SEEN Sport Magazine Issue No. 6

ISSUE NO. 6

SPORT MAGAZINE www.seensportmagazine.com

SAÚL CANELO ÁLVAREZ STADE TOULOUSE | LIONEL MESSI | FORMULA 1 | MAYWEATHER GYM | RICKY HATTON

SUMMER STARTS

HERE

EURO 2012 BLOG Follow all the excitement of the competition at SEEN Sport Magazine. www.seensportmagazine.com/euro2012

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06 THE END OF AN ERA A reflection on Pep Guardiola’s last great European night at the Nou Camp and Messi’s crowning glory.

18 FORMULA 1 A stunning retrospective of the season so far as the leading drivers battle to claim the F1 title.

FEATURE

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10 MAYWEATHER GYM Meet nine year old Demler Zamora III, boxing’s next big thing and star of the Mayweather Gym. 34 SAÚL CANELO ÁLVAREZ An exclusive behind the scenes feature with the Mexican idol as he prepares for his biggest fight to date.

50 STADE TOULOUSE We travel to Toulouse to see if le rouge et noir reclaim their form to secure a record 19th French title.

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INTERVIEW 56 VINCENT CLERC The Stade Toulouse winger discusses an eventful season and his hopes for the future 60 RICKY HATTON The Hitman looks back at fighting pound for pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr.

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SPOTLIGHT 66

ROB TRINGALI

How to shoot the Super Bowl and become a successful sports photographer.

TRAVEL 74 LAS VEGAS Sin City fights back from the crippling economic crisis.

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CAPTURING SPORT FROM EVERY ANGLE

Cleva Media Photo Agency | www.clevamedia.com

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utting together the latest issue was definitely a journey to remember. Our creative team have been busy redesigning the look and feel of the magazine and in the meantime, we launched a new website which is updated daily offering the most interesting stories in the world of sport.

Following the positive response we received from our readers, we have endeavored to go further in order to deliver the very best independent sports photography, intriguing features and original content.

Our head contributor managed to navigate his way down Big Bear Mountain in a raging blizzard, avoided being tasered by a trigger happy security guard at a famous Las Vegas casino and witnessed Lionel Messi scoring five brilliant goals on a very special night at the Nou Camp.

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We hope you enjoy this issue, we had great fun producing it and wish our readers a fantastic Summer of sport.

Don’t forget to visit our newly formed forum where readers can interact and discuss the latest sporting news.

SEEN Sport Team

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Thank you to the photographers, athletes and their management who have given their time and collaborated with us on this issue.

CONTRIBUTORS: Chris Cozzone, Eoin Mundow, Jurgen Tap,

Michael Kunkel & Rob Tringali.

CONTACTS:

Editor - editor@seensportmagazine.com Advertising - adsales@seensportmagazine.com Pictures - pictures@seensportmagazine.com

Cover: Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez Photo by Eoin Mundow

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THE END of an

ERA

On March 7th at the Camp Nou, Lionel Messi confirmed his status as the world’s best player.

The young Argentine received the resounding seal of approval of his peers and of course his coach, Pep Guardiola, following a truly spellbinding performance against Bayern Leverkusen. As Messi dazzled with his sublime skills, scoring five majestic goals, it was inconceivable to the 75,632 fans in attendance that night, that they were witnessing the last great European performance of the Guardiola era.

Following the back-to-back defeats at the Nou Camp against Real Madrid and eventual Champions League winners Chelsea, Guardiola announced he would be leaving “la blaugrana” at the end of the season, citing exhaustion as the main reason for his departure. After winning his final trophy, the Kings Cup, against Atletico Bilbao, the popular coach was non commital about his next position. “I will receive all calls with pleasure, but for the next months I have to recharge my batteries and my mind,” said Guardiola.

“I will be ready [to return] if one c l u b w a n t s m e a n d s e d u c e s m e .”

As the most successful manager in Barca’s history, Guardiola will not be short of job offers.

THE END OF AN ERA | Photos & Text by Eoin Mundow

"I'm lucky to coach and manage this player. he is the best. there's no-one else. he is a unique player because of his innate talent and also for his competitiveness. we will not see another player like messi. it's not easy to score five goals, and one day he will score six." (Pep Guardiola)

FC Barcelona v Bayern Leverkusen

REPORTAGE

DEMLER Z

MAYWEATHER GYM | Text & Photos by Eoin Mundow

Demler Zamora III (black shorts) connects with a left hand lead during sparring as his trainer Roger Mayweather (L) looks on.

ZAMORA III

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n March I travelled to Las Vegas to focus on the positive aspects of Floyd Mayweather’s success. The Mayweather Gym is now home to a new generation of young fighters inspired by the pound for pound king’s achievements inside the ring and his mantra of hard work and dedication.

Brilliant within the confines of the square circle, belligerent and offensive outside of it, the fighter who dubs himself as the greatest of all time was unfortunately unwilling to participate in this feature. I had requested to spend some time photographing his workout as he prepared to face Miguel Cotto for the WBA Light Middleweight title and had also hoped to discuss with him his position as a role model, but was informed by his PR woman that “It wouldn’t be possible, he is in another stratosphere now” adding “He is also very busy with community service” surely a contradiction in terms I thought. Although it was a shame, it was not entirely unexpected. The last time I met Mayweather he had threatened me with a bizarre rant that “If I came to the ghetto I would get a cap in my ass!”

That was some three years earlier when he was about announce his return to the sport after a brief retirement.

Before our encounter I had spent an enlightening afternoon at the fighters gym watching the inspirational work his uncle, Roger Mayweather does with the young men of Las Vegas. Along with a small team of unheralded boxing trainers they give their support and share their knowledge with aspiring athletes who see boxing as a way to channel their aggression and hopefully provide them with a brighter future. I was keen to reacquaint myself with some of the trainers and boxers I had met and in particular to watch Demler Zamora III, the new star of the Mayweather Gym. I arrived at the gym at noon, five hours before Mayweather was due to start training, as I intended to soak up the atmosphere and get unrestricted access to photograph and chat with the boxers in the gym. Situated in a commercial centre in China Town, the Mayweather Gym looks pretty nondescript from the exterior. There is nothing flashy about the eight time world champion’s workplace. It was however, now considerably larger than the last time I visited and better equipped.

