The boxing world is united in grief following the passing of Colin Hart, revered as the legendary Voice of Boxing. Hart, who dedicated nearly five decades to covering the sport, passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on Saturday.
Ricky Hatton Remembers a True Friend
"I am so sad to hear of the passing of Colin Hart. Colin followed my career from the start all the way through to the big fights in Vegas. He would often ring me for a chat and we became genuine mates. Colin was one of the first people to congratulate me when I was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame, he had previously been inducted himself, and I know how proud he was of that. We spoke for ages and he told me it was one of the highlights of his career and what to expect. And, right at the end of the chat, he told me: ‘You’ll love it, Ricky. Just enjoy it like I did’. Colin is one of the last great boxing journalists and he will be sadly missed. RIP old mate."
Michael Buffer Highlights Hart’s Legacy
"I was honoured to know the legendary Boxing Hall of Fame journalist, Colin Hart, for almost all of my career in the sport. His writings and passion for boxing are universally recognised as among the best ever. He will be forever remembered as a gentleman scribe and, to those of us who knew him by either casual acquaintance or deep personal friendship, he will be missed and never forgotten. Rest in peace, dear friend."
Jeff Powell Celebrates Hart’s Expertise
"A privilege and a delight to share much of Colin Hart’s journey to legendary status as a sports writer who knew more about boxing than 99 percent of all those involved in the game. Honest and loyal as an East End day is long. Wise, wry, fearless, generous, a treasure trove of tales to tell. Ultimate professional and much loved companion on our travels. May SE never set on his memory."
Jane Couch Remembers a Mastermind of the Sport
"Me and Colin go back a long way. Although Col was old fashioned and wasn’t keen on women boxing, he was always OK with me. We got on well. It’s a sad loss to boxing. Colin was one of the old school journalists who knew the game inside out."
Joe Calzaghe Pays Tribute to a Giant
"Colin was a real giant of boxing writers and there will never be another like him. He will be sorely missed and my deepest condolences go to his family, friends and colleagues."
Michael Watson Reflects on Hart’s Support
"Colin Hart was a boxing man, through and through. We could tell it was more than a job for him. Colin cared about us fighters and he campaigned for us. I felt like he was in my corner during my boxing career and definitely after it. The world has changed a lot since our glory days and I’m not sure there will ever be another Colin Hart."
Anthony Crolla Celebrates Hart’s Influence
"It’s heartbreaking that Colin has gone, especially so close to a milestone 90th birthday. But I know that his legacy on British boxing – the sport, not just the journalism – will never be surpassed or forgotten. You were one of the most recognisable faces and voices in the sport – more so than some of us fighters even! I’ll always remember we were sat together for the George Groves win over James DeGale and we had a pretty big difference of opinion! But that night, like all the others, it was just lovely to be in your company and listen to your opinions, because you were someone that I respected, massively. Rest in peace, Colin. We’re really going to miss you."
Spencer Oliver Remembers Hart’s Impact
"I’m not exaggerating to say that Colin was THE man you wanted to take notice of you, when you was boxing in my era. When we opened SE at the gym, we would rush straight through to his pages and hoped we would get a mention. Colin was always the boxing reporter of that generation that was the most respected in the gyms and at the shows, everyone wanted to get on his radar and get praise in his columns. It’s broken me a little bit, because he covered my entire career and he helped me when I was injured and in hospital and fighting dark times. He was always in my corner, when I felt very alone. And then again when I started working in the media and he helped me with so many TV and radio shows. It’s a real blow, it’s no exaggeration to say British boxing will not be the same again. Looking around a London ring, from Wembley stadium or York Hall, you almost always spot Colin with a paper under his arm. I’m gutted I’m never going to see that again. But I’m so grateful for everything he did for me and I hope I repaid him, somehow."
Johnny Nelson Pays Homage to Hart’s Integrity
"When Colin Hart wrote about you in SE it was a big deal. I remember it took him ages to write about me, I kept looking for an article an it never came and, when it did, I don’t thing it was even nice about me! But because fighters knew how much Colin had given to the sport, the amateur shows, not just world titles, they respected his opinion. I saw him have loads of arguments with fighters because, when he criticised them, it hurt, because he knew his stuff and it carried weight. And he wasn’t being critical for attention, he was doing his job and he had earned his right to an opinion. These days most boxing coverage is about views and clicks and content, people need to protect their access rather than ask the important questions. Colin was the opposite of that, he was an absolutely proper boxing journalist. I don’t think there will ever be another boxing reporter like Colin Hart, the world and the sport and the industry doesn’t make them like that anymore."
Colin Hart's contributions to boxing journalism are immortalized through his extensive coverage of hundreds of world title fights, iconic moments like the Rumble in the Jungle, and his insightful analysis that shaped the narrative of British boxing. His ability to predict outcomes, such as Muhammad Ali’s triumph over George Foreman, showcased his deep understanding and intuition for the sport.
As the boxing community bids farewell to a pillar of sports journalism, Colin Hart's legacy endures, inspiring future generations to uphold the integrity and passion he exemplified throughout his illustrious career.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of diet would you recommend for a new boxer?
Beginner boxers should eat a balanced diet that includes carbohydrates for energy, proteins for muscle growth and repair, healthy fats to increase endurance, and plenty of fruits and vegetables, which are rich in vitamins and minerals. Hydration is also crucial, so drink plenty of water before, during, and after workouts.
What is a proper boxing stance?
The classic boxing posture involves standing with your legs shoulder-width apart. Your lead foot should be forward and your rear foot should be at a angle of 45 degrees. You should have your knees slightly bent and your weight evenly distributed on your balls of feet. Your hands should be raised to protect your face. Keep your elbows tucked into your torso to protect it.
Is boxing an effective way to stay fit?
Yes, boxing is an excellent way to improve overall fitness. This full-body workout is intense and improves cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, endurance coordination and agility. Moreover, it is an effective form of stress relief and can boost your confidence and discipline.
What should I focus on as a beginner in boxing?
As a beginning martial artist, your main focus should be to learn the proper form and techniques. Mastering basic punches is one way to get started. Another is to establish a good defense, learn footwork, or improve your conditioning. Beginne slowly, prioritise technique over strength, and ask for guidance from an experienced coach.
Statistics
- Cardiovascular fitness improvements can be seen after just 12 weeks of consistent boxing training.
- Approximately 80% of boxing injuries occur during training, not in actual competition.
- Nearly 80% of boxing training injuries are related to incorrect technique, especially within the first three months of taking up the sport.
- It is estimated that 60% of beginner boxers do not use the correct size gloves, which can increase the risk of injury.
- Approximately 50% of beginner boxers drop out within the first six months, highlighting the importance of sustaining motivation and setting realistic goals.
- Studies suggest that about 30% of beginner boxers tend to neglect the importance of footwork in their initial training phase.
- Research indicates that nearly 70% of punches thrown by boxers during a match are jabs.
- Despite the stereotype that boxing is a young person's sport, approximately 20% of all beginners are over the age of 40.
- About 25% of people who take up boxing transition to competitive amateur boxing within their first two years of training.
- Beginner boxers tend to make the mistake of holding their breath in 70% of cases during their initial training sessions.
External Links
How To
How to select a boxing club for beginners
Choose the right boxing studio to ensure quality instruction and a positive learning environment. Look for a gym with experienced trainers who have a background in coaching beginners. Take into consideration the number of classes, the quality of the equipment and the cleanliness of the gym. You can test out a gym's atmosphere by taking a trial class.
CricketBoxingFormula 1GolfHorse RacingPremier LeagueTennisPrivacy PolicyTerms And Conditions
