Thaxton & McGuigan debate Tyson Fury's career

[gasman]

I enjoyed this little exchange on ITV4 last night. Thaxton was basically saying that Fury should not be even thinking about Oliver McCall, and other names until he get a lot more fights under his belt

McGuigan countered that McCall is an old man (42) and Fury isnt learning anything against the bums he is knocking out in 2 rounds, the only way he will learn is if he gets in with some names that will presure him and take him for 6 or 8 rounds. The other point being that fury struggles to get opponents anyhow.

I have to agree with McGuigan, get him in with the likes of McCall, Williams et al now, it would do him good.

[KERRZO]

Yeh he needs to try and fight a better quality of opponent.

[Mandanda]

I enjoyed it aswell i like when you have that sort of debate and Jim let them go at it and they both had good views i agree more on Thaxtons side maybe two more learning fights then push him to that level but it's hard to argue against Barry's view so in reality Hennessey has some hard choices to make with Tyson.

[Gaz S]

I think it would be good to put Tyson in with somebody like Sprott first. Seasoned, a decent test and a good name. In the event that Sprott should win, it's unlikely to be in a devastating fashion (despite the Audley result!) that wouldn't hurt Tyson's confidence too much and it's something he could come back from.
So two or three more fights, then somebody like Sprott would be a decent gauge of where Tyson's at before putting him in the likes with McCall.

[Beeston Brawler]

Even though McCall is done, he would be a live dog against anybody!

[Bodi]

What's the rush? Fury is only a baby in the sport. Yes, he isn't learning a great deal with his current level of opposition, but he would simply get schooled by McCall. Think about it, McCall has seen everything in the game, has been around for a long time, and can still bang a bit. There is far to much pressure on young fighters nowadays to step things up too quickly - you only have to look at what happened to Khan. Thaxton's opinion is spot on imo.

[Axl_Nose]

Tyson Fury should be put in with McCall, if he cant beat McCall then we know he's going to be yet another domestic level heavyweight. If Tyson Fury wants to make it as a heavyweight he needs to be dealing with limited nothing fighters like Sprott and creaking veterans like McCall ..
And this talk of 'having 2 more fights before taking on McCall' is a bullshit myth that everybody believes in .. When talking about prospects people always want them to take 2 more fights before being tested as if those 2 more fights are going to give the fighter all the knowledge he needs to take on some live contenders .. Thats all bullshit, Tyson Fury would learn more about being a fighter if he fought McCall, even if he lost a 12 rounder he'd learn so much more than beating up on 2 domestic level bums ..

The major problem with our domestic level fighters is that they beat up stiffs for years before they actually step up they're opponents, by that time they are set in they're ways, unable to learn anything and cant adapt to superior opposition .. Im all for testing young fighters against veterans who are way past they're best but still know a few tricks that could test the rookie .... Young fighters need to be in hard fights, thats the only way they learn anything ..

[gasman]

Tyson Fury should be put in with McCall, if he cant beat McCall then we know he's going to be yet another domestic level heavyweight. If Tyson Fury wants to make it as a heavyweight he needs to be dealing with limited nothing fighters like Sprott and creaking veterans like McCall ..
And this talk of 'having 2 more fights before taking on McCall' is a bullshit myth that everybody believes in .. When talking about prospects people always want them to take 2 more fights before being tested as if those 2 more fights are going to give the fighter all the knowledge he needs to take on some live contenders .. Thats all bullshit, Tyson Fury would learn more about being a fighter if he fought McCall, even if he lost a 12 rounder he'd learn so much more than beating up on 2 domestic level bums ..

The major problem with our domestic level fighters is that they beat up stiffs for years before they actually step up they're opponents, by that time they are set in they're ways, unable to learn anything and cant adapt to superior opposition .. Im all for testing young fighters against veterans who are way past they're best but still know a few tricks that could test the rookie .... Young fighters need to be in hard fights, thats the only way they learn anything ..

:deal

[TFFP]

Novel idea I know...but he could actually step up a level without facing a puncher with a chin as good as McCall.

The truth is somewhere in the middle, it is correct he is learning jack shit by getting it all his own way in a few rounds. It's also true Belshaw to McCall is not the most logical step.

