AR/tist in the spotlight, this week: walshb

pconn062

Thanks a lot to Tunguska for taking questions for the last few days, was very interesting. Tunguska has nominated walshb to step into the spotlight this week. This is the part where I normally say something about the nominee's training and background but I (and I guess most on here) know nothing about walshb's running so we'll get straight into it!

How long are you running?
Do you run for a club?
Can you list all your PB's?
Do you follow elite athletics?
Cats or dogs?

Off we go!

walshb

Hello,

Never been nervous before when posting if you can believe that.

1> Running (with intention since aged 8) when I joined Edenmore BC.

2> I don't run for a club and never have. But I have been head hunted. Ratoath AC were looking for me after my 5k run in September last year for their club:p

3> I am afraid I can't list all my PBs, but I would hazard a fairly honest guess that at peak, aged 18-20 I would have ran 12.8-13.5 for 100; 27secs for 200; 66 secs for 400; 2 mins 20 for 800; 2 mins 58 for 1k; 5 mins for 1 mile. I ran an 18 mins 43 for 5 K back in May 2013 for Lucan's 5 k race. I would bet easily sub 18 back in my glory days. Never went above 5k. Don't see the point. For me the true runners are the the elite milers and below. After this distance I am not too bothered.

4> I do follow elite athletics. Not as much as years gone by, but I do keep abreast of world developments. For me it's one of the greatest sports on earth, next to ??

5> Aesthetically speaking you will be hard pushed to find a more beautiful and perfectly symmetrical creature as a cat. Personality wise it's dogs all day. Cats are just too paranoid and sneaky for my liking. They smell worse as well

Ososlo

Hi there and well done for agreeing to do this!

What’s a current average training week like?
Do you follow Operation Transformation and what do you think of the approach towards diet and exercise and can it have any real impact on the health of the nation?
What’s your opinion of Karl Henry?
Who’s your favourite Irish athlete of all time?
Who’s your favourite international athlete of all time?

walshb

Ososlo wrote: »

Hi there and well done for agreeing to do this!

What’s a current average training week like?
Do you follow Operation Transformation and what do you think of the approach towards diet and exercise and can it have any real impact on the health of the nation?
What’s your opinion of Karl Henry?
Who’s your favourite Irish athlete of all time?
Who’s your favourite international athlete of all time?

Hi,

1> I train 5- 6 times per week. Nothing hectic. Run a boxing class for kids and adults (separate classes) 3-4 times per week. I would train with the class, so it's pretty good cardio wise. I try to run 3 times per week now. It's indoors on treadmills. I will wait until it gets warmer and then hit the roads. There were times last year where I was running 30-35 k per week. A lot for me considering I am usually against running past 5 ks. When it gets warmer I will run 6 times per week; between 4-6 ks. I usually incorporate this into the boxing classes. Running too and from the classes.

2> I did follow it for the first couple of weeks, but doesn't it get a little boring after 2-3 weeks? Same old stuff each episode. What I like about these programmes is the contestants' stories. Their daily lives and schedules. After this it's not all that interesting. It's not a perfect programme, but it does have some general good advice, obvious advice, but good nonetheless. I would guess that it does get many people off their backsides and gets them at least thinking about changing their lifestyle. For that I praise it.

3> Karl Henry is just an average dude making a fair few quid on many people who are probably too lazy (on their own) to do what he tells them to do. He's a fitness trainer. He serves a purpose. Comes across as a likable and decent guy, but I don't think his knowledge and advice would be awe inspiring or revolutionary. Quite simple. No need to be shelling out to take it.

4> Favourite Irish athlete. I take it you mean T&f. If so it has to be Sonia. Her dedication and longevity and range is superb. A world class operator. Her loss to Zsabo in Sydney was one of the most frustrating sporting moments that I can recall.