The Mayweather Promotions logo was emblazoned on everything, from the ring canvas to the walls. As I sit in the lobby a friendly voice exclaims, “Hey, you were here before, you’re from England right?” I look up and recognise the face straight away. It’s Bob, a young trainer who looks after some of the

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amateur boxers, we met on my last visit when his 19 year old nephew Kyron was sparring with Zab Judah. I tell him I’m there to shoot a feature on the kids in the gym and hopefully get a few minutes with Floyd after his session. Today he is working with an amateur who has aspirations of making it big like his idol, Floyd Mayweather. I ask him if he would like me to take some photos whilst he trains, his face lights up “Sure” he responds. Bob adds, “He’s cool, he will send you the photos”. There is an air of conviviality about the place; it’s definitely a family affair. The mood is upbeat and everyone speaks in glowing terms about Mayweather when I ask

about him. One boxer smiles and quips “He’s a whole lot nicer since his court case”. Shortly after photographing Bob’s young prospect, I notice Zamora working out in front of a small group of onlookers. Better known as simply DJJ, the young fighter has featured on 50 Cent’s official website and was bestowed with the rather tacky pseudonym “My little Blackapino!” by Mayweather Jnr. The eight year old Filipino-American boxing prodigy illuminates the room every time he works out. His crisp punches explode

in rapid succession on the mitts of Roger Mayweather like IT ’S REMINISCENT OF THE popcorn cooking on a flaming stove. Sweat pours from his GREAT PERNELL WHITAKER brow as he dips and swivels like a jack in the box, pounding IN HIS PRIME TOYING WITH away with hurtful intent. Slowly but surely the other fighters NELSON MANY in the gym stop working out and look on in awe. The intensity A Z U M A H and concentration etched across young fighters face is clear for YEARS AGO all to see he follows his trainer’s instructions intently. One can sense the he is acutely aware of the congregation watching his they have just witnessed. It’s amazing just how good this kid every move as if he were a circus performer. His style bares a is; watching him work out on the pads was simply breathtakstriking resemblance to Floyd Mayweather Jr., but this is more ing. I have seen Floyd Mayweather in action on occasions, than merely just a party piece or a tribute to but there is something special about watching someone so young illustrate an innate understanding for the noble art.

After a much needed drink of water to hydrate his tiny frame, he heads to the ring to spar. Another boy wants to test himself against the young star. It’s his first time sparring and he could not have chosen a more daunting task. The objective of the session is not to knock each other out, but to refine the skills that they have been taught and overcome the fear of combat. Zamora’s opponent is pensive, nervously looking over at his friends and seeking reassurance from Roger Mayweather whilst the wily old trainer laces his gloves. In the opposite corner Zamora’s uncle gives him instructions, he nods in affirmation and pops in his gum shield. He has been here many times before and stalks the ring, waiting for the ball to ring.

As they glide around the ring and engage in a tactical battle, Zamora displays his full repertoire of skills and ring generalship. He squats and almost touches the floor as he moves out of range from his opponent’s wild swings. It’s reminiscent of the great Pernell Whitaker in his prime toying with Azumah Nelson many years ago. As each round passes it’s evident that there is a gulf in class between the two combatants, but when the final bell rings there is a mutual respect and a bond that unites them at the end of their brief encounter. This is boxing in its most embryonic form and it’s beautiful to watch. the pound for pound king. This unique style is the blue print that has garnered so much success for Mayweather Jr. and will enable Zamora to defend himself from the oncoming punches of his future opponents and administer his own potent counter attacks. Zamora’s uncle shouts encouragement and looks on with pride from the ring apron, the diminutive boxer picks up the pace, with ten seconds left on the clock a crescendo of blistering punches complete the pad session and applause and wolf whistles ring out in appreciation for what

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here is something refreshing about the innocence of youth. Zamora is supremely talented, but at 8 years old blissfully unaware of the negative aspects of the sport. His passion is simply to box, continue learning his trade and maybe one day he can emulate the ring achievements of Floyd Mayweather Jr. or his idol Manny Pacqiuao. His uncle is polite, unassuming and grounded. He understands that his nephew still has a lot to learn, possesses the talent to succeed, but is also vigilant to protect him from the pitfalls of SEEN Sport Magazine | 13

fame at such a young age. The role of a supportive family is imperative in ensuring that these stars of the future are equipped to handle success. After removing his gloves, gum shield and head guard DJJ walks towards me and touches his tiny fist against mine, acknowledging my presence and confirming his happiness for the attention he has received, I tell him he looked very impressive today, he smiles and shyly turns away to continue the rest of workout.

Something tells me this won’t be the last time I see or hear of Demler Zamora III. When the young prodigy leaves, the king of the gym emerges from the changing room, a dark cloud descends and the mood changes drastically. Money Mayweather is in no mood to talk, understandably his focus is on the day’s hard work ahead of him. A reverential silence emanates throughout the place as he paces up and down, looking at everyone in turn, scoping them to see who they are and what business they have being there. His personal assistant Leonard Ellerbe shouts “No video cameras, no cameras and no mobile phones whilst the Champ trains!”.

My time is up!

Demler Zamora III works out on the pads with Roger Mayweather and shadow boxes in the ring.

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DEMLER ZAMORA III MADE HIS AMATEUR DEBUT AT THE SILVER NUGGET CASINO, LAS VEGAS IN APRIL 2011. THE YOUNG STAR OUTWORKED HIS RIVAL, SHOWING FL ASHES OF HIS UNDOUBTED CLASS AND WON THE BOUT ON POINTS.

Demler Zamora III shadowboxes in the ring.

THE YOUNG BOXER IS CURRENTLY TRAINING HARD AT THE MAYWEATHER GYM WITH THE SUPPORT OF HIS FAMILY AND HOPING TO COMPETE AT THE RINGSIDE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN KANSAS CITY IN JULY 2012.

PORTFOLIO

Daniel Ricciardo (Scuderia Toro Rosso) passes Sebastien Vettel (Red Bull) FIA Formula One World Championsh

hip 2012, Grand Prix of Spain.

FORMULA 1 | Photos by Jurgen Tap & Michael Kunkel

This years F1 season has been anything but predictable with six different winners from six pulsating races. There have been riots, crashes and fires in the paddocks, but ominously some things never change, Red Bull are as consistent as ever and lead the constructors championship. With the drivers leader board ever changing, Sebastien Vettel has a fight on his hands if he is to claim a third successive title. Photographers Michael Kunkel and Jurgen Tap showcase some of their stunning images from a truly intriguing F1 season.

Jenson Button (GBR, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes).

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Sebastian Vettel (GER, Red Bull Racing).

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#5 Fernando Alonso (ESP, Scuderia Ferrari), FIA Formula One World Championship 2012, Grand Prix of China.

#3 J

Jenson Button (GBR, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes), FIA Formula One World Championship 2012, Grand Prix of Bahrain.

Mark Webber (AUS, Red Bull Racing).

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Nico Rosberg (GER, Mercedes GP Petronas F1 Team).

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#7 Michae

el Schumacher (GER, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team) FIA Formula One World Championship 2012, Grand Prix of China.

Fernando Alonso (ESP, Scuderia Ferrari).

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Lewis Hamilton (GBR, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes).

