he care about the long term prospects when he may not be a part of things anyway. That’s not an attack on the man, most coaches would do the same, but there’s no escaping a refresh is well overdue.

Why wait until next year?

No more farewell parties, let’s give the Maroons a taste of the future...

Future Blues

James Tedesco

James Roberts

Jack Bird

Dylan Walker

Josh Mansour

James Maloney

Aidan Sezer

Aaron Woods (c)

Nathan Peats

James Tamou

Bryce Cartwright

Josh Jackson

Tyson Frizell

Tyrone Peachey

Ryan James

David Klemmer

Wade Graham

ADAM SANTAROSSA 

*This article first appeared on SBS and they retain all copyright. 

http://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/league-nation-live/article/2016/06/23/time-future-laurie-not-farewell-parties

Canelo-Khan: Speed kills, but brute force the difference

The fight the boxing world wants to see is Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez against Gennady Golovkin.

It's the only realistic 'super fight' boxing has left, despite the heavyweight scene currently seeing a resurgence.

The only problem is, once again, politics and promoters get in the way.

Last week Golovkin fought Dominic Wade, and annihilated him, as everyone expected.

Canelo will fight Amir Khan this Sunday.

When Golovkin vanquished David Lemieux in October last year, most thought GGG would next fight the winner of Cotto-Canelo.

But here we are, and no progress has been made.

Canelo is the heir apparent, destined to take over the throne of Boxing's King.

It's hard to believe he is still only 25-years-old.

Already he's taken on Floyd Mayweather, Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley and co.

He should be fighting Golovkin.

In the fight game matchups are made using the risk/reward formula, and Khan looks like a good fight for Canelo with this in mind.

Khan is a financial draw. He's built his name as an exciting fighter and has a diverse fan base from both Britain and parts of Asia, given his heritage.

But, his best work has been done as a Lightweight and Light Welterweight. It was only in December 2014 that he stepped up to the Welterweight limit. Now he steps up almost three divisions to take on Canelo.

On the face of it, Khan seems like a safe bet for Canelo. He's a name fighter, with a suspect chin, not known for his knockout power and someone fighting way out of his weight class.

But Khan's best asset is speed and it's the very asset that has shown to be Canelo's Achilles heel.

We saw Canelo exposed somewhat in the Floyd Mayweather fight, with the Mexican unable to deal with Mayweather’s hand speed and movement. He struggled to close the distance and looked sluggish, without throwing anything of note.

Even most recently against Miguel Cotto, the Puerto Rican won the early rounds using his jab and speed to fight on the outside. It wasn't until Cotto tired did the fight come back to the Mexican.

There’s a multimillion dollar carrot dangling for Canelo after this fight, with pressure to make a Golovkin fight mounting, but he risks that substantial pay day against Amir Khan.

The fact Khan is fighting at Middleweight for the 160 pound title* is ludicrous.

The fight itself will be fought at an agreed weight of 155 pounds, given Canelo's ( and Miguel Cotto's) appetite for not fighting at Middleweight, despite being a Middleweight World Champion.

Canelo has always been marked as an elite fighter, with the potential to go to the next level. We've all been waiting for him to assume the mantle and it seems like he's finally comfortable wearing it.

He gave us some doubts in his performance against Mayweather, but to be fair - he was only 23 at the time.

Canelo showed he had matured is his fight with Cotto and had he pressed a bit more, he could have got Cotto out of there earlier than a decision victory.

Khan’s only hope of winning would have to be a decision victory and I expect him to fight on the outside, score and then stay out of range. If he gets caught on the inside, and Canelo lands, it could be a very short night.

The Khan fight will do reasonable business. But it's not the fight boxing fans want to see.

It's time boxing learnt that if you don't give fans what they want, they'll go somewhere where they can get it. Namely, the UFC.

I expect Canelo to win on Sunday, but should he come unstuck, plans to tackle Golovkin will take a massive nose dive.

Not good news for Canelo or the sport of Boxing.

ADAM SANTAROSSA

Leicester helps us love again

There's no greater story in sport than that of Leicester City. 

A team that should have been relegated last season, but now lifts the Premier League.

