to move up and down
Infographic: The fight for the Stanley Cup
Much angst, and ink, has been spilled in recent years over fighting in hockey. Progressives say ban fighting. Traditionalists say ‘over our dead bodies.’ A moral debate rages. Yet what seldom gets asked is: How does fighting affect a team’s performance? Does toughness win games? Is meting out an ugly black eye as valuable as scoring a pretty goal? Let’s drop the gloves, shall we, and look at the numbers. (Illustration by Mike Faille)
They say boxing is a dying sport. And with the absence of an American heavyweight champion, combined with the rise of the UFC, maybe there is some truth to that. But every now and then, a fight comes along and temporarily revives interest.
Saturday night’s fight between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez has that sort of potential. It is the fourth time these two featherweights will be stepping into the ring against each other. But if history is any indication, do not expect any closure in this epic rivalry.
Just count on being entertained. (Photos: Julie Jacobson/The Associated Press, Jeff Bottari/Getty Images)
English middleweight Michael (The Count) Bisping stole the show at the UFC 152 news conference Thursday, jamming his face into opponent Brian (All American) Stann as the two posed for photos.
Bisping and Stann stood nose-to-nose, then the Brit leaned forward and edged his forehead into the American’s face. Stann moved back a step and then stood his ground, their eyes locked.
When they broke the pose, Stann paused before being the first to put out his hand and they shook.
But the former marine war hero did not remain with Bisping for a secondary pose for photos. Instead, clearly not happy, Stann glared at the English fighter from the side of the stage while a smirking Bisping took centre stage alone to adopt a fighting stance.
Three against one? Oh well. The Canucks have been pushed around too many times in the last three seasons and now they are finally starting to get aggressive. As long as hockey is a violent contact sport, that will be a necessary part of the game. Two seasons ago in the playoffs, the Canucks capitulated in the face of the Hawks’ aggression. Has this week been a sign of things to come?
So, uh, boxer Dereck Chisora had a busy week.
Don Cherry said something offensive? Whaaaaaaaat? Photo: Mark Blinch/Reuters
