Sporting Flurries

One of my favourite boxing writers (Steve Kim – Maxboxing) regularly ends his articles with some what he calls ‘flurries’ – basically short snippets of thoughts and information. Barring any copyright issues, I’m going to blatantly steal his idea for some of my random sporting thoughts this week.

• In terms of atmosphere and ambience, Montreal’s Bell Centre is right at the top of venues in North America. Watching the Habs’ Stanley Cup play-off matches there and UFC 113, the atmosphere is absolutely amazing and the fans are outstanding. That is high on my list of arenas to visit....given the fantastic attendances for UFC and Boxing events there, I am hoping it is not too long before a big event returns there.
• I am gutted by Paul Daley’s actions in UFC 113. Intentionally hitting an opponent after the final bell is inexcusable – not good for the sport, and not good for British MMA fighters. The UFC did the right thing in cutting him.
• I am expecting a huge flurry of transfer activity this summer in European football. So many major teams have to strengthen and rebuild, I predict some big money being spent and some major movements. The World Cup will certainly help, but I would expect it regardless. We just need the first big one to start the chain of events.
• Big fight for Amir Khan tonight and one which I expect him to win. I was not impressed with the weigh-in brawl, quite unnecessary, but it will certainly add to the spice tonight. I am disappointed not to be going to this one, I think it will be an entertaining fight. That said, the Mitchell/Katsidis fight could be even better. Massive test for Mitchell, if he wins this one, he establishes himself as a major player at world level.
• I am planning on writing some old school analysis on the 32 World Cup teams in the coming weeks. I always find it tough positioning and ranking the African teams – Cameroon and Ivory Coast especially. Maybe it is because of their inconsistencies, but not an easy task for me. Should be published by start of June anyway.
• I am interested to see the coverage given to the cricket 20/20 World Cup. ESPN selling radio commentary on their site, and Eurosport France showing it among others. Could it be catching on outside of cricket-playing nations? There have been some superb games, anybody watching cannot fail to have been entertained by some.
• On the contrary, I have no interest at all in watching the FA Cup final. Call me a sporting snob, but it just does not interest me as a game. Sad but true.
• Heading to Liechtenstein today for the U17’s European Championships – looking forward to seeing the next star of the future and my three Everton boys.

Bon Weekend!