He should fight Cisse Salif or Zack Page if he wants to get some rounds in. Alternatively, he could just go right ahead and fight Danny Williams. Nobody can seriously convince me McDermott is better than Fury, and he gave Williams all he could handle. He's bordering on shot, its not a dangerous step.

[Mandanda]

Novel idea I know...but he could actually step up a level without facing a puncher with a chin as good as McCall.

The truth is somewhere in the middle, it is correct he is learning jack shit by getting it all his own way in a few rounds. It's also true Belshaw to McCall is not the most logical step.

He should fight Cisse Salif or Zack Page if he wants to get some rounds in. Alternatively, he could just go right ahead and fight Danny Williams. Nobody can seriously convince me McDermott is better than Fury, and he gave Williams all he could handle. He's bordering on shot, its not a dangerous step.

He's a good shout i agree

[Bodysnatcher]

I mean, the guy's just turned pro, he's a heavyweight barely into his twenties. I realise that he shouldn't be allowed to stagnate against stiffs, but sticking him in with McCall or Sprott or Williams risks de-railing him before he's even got going.

[Axl_Nose]

What's the rush? Fury is only a baby in the sport. Yes, he isn't learning a great deal with his current level of opposition, but he would simply get schooled by McCall. Think about it, McCall has seen everything in the game, has been around for a long time, and can still bang a bit. There is far to much pressure on young fighters nowadays to step things up too quickly - you only have to look at what happened to Khan. Thaxton's opinion is spot on imo.

You talk about McCall as if hes a 42 year old Larry Holmes .... McCall wasnt even that good in his prime, good chin, a few shots but nothing else ..... If a young fighter has 'true' potential, if he has 'true' ability then he should be able get the better of a tough 12 rounder with a guy like McCall. In the States this is how they bring on and test they're fighters, they put them in with veteran guys to see what they've truly got and i for one want to see what Fury has got instead of waiting round for 5 years watching him look good against bums and then getting knocked out by a guy as talentless as Skelton .. I've seen that a million times at domestic level .... Lets see if Fury has got anything, the only way to do that is to fight good opposition .. Fighters learn zero fighting bums

[TFFP]

Not really. Danny can't even punch at the moment. In theory he's got a lot of raw power, but I barely saw him connect properly in 24 rounds against John McDermott.

And there is not a chance in hell he's outboxing Fury, his stamina is not the best and he loads up on power shots.

It's a calculated risk.

[billy nelson]

i enjoyed there debate,it was an active fighters viewpoint v a retired boxers view very interesting listening

[Gaz S]

i enjoyed there debate,it was an active fighters viewpoint v a retired boxers view very interesting listening

I agree. I always find Jonno really good as a pundit, very honest and comes across very well. McGuigan is a different animal when he's not on Sky too.
I actually like ITV's production of shows, especially their little films before fights (such as the Murray weight debacle last night, and they did a great one on Johnny Nelson a few years ago).
Gabriel Clarke is a bit of a clown though and I get the impression he undermines a lot of boxers. That said, it'll be a shame if ITV do pull the plug.

[gasman]

I agree. I always find Jonno really good as a pundit, very honest and comes across very well. McGuigan is a different animal when he's not on Sky too.
I actually like ITV's production of shows, especially their little films before fights (such as the Murray weight debacle last night, and they did a great one on Johnny Nelson a few years ago).
Gabriel Clarke is a bit of a clown though and I get the impression he undermines a lot of boxers. That said, it'll be a shame if ITV do pull the plug.

I agree, I like the commentary and the behind the scenes pieces, I though Gabriel Clarke took the piss a little bit too much and ITV really went to town on Murray over the weight debacle.

As well as aiding Tyson's career, getting in some names to fight Tyson, would make sense to Hennessy and ITV4, he should be topping bills now with some names, as he is an exciting prospect with a lot of power, he could actually be a golden goose for ITV4 if they played their cards right.

[ApatheticLeader]

It's a terrible idea to put Fury in with McCall while his endurance is still untested.

[achillesthegreat]

Thaxton is a classy guy. I really like him. He should be a regular.

[davidjay]

ITV4 are my favourite channel for live boxing. I enjoy the behind the scenes stuff and ther commentary team is good. It'll be a pity if they stop their shows.

[rockandrollstar]

Get him in with fat McDermott.

[Farmboxer]

Tyson Fury has not been fighting very long, give him a chance.