If by athlete you mean sports star then I would go with Katie Taylor. No doubt about it. Her achievements and longevity and consistency are off the charts. I can't think of any other sports start to match them

5> Favourite international T&F athlete is King Carl. What a performer, and nobody ran as gracefully as Lewis. If I can make a comparison. There have been many martial arts experts out there, but none did it like Bruce Lee. No sprinter or jumper did it like King Carl. There are very few more beautiful sporting sights than Lewis sprinting and jumping.

If by sports star then nobody compares to Muhammad Ali. Nobody!

Ghost in Cratloe

Is Ali really better than TBE Floyd 'Pretty Boy' 'Money' Mayweather?

How long would Carl Frampton last against Rigondeaux in his division?

Amir Khan as a legitimate rival for TBE?

Soccer or Rugby?

Best troll on the forum?

menoscemo

You say you never run more than 5k, you mean ever? You do realise that top 800 metre runners/milers run much further than 5k right?

You are best known on boards as a boxer. How long did you fight for and what level did you get to?

When did you quit and why?

Ever fight anyone famous and what was the result?

Carl Froch recently said he runs a minimum of 6 miles per day when training for a fight. Was running a big part of your training? Were you a better runner when boxing than you are now?

What weight did you fight at and what do you weigh now?

(Stealing TRR's thunder) Fantasy fight: Prime Lennox Lewis Vs Prime Ali. Talk us through it...

walshb

Ghost in Cratloe wrote: »

Is Ali really better than TBE Floyd 'Pretty Boy' 'Money' Mayweather?

How long would Carl Frampton last against Rigondeaux in his division?

Amir Khan as a legitimate rival for TBE?

Soccer or Rugby?

Best troll on the forum?

1 > Ali is infinitely better than PBF, and if they ever met peak to peak Floyd gets thoroughly whupped. Not a major fan of Floyd's style, particularly his offensive style. Something awkward and not pleasing about his punching. Ali met all comers. Floyd meets people in his weight classes.

2> Depends on Carl's chin and body. I can't see him penetrating Rigo enough to beat him. Rigo is too slick and fast. If they fought tomorrow I wouldn't be surprised if Rigo won via body shot KO. He really lets them rip, and Frampton can be tagged there.

3> I would give Khan an excellent chance vs. Floyd based on styles. He's as big, rangier, faster, busier. Add this to Floyd being very cautious and conservative, not particularly a concussive hitter, and a counter puncher. Khan won't be easily countered. He's too much speed and range. You have to go take Khan and rough him up and break him. Floyd IMO at this stage doesn't have that capability.

4> Played at their best it's soccer all day long.

5> You!:pac:

walshb

menoscemo wrote: »

You say you never run more than 5k, you mean ever? You do realise that top 800 metre runners/milers run much further than 5k right?

You are best known on boards as a boxer. How long did you fight for and what level did you get to?

When did you quit and why?

Ever fight anyone famous and what was the result?

Carl Froch recently said he runs a minimum of 6 miles per day when training for a fight. Was running a big part of your training? Were you a better runner when boxing than you are now?

What weight did you fight at and what do you weigh now?

(Stealing TRR's thunder) Fantasy fight: Prime Lennox Lewis Vs Prime Ali. Talk us through it...

Hi,

1> I don't mean never. If you read my post I added the word 'usually' against above 5 ks in training/running. Yes, the top milers do run farther than 5 k in training. I know this. I juts think that the 400/800 and milers are the true definition of runners. They are the best. I firmly believe that the best ever milers beat the 5 and 10 k specialists at 5 and 10 k IF the milers decided to train and dedicate specifically for the distances. EL G for me is a perfect example. The elite milers are designed perfectly for speed and endurance. Perfect blend.


2> Started aged 8. First competitive fight aged 11 and retired aged 19. Had 80-81 fights with 73 wins. Won 4 National titles; two schoolboy titles at 33kgs and 36 kgs aged 13 and 14 respectively. A National Junior title at 51 kgs, or Flyweight aged 18 and a National Intermediate title at 51 Kgs aged 18. Last fight was 1995. Not sure why I quit. Jaw broken in last fight. Out injured and then just finished up over the next couple of years. I regret retiring early.

