18 May 2002
Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, Connecticut
In all the years I have been a follower of the sport of boxing (over a quarter of a century and counting) there has never been a contest of such drama, intensity and courage as shown in the Arturo Gatti versus Micky Ward contest held at Uncasville, Connecticut on 18 May 2002. No title was at stake and to be honest none was needed, this was for that most important commodity of all: self respect. In an age where the proliferation of so ... 
This is a quintessentially British comedy remake of original French film (‘Cible Emouvante’). Bill Nighy plays 54 year old hitman Victor Maynard who is told by his infirm but still formidable mother (Eileen Atkins) that it is time to settle down after a long and successful career at the top of his profession. Victor lives for the approval of his mother, constantly living in the shadow of his deceased father and grandfather (also assassins of course).
One particular mission gets Victor entang... 
A film about four inept Jihadist terrorists in Britain is not your typical subject matter for a comedy. Unsurprisingly ‘Brass Eye’s’ King of controversy Chris Morris is involved on co-writing and directing duties and it shows. Love him or loathe him Morris is master of dealing with tough subjects most comedians shy away from. I went to a screening of this one with some trepidation and much anticipation. My main worry was: would it be too dark? Or even worse: unfunny?
Well, Morris and co-write... 
‘I am the Greatest!’
Muhammad Ali transcended sport, when he literally became the most famous man on the planet. The road to that remarkable achievement was a long and winding one with plenty of bumps along the way, but without doubt he captivated both boxing and non-boxing fans with his prodigious talent, good looks and his outspoken personality. He was the most flamboyant showman, the most outrageous and unashamed self-publicist and perhaps its most gifted performer.
Boxing in the early ... 
From writers Bob DeRosa and Ted Griffin this comedy is a mixture of two genres: the spy movie and the rom-com. Ashton Kutcher is Spencer Aimes, a spy on a last job in Nice, France. Here he meets Jen Kornfeldt (‘Knocked Up’ and ‘Grey’s Anatomy’s’ Katherine Heigl) on holiday with her parents. The two fall in love and later marry. The action then moves on three years later to perfect American suburbia where Spencer is in a regular job and Jen is blissfully happy in her marriage, totally unaware of ... 
The Brockton Blockbuster
Rocco Francis Marchegiano better known to the world as Rocky Marciano was the least technical world champion of modern times. He had one method of fighting, to get close to his opponent and batter them into submission as soon as possible. He was a threshing machine who just did not let up throwing punches from all angles non-stop until his opponent was either knocked out or overwhelmed. This ‘style’ required enormous reserves of stamina as well as physical and mental ... 
Featherweight Giant
In boxing beating a legend or following a legend is a tough thing to do. Sandy Saddler knew all about that. As a result he has perhaps never quite received the acclaim his talents deserved. An eye injury prematurely ended his career and arguably he never quite got the breaks. One thing that cannot be questioned is that Saddler undoubtedly belongs in the Parthenon of featherweight greats. He had fearsome punching power, great physical strength and stamina and that essential... 
‘Will-O’-The-Wisp’
Featherweight great Willie Pep once said ‘They call Ray Robinson the best fighter, pound for pound. I’m the best fighter, ounce for ounce.’ Not exactly the shy retiring type then! But this tribute to him should illustrate just why he was moved to make this statement and why, with no irony or mischief he was perhaps justified in believing it. The greatest pound for pound debate will rage on forever in boxing lore and there will always be comparisons and debates, Willie Pep’s... 
‘Sweet as sugar’
There is one boxer who all the rest will always be measured up to: ‘Sugar’ Ray Robinson. He is generally regarded as the best pound for pound fighter ever. If I am subjective I will say that he is the best pound for pound ever. If scientists built a supercomputer and asked it to put in all the essential elements to create the complete perfect boxer: balance, footwork, speed, stamina, durability, tenacity, defence, attack, strong chin, knockout power and courage Sugar Ray Robi... 
How I Put The Black In The Union Jack
Errol Christie with Tony McMahon
Published 2010 by Aurum Press Ltd
One of my earliest recollections of being a boxing fan was the build up to the Errol Christie versus Mark Kaylor contest. In a charged atmosphere at a press conference to announce the fight the two boxers brawled in the street dressed in their smart suits. It was a shocking scene and caused quite a stir. There was a real concern that the needle that existed between the two could lead... 
Ward v Gatti
18 May 2002
Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, Connecticut
In all the years I have been a follower of the sport of boxing (over a quarter of a century and counting) there has ne... Muhammad Ali
‘I am the Greatest!’