A team that no one believed in, even when they led the league at Christmas or with just a handful of games to go.


It couldn't happen. Surely, reality would kick in soon. But the reality is- Leicester are champions!

I've watched every minute of their title bid since January, my father and I staying up through the early hours of the morning in Australia, cheering them on.

Now, that might sound strange given I'm a 29-year old man, but it's something I haven't been able to do for a while.

It's only a short term arrangement, and there probably won't be another season where we watch the important moments together. But it was a cool thing to experience together, a reminder of years gone by.

Now, usually I despise those who jump on the bandwagon of teams that become successful, such as Chelsea and Manchester City, but this was different.

We still have our own teams that we support, but you couldn’t help but cheer Leicester on.

Leicester has shown that hard work, unity and belief can prevail over millions.

It’s a lesson football badly needed.

It gives belief to supporters like me that maybe my teams can one day be successful again.

I support AC Milan and Leeds United. Both were once great, now they are a shell of their former selves.

Big spending has seen these two clubs plummet.

AC Milan were the kings of Europe. When I was young and first handed a Milan kit on a family holiday in Italy, their side was star studded. Van Basten, Gullit, Rijkaard, Baresi were just some of the names.

Through the 90’s they were formidable, winning the European Cup multiple times. In 1994 they beat Barcelona 4-0, in 2003 they beat Juventus on penalties. In 2005 they fell to Liverpool after leading 3-0, but got redemption in 2007 against the English side.

Maldini, Weah, Baggio, Boban, Pirlo, Crespo, Ibrahimovic, Ronaldinho, Robinho, Shevchenko, Seedorf, Vieri – it makes good reading.

From there, it’s been a steady decline. They haven’t featured in the Champions League for the past two campaigns and wont again next year.

In 2015 they reported a loss of 91.4 million euro for the previous financial year, in a season that saw the club finish 10th. 

My other side is Leeds United. It’s the side my father supported and I declared loyalty to at a young age, helped by the fact that they had a heavy Australian contingent, including Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka.

In 2001 Leeds were in the semi-finals of the Champions League. They saw off Barcelona, AC Milan (awkward), Real Madrid, Lazio and Deportivo on the way. 

Three years later they’d be relegated from the Premier League, ironically, Leicester City were one of the teams joining them in going down. 

Two years after that, Leeds would be sent down a further tier to League One, after losing 10 points for going into administration.

It would take them three seasons to climb back up to The Championship, where they’ve remained ever since.

The club no longer owns its stadium, Elland Road, its training base, or its Academy. At one point it was haemorrhaging $100,000 a week.

The debts have diminished in size year on year, but so too has the activity in the transfer market. 

The best players are routinely sold, the transfer fee generally not used to find a replacement either.

But what will warm the hearts is the fact Leicester City were in a similar position only a few seasons ago.

The club reported $52.5 million losses for the three seasons before they rejoined the Premier League in 2014.

Chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha wrote off the clubs debts of $103 million, swapping the huge liabilities for shares in the club.

They were debt-free for the first time in two decades, and set about rebuilding the club with smart investment.

They found Jamie Vardy in non-league football for $1 million. Ngolo Kante was more extravagant, costing $4.6 million.

Riyad Mahrez cost just $400,000 and last week was crowned the Premier League’s Player of the Season.

In total Leicester spent just shy of $50 million this season, whilst Manchester United spent three times as much. Juan Mata, a substitute in Sunday's clash between the two sides, cost more than Leicester’s squad combined.

Leicester’s financial return and unbelievable success gives hope for supporters like me. Our club may rise again.

The Foxes have inspired us all and there are feel good stories everywhere you look. From Vardy to Ranieri to those fans who never would have ever dreamed of this day.

Supporters have been used to going into Premier League seasons, hoping for survival, a mid table finish or perhaps a decent cup run. 

Now fans can dream about taking it to the best, and perhaps ‘doing a Leicester’.

Leicester City has shown money isn’t everything.

Desire, commitment, unity, togetherness – are items you cannot buy.

Thank you Leicester.

You’ve shown why football is the greatest sport in the world.