[brown bomber]

I was sat right next to them all on sat night. Very professional. Gabriel Clarke was in touching distance.... I was soooo nervous. He's my hero.

[gasman]

Regarding finding the right opponents for Fury, (i.e. not a bum or the likes of Oliver McCall but an opponent that is at a level somewhere in between), this is the problem - the ones that are the next step up for Fury do not want him, he is too much of a risk for them and they have everything to lose.

I think the 'one fight per month philosophy' was exposed on the evidence of the recent Korobov fight on the Cotto undercard. I'd like to see Tyson take good steps up in quality but fewer fights per year....so that he has ample time to learn from each fight and work on his weaknesses....

[icemax]

McGuigan countered that McCall is an old man (42) and Fury isnt learning anything against the bums he is knocking out in 2 rounds,

I am sure that McGuigan wouldn't have been so dismissive as to call fellow professionals "bums"...anyone who has the balls to climb through the ropes to make a living deserves some respect, whatever their ability level.

[icemax]

I was sat right next to them all on sat night. Very professional. Gabriel Clarke was in touching distance.... I was soooo nervous. He's my hero.

I'm getting seriously worried about you :deal :D

As for Fury, let the lad get a footing in the pro game before he starts fighting men like McCall

[jonnyfartpants]

Gabriel Clarke was in touching distance.... I was soooo nervous. He's my hero.

He is a proper legend!

'Show us your muscles Junior . . . .'

[gasman]

I am sure that McGuigan wouldn't have been so dismissive as to call fellow professionals "bums"...anyone who has the balls to climb through the ropes to make a living deserves some respect, whatever their ability level.

He didnt actually use the term 'bum' but he referred to opponents that were basically a pushover for Tyson etc...

[Flea Man]

Novel idea I know...but he could actually step up a level without facing a puncher with a chin as good as McCall.

The truth is somewhere in the middle, it is correct he is learning jack shit by getting it all his own way in a few rounds. It's also true Belshaw to McCall is not the most logical step.

He should fight Cisse Salif or Zack Page if he wants to get some rounds in. Alternatively, he could just go right ahead and fight Danny Williams. Nobody can seriously convince me McDermott is better than Fury, and he gave Williams all he could handle. He's bordering on shot, its not a dangerous step.

Totally agree :good

Maybe Rahman.....or even Dominick Guinn???? I think Williams is the best choice though

[Beeston Brawler]

I don't think Rahman is a viable option, he will want too much money I think.

Not sure what Guinn has been up to of late, would he come over?

McCall might be a decent choice nine months or so from now, I dread to think what Hennessy will be saying if Fury managed to stop McCall.

This guy has knocked out Oliver McCall, the man that took punches from Buster Douglas, Tony Tucker, Frank Bruno and Lennox Lewis, and barely even moved - McCall even beat Lennox Lewis.....

Tyson Fury is better than Lennox Lewis.....

[BURNLEYBLUE]

Mcguigan had the last word though with a sneaky little dig after the Lawton interveiw, highlighting that he'd put Kahn#1 with Murray#2.
Think Barry and Jono need a few rnds of 'light' sparring. Something I would'nt mind seeing

[Ste Hawkins]

Put Fury in with McDermott, that will be a great test of where he's at and wouldn't be a dangerous move.
However, REALITY CHECK. Sorry, but I believe Tyson Fury will be knocked spark out by the first legitimate heavy handed and fast heavyweight he meets. His last fight was canny, he worked the body well and closed the ring adequately. But that chin??
Fury never moves laterally and his chin raises like an amateur as he back off from punches. Sorry but this is basic boxing technique which he hasn't learned and it will prove very costly as he has been thrust into the limelight. He even did it as an amateur and its notbeen rectified! Its a big 'ol chin just hanging there and I very much question anyone's ability to take a punch when their chin gets hit and its not tucked into their chest, let alone this young lad who I think will be exposed very soon. Sorry ITV4, I know you have big hopes but you've bought into the hype again.

[dan-b]

There's a practical issue here, the BBBofC won't sanction a 12 round fight for Fury yet and he alluded to this on the Bunce hour recently.

[TFFP]

What is the reason for that?

I'd say he should get some rounds in before fighting a potential 12 rounder anyway. 10 rounds with somebody durable like Cisse Salif would do him the world of good.

[Grant1]

I think Gammer would be a good test.