Muhammad Ali transcended sport, when he literally became the most famous man on the planet. The road to that remarkable achievement was a long and winding o... Rocky Marciano
The Brockton Blockbuster
Rocco Francis Marchegiano better known to the world as Rocky Marciano was the least technical world champion of modern times. He had one method of fight... Sandy Saddler
Featherweight Giant
In boxing beating a legend or following a legend is a tough thing to do. Sandy Saddler knew all about that. As a result he has perhaps never quite received t... Willie Pep
‘Will-O’-The-Wisp’
Featherweight great Willie Pep once said ‘They call Ray Robinson the best fighter, pound for pound. I’m the best fighter, ounce for ounce.’ Not exactly the sh... Wild Target (2010)
This is a quintessentially British comedy remake of original French film (‘Cible Emouvante’). Bill Nighy plays 54 year old hitman Victor Maynard who is told by his infirm but still... Four Lions (2010)
A film about four inept Jihadist terrorists in Britain is not your typical subject matter for a comedy. Unsurprisingly ‘Brass Eye’s’ King of controversy Chris Morris is involved on... Killers (2010)
From writers Bob DeRosa and Ted Griffin this comedy is a mixture of two genres: the spy movie and the rom-com. Ashton Kutcher is Spencer Aimes, a spy on a last job in Nice, France.... Robin Hood (2010)
Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe team up for another collaboration, this time to tell the old English tale of the mythical and legendary Robin Hood. Crowe plays the hooded one, this ... Iron Man 2 (2010)
Two years ago ‘Iron Man’ was the surprise hit that launched (literally) a new superhero onto our screens, well now Iron Man is back and bigger than ever. The first entry in the f... No Place To Hide
How I Put The Black In The Union Jack
Errol Christie with Tony McMahon
Published 2010 by Aurum Press Ltd
One of my earliest recollections of being a boxing fan was the bui... Hit Man: The Thomas Hearns Story
By Brian and Damian Hughes
Published 2009 by Milo Books
I can remember watching one boxer in particular growing up in the 1980s who always guaranteed drama and excitement eve... Young Stalin
Simon Sebag Montefiore
Published 2008 by Phoenix
Joseph Stalin the man responsible for the deaths of over 20 million of his own people kept his past well hidden. A charismati... Sphinx
By T.S. Learner
Published 2010 by Sphere
Alexandria, Egypt in 1977, on a dive to an old shipwreck archaeologist Isabella Warnock discovers an ancient artifact: an astrarium... Unseen Academicals
Unseen Academicals
By Terry Pratchett
Published 2009 by Doubleday
This is the latest entry in the Discworld novels by acclaimed author Terry Pratchett. Here he turns hi... Land of Copper
Cyprus
I will always have a strong affection for the Mediterranean, with its clear blue sea, its craggy islands and warm climate it is the perfect place to unwind and get away f... Puck Fair
‘Apparently there’s this place in Ireland where every year they crown a goat king and party for three days solid.’ So my friend Rob informed that early summer afternoon. We were sa... !Viva Mexico!
I had been to Mexico a few years earlier as part of a World trip. I now found myself bound for that colourful and vibrant country again. The last time was spent in the Northern and... How the Stag in Prague became The Night on Brighton
(Or ‘Here’s to Al Pacino!’)
Getting married is a ‘big’ step to take and when my friend Andy R invited me and a crowd of others to celebrate his upcoming Stag in Prague I jumpe... Invasion of the Morrismen!
I can remember it clearly now when my friend Andrew ‘Dave’ G invited me to join him and his mates from Winkleigh A.F.C. on a trip down to Newquay in Cornwall one summer. ‘Fine,’ ...
Daniel's Blog
| Sherlock Holmes, still relevant... |
 When Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote ‘A Study in Scarlet’ in 1887 for Colliers magazine I doubt very much that he could foresee that his creation detective Sherlock Holmes would in fact spawn four novels and fifty six short stories. Doyle’s last published work involving the famous sleuth was in 1927 (‘The Case Book of Sherlock Holmes.’) During Doyle’s lifetime he saw his creation become the subject of plays, radio shows and films. Perhaps more incredibly the resident of 221B Baker Street still endures as a popular and instantly recognizable character today nearly eighty years after Doyle’s passing.
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One to Watch
| Sherlock |
 A new version of Sherlock Holmes starts on Sunday starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Holmes and Martin Freeman as Watson. Holmes is the most portrayed fictional character ever with over 70 actors playing him and over 200 films made about him. So why bother watching this?
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