NAME

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#5 Fernando Alonso (ESP, Scuderia Ferrari), #6 Felipe Massa (BRA, Scuderia Ferrari), Port of Monaco.

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FEATURE Text by Photos by Eoin Mundow

SAÚL CANELO ÁLVAREZ

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t the time I set out on my journey to the USA, Goldenboy Promotions had just announced their annual Cinco de Mayo promotion. Floyd Mayweather would challenge Miguel Cotto for the WBA Light Middleweight crown in an attempt to win his eighth world title and after much persuasion, the young Mexican idol Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez agreed to appear as the chief support against Sugar Shane Mosley. Tipped by many to be the heir apparent to Mayweather and Pacqiuao, I was interested to find out more about the 21 year old from Guadalajara and see if he lived up to the hype.

Since signing a promotional contract with Goldenboy, the American media has started to take notice of Canelo. He defeated the durable Matthew Hatton on points to claim the WBC Light Middleweight title in 2010 and won his first three title defences by knockout stopping Ryan Rhodes, Alfonso Gomez and Kermit Cintron. The World Champion has reasserted himself since winning the tile, displaying a growing repertoire of punches and a desire to challenge the best fighters in the world. The fight against Mosley would provide his stiffest test to date.

The youngest of seven fighting brothers, Canelo turned professional at 15 years old after a brief, yet successful amateur career that culminated in his victory at the national Mexican junior championships. His manager and trainer “Chepo” Reynoso has played a major influence in his life and along with his son and cotrainer Eddy Reynoso, the duo have meticulously cultivated the young fighter’s technique and overseen his meteoric rise to prominence. His fighting style has drawn comparisons to former Mexican greats Jose Napoles and Julio Cesar Chavez Sr.. A strong puncher, he is deceptively quick and has the ability to systematically break down his opponents with his fierce body punching. His accuracy is frightening; on average he manages to connect with over 50 percent of his power punches and he is an adept finisher. In less than five years Canelo has established himself as one of Mexico’s most recognisable athletes. It was reported that female admirers have been known to throw their underwear into the air when he fights in Mexico, a rumour he could neither confirm nor deny. He was engaged to

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27 year old Marisol González, who is Miss Mexico Universe and regularly features on the front pages of the national newspapers. With such an important fight ahead of him Canelo heeded the advice of Oscar De La Hoya, setting up camp in the secluded San Bernardino Mountains far away from any distractions. Big Bear has served as the source of inspiration for many great fighters in the past, including De La Hoya. The reward for beating Mosley was a possible showdown in the near future with Mayweather, so he could leave nothing to chance. I had just spent three long days and nights in Las Vegas tracking Floyd Mayweather and was keen to leave the bright lights of Sin City far behind.

I called Robert Diaz (match maker at Goldenboy) to see if it was possible

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to arrange a rendezvous with Team Canelo at Big Bear. He told me that he didn’t foresee a problem and sure enough the next morning he confirmed the good news. “I spoke with Canelo’s manager” adding “They told me they would welcome you with open arms. Just let me know when you are heading up to Big Bear and I will inform the team”. I knew Robert Diaz, well he had previously managed Mexican boxing legend Marco Antonio Barrera and spoke in glowing terms about Canelo. He wasn’t one to sugar coat a fighter if he didn’t believe in their ability to succeed and I respected his opinion. When I arrived at Big Bear on Friday evening, the sun was shining and although heavy snow had been forecast, I wasn’t banking on being stranded 7000 feet up a mountain and missing my return flight. I called Chepo the following morning and we arranged to meet up that afternoon at The

Summit Gym. It was St Patrick’s Day and the resorts were now fully booked for the weekend. As an Irishman, the irony of photographing Canelo today of all day’s bought a smile to my face, Mexico’s most famous red head would not look out of place in one of my family photos. I checked out of my hotel and headed to the car park, the weather had taken a turn for the worst. What had initially begun as a gentle snowfall, that morning, was now a raging blizzard. At first I had trouble locating my car, the rented Chevrolet had all but disappeared under a brilliant sheet of white snow. Unprepared for the deluge, I hastily scraped the snow from my windscreen, roof, and wing mirrors with a handy CD cover and headed for the gym.

The emergency services were out in force and making sure that all cars had snow chains fitted to their wheels to avert an unnecessary accident. My car was starting to slide about on

the icy road and my thoughts flashed back to a sign I had seen on my ascent up the mountain: DANGER - Remote Road System Ahead - DANGER - You Could Get Stranded and Die!!!

After buying some chains at a nearby garage, I went on the hunt for the gym. I had been told it was a big white house situated just off Big Bear Boulevard, unfortunately so were all the other houses. It wasn’t what I expected, but once you stepped through the doors of the converted garage, you were quickly transported into another world. The walls were covered in old fight posters, boxing paraphernalia and photographs of the great champions who had trained here in the past. There was nothing flashy about the gym apart from Canelo’s gold gloves and head guard that were placed neatly on a white shelf in the corner. I waited for over an hour for him to show up, but by now the snow outside was two feet deep.

A view from the balcony of Canelo’s rented home nestled high in the San Bernardino Mountains in Big Bear which served as his base whilst training to face Sugar Shane Mosley.

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t was looking increasingly unlikely that he was going to make it to the gym to train. Soon after Erik Arreola (Canelo’s friend) called me confirming that they were snowed in. He gave me their address and suggested I drive to their house to do the shoot. It was a shame that I would not get to see Canelo work out, having seen Mayweather in action a few days earlier, I was interested in comparing the two fighters’ training methods. As it was impossible to reach them in the eye of the storm, I turned my attention to finding a room for the night and arranged to meet up with Erik at 6.45am the following day. Luckily I managed to book into a motel at midnight and was looking forward to a pint of Guinness on St Patrick’s Day, but with no bar in sight, I had to suffice with a hot chocolate and some much needed sleep.

Nearly 16 hours after we were scheduled to meet, I finally arrived at Canelo’s rented house. It was far more opulent than I had imagined. The Golden Oak Lodge overlooked Big Bear lake and had three bedrooms, two games rooms and would set you back $995 a night to rent it. I stepped out of the car and waded knee deep in snow up the drive. Erik and Chepo greeted me at the door, inviting me inside the house and offered me a coffee. This was definitely a much warmer welcome than I had received from Floyd Mayweather, Leonard Ellerbe and their team of burly security guards.

Having just returned from his morning run, Canelo was fast asleep in his room. Erik assured me that he would be up soon. Half an hour passed and there was still no sign of movement. I was anxious to get the shoot done, the snow had just started falling again and I had six hours to make it back to Los Angeles and catch my flight back to London. Chepo popped into Canelo’s room and woke him. I didn’t want to deprive the man of his sleep, but I did need to get on the road very soon.

