I mentioned to a couple of guys at work last week that I felt that the quality of the Champions League this season was lower than it has been for a while now. I was laughed at. Granted, I based my argument predominantly on the fact that I felt the English teams in particular had lost their way somewhat, and that in turn had led to a decrease in the level of quality. Of course, I realise that European football, and the UCL especially does not revolve around English teams, even if they have been the dominant force in the last few years. That said, I do feel it is a factor as to why the level has been poorer this season than in previous editions.
Perhaps rather than looking specifically at the UCL, it probably makes more sense to look at the domestic leagues. The Premier League this season could be one of the most exciting for several years with a three-way battle at the top, and a four-way battle for fourth place. At the same time, points totals are lower than average, and none of the top three in England convince me at all.
Chelsea seem intent on throwing it away. I have felt all season that if they could overcome losing some key players at the African Cup of Nations – which they did - they would be the team to beat in the league. Yet, John Terry and friends, combined with some injuries, are threatening to derail everything.
Man Utd have impressively managed to overcome the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo, yet if you remove Wayne Rooney from the team (which may now be a reality), then the lack of threat is clear to see. The midfield does not inspire me at all, while the defence has shown plenty of cracks this season for one reason or another.
I wrote about Arsenal and Arsene Wenger last month. I was not convinced then, and I am not convinced now that they will win anything this season. They have been gifted a route back into the title race thanks to Chelsea and Man Utd’s inadequacies rather than their own ability to grind out results. The run-in favours them unquestionably, but I still have clear doubts.
All three have been far from dominant and I think this has, and will be reflected in Europe. The way Man Utd let Bayern back in to the game last night will have concerned Sir Alex significantly. I am fairly sure Utd will go through at Old Trafford, I think Bayern are a class below Utd. But the way they lost possession so frequently, and looked vulnerable at the back, was alarming to say the least. Make no mistake, Bayern could and should have scored more, even if you could argue the same for Utd.
I am at the Arsenal v Barca game tonight, and I am genuinely excited about this game. It has the makings of being a superb game of entertaining football. That being said, I strongly favour Barca to emerge victorious from the two legs. Their form is not great right now, as they have scraped through a couple of league results recently, and have relied on the brilliance of Leo Messi. I think they have lost some edge and quality from last year even – I’m still not convinced that they are as good with Zlatan over Etoo. Overall however, I see them having too much for Arsenal over the two legs, in what should be some great football to watch.
Looking at the Spanish league this year, and over the last 18-20 months, the overall quality of football has declined also. This has been disguised somewhat by Barca’s superb performances, and also those of the national team. But outside of Barca and Real, who can simply outscore opposition in Spain but struggle against more canny European opposition, the quality really has dropped. The likes of Sevilla, Valencia, and Atletico are decent on their day, but are incredibly inconsistent and unable to challenge the top two. This cannot be good for the competitiveness in the league, and when they come to play in European competitions.
Maybe it is not such a bad thing that the English and Spanish teams are losing their way a little, and opening the door for other teams such as Inter and Bayern to push along and have a serious chance of doing well this season. I am however concerned that the general level of football this season has really dropped off. The World Cup could be a factor with the priorities of some players being focused on that rather than with their clubs. I would not say that it has affected the entertainment value of the UCL – it’s been a fascinating season, and is sure to continue that way. But I cannot help but feel that the quality of what I consider to be the best football tournament in the World, is declining.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
The truth? You can’t love handle the truth
How often do you weigh yourself? Once a week? Once a Month? Once a year? Never? Don’t worry, this is not a survey. I weighed myself last night for the first time in just under a year. The little WII fit guy inside the television screamed momentarily, and then broke it to me that I am obese, and weigh 99.5kg. Now, if kilograms mean nothing to you, consider 219lbs or 15 and a half stones, and you’re there. Alternatively, let me step on your foot, and it’ll give a pretty fair reflection.
I was surprised more than anything. I do not feel like I am 99.5kg nor obese, even if I am not overly comfortable with my weight or appearance. I know what you’re thinking that I clearly must carry some magical hidden weight somewhere, and you’d be right. It is my legs....my big dense legs. I’m hardly skinny Jimmy in other areas, but it constitutes a large part of my weight and always has.
