Roar Guru
Joined April 2014
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I am an avid rugby fan, combat sports aficionado and writer. My favourite sportsmen are those who chance their hand in an expression of creativity infused with athletic grace - be it David Campese, Shane Warne, Andrew Johns or the contemporaries Chris Weidman, David Warner or Israel Folau. "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take" - Ice Hockey sage Wayne "the Great One" Gretzky
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I can remember a point in my early thirties that all of a sudden my love for contact sports began to backfire. Every weekend…
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I agree.
Mudine normally hits a second gear in the 4th/5th. If he can stay frost until then and let his hands go I think as upset will happen. If Rabechenko catches him in the first few rounds I think it could be a tough night for The Man. When he brawls he looks unconvincing.
He has to dictate the pace and the space. Also an effective weight cut will come into play like it did against Mosley. Mosley admitted that he was not ready for someone of Mundines size – and Rabechenko might hit hard … but nowhere near as hard as Green, Kessler or Echols … he he stays the matador to the bull like he did against those much bigger fighters, use footwork and reach to frustrates the kid I think he may outsmart him for a win.
Anthony Mundine to become a legend
Well said Jonno
None of those fighters played State of Origin. All those fighters had long amateur careers. I think you underestimate a man going from being the highest paid NRL player and leaving on top to taking over the fight game and revitalising the sport in this country.
If all he fought are hacks then all the Australian Champions that he took care of are hacks: Green, Geale, Soliman, Taylor …
Stop disparaging for the sake of it – look at the scoreboard
Anthony Mundine to become a legend
Its hard to say whether he is past it. Only Mundine and his trainers know that for sure. As he does not drink and smoke and has not been through wars like Michael Katsidiis and Danny Green it is hard to say whether he is ageing like most boxers.
In the lighter divisions speed kills – and this will decrease with age. That being said a boxer called Bernard Hopkins has been rewriting the books on whats possible age wise. It may be that we saw Anthony turn a corner against Clottey … but he is notoriously dangerous when counted out as he showed against Echols, Green, Geale and Mosley. It is a compelling fight that will have a fascinating outcome either way.
He is going in as the underdog for good reason. I will not be putting money on him – but never count out a champion.
Anthony Mundine to become a legend
No joke Sir,
I was referring to legendary moments that I will parlay to my grandchildren that I saw in person – not on the TV. I am sure you will have your own.
Campese is and will remain a legend. I will certainly tell my grad kids about watching him play! I would imagine someone living in London would not need convincing of that fact.
For a combat sports aficionado to sit ringside in the and watch a record 11 finishes in 11 fights with many being hometown heroes in Sydney last Saturday – you better believe I will tell my grandkids!
As for the claims of hyperbole. I hate to get too academic on you but you seem to misunderstand the use of that word. I use an analogy or two and some mixed metaphors (as is the Australian way) but no hyperbole.
It is a fact and not an exaggeration that going from highest paid NRL player to fighting the best boxer in the world is unprecedented.
Only person who can claim greater crossover sport domination is the legendary Jim Thorpe.
Or was that too much hyperbole for you?
Anthony Mundine to become a legend
Good summary.
I will be in the minority here but I think Mundine may be able to win this. He has fought much bigger and more dangerous punchers than this kid (read Danny Green, Mikkel Kessler and Antwun Echols). When he focuses on making them miss and stays cagey he can beat anyone. It just depends which Mundine turns up.
Historically he has performed when all attention is on him and his back is to the wall in both League and boxing. Its when he switches off and gets lazy (Siaca, Wood and Clottey) that he gets beaten. His comeback fights are normally emphatic victories. I would love to see him go on and challenge one of the topi names as it would be up there with Mark Hunt for sports stories.
Anthony Mundine vs Sergey Rabchenko: Preview, start time, broadcast details
This is an intriguing article …there was a claim in the SMH that MMA and boxing are subject to more concussive brain injury than League and Union … seems hards to believe as they do not fight every weekend.
I don’t recall Micheal J Fox boxing for a title either
"Look at George Foreman": Ali's doctor questions link between Parkinson's and boxing
Matthews walking out to Thunderstruck …..awesome
[VIDEO] UFC Sydney highlights: Rockhold vs Bisping results
Dan Kelly – beasts his opponent by braking his nose and following him with a judo throw and secured a submission win by kimura
[VIDEO] UFC Sydney highlights: Rockhold vs Bisping results
Jason …. still can’t believe that KO!!!… Australian Dan Kelly up next. Nicknamed the “Grizzly” on TUF Nations …. 4 time Olympian means he has some pedigree
[VIDEO] UFC Sydney highlights: Rockhold vs Bisping results
Massive KO by Brimmage .. heard that from here!!