Whilst I waited Erik asked me if I had bumped into Shane Mosley on my travels? “No” I replied. He laughed and told me that Mosley lived just across the road from where they were staying. He added that they had not crossed paths either.

Shortly afterwards, wiping the sleep from his eyes, a tired Canelo walked over to me and shook my hand firmly. He looked solid, very big for a Light Middleweight and considerably heavier than Floyd Mayweather Jr.. Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer had compared Canelo to James Dean, saying he had movie star good looks and could light up a room when he walked in. It was true, the young man had chiselled good looks, but at this early hour the only thing that lit up the

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room was his fluorescent yellow sweatshirt. We relaxed at the pool table and I started to shoot some portraits of Canelo.

He demonstrated that he was a far better fighter, than a pool player, however with two months left before his fight with Mosley, there was plenty of time to practice. His Green WBC World title belt was resting on the marble work surface. It was his pride and joy and something gave me the sense that this would be the first of many world titles that he was destined to win in his career.

This fight represented a changing of the guard and Canelo was very confident that he would be victorious. We sat down at the breakfast bar to discuss his upcoming fight.

There’s a big difference in age and in experience. How do you feel about facing an opponent like Shane Mosley who has accomplished so much in his career and fought so many great fighters?

I’m very motivated because I am fighting a fighter of Shane Mosley’s calibre. Growing up, when I was coming up in boxing, I used to watch a lot of videos to pick up stuff from him, to learn from him. So today, to now be fighting him is a dream come true and I know once inside the ring, there’s going to be some obstacles and it’s going to be difficult at times, but I have no doubt that, we’re going to go out and be the winner.

Mosley is towards the end of his career. Do you think that’s going to be a very difficult task for him? You’re a big favourite in this fight. What are your thoughts?

Yeah, many people are saying that I’m the big favourite, but I can’t underestimate a fighter like Shane Mosley. I am confident of my conditioning, of my training, of the camp I’ve had, but not of the opponent. I’m going to be very weary, very smart in taking my punches, but very, very confident that he’s coming in at the best. I’m looking forward to fighting the best Shane Mosley ever.

What does it mean to you to represent your country and fight on Cinco de Mayo?

I’m very happy to be representing Mexico on such a very important day for all the Mexicans and for me to be on this card, to be fighting on this day and to be fighting a fighter like Mosley, it’s very important and I’m very honoured and proud. That’s why we’re working very, very hard so that all the Mexicans can celebrate and be happy come Cinco de Mayo.

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Canelo relaxes with a game of pool before training.

“THAT IS MY GOAL; TO FIGHT THE BEST FIGHTERS IN THE WORLD, BUT ONE AT A TIME.”

than Canelo. Have you seen Kell Brook fight?

Really. No I have not heard of him.

You mentioned after the fight with Cintrón that you wanted to fight Mayweather and now you’re the joint main event Recently you have expressed you desire to fight Floyd to Mayweather and Cotto. How does that make you feel?

Mayweather. You now feature on the same fight card. How No, no, no, the bout doesn’t bother me at all. Floyd is hard is it for you to not think about the possibility that in Mayweather, he’s on the throne. He decides and he can decide the near future maybe you and Floyd will be in the main right now because he is at the top. He’s pound for pound the best fighter in the world and all we have to do is keep working event against each other?

Nothing is going to break my concentration, my focus. I’m hard, keep winning our fights and that is my goal; to fight the concentrating solely, 100 percent on Shane Mosley. I have best fighters in the world, but one at a time. the experience now. It happened to me once, precisely on the card when Floyd fought Shane. I was a little distracted You are the youngest of seven fighting brothers, are there because it was all new, the big card, the big event, the media, any disputes in the Alvarez household who the best fighter the people, and the scenery. So, I’ve learned from that. Today is or do they accept their little brother as the best?

I’m 100 percent concentrated on the task on hand and that’s Canelo smiled and responded “Claro!” what I’m going to do.

I could see he was tired, so we wrapped up our interview and Do you think that this will be the most difficult fight of shook hands. I wished Canelo good luck for the future, I had your career? warmed to him, and he appeared to be a very mature and We admire him. It’s an honour for me to be fighting him, but placid young man. I thanked the team for their hospitality once I step into the ring, that all goes out the window. I will and headed off through the treacherous terrain of the San be there to fight; we’re going to give the best of ourselves and Bernardino Mountains, the blizzard had returned. we’re going to go in there to win. I’m going to gain a lot of experience and learn a lot from this fight because Shane can On the way back to LA I reflected about our meeting. It’s counter punch you. He can get you coming in with his lead obvious that Canelo has a bright future in the sport. He has punches. I mean, this is the kind of fight you want to advance many admirers and with the backing of Goldenboy, the televiin your career to get better because the experience is going to sion networks and his adoring fans, his popularity is destined be very valuable. to grow. A star in the ascendancy, the young fighter finds himself in an eviable position. With Pacqiuao and Mayweather How valuable is the way you beat Mosley? I mean if you teetering on the precipice of retirement, it appears that the go in there and struggle and have a difficult time, people planets have aligned in his favour. are going to criticise you. But if you go in there and knock him out, people are going to say, “Wow, he’s ready for the So often we hear outlandish sound bites from boxers, but they bigger and better things.” How important is that and how fail to deliver on their promise. Following in the tradition of valuable? so many great warriors from the past, Canelo is happy to let It’s a very difficult fight. It’s a very important fight, but we’re his fists do the talking. His fight against Shane Mosley is the working on it. That’s why we’re working very hard so that the first step in making the transition from Mexican hero into an people leave very convinced that I am the winner and that I American Idol. With so many attractive fights ahead of him am ready for bigger and better things. he has the potential to become boxing’s biggest star, it’s now up to Canelo to convince the fans, media and American pubLast night a rising British star Kell Brook outclassed your lic whether or not he truly is the man destined to end Floyd former opponent Matthew Hatton. Many UK fans are say- Mayweather’s domination in the sport ing that Brook put a much more impressive performance 42 | SEEN Sport Magazine

CANELO v MOSLEY May 5th 2012 WBC Light-Middleweight Title MGM Grand, Las Vegas

Photos: Tom Hogan/Goldenboy Promotions

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Canelo Alvarez v Shane Mosely. Photo by Tom Hogan/Goldenboy Promotions.

Saul Canelo Alvarez produced a dominate performance beating his older rival convincingly on points. Despite suffering a nasty cut as a result of a head butt in the third round, the WBC light middleweight champion kept his composure, showing great defensive skills and landed consistently with a variety of precise punches in an entertaining bout that helped his progression as a fighter. The judges scored the fight 119-109, 119-109 and 118-110 in his favour.

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WHAT’S NEXT FOR CANELO?

Matchmaker, Robert Diaz, gives the inside scoop on the Boxer’s next moves.

