Mayweather: retired

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The Lonsdale belt continues to be a hugely treasured possession. In fact, the pride of even contesting the venerable old British title seems to be bringing more and more out of our fighters.

Many of these men will never make it into World class. Yet the way they are whipping their bodies into tip-top shape and driving immense performances out of themselves is down to the sheer prestige of battling for the domestic crown.

This season we have seen some efforts and challenges almost beyond the call of duty. Francis Jones gave every single ounce of energy in his body right up until the last round as he failed to take Kevin Anderson's British Welterweight title....Kevin McIntyre then raised his game superbly twice to defuse and outbox Anderson.

We've had mini-crackers between Lightweights Jon Thaxton and Dave Stewart, Super-Bantamweights Esham Pickering and Sean Hughes, and Super-Flyweights Andy Bell and Chris Edwards.

Even if they don't always seem even money fights on paper, its amazing how sheer will and desire can bridge those little gaps.

It has almost become customary for the referees to ask for a round of applause from the crowd after most British title encounters.

Scenario

That was the same scenario last Friday after another absorbing 12 rounds as John Simpson and Paul Appleby battled it out for the British Featherweight crown.

With too many clinches, it can't be called a classic, but you still couldn't take your eyes off it, and the crowds from both East and West Scotland were living and loving every second of it.

There was quite a buzz ahead of this Tartan tussle. With much pride at stake, the fighters were desperate to go home with the beautiful British belt.

Greenock's Simpson was making the third defence of his title and had he prevailed, he would have had the Lonsdale belt for keeps. Meanwhile, at just 20, the young precocious Appleby needed to back up his boasts of taking the crown back to South Queensferry.

In a warm and atmospheric Kelvin Hall, Simpson made the sharper start, taking control of the ring, working his jab and looking compact. From the third though, Appleby began to make an argument of it, pressing forward and delivering more shots.

A flash knockdown of Simpson in the 5th seemed to give Appleby the confidence. The champion constantly looked to his corner for advice and was a little too flat.

Still the rounds were close, and the action ebbed and flowed. The key for me was that it was Appleby who looked the boss down the stretch. He may not have won all the sessions, but he wanted it so much and he kept up a fiery pace.

Simpson did have the experience of being 12 rounds four times before, and Appleby had never been beyond 8. Yet it hardly looked like that, as Appleby clinched it in the championship rounds.

So a new British Featherweight Champion in Paul Appleby. He'd jumped up in class in only his 12th outing and he passed a major test, one which many of us weren't quite sure he was ready for. Appleby also has that glint in the eye that might just make him a wee star. Promoter Tommy Gilmour was so pleased that his 'rough diamond' had prevailed.

Derby

From an all-Scottish affair last week to a Hampshire derby down on the South coast this Friday Fight Night. It's another good match as British Light-Heavyweight Champion Tony Oakey aims for an exciting display to give us value for money yet again!

But he faces a tough one against a fighter I truly believe should have been crowned a World champion in the Nineties. You may remember the name: Dean Francis. The Basingstoke boxer looked really classy when he tore apart the highly rated David Starie and Frederic Seillier to win both British and European titles.

But 10 years ago, Francis tore apart his right shoulder and his dreams evaporated. He's struggled with the problem ever since and seemed a fading force.

Yet a first-round destruction of Ovill McKenzie last year gave Francis the Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight crown, and kept his career alive.

Both Francis' Commonwealth title and Oakey's British belt are on the line.

Like Francis, Oakey's had his ups and downs, but finally took hold of the domestic light-heavyweight title in a decent tussle with Steve Spartacus, before defending it against the game, brave Peter Haymer. That was another crowd-pleaser!

Oakey's rewarded with a homecoming in Portsmouth, where he is a cult figure. The Pompey chimes are still ringing loud after those FA Cup heroics, and Oakey promises continued celebrations on the South Coast.

He may just have that extra drive and commitment to negate Francis' obvious talent.

These fighters may never become instantly recognisable household names. But for those nights when they put all on the line for the Lonsdale belt, they earn resounding respect within the trade.

All change

Finally, up in levels - and it's all change worldwide. Floyd Mayweather has announced his retirement again - and it seems more serious this time.

Money could of course change his views, but he might have had his last hurrah. That would be a real shame for a fighter I believe is one of the very best to ever lace on the gloves. Certainly in modern times.

So Oscar De La Hoya is now without an opponent for September 20th. Ricky Hatton was offered the chance of filling the void but has turned it down because of timing. Hatton's still set to meet Paulie Malignaggi in the Autumn; so Oscar needs a big-name to step up fast.

It's not a good spell for the Golden Boy's own plans - or his stable's. Huge puncher Daniel Ponce De Leon had the tables turned on him last weekend as the Mexican was wiped out in the first round by the extremely impressive Puerto Rican Juan Manuel Lopez.

World titles have changed hands all over the place. Paul Williams blasted his way back with a one-round reversal over Carlos Quintana to exact sweet revenge, and Sergio Mora rose from 'Contender star' to real World Champion when he outpointed one of the better boxers of the last decade, Vernon Forrest.

Kelly Pavlik was the sole World star to keep things in order as he utterly outclassed and dismantled poor Welshman Gary Lockett.

With Mayweather apparently leaving the sport, debate will continue over who is the best pound-for pound fighter? Manny Pacquiao? Miguel Cotto? Joe Calzaghe?

Don't discount Pavlik. What a 12 months he's had. From being an unbeaten, and seemingly over-protected prospect, Pavlik has stopped the very dangerous Edison Miranda, come back from the brink to take out Jermain Taylor by knockout, and then go on to outpoint the former World Middleweight Champion.

Once again Pavlik looked fabulous in Atlantic City. Promoter Bob Arum's uncovered yet another gem.

Mr. Arum may be 76 now, but he's certainly not the 'extinct dinosaur' he's sometimes labelled as...