I know he's retired, but he does after every fight - I'm sure a few ££ would make him reconsider.

[dan-b]

What is the reason for that?

I'd say he should get some rounds in before fighting a potential 12 rounder anyway. 10 rounds with somebody durable like Cisse Salif would do him the world of good.

Lack of experience I guess. If he jumps straight into a 12 rounder, and ends up in hospital, it looks bad on them.

[TFFP]

We have seen some novices fighting for the British title lately. What about that Asian chap that fought Chris Edwards who had about 6 fights?

They surely do not change the rules just because its a heavyweight.

He should get a few more fights in against durable opposition though. Just incase he's forced into the latter stages.

[dan-b]

We have seen some novices fighting for the British title lately. What about that Asian chap that fought Chris Edwards who had about 6 fights?

They surely do not change the rules just because its a heavyweight.

He should get a few more fights in against durable opposition though. Just incase he's forced into the latter stages.

Mmmm....I was just going off what Tyson had said to Bunce when asked if he would fight Danny for the British title. A 10 rounder with McCall makes sense though.

[Beeston Brawler]

You have suggested McDermott next.... that could always take place over 8 rounds.

[TFFP]

I could see McDermott getting blown away in a couple of rounds. Reminiscent of his fight with Skelton.

I'd truthfully rather see him fight an experienced guy like Salif, that know his way around the ring. Only stopped once. We can almost guarantee his stamina is tested that way. All bets are off if you put a timid guy like McDermott in there.

[Ste Hawkins]

McDermott's biggest problem is his lack of belief, also his lack of conditiioning. However I think saying Fury would blow him away is either over estimating Fury or underestimating McDermott. I'm no fan of McDermott but I refuse to buy into the hype of Tyson Fury. He doesn't hide that chin at all and McDermott will test it to some degree, albeit without endangering Tyson's future career, so an 8 or 10 rounder would be ideal.
If not, put David Price in against Tyson. There's bad blood involved and it would make for a good area title at 10 rounds. (Price would KO Fury inside 3 in my opinion, Price is much more compact and tight defensively already in his pro career).

[Beeston Brawler]

Hennessy might be reluctant..... that KO ratio is quite high 21 from 23!

[Brummy1976]

Mcguigan had the last word though with a sneaky little dig after the Lawton interveiw, highlighting that he'd put Kahn#1 with Murray#2.
Think Barry and Jono need a few rnds of 'light' sparring. Something I would'nt mind seeingI thought mcguigan was a bit over powering with jono. I thought thaxton was spot on with his analysis, would'nt mind if he was a permanent fixture once he retires.Good bloke

[dan-b]

I thought mcguigan was a bit over powering with jono. I thought thaxton was spot on with his analysis, would'nt mind if he was a permanent fixture once he retires.Good bloke

McGuigan has a habit of doing this, he speaks louder when someone isn't agreeing with him. Thaxton speaks in a calm, measured manner at all times. I like him.

[REEVO]

I think it would be good to put Tyson in with somebody like Sprott first. Seasoned, a decent test and a good name. In the event that Sprott should win, it's unlikely to be in a devastating fashion (despite the Audley result!) that wouldn't hurt Tyson's confidence too much and it's something he could come back from.
So two or three more fights, then somebody like Sprott would be a decent gauge of where Tyson's at before putting him in the likes with McCall.
Spot on Sprott is a good opponent he is not amazing but has some good boxing skills, Tyson would have to be on the ball to win this one...:good

[REEVO]

McGuigan has a habit of doing this, he speaks louder when someone isn't agreeing with him. Thaxton speaks in a calm, measured manner at all times. I like him.
yeah i thought that too battle of the egos i sense they dont like each other to much..

[David UK]

Tyson Fury should be put in with McCall, if he cant beat McCall then we know he's going to be yet another domestic level heavyweight. If Tyson Fury wants to make it as a heavyweight he needs to be dealing with limited nothing fighters like Sprott and creaking veterans like McCall ..
And this talk of 'having 2 more fights before taking on McCall' is a bullshit myth that everybody believes in .. When talking about prospects people always want them to take 2 more fights before being tested as if those 2 more fights are going to give the fighter all the knowledge he needs to take on some live contenders .. Thats all bullshit, Tyson Fury would learn more about being a fighter if he fought McCall, even if he lost a 12 rounder he'd learn so much more than beating up on 2 domestic level bums ..