How big a star is Canelo in Mexico?

When you can break through to people other than boxing fans and children and the older generation know you, housewives, the seniors then you know you’re a star and that’s what I’ve seen with Canelo. He’s just very humble, a very simple young man and when people come to him for autographs you see every different age group, every different gender and that’s when you know he is big. His last press conference with Shane Mosley in Mexico City there was close to 25,000 people; you know that’s unprecedented for a press conference.

So he is the Mexican Ricky Hatton in terms of popularity?

Yeah, you know like Ricky people can relate to him, people know them, people touch them, people can say yeah I’ve met him. Whereas other heroes they are secluded or they don’t like to go out in public, so they are just figures but are not actually real people to the sports fans or people of Mexico.

How did he become so big in Mexico? Is it due to his fighting style?

I think in the beginning it caught the curiosity of many Mexicans because of his appearance. You know a red haired, freckle faced kid he was a little bit different, although you do get a lot of green-eyed blondes and red heads in Mexico but as an athlete he stood out. Now also as a boxer he is not your typical fighter that goes in there gets hit and goes toe to toe.

He is more intelligent with his ring savvy and boxes more like the Mexican American fighters in the US.

hurt he can go out there and finish him. You know he is very strong, but he is also fast. He doesn’t look fast and I know a lot of people when they read that would say “no”, but he is very fast at cutting off the ring, shortening off the distance and wounding his opponent. Dave Coldwell (the trainer of Ryan Rhodes) told me that when he hit Rhodes he went back to the corner and said “Man this kid is strong” and you know Rhodes is a guy that has fought some of the best guys in middleweight boxing.

Regarding a potential fight with Floyd Mayweather Canelo has made it clear that he would jump at the chance to fight him. How do you think he would fare against Mayweather?

And do you think it’s too soon?

When you asked earlier about maybe what is his weakness were, well Canelo wants the big fights now. He’s been asking for Mayweather, he’s been asking for James Kirkland, he’s been asking us for (Julio) Chavez Jr. and it’s our job as the promoters and matchmakers to hold him back a little bit because he is still young. Remember he is only 21 years old, you know we wouldn’t be talking about him at this stage fighting a Mayweather or a Mosley if he wasn’t a World Champion or if he wasn’t as popular, but that said I see the Mayweather fight is close. After May 5th there will be new Canelo believers and they will think that maybe he can fight Mayweather, maybe he can beat Mayweather. To me that is what should be next for Canelo and as far as he is concerned he wants it before the end of this year.

So you feel there is no rush?

Does Canelo have the potential to become bigger than There is no rush as he is still learning and improving, but if he is this good at 21 then imagine how good he can be at 24 Oscar De La Hoya?

I think that is a tall feat, but yes I do because in the era we years old when he matures. Imagine how good he can be? live in with Facebook and Twitter and the access to social networking I think Canelo can be if not as big as De La Hoya, How satisfying would it be to Oscar De La Hoya if Canelo beats Mayweather? even bigger.

Oh man, can you imagine if he beats Mayweather! He will How would you assess him as a fighter? His style, strengths make a lot of people proud, you know they love him already and just to go in there and give a good effort they will still and weaknesses?

As a fighter I think he is very versatile, if he keeps his opponent love him and support him, but if he were to go in there and SEEN Sport Magazine | 47

win he would become a national hero, no doubt about it.

What did you think of Canelo’s performance against Shane Mosley?

I think his performance was amazing considering he fought a guy with so much experience. He hit him more than anyone has hit him, but you also have to consider that Mosley was older than when he fought some of the big names and was not at his peak. Having said that Mosely was very dangerous because he trained like he knew this was his last fight, that’s the only reason he went the twelve rounds. Also add to that the fact that Canelo was cut for the very first time so he was a little more reluctant and had to box a bit safer and smarter in order to make sure the cut did not get bigger.

Who does Canelo want to fight in the near future?

He definitely wants to fight James Kirkland which is a fantastic fight. Kirkland is very dangerous and fights with power in every round. However he is currently coming off surgery so he won’t be ready for September, that’s why we added Paul Williams to the list of potential opponents. He also wants Cotto who I thought looked marvellous in the loss against Floyd Mayweather and of course in the long-term it’s the fight with Floyd. I’m not saying long, long-term, he wants the fight next year.

So next Cinco De Mayo?

Yeah!

One fighter who keeps popping up is the extremely talented Cuban Light-Middleweight and often avoided Erislandy Lara. Is that a fight you forsee for Canelo?

You know Lara he is our fighter (Goldenboy) and he is obviously in that position, but I think if Lara can win a championship belt with another organisation then him and Canelo unify further down the road then that would be a much bigger fight.

I hear rumours that Canelo will face Paul “The Punisher” Williams on September 15th, has that fight been agreed?

It’s not signed, but it’s something we are working on at the moment. It will happen Tragically a few days after this interview was conducted Paul Williams was involved in a motorcycle accident just outside Atlanta, Georgia. As a result of the accident the 30 year old former world champion severed 90 percent of his spinal cord and is paralyzed from the waist down.

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Canelo celebrates his victory over ‘Suger’ Shane Mosely. Photo by Tom Hogan/Goldenboy Promotions.

REPORTAGE

Thierry Dusautoir (IRB World player of the year 2011) leads his team out onto the pitch.

STADE TOULOUSE | Text & Photos by Eoin Mundow

STADE TOULOUSE

IN TRANSITION WHEN YOU ARE AS SUCCESSFUL AS STADE TOULOUSE RUGBY CLUB, FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION. DEFEAT IS SOMETHING THAT LE ROUGE ET NOIR HAVE NOT BEEN ACCUSTOMED TO ON A REGULAR BASIS. HOWEVER, THIS SEASON HAS BEEN DIFFERENT IN MANY WAYS, BOTH ON A SPORTING AND EMOTIONAL LEVEL. The Pink City is renowned for many things, rugby of course, cassoulet and for leading the world in aviation. Walking around Toulouse it becomes evident within minutes that the rugby club is the focal point of community life. The famous red and black colours of Stade Toulouse feature prominently throughout the city adorning the stalls of the famous Victor Hugo market to the facades of the chic café’s in the resplendent Place Du Capitole. It’s clear the club plays a pivotal role in many areas of everyday life to the average Toulousain, whether it is economically or spiritually for the most ardent of fans, rugby is the religion in the Midi-Pyrenees.

