Tony Sibson did it the hard way

[WelshDevilRob]

Tony Sibson did it the hard way

 

By Peter Van-Leyden

 

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Leicester's Former British commonwealth and European middleweight champion, Tony Sibson became acknowledged as a British boxing favourite with the fight fans, who were always entertained by Tony's hard working style that complimented his quick combinations and power while accompanying good boxing ability. It could be suggested by many (me included) that Tony's style grew into the mould of a very good box fighter, with a powerful left hook.

 

Tony didn't shy away from a slugfest, if this was required, and he was involved in some highly publicised fights as he climbed up the rankings punching his way to domestic championship level, while earning an impressive start to his professional career by winning 24 of his first 25 fights, with 1 draw before suffering his first loss to African boxer Lottie Mwale - who himself became the commonwealth and WBC international light heavyweight champion, later in his career.

 

Tony didn't waste time and was back to winning ways in his next fight, reeling off a hatrick of wins before being on the wrong end of a point’s loss to Manchester's, Jamaican born, boxer Eddie Smith however in a rematch the following year Tony earned a ten round decision, to gain revenge.

 

Sibson was knocking on the door for the British middleweight championship and challenged Frankie Lucas for the belt that was vacated by Alan Minter, who later became the WBC and WBA world middleweight champion by defeating the rugged Italian American, Vito Antuofermo over in Las Vegas. Although, the 21 year old Tony was tagged the underdog in this fight he came through a brutal contest to win by TKO in the 5th round and the young Sibson had the Lonsdale belt wrapped around his waist, as the proud champion . After winning the domestic middleweight championship Sibson added three more wins to his career before he defended his title against the popular and much loved British boxer Kevin Finnegan, Tony was on the wrong end of a fifteen round decision.

 

Sibson then hit exceptional form and was a consistent winner, stringing together an impressive fourteen wins on the bounce, along the way Tony won the Commonwealth and European middleweight championships and if anybody observed Tony's career - this had to be the best form of his career and catapulted Tony into world title contention.

 

Before Sibson’s win against Minter the fight had grown into a highly anticipated dual and to many a mouth-watering prospect that included a clash of rivalry between two exceptional fighters, Minter was considered to be in the twilight of his career, while a hungry Sibson was the young up and coming contender. In a highly charged atmosphere created by a packed auditorium in London the fight took place with Sibson winning in the third round by TKO.

 

Before Sibson’s press for a world title he defended his European belt and was challenged by Italian Nicola Cirelli, in London and ‘Sibbo’ knocked out the contender in the tenth round. This win along with outstanding form earned him a potential shot, at the world middleweight title held by the formidable American, Marvellous Marvin Hagler. However, before this fight could take place Sibson had unfinished business against the American contender, Dwight Davison who was from the fighting city of Detroit. Dwight was also looking for a shot at Hagler, so an official eliminator took place between both boxers in Birmingham, England. Tony won the contest via point’s verdict over twelve rounds to become Haglers next challenger .The British fighter had finally punched his way to world championship level.

 

‘Sibbo’ flew ‘across the pond’ to America and spent a short time in the build-up to his challenge doing some training, unfortunately, Tony could not do any roadwork because of severe snow so he used a large basketball styled hall to run around to keep himself ticking over, with the harsh weather conditions outside .

 

Read More: http://www.ringnews24.com/index.php/boxing-news/54156-tony-sibson-did-it-the-hard-way.html#ixzz20PG4lv96

[robprosser]

Sibbo was one of my favourite fighters of the 80s and was very unfortunate to run into a prime Hagler. He'd have cleaned up if he's been around these days. Can anyone picture Sergio Martinez holding off a prime Sibson?