[VIDEO] UFC Sydney highlights: Rockhold vs Bisping results
GOOD READ
I have to say that one part of Union is disappointing and that is the fact that there is still little done to support the Pacific Islands.
They have enormous athletic talent and I believe are entitled to a a much bigger share that the IRB acknowledges. They have proved time and time again that they could be top tier rugby nations consistently every RWC when either Tonga, Fiji or Samoa claims a big scalp.
We should also reinvest in a NZ Moari equivalent for the Pacific Islands … any player of heritage to play for them. They tried that with the a team of players that played currently for Samoa, Tonga and Fiji – but although potent did not quite get there.
Imagine if they got the Islanders playing for the AB’s and Wallabies as well…. Wow
Set Australian rugby's phoenix to flight mode
I understand that. But Cain has now been quite an inactive fighter. There is no doubting his ability and dominance but longevity is always something that has to be achieved in greatness.
Compare it to Hunt who has been fighting at a world class level for almost 20 years. It is a staggering achievement that he finds himself in the mix for any type of title and as he proved with Nelson – one misstep and its over.
Too old and too short aren't in Mark Hunt's vocabulary
Absolutely. It is an amazing match up … I can’t imagine Hunt challenging Valesquez too much. Verdum fancies himself as a Muay Thai fighter and if he falls victim to Hunt playing possum like so many before he might end up in a close quarter exchange that will end badly for him.
Cannot wait to see this fight
Too old and too short aren't in Mark Hunt's vocabulary
Absolutely agree. From PR, player management and and general leadership Pulver has done what all 2nd rate CEO’s do in a crisis – disillusion the best of their organisation. When was the last time a Wallaby coach resigned??? We have some of the best players in Australia playing overseas like we are a second tier team. Pulver has to go…
It is SO clear that the ARU are a house divided. Mckenzie may have made a few management decisions on his way but last night he did show that he had a handle on the job. I admire the integrity he has displayed in walking regardless.
Heard from a good source that the ARU were recruiting a while ago for PR person specifically with NO rugby background. I presume that means not so much for “fresh ideas” but without rugby alliances.
Ewen McKenzie's resignation a real shocker
LOL … ir I remember correctly he was being generic – its why I remember it so vividly … It was just before the RWC when a group of greats were being interviews and asked who would most likely win player of the RWC. To hear that from Marshall was surprising
Sir Graham Henry rates Wallabies worse than 2011
To quote Justin Marshall just before 2011 RWC ” He is the most influential player in the world”
Sir Graham Henry rates Wallabies worse than 2011
I love hockey for the hot Canadian chicks who love their contact sport more than Kiwi chicks love rugby … and they speak French
54 things I love about ice hockey
I love hockey for the 12 versions of Rock em sock em that i have
54 things I love about ice hockey
I love hockey for the stories of big men with unusual grace and brutality. Lindross, Jagr, Messier and Forsberg.
54 things I love about ice hockey
I’m not saying Genia and Cooper shouldn’t be picked – but Henry was gifted field position repeatedly due to Coopers repeated mistakes in the semi. He should have been dragged in the first 20 mins. Coopers form pre RWC 2011 was IRB player of the year stuff … His form last November was outstanding too and based on that warrants a look at.
I just don’t see how Henry references specifically RWC 2011 halves form as a point of difference from the current Wallabies … presuming he isn’t doing this to be self serving AFTER someone already knighted him….
Oh. Wait …
Sir Graham Henry rates Wallabies worse than 2011
I am a bit surprised that Henry has given QC and Genia the nod over the two current halves based on form in the last RWC.
Cooper had an absolutely woeful tournament until the 20 mins against Wales in the playoff. He then was out with an extremely damaging injury and only found form again in November of last year.
Genia should be at least on the bench. Getting him and Cooper back together in Wallaby colours will at least have the AB’s a bit frightened that they could regain that combinations form tempered with more wisdom.
Sir Graham Henry rates Wallabies worse than 2011
Jones,
You lost your job because of your inability to manage David Campese and we came within a cats whisker of losing him to Rugby League club St Helens; Mark Ella retired rather than playing under you … your understanding of managing the best talent rugby has to offer – or lack there of – is why you didn’t coach the 91 RWC team.
Comments on ARU have been on the Roar well before this bloke jumped on. KB might be a good bloke who made a mistake when angry – but prison s are full of people like that. If he broke the law he has to pay the penalty. Matt Henjack copped it – why not Beale.
Alan Jones blasts Wallabies set up
Allanthus – I hope this is a start of a series. I would be a subscriber.
Wallabies truth session - Exclusive coverage
Campese … 2nd player ever and first Australian to play 100 tests 64 test tries and Player of the 91 RWC …. do you need more than that?
Anthony Mundine to become a legend