As current French champions and having won the Brennus Du Bouclier a record 18 times, Toulouse are always expected to emerge victorious. Regarded by many as the Real Madrid of rugby, they have one of the largest budgets in the Top14 and have started to lure star names from the Southern Hemisphere in order to maintain their dominance. At the end of the season they parted ways with the old guard of Frederic Michilak, Byron Kelleher and David Skrela and long-time coach Guy Noves has been very shrewd by opting

to invest in youth and resuscitate his ageing team. The new signings of former All Blacks star Luke McAlister, Australian international Luke Burgess, Fijian winger Timico Matinavou and Lionel Beaxus have all had a positive impact, however the dilemma as always when you have so many star players is choosing the composition in order to utilise their skills.

In March Toulouse became the focus of the world’s media when Mohammed Merah claimed the lives of three unarmed French soldiers and in a separate incident murdered a rabbi and three small children at a Jewish school. Rugby and sport could not be further from the mind in such tragic circumstances. As the city tried to come to terms with these shocking events, the mood within the city changed. Understandably in the weeks that followed there was a great sense of unease and Stade Toulouse suffered a string of uncharacteristic defeats. Edinburgh turned in a dogged display to overcome the mighty French side knocking them out of the Heineken Cup in the Quarter Finals and they struggled to find their form in the remaining six Top 14 games, losing three times and sparking a media frenzy that the club was in crisis.

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The accumulative affect of a long season, player injuries and the added distraction of having their forwards coach Yannick Bru enticed to join French coach Phillipe Saint Andre's new revolution has had a destabilising effect on the club. However, as always Toulouse have shown their character when it mattered most and also benefiting from a strong start to the season qualified for the Top14 Semi-Final's after finishing in top spot ahead of rivals Clermont Augverne.

The Semi-Finals are due to take place in Toulouse on the weekend of June 2nd and 3rd and the final the following weekend on the 9th June at Stade De France. Clermont currently pose the biggest threat to le rouge et noir, but as Montpellier proved last season anything can happen in the play offs. Stade Toulouse face one of their biggest tests to date if they are to transform their season and emerge victorious. It would be cathartic for the soul if le rouge et noir could bring a smile back to the faces of a city in need of rehabilitation. One thing is for certain, the climax of the Top 14 season is sure to have a compelling ending

Luke McAlister cools off after a hard game.

Fijian winger, Timoci Matanavou, has been a revelation for Toulouse this season scoring ten tries in the Top 14 and an additional eight in the Heineken Cup. His agility and speed make him a nightmare to defend against.

Along with his team mate Yves Donguy, Matanavou has established a devastating attacking partnership making Toulouse the most potent attacking force in French rugby.

INTERVIEW Interview & Photo by Eoin Mundow

VINCENT CLERC until the end of the season. The end of this year is very complicated for us to work.

THE STADE TOULOUSE WINGER GIVES HIS UNIQUE INSIGHT INTO A DIFFICULT SEASON.

events affect the team as with everyone in the city?

It’s very special to be in Toulouse now.

It has been ten years that I have been Stade Toulousain are known as the in Toulouse and the whole city speaks Real Madrid of rugby, you are the about rugby. So you have a little presteam to beat. Is there great pressure sure, you want to win all the time and progress. So when you win, you must to perform week in and week out?

Well we have an image for many years work to progress and this is the spirit of now because we have won so many titles Stade Toulouse. It is a pressure, but it or often we are in the final, but when is very good because you want to work you lose two or three games then this is harder and I think this is the spirit of the a crisis. It is not important for us, but city, the club, the coach and of course What has been the most difficult thing when we lose we are great competitors the players. We want to win, but not just for the club to contend with this sea- and we would like to win all the compe- that, to progress and I think this is the son and has the club been a victim of titions, so we are very disappointed from solution to be consistent. their own success after winning the being eliminated from this competition.

Now we have just one objective, to win What is more important personally Top 14 last season?

It is a very different season because all the the Bouclier De Brennus (Top 14). You for you, to win the Top 14 or the time we are interrupted by another com- know to win both the Heineken Cup Heineken Cup? petition, the World Cup, Six Nations and the Brennus is very difficult to do. It’s difficult. I have won the H-Cup three and Heineken Cup. It’s very difficult So if we win the title of the Top 14 it times and the Top 14 only twice. Each to work and have continuity and when would have been a good season. We time I have won the Top 14 I have been some of the players come back they are have made a great sacrifice this season, injured. One time I was injured, the tired and that is detrimental to perform- there have been lots of injuries lately in second time I was substituted because the squad. So we have to adapt a lot to I had come back after an injury, so I ing well for the club. would like to actually play and win the The International players are tired be successful this season.

Top 14. I think for all the supporters , because they begin playing in June. For about two or three weeks before the When I came to Toulouse it was the the Top 14 is more important, but for Heineken Cup Quarter Final we could morning of the shootings by Merad us it is more difficult to win the H-Cup not find a good rhythm or feeling and I Merah. Stade Toulouse play a big part because all the best teams in Europe are competing in the community, did these think we need to work together now The French media have reported that Stade Toulouse is in crisis, having been knocked out of the Heineken Cup. What are your thoughts?

The Heineken Cup is a very important competition for us. We lost to Edinburgh because we played a bad game and it was very difficult for us. It’s very important for the team following the recent defeats to grow up and create a new positive spirit for the Semi Final of the Top 14.

Stade Toulouse’s mercurial long time coach Guy Noves is responsible for overseeing the constant progression of the team and is revered by the fans. Born in Toulouse, Noves played for Stade between 1975 and 1987 winning two French titles and since taking on the role of coach in 1993 he has guided the team to nine French titles and won the Heineken Cup an unprecedented four times.

INTERVIEW

In the changing room, Ricky Hatton chooses his music selection to get in the mood ahead of his bout with Floyd Mayweather.

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RICKY HATTON | Interview & Photos by Eoin Mundow

Over 25,000 rowdy British fans sang, drank the bars dry and took over the MGM Grand during an unforgettable week when Ricky Hatton followed in the footsteps of his idol Elvis Presley and became the “King of Sin City�.

With his name up in lights and the support of a nation behind him the likeable lad from Hyde, Manchester captivated the publics imagination making them laugh, scream and some cry as he tried valiantly to overcome the flamboyant Floyd Mayweather.

The atmosphere was electric leading famed MC Michael Buffer to sound the war cry at the weigh-in; "We just had a call from President George Bush. He's worried because the last time there were this many British in the United States, it was 1812 and you burned down the goddamn White House!"

Now retired and a successful boxing promoter, Hatton takes a refreshingly honest look back at the fight and discusses the unique talents of Floyd Mayweather.

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T

he build up to the fight with Floyd Mayweather was pretty intense, what were the weirdest or most bizarre exchanges you had whilst promoting the fight?