Weight has always been a funny thing for me, and something that has never overly concerned me.....maybe that is the problem...and it’s fair to say that it doesn’t now even if I am tipping the scales and hurting my poor WII fit instructor. Up until I was around 21 years old, I was slim Jim, also known as rake boy. When I discovered beers and could actually afford to buy food after university, it slowly sneaked up on me. Tearing my knee and ankle ligaments, preventing me from doing much sport for around two years, certainly did not help the cause. And since then, it has been work, travel, hotels etc - everything that constitutes a schedule and a mindset not suitable for eating well, doing exercise or looking after myself - which has taken over, with fitness something like a distant 17th on the things to do list.
Well, it is time to change that. I’m 30 years-old, and there is still plenty of energy to burn. I was hardly bouncing (probably an apt description rather than jumping) around in delight when I weighed in at 99.5kg, but it’s an opportunity and a challenge at the same time. My glass is almost always half full (or empty if it is beer – darn, that’s where i’m going wrong!), and I love a challenge, and this is one of them. The thing is, I’ve been saying for a long time now that I am going to get in shape and I just put it off, come up with some excuse, neglect exercise, and eat and drink the naughty things that I love to eat and drink. So, I figure I should share my heftyness in this blog. If this does not shame me into action, then nothing will. I am going to post my weight every two weeks from today onwards.
I was surprised more than anything. I do not feel like I am 99.5kg nor obese, even if I am not overly comfortable with my weight or appearance. I know what you’re thinking that I clearly must carry some magical hidden weight somewhere, and you’d be right. It is my legs....my big dense legs. I’m hardly skinny Jimmy in other areas, but it constitutes a large part of my weight and always has.
Weight has always been a funny thing for me, and something that has never overly concerned me.....maybe that is the problem...and it’s fair to say that it doesn’t now even if I am tipping the scales and hurting my poor WII fit instructor. Up until I was around 21 years old, I was slim Jim, also known as rake boy. When I discovered beers and could actually afford to buy food after university, it slowly sneaked up on me. Tearing my knee and ankle ligaments, preventing me from doing much sport for around two years, certainly did not help the cause. And since then, it has been work, travel, hotels etc - everything that constitutes a schedule and a mindset not suitable for eating well, doing exercise or looking after myself - which has taken over, with fitness something like a distant 17th on the things to do list.
Well, it is time to change that. I’m 30 years-old, and there is still plenty of energy to burn. I was hardly bouncing (probably an apt description rather than jumping) around in delight when I weighed in at 99.5kg, but it’s an opportunity and a challenge at the same time. My glass is almost always half full (or empty if it is beer – darn, that’s where i’m going wrong!), and I love a challenge, and this is one of them. The thing is, I’ve been saying for a long time now that I am going to get in shape and I just put it off, come up with some excuse, neglect exercise, and eat and drink the naughty things that I love to eat and drink. So, I figure I should share my heftyness in this blog. If this does not shame me into action, then nothing will. I am going to post my weight every two weeks from today onwards.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Ladies Only
I've been thinking a fair bit about Women's football this week. Random I know but that is the title of my blog. I attended the Lyon v Torres game last week and it just got me thinking about the current status and potential development of the game. Alot of time, effort and passion is put into Women's football, but is just seems to be struggling to make a breakthrough.
The game itself was reasonably entertaining, despite the incredibly cold temperatures. It turned out to be a little one-sided, but the 3-0 scoreline did not give a completely accurate reflection of the scoreline. Here's the report....have a read!
http://www.uefa.com/womenschampionsleague/matches/season=2010/round=2000060/match=2001493/report/index.html
As with anything, it requires investment. It requires sums of money being ploughed into the game to enhance facilities, training methods etc in an attempt to improve the level of the domestic leagues. Will that happen? I very much doubt it. Little chance of a return of investment....even less so than the men's game, and little chance that there are sufficient benefactors out there willing to lose money for the love of the game.
Similar to Futsal, can it really emerge in a crowded market to ever really make an impact and be a financially viable sport? I am not sure. One thing it does need is for one or two superstars to emerge to replace the Mia Hamm's, Birgit Prinz's, Hanna Ljungberg's etc.
Perhaps more so than Futsal, a better comparison may be Women's boxing. Trying to compete in a relatively crowded market, with a lot of dedicated individuals determined to make a difference but without the investment to really push the sport along. Maybe more than any of that, it is more an issue of social acceptance. I don't know exactly. What I do know is that it does need a some life sparked into it to push it to the next level.