3> The most known boxer I faced was Damean Kelly in the Senior Fly final 1995. He was a top 5 in the world. Made it to the QFs in Atlanta 1996. It was a tame fight that I lost by 16-5 or 16-7.

4 > Right now I weigh 157 lbs, or 11 stones 3 lbs. As mentioned earlier I fought my last fight between 51 and 54 kgs. That's 8 stones to 8 stones 6 lbs.

5? Running was a big part of my training. Not by deliberate choice. But because that is what you do, or what the trainers have you do. I ran to and from the club at quite a fast pace. I just did it. Never thought "I have to do it." We also went on at least two long runs per week. Maybe 5-6 miles. Froch is a known runner. As was Calzaghe. Floyd too, and Wayne McCullough was an excellent endurance runner.

6> Ali at peak was a mix of the mid to late 60s and the early 70s. Lewis' peak was post McCall KO. I would say the patient and more methodical 1995 onwards version. Lewis's size/weight and reach would be a major obstacle for Ali. Offense wins fights. Ali was faster and had better feet, but other than that he's up against it. Ali won't out-jab a man who is 2-3 inches taller and who also has a very good and strong jab. Ali has to jab upwards here. Not downwards like against most of his victims. SHW men today and of recent years are a bit too much for HW men from 50 years ago. I will go with Lewis on points. Ali doesn't get enough potent offense to win. Spends too much time defending against the bigger and heavier and stronger man. Had you asked me that question when I was younger, and less wise, I would likely have selected Ali. Lewis' ring control will be key here. He will not be giving away any ground, and he's not dumb enough to do a rope a dope.

menoscemo

Congrats man on the 4 national titles, Not many can say they won 4 national titles in any sport; never realised you had got to that level.

And yeah I remember Damaen Kelly but mainly for his pro career. He was a real dynamo

walshb

menoscemo wrote: »

Congrats man on the 4 national titles, Not many can say they won 4 national titles in any sport; never realised you had got to that level.

And yeah I remember Damaen Kelly but mainly for his pro career. He was a real dynamo

He was a dynamo, and also a very slick and neat operator. Got to world level as a pro. Lost to a quality fighter in Atlanta 1996. The guy was a Kazak, and he made Kelly look like a novice. That's how it looked at the time I watched it. That's how good the guy was.

tunguska

What is your favorite fight of all time?

Have you ever lost an argument(I'm guessing no)?

Do you plan on doing any 10k races, or above?

What's the best/most inspiring book you've ever read?

Whats your favorite album?

You're a man who's development the enviable ability to fly close to the sun but never get burned (in terms of getting banned). Have you ever been red carded and if so do you think you deserved it or were you harshly treated?

walshb

tunguska wrote: »

What is your favorite fight of all time?

Have you ever lost an argument(I'm guessing no)?

Do you plan on doing any 10k races, or above?

What's the best/most inspiring book you've ever read?

Whats your favorite album?

You're a man who's development tgr enviable ability in flying close to the sun but never getting burned, in terms of getting banned. Have you ever been red carded and if so do you think you deserved it or were you harshly treated?

Excellent questions.

1> I have so many favourite fights. The number 1 is the Rumble in the Jungle. It's more than a fight. It was a massive global event, and probably the biggest single sporting event between two sportsmen ever. The actual fight itself is excellent. The intensity, cleanness and ring generalship from both men. It had everything. Foreman just came to kill. It could never have been a tame affair. Ali was superb in the fight. The only better thing about the fight was Ali's post fight interview with David Frost. I urge anyone to listen to that.

Couple of other great fights are Gatti-Ward 1; Castillo-Corrales 1, and my second favourite fight ever, Holyfield-Bowe 1. That was one hell of a fight between two big and brilliant HW men. An epic ebb and flow battle.

2> Never lost an argument. But have no issue admitting I am wrong. Most arguments have no definite answer. That is why I am always baffled at folks losing their cool in them. I love a good debate, but hate hate hate confrontation. Note to this forum!!!:)

3> No, I will not run 10 k or above. Hate the thought of it. I will be looking out for some more 5 k races.

4> Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet, 1989 is a hell of a read. Really exceptional. Very long. I think it's in excess of 1000 pages.

Favorite book: For pure simplicity and beauty it has to be The Catcher In The Rye!

Sports book: I loved the 4 kings. I urge you to read it if you haven't already, as I see you are a fight fan.

5> Favourite Album: Rattle and Hum is a hell of an album. Yes, would be my favorite. Close second is Nirvana's Nevermind album, and their 1993 set unplugged was pretty awesome. I think it was 1993 MTV unplugged.

6> I have been yellow carded and banned for several charter breaches. More minor ones. But, l I believe a person never stops maturing. I am a far tamer poster today than years ago. Some of the stuff I posted years ago makes me cringe. I am a lot more polite and mannerly and less critical today. I like to challenge and give my view. Like I said earlier, it's those who lose the cool that have the real problem. In relation to this forum I think I have been probably treated more harshly than many others as regards warnings and infringements. I can understand this I suppose. I would be an outsider looking in. I hope I don't get bloody carded for that!:) My recent warning about the slow milers. That hurt!

Edit: I have received several red cards. Just checked my profile. Permaban for After Hours and Golf. Like I said, we never stop maturing. Best to bait subtly rather than aggressively.

tunguska

walshb wrote: »

Permaban for After Hours and Golf. Like I said, we never stop maturing. Best to bait subtly rather than aggressively.

Comment of the year.....

Chivito550

Splendid choice. I'll be back later with some serious scrutinising of your athletics idols.

tunguska

walshb wrote: »

Excellent questions.

1> I have so many favourite fights. The number 1 is the Rumble in the Jungle. It's not a fight, but a massive global event, and probably the biggest single sporting event between two sportsmen ever. The actual fight itself is excellent. The intensity, cleanness and ring generalship from both men. It had everything. Foreman just came to kill. It could never have been a tame affair. Ali was superb in the fight. The only better thing about the fight was Ali's post fight interview with David Frost. I urge anyone to listen to that.

Couple of other great fights are Gatti-Ward 1; Castillo-Corrales 1, and my second favourite fight ever, Holyfield-Bowe 1. That was one hell of a fight between two big and brilliant HW men. An epic ebb and flow battle.

I've seen that interview and it is exceptional. Ward v Gatti 1 is also a classic and a lot of people rate it as the best ever. I have a soft spot for Foreman v Lyle from 1976 as well. It didn't even go 5 rounds but it is an incredible fight, round 4 is possibly the best round of boxing I've seen.

walshb

tunguska wrote: »

I've seen that interview and it is exceptional. Ward v Gatti 1 is also a classic and a lot of people rate it as the best ever. I have a soft spot for Foreman v Lyle from 1976 as well. It didn't even go 5 rounds but it is an incredible fight, round 4 is possibly the best round of boxing I've seen.

Great choices. Lyle-Foreman is the quintessential slugfest. A very interesting debate is greatest ever round. Of course, Hagler-Hearns rd 1 always gets the nod there, but Holyfield-Bowe rd 10 of fight 1 is exceptional, and my own favorite is Hagler-Mugabi, rd 6. If you haven't seen that rd get to it. Amazing!

Vito Andolini

Hi walshb,
As some one who coaches young people, what is your take on the obesity crisis?
How to sort it out?
If you give 14weeks to a running plan what do ya reckon you could run the 5k in?
Do you think the boxing specific training has a positive or negative effect on your running?
Favourite a/r poster? Past or present.
What do you think about medals for all at the end of marathons?
Should marathons have a time cut off?
If yes, what time?
Thanks

walshb

Vito Andolini wrote: »

Hi walshb,
As some one who coaches young people, what is your take on the obesity crisis?
How to sort it out?
If you give 14weeks to a running plan what do ya reckon you could run the 5k in?
Do you think the boxing specific training has a positive or negative effect on your running?
Favourite a/r poster? Past or present.
What do you think about medals for all at the end of marathons?
Should marathons have a time cut off?
If yes, what time?
Thanks