Not many, we did the 24/7 tour in Los Angeles, Michigan and New York and all those places and he was absolutely you know, well he was Floyd wasn’t he. But I mean when I came back to Manchester, there was a great turn out and I really gave him a few abuses which seemed to wind him up a little bit, but there wasn’t too much. We were in Los Angeles in a restaurant sat down with some stars and he comes in and starts throwing $50 bills on the table saying “Here you are Ricky, I’ll pay for your bill, I’ll pay for your bill”. So I kept all the money and paid. You know that might be funny to Floyd, but I found it funny because he ended up paying for my meal.

I came to see you in training for the fight and you trained like a demon.

Do you feel you underestimated him at all in any way and is there anything he did in the ring that surprised you that night?

No not really, the only thing that surprised me really was how good he was.

I thought I would try to box my way in and ease my way into the fight, but such was his hand speed I soon thought to myself the longer I stay on the outside the more chance he has got to outbox me. So I thought I would do what I do best which was to crowd him and bully him, I wasn’t going to beat him for speed or beat him on boxing ability, but I thought I could outmuscle him out of it. You know the tactics worked early on, but bit by bit the fight ebbed away from me and of course I don’t think the referee helped. I’m not saying that it

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would have made a difference to the outcome because the best compliment I can give Floyd Mayweather is just how exceptional he is and how hard he was to hit. You know it was masterful some of the things he did, you know it’s very frustrating when you have someone on the ropes and you throw six punches and none of them land and he just comes back and hits you with one. You know the referee I felt didn’t let me fight my fight; you could think that he was protecting him. But, I can’t use that as an excuse because he probably would

you feeling on the day of the fight?

You know I was dead confident I was able to beat him. There was a lot of pushing and shoving at the weigh-in, but it was what it was and he didn’t get under my skin, he didn’t wind me up. There was a great atmosphere and I thought that with the crowd behind me and atmosphere of the arena I thought he might fall out of his stride and I could beat him. I have to say I had the fight about even up until round five, but I had a point off without a prior warning and the punch actually missed him in

FACING FLOYD have beaten me anyway, he is an exceptional talent. The only disappointment was that I never got to see the final bell, the thing is with myself is that although I was a mile behind on the scorecards I was always trying to knock him out. I think if I had boxed a bit clever and tried to see the final bell, then I definitely would have heard the final bell, but that’s not in my make up is it. You know as long as I’ve been there I’ve always tried to go for the knockout and that was the beginning of my downfall in the end.

I was with you on the day of the fight, we didn’t chat too much because obviously you were in your bubble getting ready to face Floyd. How were

the end. Then I totally lost my composure and my cool once the referee deducted that point and you can’t do that against someone like Floyd Mayweather because if you do then you get knocked out and that’s what happened.

Leading up to the fight in the dressing room it was mayhem.

You had anyone who was anyone in there before the fight including David Beckham, Tom Jones and Sugar Ray Leonard. Does that help you prepare for a fight or was it a distraction?

No since the day I turned pro I’ve always had my friends in, I always had a crowd full of people and have my music blaring. Billy Graham my trainer never

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A derjected Ricky Hatton reflects in the dressing room after losing to Floyd Mayweather.

“YOU KNOW I CAN BE PROUD THAT I WON FOUR WORLD TITLES AT DIFFERENT WEIGHTS AND THE ONLY TWO PEOPLE TO BEAT ME ARE THE BEST POUND FOR POUND FIGHTERS IN THE WORLD.” said that much to me really. If you have to discuss tactics on the night of the fight then there’s something wrong with you.

He might have said one or two things and reminded me of some facts and one or two key things that were very important, but he just let me get in my zone really.

You know every fighter is different, some fighters like it quiet, some fighters like being told tactics ten times a minute, but you know I was different. I had my tactics in and just wanted to focus. You know my changing room was like a bit of a madhouse to be honest and in hindsight when I look at some of the people that were in changing room it makes me feel very, very proud. You know some of these people you’re looking at on the television in admiration and the next minute they’re in the changing room going “Go on Ricky!”. It’s very surreal.

I have only met Floyd on a few occasions and he couldn’t be more different to you. You are willing to chat with everyone and shake hands. Is it just a personality thing with Floyd were he is far less approachable or have you seen another other side to him?

Well you know the 24/7 series won an award because it was two different peo-

ple from the opposite ends of the scale.

You know there was Floyd that was saying look at me and flashing his money and there was me just the everyday guy that just goes down the pub and has a laugh with his pals. So we made each other in a way. When you think the way Floyd fights and the way I fight, you know it was just one of those clash of styles, clash of personalities, it was America against England, you know it had absolutely everything. At the end of the day I think I bought out the best of Floyd. You know sometimes Floyd has fought people like Sharmba Mitchell and Zab Judah and bores the socks off you. But when he fights someone like myself or someone like Cotto it makes him fight then that’s when he looks sensational. But ultimately the reason he won our fight was because he was the better fighter, simple as that.

How did you feel after the fight? Again you had celebrities like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie wanting to offer their consolations to you. Did you just want to be left alone?

You know on the way to the changing room I walked past Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt and they said “Hi Ricky” and I just said “Hi” and carried on walking.

I didn’t even notice them because I was so devastated, I was so disappointed and everything was flying over my head. You know the disappointment was so much; it was like there was a death in the family. Looking back now it was very hard to come to terms with the defeat. It was my first defeat and that showed in my first performance when I came back I wasn’t the same man. You know I can be proud that I won four world titles at different weights and the only two people to beat me are the best pound for pound

fighters in the world.

Do you think once it’s all said and done and Floyd Mayweather retires the two of you might sit down and have a Kool-Aid together?

I’ve never been a fan of his attitude or what he stands for because basically he was the complete opposite to me. But he did congratulate me on my retirement and said I had a good career and what a tough fight I had given him. He said it was one of his toughest fights and I thought well, let bygones by bygones and maybe it was all for the cameras and he might be a good guy at heart. You know I don’t really know him that well and all you can see was what was on the build up to the fight and the aftermath.

After the fight he was very gracious and very courteous and after I retired he sent a best wishes message. So I’m sure deep down he is a good guy, but I think really it is what it is with him.

I get the feeling that being around boxing all his life, in the gym and competing, the people Floyd Mayweather can associate himself with or truly respect are other fighters. Do you think that might be the case?

Well you know to be honest that’s the thing about boxing, you might have disliked someone before and I didn’t have much time for him, he is after all very different to myself. But the biggest compliment I can pay Floyd Mayweather and say to anyone who asks is “Damn he is good!” I can’t give anymore praise than that. He will probably go down as, obviously not the greatest of all time, but he will probably be in peoples top 10 or 15, I really do honest

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SPOTLIGHT

Members of the New England Patriots dejected after being defeated by the New York Giants. Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium. 5th February, 2012.

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SHOOTING THE SUPERBOWL | Photos by Rob Tringali

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SHOOTING THE SUPERBOWL

ROB TRINGALI The Giants and the Patriots just competed in this year’s Superbowl, how was the game as a spectacle? And how do you approach shooting the Superbowl?