We can all believe again.

ADAM SANTAROSSA

C’mon Laurie! Give us half a chance

If Trent Hodkinson and his Newcastle Knights we’re a racehorse, chances are someone would be calling for the curtain right about now.

Instead, New South Wales State of Origin coach Laurie Daley wants to give Hodkinson the No.7 jersey for Game One.

Hodkinson was underwhelming last season in Origin and he hasn’t had a good start to life in Newcastle in 2016, where he’s leading around one of the worst teams in the National Rugby League.

Daley says he wants to stick true and remain loyal, instead of looking at the other halves showing good form in the lead up.

There’s a host of halves showing their worth, led by Raiders pair Aidan Sezer and Blake Austin.

   

Sezer looks reinvigorated since going to the Canberra Raiders. He seems to have a license to run the football and he’s picking his moments well.

He was stilted in a team where everything was on his young shoulders at the Gold Coast. Now he has freedom and he can look to make an impact.

His halves partner Blake Austin was the most in-form player last season. He’s continued in the same vein in 2016. He was a standout in City-Country last year, has utility value, and yet didn’t even come close to a look in for Origin.

Adam Reynolds has been solid, despite some injuries, and his kicking game remains the best in the NRL and a significant asset to his South Sydney side.

That same asset is crucial to New South Wales chances, given the Blues have been horrendous in this area previously. The Blues last tackle options through Pearce and Hodkinson were simply not good enough. Kick after kick went down the Maroons throats, putting the Blues defence straight back under the pump.

Daley says he wants to remain loyal to those who’ve worn the jersey previously.

But despite winning the 2014 series, he didn’t remain loyal to the Blues halves pairing Josh Reynolds and Trent Hodkinson last season.

Daley also says he will only pick players in their true position.

This is despite picking Mitchell Pearce at Five-Eighth for last year’s series, a position he’d never played prior.

Hodkinson is badly out of form, and the stats tell the story.

Adam Reynolds is averaging 49.33 running metres for 2016, Sezer has 43.40 and Austin 35.33, whilst Hodkinson can manage just 25.12 – the worst in the NRL.

Hodkinson’s potential halves partner Mitchell Pearce has only just returned from a lengthy suspension for disciplinary problems.

You could use this weekend’s City-Country fixture as a platform to run the rule over halves contenders, only that representative fixture gets more ludicrous every year.

Sezer and James Maloney will be the only contenders to line up in Tamworth on Sunday, with their halves partners being Chad Townsend and Jack Bird. ( Yes, Jack Bird in the No.7)

Queensland on the other hand can take their pick of halves options. Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk, Daly Cherry-Evans, Anthony Milford (suspended), Ben Hunt and Michael Morgan are just a few of their options.

You get the sense that Daley will continue making the same mistakes and go with Mitchell Pearce.

For mine, Pearce’s card are marked for Origin, he’s had enough chances. He goes missing in big moments and it’s clear he cannot handle the occasion, and the pressure placed upon him, fair or not.

    

With the game on the line, Queensland is like a well-oiled machine, with their chiefs calling the shots. You saw it with Cooper Cronk’s field goal in Game One last season. You could see it happening, but you just couldn’t do anything about it.

For New South Wales, their halves go missing when the pressure starts to mount. They lack direction and composure, with Paul Gallen seemingly always finding himself at first receiver in key moments.

I’d be picking Adam Reynolds and Blake Austin.

Both are in decent form and both offer something different. Austin can run the football, Reynolds can organise and kick well. He’s also a high percentage goal kicker, which is another area that’s let NSW down in the past.

Both have handled the spotlight well enough so far. Austin has emerged from a fringe first grader to a bona fide star, whilst Reynolds has come from the NSW Cup to a Premiership with South Sydney.

It's probably a year early for Sezer, but having worked with him at the Titans, I don't think he'd be overawed by the occasions like many before him.  

Queensland won’t blink twice if the names read out are the same as 2015 – Trent Hodkinson and Mitchell Pearce.

C’mon Laurie, let’s try something different.

Give us half a chance!