1> What crisis? I think it is far too sensationalized. It's big bloody business, that's what it is. Sick of reading headline like 1/4 children are obese as if that's something to be ashamed of. What about 3/4 aren't? Sorting it out. There is no crisis, so sorting it out isn't on my radar. Yes, education and encouraging people to eat well and exercise every so often is important, but also, do things that make you happy, and if that happens to be a couple of bars of chocolate a week so be it. This nonsense of restaurants being forced to list all the calories in their foods. Disgraceful. I can understand it for the large chains like McDonalds, as they feed the masses, but for the average restaurant on the street, gimme a break...

Keep it simple. Obey the food pyramid as best you can and move the body a bit more than usual. Don't get swamped on exact weights, allow yourself a window of weight.

2> If I trained 5 k specific and gave it my best effort I know sub 18 is there. I just don't have the passion in me to go through that torture. Intentional running and pushing yourself is one of the toughest cardio things a person can do. It's brutal. And, I would need to find an ideal course. Flat and smooth and no bloody hills. That's not running. It's an obstacle course. My last two 5ks were 19 mins 28 and 19 mins 24. Both courses had too many inclines. Had I known I wouldn't have entered. I felt good in both, better than when I ran my PB of 18 43, but the inclines killed any chance of that being bettered.

3? Very good question. I am not so sure it has. I am sure that running specific training really helps you as regards boxing and cardio stamina, but the other way around I wouldn't be so sure. Boxing is a lot to do with short and explosive moves, almost stationary intensity. I will say that I do not believe that boxing specific training negatively impacts my running. No way. If I had to say I would say slight positive impact. Stronger arms and chest area can help over long distances

4> Very difficult one. Tunguska comes across as someone very easy going and honest. I like that in a poster. Cool head and well able to take banter. Krusty as well, even if we did have run ins. Doesn't hold grudges. That's a great quality in a poster.

5> Medals for all? If the organizers can afford it I see no reason why not.

6> 4 hours 45 mins. Better to protect our citizens than take years off their lives. If they are miling above 9 mins then immediate DQ....:)

Ososlo

walshb wrote: »

4> Very difficult one. Tunguska comes across as someone very easy going and honest. I like that in a poster. Cool head and well able to take banter. Krusty as well, even if we did have run ins. Doesn't hold grudges. That's a great quality in a poster.

Really agree with you there. It is a good quality to be able to move on. Far too many posters just can't forget stuff from the past and hold grudges.

6> 4 hours 45 mins. Better to protect our citizens than take
years off their
lives. If they are miling above 9 mins then immediate
DQ....:)

But miling around 9 mins would mean a sub 4 hour marathon? Where do you get the 4:45?

walshb

Ososlo wrote: »

Really agree with you there. It is a good quality to be able to move on. Far too many posters just can't forget stuff from the past and hold grudges.

But miling around 9 mins would mean a sub 4 hour marathon? Where do you get the 4:45?

Just my mischievous side. I do think that 4 hrs 45 mins is more than enough time to drag your body around. If not, then why bother at all? Maybe they could have marathons for slow runners?

Ososlo

walshb wrote: »

Just my mischievous side. I do think that 4 hrs 45 mins is more than enough time to drag your body around. If not, then why bother at all? Maybe they could have marathons for slow runners?

So 10:50s pace is acceptable now! Your standards are slipping It's a long way from 9 min miles;)

walshb

Ososlo wrote: »

So 10:50s pace is acceptable now! Your standards are slipping It's a long way from 9 min miles;)

Yeh, but if the race organizers can identify that a runner hasn't registered one single 9 minute mile or below he/she can issue warnings. Similar to the warnings issued to the walkers who run...:) I have some really neat ideas floating around in my head for marathon running.