The game itself was reasonably entertaining, despite the incredibly cold temperatures. It turned out to be a little one-sided, but the 3-0 scoreline did not give a completely accurate reflection of the scoreline. Here's the report....have a read!
http://www.uefa.com/womenschampionsleague/matches/season=2010/round=2000060/match=2001493/report/index.html
As with anything, it requires investment. It requires sums of money being ploughed into the game to enhance facilities, training methods etc in an attempt to improve the level of the domestic leagues. Will that happen? I very much doubt it. Little chance of a return of investment....even less so than the men's game, and little chance that there are sufficient benefactors out there willing to lose money for the love of the game.
Similar to Futsal, can it really emerge in a crowded market to ever really make an impact and be a financially viable sport? I am not sure. One thing it does need is for one or two superstars to emerge to replace the Mia Hamm's, Birgit Prinz's, Hanna Ljungberg's etc.
Perhaps more so than Futsal, a better comparison may be Women's boxing. Trying to compete in a relatively crowded market, with a lot of dedicated individuals determined to make a difference but without the investment to really push the sport along. Maybe more than any of that, it is more an issue of social acceptance. I don't know exactly. What I do know is that it does need a some life sparked into it to push it to the next level.
Major League Sadness
Three pretty key issues involving the MLS have saddened me this week. The first and pretty obvious one was the departure of Landon Donovan whose loan expired and he returned to the Galaxy. I completely understand Bruce Arena and the Galaxy’s perspective and wanting him to return. It is just blatantly clear that he has finally found the club for him and joining Everton and playing in the Premier League is the perfect match for him. After two unsuccessful spells in the Bundesliga, he has settled well and has proven himself to be a quality player. I would have a cheeky bet that he will be back in an Everton shirt one day. His comments when leaving:
"I'm 28 years old now and I've played over 100 times for my country, I've also played a lot of league games in different parts of the world. But I've never met a fan-base like this, either playing for them or as an away player. I was talking to my dad and I was saying that I wished he could have been here against Hull City, just to see the reception after the game, because it was something I've never experienced and I'm not sure I ever will again. Moments like that in a career, I'm not sure they come very often. Forget about football for a moment, this is a life experience I'll never forget."
With the labour dispute threatening the MLS season, I had a small hope that may see him extend his loan deal by a month, but it was not to be. He has warmed to us and vice versa. He just seems like a genuinely good guy, and it is sad to see him go.
What makes Arena and the Galaxy’s desire to get him back even more understandable now is the injury to Becks. I have to admit I feel really sorry for the guy. I’ve always had the utmost respect for him, even call it a man crush if you will. The guy is classy (when he is behaving off the pitch at least) and I’ve always had a soft spot for him. He has had plenty of ups and downs in his career, but I suspect this is one of the biggest setbacks that he has faced. Not the way his England career should have ended, and it is sad way for him to leave the England scene.
The final part of my Major League Sadness trilogy is about the league itself. As I mentioned, the reality of a strike delaying the season, or at worst resulting in a whole year without the MLS, could have absolutely disastrous consequences on football in North America. I actually think the player’s union is completely justified in acting as they are and the points they are fighting for are reasonable.
The fundamental issue for me is increasing the salary cap. Of course the players are thinking that they will receive higher salaries, but it will attract high quality players….something the MLS is lacking right now, and the only way they will really push on as an organisation. I can’t say I overly like the salary cap, but I understand the reasons behind it. It has to be raised though now, and if the MLS do not cede and compromise with this and some other issues that the union is fighting for, I fear that everybody will lose. I will be amazed and dismayed if it comes to a strike, but this stuff has to be ironed out, and ironed out fast. Otherwise, it could spell a sad end to one of the most promising leagues and football-playing nations in the world.
My next blog post will be cheerier, I promise!
"I'm 28 years old now and I've played over 100 times for my country, I've also played a lot of league games in different parts of the world. But I've never met a fan-base like this, either playing for them or as an away player. I was talking to my dad and I was saying that I wished he could have been here against Hull City, just to see the reception after the game, because it was something I've never experienced and I'm not sure I ever will again. Moments like that in a career, I'm not sure they come very often. Forget about football for a moment, this is a life experience I'll never forget."
With the labour dispute threatening the MLS season, I had a small hope that may see him extend his loan deal by a month, but it was not to be. He has warmed to us and vice versa. He just seems like a genuinely good guy, and it is sad to see him go.
What makes Arena and the Galaxy’s desire to get him back even more understandable now is the injury to Becks. I have to admit I feel really sorry for the guy. I’ve always had the utmost respect for him, even call it a man crush if you will. The guy is classy (when he is behaving off the pitch at least) and I’ve always had a soft spot for him. He has had plenty of ups and downs in his career, but I suspect this is one of the biggest setbacks that he has faced. Not the way his England career should have ended, and it is sad way for him to leave the England scene.
The final part of my Major League Sadness trilogy is about the league itself. As I mentioned, the reality of a strike delaying the season, or at worst resulting in a whole year without the MLS, could have absolutely disastrous consequences on football in North America. I actually think the player’s union is completely justified in acting as they are and the points they are fighting for are reasonable.
The fundamental issue for me is increasing the salary cap. Of course the players are thinking that they will receive higher salaries, but it will attract high quality players….something the MLS is lacking right now, and the only way they will really push on as an organisation. I can’t say I overly like the salary cap, but I understand the reasons behind it. It has to be raised though now, and if the MLS do not cede and compromise with this and some other issues that the union is fighting for, I fear that everybody will lose. I will be amazed and dismayed if it comes to a strike, but this stuff has to be ironed out, and ironed out fast. Otherwise, it could spell a sad end to one of the most promising leagues and football-playing nations in the world.
My next blog post will be cheerier, I promise!
Monday, March 15, 2010
The Next 'Event'
So ‘The Event’ finally arrived and passed without any major surprises. Pacman dominates once again, and looks super impressive against a much bigger guy once again. No real surprise with this one, and a bit of a shame that the one-sided fight did not match the setting. I didn’t think the undercard was as bad as some boxing journalists made out on paper or in reality. I have seen a lot worse put it that way. Jose Luis Castillo justified my comments in one of my previous blog postings - ‘No Shame in Quitting’ - and I’ll be massively disappointed if he does not retire now.
I love attending major sporting events, particularly in a major stadium or arenas. Circa 55,000 at a boxing event is amazing. The Dallas Cowbows stadium is top of my hit list unquestionably and seeing it on television hosting the Pacquiao fight has whetted my appetite to go there even more so. The giant screen is hugely impressive, but by all accounts every single aspect about the stadium is top quality. The most notable aspect on television were the leather seats at ringside. They looked like La-Z Boys. If Jerry Jones had opened a compartment on the arm rest and whipped out a Bud or something, I would not have been surprised.
The fight itself was ok, but nothing special. I was not too disappointed at not being there – I would sooner attend the Mayweather/Mosley or even Khan/Malignaggi fights. That is not going to happen unfortunately, so expect a sulking blogger around early May!
Pacquiao’s dominance did however make me wish even more so for a fight between him and Mayweather. I will be at that one whenever and wherever. It is one of the few fights among current fighters that is a genuine super fight and one I just cannot miss.
That of course means that Floyd has to beat Shane Mosley. I suspect he is in for a much tougher time than Pacman had to endure, but I still expect him to come through it. The biggest fight will come when they have to negotiate a fight once again. Whether they can make it, who knows, but I just sense it is too big not to happen at some stage. So much has been discussed about the drugs testing policy and proposals between the two, but I do not think that is the issue. If Mayweather comes through the Mosley fight and is close to his best doing so which he will have to be, I think he will then have the confidence to take Pacquiao on – more so than previously just after his comeback.
The next battle will be where the fight takes place. Going back to Dallas rather than Vegas would surely see an even bigger attendance, an even bigger spectacle, and thankfully, a fight that will match the setting.
I love attending major sporting events, particularly in a major stadium or arenas. Circa 55,000 at a boxing event is amazing. The Dallas Cowbows stadium is top of my hit list unquestionably and seeing it on television hosting the Pacquiao fight has whetted my appetite to go there even more so. The giant screen is hugely impressive, but by all accounts every single aspect about the stadium is top quality. The most notable aspect on television were the leather seats at ringside. They looked like La-Z Boys. If Jerry Jones had opened a compartment on the arm rest and whipped out a Bud or something, I would not have been surprised.
The fight itself was ok, but nothing special. I was not too disappointed at not being there – I would sooner attend the Mayweather/Mosley or even Khan/Malignaggi fights. That is not going to happen unfortunately, so expect a sulking blogger around early May!
Pacquiao’s dominance did however make me wish even more so for a fight between him and Mayweather. I will be at that one whenever and wherever. It is one of the few fights among current fighters that is a genuine super fight and one I just cannot miss.
