By Matt Christie
Nathan Heaney and Brad Pauls put on an impressive performance for the British middleweight title on Saturday night, resulting in a draw. Regardless of whether you favored one fighter over the other by a slim margin, it was a match filled with immense passion and bravery. Ultimately, a draw seemed to be the most equitable outcome.
Within a span of less than 12 hours, Heaney, the victorious champion, was spotted at a pub near Barbican station in London, located 103 miles south of the Birmingham arena where he had competed. He wore a stylish black suit, proudly displaying his renowned mustache along with the visible marks and injuries acquired from his previous night’s bout. Heaney joined the esteemed gathering of over 450 guests attending the yearly British Boxing Board of Control Awards, conveniently situated just across the street.
Despite not winning the Boxer of the Year award and Boxing News Trainer of the Year award, Heaney and his coach, Steve Woodvine, accomplished something truly remarkable when they upset Denzel Bentley and won the title. This achievement can be considered the heartwarming story of the previous year.
Heaney, despite jokingly mentioning the lingering effects of Paul’s powerful punches on his ears, maintained a cheerful disposition as he posed for photographs, signed autographs, and graciously applauded the deserving winners of the awards. In a sport often tainted by unpleasant rivalries, Heaney stands out as one of the truly genuine individuals. His fanbase has grown organically, relying on traditional methods. Each supporter who purchases a ticket to his fights feels a sense of connection to Heaney because, in a sense, they truly do. Heaney personally delivers every ticket he sells, which is no small feat considering he currently sells over 2,000 tickets. This gesture from the national champion is truly remarkable.
Attending on Sunday was truly delightful. The atmosphere exuded immense respect, which resonated among the present boxers throughout the afternoon. In today’s era, such an ambiance is not always prevalent. General Secretary Robert Smith candidly acknowledged this fact before revealing the Sportsmanship Award recipient, noting that in certain years, there had been no deserving candidates for such recognition. However, this was not the case in 2023.
Sam Gilley and Louis Greene were both honored with the award. Their behavior leading up to their October Commonwealth super-lightweight title fight was admirable. At the pre-fight press conference, they displayed remarkable restraint by refusing to engage in a verbal battle. Furthermore, they impressed everyone with their exceptional performance during the bout. After the fight, they graciously congratulated one another. It was truly inspiring to witness them standing together on stage, using their mutual admiration to discuss their anticipated rematch, tentatively scheduled for later this year.
It would be truly marvelous if this type of behavior became so common that it was considered the standard. However, the fact that it stands out as the most admirable moment in the boxing calendar suggests that we still have a long way to go in that aspect. While we understand that rivalries attract attention and some tension adds to the excitement, one could argue that a constant stream of offensive language and personal insults does little to attract new fans to the sport. The events on Sunday demonstrated that despite its inherent violence, boxing can still embody nobility and honesty. In 2024, the national media will only fully support our sport – rather than just reporting on scandals and quickly moving on – if there is more proof of what boxing should truly represent.
On March 16, 2024, in Birmingham, England, Nathan Heaney and Brad Pauls reached a draw at Resorts World Arena.
GET WELL, ROBERTO
After having a pacemaker fitted, the Hands of Stone are currently recuperating.
Roberto Duran, considered one of the most exceptional boxers alive, recently underwent a pacemaker implantation following an incident involving an atrioventricular blockage. He is currently making progress towards recovery.
At 72 years old, Duran continues to captivate audiences at boxing events with his magnetic persona, exuding a contagious zest for life. Gone is the intimidating force he once was in the ring, replaced by a mischievous charm that only adds to his legendary status.
After receiving the news of Duran’s hospitalization in Panama, renowned figures such as Mike Tyson and Canelo Alvarez promptly expressed their admiration and support for the boxing legend. Canelo conveyed his heartfelt message, saying, “Roberto, I am sending you an abundance of positive energy. Be courageous, as you have demonstrated in all the battles you have faced. This is just another challenge, and I have faith in your strength. Sending you a warm embrace, and may God bless you.”
Duran is a prominent figure in the world of boxing, and it can be unsettling to realize that he won’t be with us forever. However, at present, the outlook is positive. “We are delighted to share that the surgery to implant a pacemaker in our champion, Duran, was a complete success, thanks to God.”
All at Boxing News wish ‘Manos de Piedra’ a speedy recovery.
On June 26, 1972, in New York, Roberto Duran joyfully celebrates alongside his trainer, Ray Arcel, following his victorious fight against Ken Buchanan at Madison Square Garden. (Image credit: The Ring Magazine via Getty Images)