ADAM SANTAROSSA

The reason Conor McGregor is 'retiring'

Conor McGregor shocked the world this week when he announced his ‘retirement’ at just 27.

But why the sudden move? Particularly when you’re set to headline the biggest UFC pay-per-view in history, in UFC200.

We’re yet to hear the reasons behind the move, but I think the reasons why are fairly clear.

McGregor failed to return to the United States for promotional duties ahead of UFC200, instead choosing to remain at his training camp in Iceland.

Conor is clearly aggrieved at the fact he has to do more promoting, when you can argue he’s been the only one doing so for the last twelve months.

It’s worth remembering that Conor McGregor’s last year in the sport was unprecedented.

In fact, he hasn’t stopped since September 2014 – when you consider each fight is generally preceded by a three month training camp.

Following his September 2014 win over Dustin Poirer, he rolled straight into a January 18 fight with Denis Siver.

This is also around the time that the UFC launched their partnership with Reebok, with McGregor front and centre as part of the deal. The Irishman also walked away with a tidy side deal, as one of a few UFC stars to hold a separate sponsorship deal with the company.

From there it was onto a lengthy multinational press tour to promote his fight with Jose Aldo.

Of course, that was set down for July 11, only for Aldo to withdraw, sighting a broken rib.

Chad Mendes had to be called up as a late injury replacement and although McGregor won the fight, he was taken down numerous times, all by a guy that took the fight on two weeks notice.

There were claims following the fight that McGregor carried a significant knee injury into the event, and also reports he had stopped training, anticipating a postponement, which then made cutting to the Featherweight limit harder than it needed to be – affecting performance.

Following his scratchy win over Mendes he’d go on to take part in The Ultimate Fighter series against Urijah Faber. This meant more weeks away from home.

Reports at the time suggested McGregor was close to walking away from his TUF commitment; however he came to a financial deal with the UFC which prevented this.

Strangely the McGregor-Faber series saw no fight between rival coaches, as is generally the case.

From there it was a December 12 fight with Aldo, which again was coupled with a lengthy press tour.

He then went straight back into camp, then scheduled for a March 5 fight for the Lightweight Title against Rafael Dos Anjos.

Yet again the fight would fall apart, with Dos Anjos pulling out with a fractured foot.

The UFC would draft in Nate Diaz as the replacement - who promptly arrives, spits out a few swear words and walks out with a million dollars, after submitting McGregor early in the second round- putting a large dent in future plans of the UFC and Conor McGregor.

2015 was a good year for McGregor and so far 2016 has followed suit, at least financially.

No one has made more money, no one has brought the UFC more pay-per-view dollars.

 But whilst McGregor continues to break records, it’s the UFC who take the lion’s share of revenue - grossing over $600 million in revenue for the past year – which is another sore point for the Irishman.

 

For the McGregor-Aldo fight, the UFC made over $10 million off the live gate alone, not to mention the 1.2 million pay-per-views buys at around $50 a pop.

For the McGregor-Diaz fight, the UFC made over $8 million off the gate, with 1.6 million pay-per-view sales, according to UFC President Dana White.

UFC don’t release the figures, but you’d be looking at somewhere between $60-$80 million profit for the Zuffa owned organisation off each event.

It’s estimated that McGregor made around $8 million dollars for his fight with Jose Aldo at UFC194, and closer to $10 million against Nate Diaz at UFC196, including an unprecedented $1 million show purse. This is total revenue, fight purse and pay-per-view money combined.  

Most would consider these earnings to be pretty good and they are to the everyman, but they don’t stack quite as well when placed up against other combat sports.

Miguel Cotto walked away with $15 million for his Middleweight World Title fight with Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, who made $7 million, and all this before pay-per-view revenue was included.

That fight sold over 900,000 pay-per-view sales, ensuring both men would have earned substantially more.  

Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather had a ‘minimum guarantee’ of $32 million for his fight with Andre Berto, his lowest performing pay-per-view in some years. Berto, the challenger, earned $4 million, before his slice of pay-per-view.

Mayweather is Mayweather, but you could argue Cotto and Canelo are not as well known on the world scene as Conor McGregor.

