1. If you could attend a fight in any venue in any country, where would you choose to go and why?
Mickey Helliet(Boxing manager and promoter)
My favourite venue is the MGM Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The view in the arena is very good and the atmosphere in the arena, as well as the surrounding bars and casino, is electric when a big fight is on. I don’t think it could get any bigger or better than boxing there. The venue itself is symbolic. If you top a bill there you are part of the elite. I attended some shows at the Mandalay Bay in 2003 which is purpose-built and another of my favourites.
John Murray (Former WBA title challenger)
I would have to say Madison Square Garden, New York. My world title fight against Brandon Rios took place there. It was an unbelievable venue.
Gary Sykes (Former British super-featherweight champion)
Since I started boxing, I always got told York Hall, Bethnal Green was the place to be. But since getting knocked out in Prizefighter there, it’s off the list. Instead, it would have to be Madison Square Garden, Caesars Palace or MGM Grand for a big Mexican face-off.
Nigel Wright (Former English super-lightweight champion)
I prefer the small hall shows which are packed to the rafters with actual friends and family screaming for the fighters. You can feel the passion and see how much it means to them. One of the best was Alex Arthur vs. Michael Gomez at the Meadowbank Arena in Edinburgh. It was England vs. Scotland for the British title and the atmosphere was electric.
2. How do you see Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury II playing out if it happens in February?
Mickey Helliet
Fury will do better next time against Wilder. He’ll be sharper than he was for the first fight as he’s now living the life and has had more competitive boxing rounds. Wilder is a fast and clever puncher who could wipe out pretty much anyone in the heavyweight division. Mentally, the Fury facing Wilder will be very different to the one who turned up against Otto Wallin.
John Murray
I strongly fancy Fury to win the rematch with ease. His performance at the weekend lacked something, though. Maybe he couldn’t get up for a lesser opponent or maybe he took the win for granted. I expect him to be up for the Wilder fight, though, and to be at his best. He should win a wide points victory.
Gary Sykes
I think the Wilder vs. Fury rematch will be quite similar to the first one. However, whereas before I thought Fury fiddled his was to a win, I don’t reckon he will be as lucky this time. I think he might get knocked out.
Nigel Wright
I see a very similar fight to the first. Fury will box and move, possibly to a points win, so Wilder will have to step on him and go for the KO. If I was to have a bet, I would go with Fury on points. He has now had a few more fights and is better prepared physically and mentally.