The major problem with our domestic level fighters is that they beat up stiffs for years before they actually step up they're opponents, by that time they are set in they're ways, unable to learn anything and cant adapt to superior opposition .. Im all for testing young fighters against veterans who are way past they're best but still know a few tricks that could test the rookie .... Young fighters need to be in hard fights, thats the only way they learn anything ..

Couldn't agree more. Far too much bullshit spoken in boxing.

[antcull]

hes only 20 years old and has been a pro for half a year, absolutely no need to rush him whatsoever.

That being said Sprott seems a very reasonable choice......8-10 rounds.

The domestic HW scene is pure shite at the moment really, he should be able to move quickly through it

Audley hasn't retired yet has he?

[REEVO]

I would like to see Tyson Fury fight the likes of McCall but i cant see it happening because for some reason his promotors cant make any fights for him, Why is he struggling to get people to fight him, I could name 10 good fights for him.

[Evil Rich]

I would like to see Tyson Fury fight the likes of McCall but i cant see it happening because for some reason his promotors cant make any fights for him, Why is he struggling to get people to fight him, I could name 10 good fights for him.

Because whoever faces him and loses is facing a career in the domestics at best.

[REEVO]

Because whoever faces him and loses is facing a career in the domestics at best.
All the British fighters are all in the domestic level anyway except for David Haye....

[almsn]

I agree with MvGuigan on this one,time to step up

He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.
Muhammed Ali

[ChrisC]

Does he have a chin?

I've not seen him fight to be honest, just the knock outs at the end, he his chin been tested?

[REEVO]

Does he have a chin?

I've not seen him fight to be honest, just the knock outs at the end, he his chin been tested?
Seen all his fights and he has not been caught yet, so your guess is as good as mine....

[ChrisC]

Seen all his fights and he has not been caught yet, so your guess is as good as mine....

Probably worth putting him into a 4 or 6er with someone that'll hit him hard then. If he takes a good punch then you know he can move on quickly, if it causes him problems then you know you'll have to take it a bit slower and work on defence.

So we need to be listing bangers that are beatable. Honestly can't think of one off the top of my head but my knowledge of low level domestic Heavyweights isn't all that good.

[REEVO]

Probably worth putting him into a 4 or 6er with someone that'll hit him hard then. If he takes a good punch then you know he can move on quickly, if it causes him problems then you know you'll have to take it a bit slower and work on defence.

So we need to be listing bangers that are beatable. Honestly can't think of one off the top of my head but my knowledge of low level domestic Heavyweights isn't all that good.
Fights for Tyson if he could get them would be, Sprott, David price, Chisora but i think he is on a ban. Pele ried good skills can bang abit, Chris Burton. I think all these could give him a good fight and test that chin.:good

[ChrisC]

Fights for Tyson if he could get them would be, Sprott, David price, Chisora but i think he is on a ban. Pele ried good skills can bang abit, Chris Burton. I think all these could give him a good fight and test that chin.:good

Yeah Chisora's on a four month ban I'm lead to believe.

[robpalmer135]

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[rumour24tiger]

Poor work from Barry. Not just what he said, but the way he shouted down Thaxton on TV. Thaxton has done good work as a pundit, and then you get the more experienced Barry getting all animated, throwing his weight around, going on a rant that most ppl think is ridiculous. Unprofessional. Dock his wages, I say.

[REEVO]

Poor work from Barry. Not just what he said, but the way he shouted down Thaxton on TV. Thaxton has done good work as a pundit, and then you get the more experienced Barry getting all animated, throwing his weight around, going on a rant that most ppl think is ridiculous. Unprofessional. Dock his wages, I say.
Barry the bully..

[gasman]

I would much prefer to have a couple of pundits speak their mind and say what they think rather than cosy up to one another with the mutual backslapping that is synonomous with Sky pundits. Thaxton and McGuigan could shape up to be a nice little double-act, I hope we see more of them.

[barrington]

Thaxton has it right,Fury is but a toddler in heavyweight terms,he needs to be brought along just right,not rushed and not held back.Both will stunt a fighter development.