That of course means that Floyd has to beat Shane Mosley. I suspect he is in for a much tougher time than Pacman had to endure, but I still expect him to come through it. The biggest fight will come when they have to negotiate a fight once again. Whether they can make it, who knows, but I just sense it is too big not to happen at some stage. So much has been discussed about the drugs testing policy and proposals between the two, but I do not think that is the issue. If Mayweather comes through the Mosley fight and is close to his best doing so which he will have to be, I think he will then have the confidence to take Pacquiao on – more so than previously just after his comeback.
The next battle will be where the fight takes place. Going back to Dallas rather than Vegas would surely see an even bigger attendance, an even bigger spectacle, and thankfully, a fight that will match the setting.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
The little things
One of the most impressive aspects of Vancouver 2010 was just how damn friendly the people there were. In the streets, in the shops, restaurants, the volunteers....everybody was incredibly polite, warm and friendly. Heck, even the homeless guys were pleasant! There was no real trouble, very few if any sign of scallies, and it was probably the most positive part of the Olympics....one which London 2012 certainly took good note of.
I went to good old Tesco this morning. This one in particular is not located in the most affluent of areas, but it is always something I look forward to when I go home. Supermarkets in England are just far better than in most other European countries...I'm biased, but I'll defy anybody to tell me differently! Anyhow, I bought a few bits and bobs, paid for my stuff, and the young lad on the checkout, no more than 20 years-old, said 'Have a nice day mate' as he gave me my change. Now, if I was in Vancouver or anywhere else in North America, I wouldn't have blinked an eye. Being in the Tesco in Seacroft, Leeds, and hearing it, was something of a shock. A welcome shock though. Such a small thing to say and do, but an important one which costs nothing.
I'll never forget one of our first days in Lausanne. We had to go to the post office in St Francois for something, and Hannah said 'Salut' to the woman behind the counter. She replied 'Do I know you'? Han said no. 'So why do you use Salut and not Bonjour?' she said with the straighest of faces. I was speechless. Welcome to Switzerland!
There was a sign in one of the stores in Vancouver. It read 'The world needs more Canada'. I wouldn't go as far to say that, some people may get a little big-headed!! But customer service is definitely one thing the world can learn from them. It costs nothing.
I went to good old Tesco this morning. This one in particular is not located in the most affluent of areas, but it is always something I look forward to when I go home. Supermarkets in England are just far better than in most other European countries...I'm biased, but I'll defy anybody to tell me differently! Anyhow, I bought a few bits and bobs, paid for my stuff, and the young lad on the checkout, no more than 20 years-old, said 'Have a nice day mate' as he gave me my change. Now, if I was in Vancouver or anywhere else in North America, I wouldn't have blinked an eye. Being in the Tesco in Seacroft, Leeds, and hearing it, was something of a shock. A welcome shock though. Such a small thing to say and do, but an important one which costs nothing.
I'll never forget one of our first days in Lausanne. We had to go to the post office in St Francois for something, and Hannah said 'Salut' to the woman behind the counter. She replied 'Do I know you'? Han said no. 'So why do you use Salut and not Bonjour?' she said with the straighest of faces. I was speechless. Welcome to Switzerland!
There was a sign in one of the stores in Vancouver. It read 'The world needs more Canada'. I wouldn't go as far to say that, some people may get a little big-headed!! But customer service is definitely one thing the world can learn from them. It costs nothing.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
No shame in quitting
I read with interest, and somewhat randomly and unexpectedly a degree of happiness earlier this week, that Irish boxer Bernard Dunne is retiring from boxing aged 30. I cannot admit to have closely followed his career as I have with others, especially in the early days, but I have enjoyed watching his fights over the last few years. It took me a touch by surprise that he was retiring given that it was not that long ago that he held a world title, he is only 30 (which I consider extremely young!) and has been fighting at a reasonably high level for a good few years now.
What pleased me however was that Dunne is clearly a guy who has made a reasonable amount of money, compared to the average man, (but far from that of a Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather or Ricky Hatton), but after his knockout loss last time out, has decided the time is right for him to quit. For him, it was the right time to leave the sport, perhaps not having the desire or motivation to continue, not desperately need the money, but most crucially, understanding that further punishment in the last few years of his career could cause damage to his health. As he commented about his decision, he spoke about it now being time to move to his next career, whatever that may be.