Edit: One mile in 9 mins is a walk in the park. 26 of them? No, I'll give you a pass on that. Just gimme one! Just showing my caring side...

tunguska

walshb wrote: »

Yeh, but if the race organizers can identify that a runner hasn't registered one single 9 minute mile or below he/she can issue warnings. Similar to the warnings issued to the walkers who run...:) I have some really neat ideas floating around in my head for marathon running.

Edit: One mile in 9 mins is a walk in the park. 26 of them? No, I'll give you a pass on that. Just gimme one! Just showing my caring side...

I believe Hitler had a similar plan for the Berlin marathon.......that would be some race to
Marshall. Lads in Hi-ace vans with loudspeakers using the faster stick to "encourage" runners to speed up.

Chivito550

tunguska wrote: »

I believe Hitler had a similar plan for the Berlin marathon.......that would be some race to
Marshall. Lads in Hi-ace vans with loudspeakers using the faster stick to "encourage" runners to speed up.

Sure aren't there a few marathons in Japan where they bulldoze you off the road if you drop off 2:46 pace. Lake Biwa in particular is mad. You have to hit certain targets for 5m, 10m, half etc. the targets are hardest at the start, and get easier as the race goes on, to encourage athletes to go out hard with true Japanese kamikaze grit!

EDIT: Info on it here. Need a sub 2:30 or sub 70 half just to qualify for this torture.

http://www.lakebiwa-marathon.com/raceinfo_e.html

Chivito550

1) Once upon a time, you were an occasional poster on the AR forum. Dipped in when the major championships were on, got into some heated arguments, and then didn't resurface until the following August to do battle again. However, in recent years, you have become a very well known, regular poster around here. What made you go from being a once a year fair weather poster, to one of AR's most well known and controversial characters?

2) Do you read any training logs on here? If so, which ones? Have you ever considered ruffling some feathers in any of them?

3) You are possibly Carl Lewis' biggest fan. Hand on heart, do you genuinely believe he was dope-free?

4) You have expressed on many occasions your admiration for the late Flo-Jo. Can you explain why? What, in your opinion, was the reason behind her unbelievable transformation from top sprinter in 1987, to untouchable in 1988?

5) What are your thoughts on Marita Koch? In what way does she differ from the athletes mentioned above?

6) Have you read the "Dirtiest Race in History" by Richard Moore? (If not, you should. Excellent read).

7) Out of Ireland's current crop of athletes, which ones excite you the most?

8) Would you rather be last in a high quality club level 400m or 800m race, or win a local parkrun 5K?

9) You have mentioned on many occasions that you believe Katie Taylor is Ireland's greatest sportsperson in history. Can you explain why you believe somebody competing in a minority sport, with no female tradition, should be ranked above Sonia O'Sullivan, someone who dominated distance running, one of the most global and accessible disciplines in all of sport?

10) Ireland has had a lot of success in amateur boxing in recent times. However, if all professional fighters were made eligible for the Olympic Games, and fought under amateur rules, hand on heart, what percentage of medals do you believe would be won by amateur fighters, and how many by pro fighters? Would somebody like Floyd Mayweather in his professional peak, really lose to an amateur? Is it fair that Ireland's boxing Olympic medals are held in as high esteem as our track and field medals, given that our athletes have to compete against everyone in their chosen sport, and that there are 3 from each country in athletics, while just 1 in boxing?

11) I actually enjoy boxing a lot, despite the above questions. Where would Marvellous Marvin Hagler and Roberto Duran rank in your top boxers of all time? Who is the greatest pound-for-pound boxer in history?

12) Where were you the day Michael Carruth grabbed Gold in Barcelona?

13) What are your views on the Runners Support Page Facebook grop?

14) You mentioned that Rattle & Hum is one of your favourite albums, so I take it you are a big U2 fan? I also agree that it is a great album, but it is not one of their most renowned, respected, and indeed it got slated at the time. What makes you choose this record over their more critically acclaimed albums such as The Joshua Tree, Achtung Baby and War?

15) Have you ever seen U2 live? If so, how many times and where?