 But if you factor in Cotto’s $15 million dollar purse, plus expected pay-per-view slice, he would have earned more money for one fight, than Conor McGregor did in two events.

Two events mind you that generated the second and third most pay-per-view sales in UFC history, and set a new gate receipt record.  

So simply put. Conor McGregor is doing all the promotion, and generating all the revenue, but it’s the UFC who’s taking home the largest slice of the pie.

Hence our current predicament.

McGregor played his card by no showing UFC200, so Dana White yanked him from the event. 

It's a ploy at negotiating a larger slice of the financial pie, that McGregor feels he deserves. 

Let’s hope they find some common ground soon enough, because things could get very interesting if they don’t.

ADAM SANTAROSSA 

Conor McGregor's toughest opponent may just be himself....

Conor McGregor’s toughest fight at UFC196 may just be with his own ego.

Fresh from a 13 second victory over Jose Aldo in December, which saw him claim the UFC Featherweight title, the McGregor ego would be rather swelled right now.

There’s no question he’s the man that UFC fans come to see.

Whilst two of his previous three pay-per-views have seen last minute replacements called upon, the events have still managed to do a solid buy rate on McGregor’s appeal alone.

At UFC196 he was scheduled for a shot at the Lightweight Title held by Rafael Dos Anjos, and if victorious the Irishman would have become the first man in the history of the organisation to reign in two divisions consecutively.  

But like Jose Aldo, Dos Anjos pulled out just days from the fight, citing a foot injury.

This meant the UFC had to hastily arrange a replacement, and eventually we found out Nate Diaz would be that man.

Diaz, currently ranked #5 in the Lightweight division certainly gets people talking.

He may not do it as charming, as eloquent or TV friendly as Conor McGregor, but he knows how to create buzz all the same.

Diaz was Conor McGregor, before there was a Conor McGregor. 

He was brash, outspoken, a rule breaker, but he hasn't always put the pieces together inside the Octagon. 

Diaz is a guy McGregor says was getting paid just $20,000 ‘show money before his date at UFC196.

Talk is he’ll earn a cool $1 million just for showing up on Sunday.

For Diaz to take a fight of this magnitude, with only days to prepare, there had to be some conditions attached, and they weren’t all financial.

Weight was an important factor as well.

Given the short notice, it’s understandable that Diaz would not be ‘on weight'.

The UFC was happy for Diaz to shift to a contracted weight of 160 pounds, after the fighter claimed he couldn’t make the Lightweight limit of 155 given the short prep.

McGregor swiftly removed those excuses from the Diaz camp, saying he’d fight him at 170 pounds, the Welterweight limit.

There goes that McGregor ego again.

The Irishman weighed in at 145 pounds (65.8kg) against Jose Aldo, yet will move up two weight divisions for Diaz, where the American could weigh as much as 77kg, and perhaps even bigger come fight night.

Diaz is known for his takedown ability, strong wrestling skills and is one of the best Jiu-Jitsu experts in the organisation – areas where people still have question marks around McGregor.

The added weight should assist Diaz, as an increased weight aids a ground expert, rather than a fleet footed striker like McGregor. 

The Irishman has destroyed fighters with his stand up alone and relying on that skill set should get the job done on Sunday against Diaz.

The smart move would be to take the fight into the later rounds; given its unlikely Diaz has the required conditioning to go the distance.

But that isn’t what McGregor is known for.

He wants to make a statement and he wants to do it quickly.

The Featherweight champion is already talking about perhaps staying at Welterweight and setting up a title shot at UFC200 in July against Robbie Lawler.

All this despite never before having fought at the weight and his only tune up being a blown up Lightweight with a limited camp.

Did I mention the sizeable ego?

To be fair, McGregor has backed up everything he’s said he was going to do so far, but if you take your eye of the prize for just a second in this game, grand plans can come unstuck.  

Just ask Ronda Rousey.

Conor McGregor should be too good for Nate Diaz at UFC 196 on Sunday.

But some fighters are that good, that only they can beat themselves.

McGregor must keep his ego in check, or it could bite, when he least expects it.

ADAM SANTAROSSA