It seemed quite refreshing to me – an athlete admitting that his time is up, and being unable to maintain previous levels of performance. How often does that happen?
Maybe it’s just been a recent number of examples that have occurred which made it spring to mind, but there just seem to be so many athletes, past their prime, having earned fortunes, but determined to try to regain past glories. Of course, it may well be that those supposed fortunes have been blown in casinos, women and cars, and that makes a little more sense for them wanting to continue to earn a living.
In April, Roy Jones Jr, 40 years old, fights Bernard Hopkins……44 years old. I read an excellent article by Thomas Hauser last week, highlighting how unnecessary this fight was. Hauser’s article explains the health risks that face both fighters, particularly Jones.
http://www.secondsout.com/columns/thomas-hauser/hopkins-jones-ii-better-never-than-late
Both boxers have made good money, and have involvement in promoting which will almost certainly see them through the rest of their lives. How else can one explain why they are fighting other than stubborn pride, a desire for Hopkins to achieve revenge, and generally to want to prove to themselves, each other and the world that they can still perform at a high level.
Absolutely the same story with Ricky Hatton who plans to fight at least once more.
It happens in so many sports. James Toney has joined the UFC this week – a 41 year old boxer. 47-year-old former NFL star Hershel Walker fights in another mixed martial arts promotion. Brian Westbrook, Clinton Portis…..two veteran running backs in the NFL suffered horrendous concussions last season, both are clearly past their best, and both plan to play next season.
Granted, it does not help that these sports are so physical, but that even more than other sports, should tell them to protect their futures by calling it quits at the right time, without jeopardising their future health. All one needs to do is look at Muhammed Ali to see the tragic effects it can have.
They are all big and bad enough to make their own decisions and live by them. Dunne’s decision took me by surprise, but it is clearly the right thing to do for him. I admire him for his decision, and he seems to be content with it, and within himself – maybe that is what it is all about, I don’t know. I just hope some of the decisions to continue playing or fighting does not return to haunt some of these guys in later life.
What pleased me however was that Dunne is clearly a guy who has made a reasonable amount of money, compared to the average man, (but far from that of a Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather or Ricky Hatton), but after his knockout loss last time out, has decided the time is right for him to quit. For him, it was the right time to leave the sport, perhaps not having the desire or motivation to continue, not desperately need the money, but most crucially, understanding that further punishment in the last few years of his career could cause damage to his health. As he commented about his decision, he spoke about it now being time to move to his next career, whatever that may be.
It seemed quite refreshing to me – an athlete admitting that his time is up, and being unable to maintain previous levels of performance. How often does that happen?
Maybe it’s just been a recent number of examples that have occurred which made it spring to mind, but there just seem to be so many athletes, past their prime, having earned fortunes, but determined to try to regain past glories. Of course, it may well be that those supposed fortunes have been blown in casinos, women and cars, and that makes a little more sense for them wanting to continue to earn a living.
In April, Roy Jones Jr, 40 years old, fights Bernard Hopkins……44 years old. I read an excellent article by Thomas Hauser last week, highlighting how unnecessary this fight was. Hauser’s article explains the health risks that face both fighters, particularly Jones.
http://www.secondsout.com/columns/thomas-hauser/hopkins-jones-ii-better-never-than-late
Both boxers have made good money, and have involvement in promoting which will almost certainly see them through the rest of their lives. How else can one explain why they are fighting other than stubborn pride, a desire for Hopkins to achieve revenge, and generally to want to prove to themselves, each other and the world that they can still perform at a high level.
Absolutely the same story with Ricky Hatton who plans to fight at least once more.
It happens in so many sports. James Toney has joined the UFC this week – a 41 year old boxer. 47-year-old former NFL star Hershel Walker fights in another mixed martial arts promotion. Brian Westbrook, Clinton Portis…..two veteran running backs in the NFL suffered horrendous concussions last season, both are clearly past their best, and both plan to play next season.
Granted, it does not help that these sports are so physical, but that even more than other sports, should tell them to protect their futures by calling it quits at the right time, without jeopardising their future health. All one needs to do is look at Muhammed Ali to see the tragic effects it can have.
They are all big and bad enough to make their own decisions and live by them. Dunne’s decision took me by surprise, but it is clearly the right thing to do for him. I admire him for his decision, and he seems to be content with it, and within himself – maybe that is what it is all about, I don’t know. I just hope some of the decisions to continue playing or fighting does not return to haunt some of these guys in later life.
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