[Leather_Face]

I thought it was a good time to bring this topic back up after Furys fight on Friday night.
I thought McGuigan belittled Thaxton that night and tryed to make him look a bit silly on live TV. Thaxton made the point that Fury was in no way ready for someone of McCall's ability, even an old McCall. Thaxton was right, even a 42 year old McCall would have stopped Fury on Friday. Will McGuigan admit he was wrong? I doubt it

[Flea Man]

I thought it was a good time to bring this topic back up after Furys fight on Friday night.
I thought McGuigan belittled Thaxton that night and tryed to make him look a bit silly on live TV. Thaxton made the point that Fury was in no way ready for someone of McCall's ability, even an old McCall. Thaxton was right, even a 42 year old McCall would have stopped Fury on Friday. Will McGuigan admit he was wrong? I doubt it

Thaxton give good analysis. He deserves that job over Baz IMO

[indie_uk1]

Its a fair point, Tyson showed a lot of characteristics that i liked. eg, heart, potentially great jab

He just showed that he needed maybe 5 more fights of staedily increased opposition. Im not gonna debate the resuklts of the fight as thats now irrelevant but Tyson did hold his own with a decent British level fighter of 30 fights in only his 8th pro outing.

The big worries for me are, how much influence has John Fury got in his career? Because that worrys me and also is Tyson the type of guy to learn from his mistakes and improve?

In my view he needs to get a 2-3 more learning fights under his belt and then face Mcdermott again in a rematch. Spend a LOT of time in the gym on his conditioning and get some good sparring. Sorting out his defence is crucial. If he knew how to have blocked Mcdemotts straight rights the fight would have been a lot different

[Leather_Face]

Thaxton give good analysis. He deserves that job over Baz IMO


Yeah i agree. Hes a nice guy Thaxton as well, they way he congratulated Tom Glover when he beat him was comendable. I just didnt like the way McGuigan spoke to him and laughed off his suggestion that he was not ready to make such a big step up in class. McGuigan said Fury wouldnt learn anything unless he got in the ring and beat someone like McCall. Well the only thing he would learn if he got in with McCall at this stage is how to get up off the canvas!
McGuigan can be very imformative at times but is far too pompous. Mckenzie made a point on big fight review that it would take amatures about 5 years to realise if they were world class or not and he was completely shot down by Barry who said it would take more like 18months. His opinion has to be right and if you disagree he doesnt like it

[stork]

What Fury needs is a better trainer. He fights in a very amature style, i don't see how going back to his amateur trainer was meant to help. He needs someone to help him take advantage of his height and reach and good jab. Mcdermott got past the jab way too easy and Fury's infighting was very poor, he was looping his punches very ineffectively with those big long arms. He would be far more effective if he could keep opponents at range and straighten his shots.

[indie_uk1]

What Fury needs is a better trainer. He fights in a very amature style, i don't see how going back to his amateur trainer was meant to help. He needs someone to help him take advantage of his height and reach and good jab. Mcdermott got past the jab way too easy and Fury's infighting was very poor, he was looping his punches very ineffectively with those big long arms. He would be far more effective if he could keep opponents at range and straighten his shots.


I agree with this. In all of Furys other fights he seemed to be the come forward fighter but in this fight, he was on the back foot trying to jab and move. I thought Furys best rounds were the last 2 and that was when he went forward to rough mcdermott up looking for the knockout. I agree though that his jab was his strength but he only threw straight lefts. He would set himself up with the left jab and never threw straight rights to really hurt mcdermott. It meant all mcdermott had to do was walk forward, drop the shoulder and he was in close to land his rights

[BoroBoxing1]

I think he needs a few more fights before he fights somebody like Oliver Mccall, i think he should fight Mcdermott, Rogan an then the winner of the next prizefighter then you can start stepping him up because after fridays performance thers still alot of work to do.

[gasman]

lol! This one has re-surfaced.

Well, I still think he did the right thing in stepping up - it might knock a bit of reality into Fury. I hope that after the boxing lesson he got from McDermott, that Fury will stop talking shit, lose some of that flab and get a new trainer.

I don't think McGuigan was that bad with Thaxton; they just had a lively debate and I thought Thaxton held his own. I welcome that kind of disagreement amongst boxing pundits. That is something you don't see too often on Sky, they generally agree with each other.

[DamonD]

I thought the notion of McCall as an opponent this early was a really stupid idea right from the start, and said so.

Needless to say, nothing has happened to changed my mind. You'd have to be out of your mind to stick a green prospect in the ring with even today's McCall.