Ruslan Chagaev can dream of bigger fights and paychecks after retaining his WBA heavyweight title on Saturday.
But the fight's loser, 40-year-old Briton Matt Skelton, was unsure of what the future holds. He was convinced he could beat the odds and take the title back home after bookmakers made him a 6-1 underdog.
"I have to be realistic," said Skelton, a former kickboxing world champion. "On another day I think I can make amends. Whether I get that chance is another question. I lost a unanimous decision."
PHOTO: AP
Skelton's chance disappeared in the later rounds, as his rawness was exploited by the two-time world amateur champion. The Briton didn't step into the ring until age 35 and at first only to improve his punching for Muay Thai.
"I really thought I could do it," said Skelton (21-2, 18 KOs). "I know he is strong, and beat Nikolai Valuev, who is a giant of a man, but I really thought I could."
The judges ruled it 117-110 and twice 117-111 for Chagaev.
Chagaev (23-0-1, 17 KOs) made his first defense of the belt he won in April from Valuev, the biggest and heaviest champion of all time at 2.13m.
"I haven't boxed for a long time, so this was a good test," Chagaev said. "Who I fight next is a question for my manager. But it is my great wish to have all the four titles."
Skelton tried to tie up Chagaev, to disrupt the Uzbek's planned tactics of tagging him with combinations from outside with his superior boxing skills. He tried to use his 11kg weight advantage and trade uppercuts from in close.
That led to him being docked a point in the eighth round for excessive holding. In the first couple of rounds, Skelton also landed punches and gave Chagaev trouble.
But the Uzbek began to find his range by the middle rounds.
"I can adjust to a fighter's style," Chagaev said.
Skelton is unlikely to go home as well paid as Chagaev, saying he was "hard done" by the financial terms of the fight.
But at least some good rounds made up for a July fight at home against Michael Sprott, which earned him the title shot. He was jeered for that lackluster bout.
"I don't care about looking nice, I would rather have the win," Skelton said. "I've achieved a lot. I was lucky to an opportunity to fight for a a world title."
Now the said he will sit down with his team and family and discuss the future.
"I'd like to carry on," he said.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely