It seems an apt label in view of the shenanigans surrounding last night’s Ricky Hatton affair at the same venue, though the audience for Brodie’s attempt to better the drawn result there against the naggingly aggressive Chi six months ago is unlikely to attract similar support. “The area has a remarkable foundation of waterways and the result could be outstanding. There are also strong socio-economic and health dimensions which will result from cleaning up the area, with housing made available.” Otteson stresses that he has not seen the environmental files or visited the other bidding cities, but says: “I think London’s plans could give them the edge.” So it seems London is certain to get brownie points from the IOC for being green.
Brodie sees ‘real’ title at end of brutal road”A real fight for a real title,” proclaims the promotional blurb for Saturday’s return encounter between Michael Brodie and Korean In-Jin Chi for the World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight championship at the MEN Arena in Manchester. What London is planning in terms of the environment and future legacy for the whole community is great.” Otteson, who works for the Australian government in Canberra and has also advised Beijing on environmental issues, adds: “The London bid team clearly recognise the importance of the environment and the emphasis the IOC place on it It is high on their agenda. In many respects there are similar elements to Sydney’s Holmbush Bay area, which was similarly run-down.

To regenerate and transform that part of London will allow for a green corridor right down the Thames.” He also believes that the compact location of the proposed Olympic complex will facilitate better security and transport arrangements. Otteson was in the city last week, and reports that plans for the redevelopment of the Lower Lea Valley are “really good”. He says: “I’ve had a good look around and I am very impressed with the concept. Peter Otteson, one of the world’s leading environmentalists and instrumental in delivering the Games in Australia four years ago, has given London the green light.

His fights are inevitably raw and brutal, and Saturday’s second helping against the redoubtable Chi will be no exception, though Brodie vows his tactics will be different. “I’ll push him on the back foot and be too strong for him.”The hope is he will win through and perhaps fight Hamed’s nemesis, Marco Antonio Barrera, or sort out some overdue domestic differences with Scott Harrison. “Ricky Hatton’s a great kid, but what’s his WBU belt worth? We spar with better men than the ones he’s been knocking out Some of them buggers are as old as me It would be great to go out with a proper world title.”. London’s Olympic aspirations for 2012 have received a huge boost from one of the experts who helped convince the International Olympic Committee that Sydney was the best choice for the 2000 Games.

Earlier we had been asked: “Do you remember how boxing used to be?”In Brodie’s case it is too frequently how boxing used to be. “In my own mind, I’ve never been beat,” he says.Moreover, he has been disgracefully messed around by former amateur rival Naseem Hamed, who has repeatedly broken pledges to meet him. The former champion is said to be back in training – again – but Trickett says: “Whether he will ever see nine stone again is debatable.” The promo video for Saturday’s fight concludes with a shot of Brodie, his battered face like a gargoyle, one eye closed and blood streaming from a head gash. His mother died when he was 12, and he was brought up by a brother.