It was definitely up there in my top five; I was in the right place at the right time. I got a couple of nice shots, all in all when I look at the game, I look at the story there were probably 10 or 12 images that really illustrate the game well and the outcome. There was a good a range of images because when I shoot a game I like to tell a story with a set of images and I think I accomplished that.

When you set out to shoot a match what is your goal? Do you look to do it purely from a news based or editorial orientated way or do you go off on a tangent and try to shoot creatively?

Well the good thing about working for ESPN Magazine is that they give me the freedom to go off and shoot on my own and shoot it the way I see it. There is no, you have to get the play of the game – you know there are plenty of AP or Getty photographers that are there to get that shot. So it gives me the flexibility to go into a game and if I see something that I want to work on for a little while then I feel I can do that.

I don’t feel that if I miss something then I’m going to hear about it. They actually encourage me to go out and work on some things during the course of the game, before the game and what have you, so it’s freedom that most photographers do not have which I really appreciate the flexibility of going 68 | SEEN Sport Magazine

to a game like that. It’s not like you have to be restricted to one position, I don’t know if I would work that well if I had to wait for the action to come and happen in front of me.

So there are only a couple of guys that are assigned by ESPN to shoot the game, so we have the flexibility to roam and do what we want to do, whether it be go from sideline to sideline or whatever. I like thinking that if someone didn’t get to see the game and saw 10 images of mine that it tells the story of the match.

What or who got you interested in being a sports photographer?

My Dad started one of the first sports photo agencies in America called Focus On Sports in the seventies with his partner Michael Palmieri who still shoots today. They were partners and high school friends so they started this agency, so I was always around it and it was always in my blood.

But that being said I didn’t know it was a career path that I wanted to take. It wasn’t until after high school where I did go to the school of visual arts for a few days and wanted to take up photography and I told them I wanted to be a sports photographer. The main reason for me was I wanted to be around sports, it wasn’t photography so much I wanted to be around the athletic competition, and I was a big sports fan.

So I left school after about a week and started taking pictures and then when I was about 19 I managed to get a spare credential from one of my Dad’s clients at the time, Newsweek

Travis Beckum #47 of the New York Giants

BenJarvus Green-Ellis #42 of the New England Patriots & Kenny Phillips #21 of the New York Giants.

Victor Cruz #80 of the New York Giants celebrates winning the Super Bowl XLVI against the New England Patriots.

Magazine, so I was able to shoot my first Superbowl as a teenager and decided this is what I want to do. I wanted to be around big events, big adrenaline rushes and that was it for me; the beginning.

You also shoot lots of college football, is there more creative license to shoot something different to the NFL? Yes and no. College games are just as chaotic and strict as big NFL games. But the pageantry and the glamour of college football on a week to week basis is way more extreme than the What was the highlight of this years Super Bowl for you? NFL is. I don’t think anyone outside the USA realises just how Well I did grow up a Giants fan, so it was kind of cool to see big college football is with 100,000 people, the pageantry, the them win, it brings the little boy back into you to see them bands, the cheerleaders it’s really a pretty cool thing to see. winning. It was a good game honestly and every time you go to a big match, a big game you want to be part of a moment, Has it affected you massively and the industry as a whole so when it comes down to the last play it’s always a good the large wire agencies imposing restrictions on how sports thing. It was a good game where a lot of things happened photography can be sold? in front of me, there was a lot of raw emotion and when it Yes of course. I mean I do have a syndication deal with Getty comes down to the last play you get the chance to see guys as I got to the point that my commercial clients couldn’t use who make a lot of money acting like little kids. The highlight my stuff anymore unless they had some deal in place, I had for me after 23 Super Bowls is you just want a good game and to broker myself through them (Getty Images). So if my you don’t get trampled on after the game, that’ always fun that clients such as Nike want to buy an NFL picture and Getty you don’t have to walk away without a broken limb or cuts have bought the licence for NFL or MLB, then Nike can’t buy or nobody is swinging at you. There are some Super Bowl’s anything from an outside source. So it was easier to syndicate where the security takes over, but this one was pretty relaxed. myself there, you almost have to. There was a time when I mean I have been to games where the security have taken it enough things would fall through the cracks, but they appear upon themselves to start swinging at you and taking the law to have shored up that along the way. They shut down guys like myself so it was sort of join the enemy or starve. into their own hands, so this one was a good experience.

You have been an independent photographer for a long time, what’s it been like for you?

Well I’ve been shooting for about 23 years, so I have never really worked for anyone else but myself.

One of the aims of the magazine is to inspire young photographers to work in the sports photography. It’s getting more and more difficult with the monopoly of wire agencies to break into the industry. Is there any advice you would give young photographer who wants to make it and work for themselves? And of course to have that longevity? ,does it help to be a little crazy?

Yeah I think to be crazy helps. Everyone has that idea that they want to be an actor or actress, baseball player etc, but the odds are pretty similar. If you can approach it and say this is going to be a long shot and be happy if you have a career at doing this then so be it. I would tell someone that I don’t want to dampen your dreams, but the actual odds of making this a profession and earning a living is really very rare. But it doesn’t mean you can’t make it if you are great at what you do and can find your little niche. But it’s not like the old days.

Hakeem Nicks #88 of the New York Giants & Antwaun Molden #27 of the New England Patriots

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Hakeem Nicks #88 of the New York Giants runs the ball during Super Bowl XLVI against the New England Patriots.

TRAVEL

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LAS VEGAS | Text & Photos by Eoin Mundow

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WELCOME to SIN CITY Las Vegas has long been known as the boxing capital of the world.

However, in recent years and as a result of a deep economic recession, the city has been suffering. Attempts to get back on track have been slow and with tourism down the major casinos are fighting back, desperate to attract major sporting events to The Strip.

There has been much talk in the past about NHL, NFL, NBA or MLB teams moving to Vegas, but the issue of legal sports betting has always thwarted these dreams from becoming a reality. All four major professional sports leagues have strong anti-gambling policies, therefore the possibility of starting a franchise in Sin City is a nonstarter.

However, there is a silver lining and slowly but surely the economy is starting to pick up.

In March 2013 The Pac-12 Conference will hold its basketball tournament at the MGM Grand bringing with it an estimated 50,000 fans and estimated $27 million for local businesses and casinos. The three year deal is just another example of how important sport is to the cities income.

UFC and Nascar also play a prominent role in the city, but it is boxing that remains the undisputed king of sports in Sin City. Floyd “Money” Mayweather’s bout with Miguel Cotto generated upwards of $500m for the casinos and resorts and with his rival Manny Pacqiuao taking on Timothy Bradley at the MGM Grand on June 9th it looks like this most turbulent of marriages has a very rosy future.

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