Pacing Mule

^^^^ Jaysus that is some set of questions

Really looking forward to the answers

gerard_65

You've admitted on another discussion board (which didn't turn out too successful) you enjoy trolling here. Has anyone ever told you your crap at it?:pac:

walshb

Chivito550 wrote: »

1) Once upon a time, you were an occasional poster on the AR forum. Dipped in when the major championships were on, got into some heated arguments, and then didn't resurface until the following August to do battle again. However, in recent years, you have become a very well known, regular poster around here. What made you go from being a once a year fair weather poster, to one of AR's most well known and controversial characters?

2) Do you read any training logs on here? If so, which ones? Have you ever considered ruffling some feathers in any of them?

3) You are possibly Carl Lewis' biggest fan. Hand on heart, do you genuinely believe he was dope-free?

4) You have expressed on many occasions your admiration for the late Flo-Jo. Can you explain why? What, in your opinion, was the reason behind her unbelievable transformation from top sprinter in 1987, to untouchable in 1988?

5) What are your thoughts on Marita Koch? In what way does she differ from the athletes mentioned above?

6) Have you read the "Dirtiest Race in History" by Richard Moore? (If not, you should. Excellent read).

7) Out of Ireland's current crop of athletes, which ones excite you the most?

8) Would you rather be last in a high quality club level 400m or 800m race, or win a local parkrun 5K?

9) You have mentioned on many occasions that you believe Katie Taylor is Ireland's greatest sportsperson in history. Can you explain why you believe somebody competing in a minority sport, with no female tradition, should be ranked above Sonia O'Sullivan, someone who dominated distance running, one of the most global and accessible disciplines in all of sport?

10) Ireland has had a lot of success in amateur boxing in recent times. However, if all professional fighters were made eligible for the Olympic Games, and fought under amateur rules, hand on heart, what percentage of medals do you believe would be won by amateur fighters, and how many by pro fighters? Would somebody like Floyd Mayweather in his professional peak, really lose to an amateur? Is it fair that Ireland's boxing Olympic medals are held in as high esteem as our track and field medals, given that our athletes have to compete against everyone in their chosen sport?

11) I actually enjoy boxing a lot, despite the above questions. Where would Marvellous Marvin Hagler and Roberto Duran rank in your top boxers of all time? Who is the greatest pound-for-pound boxer in history?

12) Where were you the day Michael Carruth grabbed Gold in Barcelona?

13) What are your views on the Runners Support Page Facebook grop?

14) You mentioned that Rattle & Hum is one of your favourite albums, so I take it you are a big U2 fan? I also agree that it is a great album, but it is not one of their most renowned, respected, and indeed it got slated at the time. What makes you choose this record over their more critically acclaimed albums such as The Joshua Tree, Achtung Baby and War?

15) Have you ever seen U2 live? If so, how many times and where?

Holy cow....

1> I have always had a love for T&F. In the early years the forum bored me. Very little debate. Too much back patting. The boxing form went through its quiet spells and I found myself drawn to T&F more. Throw in a couple of dope threads and there you have it. I got hooked.

2> I do read the logs from time to time, and have huge respect for a lot of the hard work and dedication. I don't feel the urge to ruffle feathers there. It's a difficult forum to ruffle feathers in. Too many times you get jumped on and berated. It gets tiring after 500 replies...:p

3> Hand on heart and zero to do with Lewis being my TF favorite I believe he was simply a naturally amazing athlete. You have read my arguments. The man never ever tested positive for PEDs. Had he been on PEDs there is no way he stays running at 9.95/6/7 etc. He drops at least 2/10s of a second. His improvements were IMO very consistent with natural progression. He must have been tested many many times. The evidence is not there, at least not of PED use. I know he gets a hard time for his personality, but it would be like me dismissing Tyson's greatness because of his outside ring activities. Or slating Michael Jackson's talents as a performer because of his personal life

4> Maybe I missed something but I don't ever recall admiring her? I did say that her 1988 performances were the most dominant I have ever seen on the track. That is what I saw. Never ever tested for PEDs. Now, if PEDs was rife in the sport, why was she so far ahead of the rest? Was it just luck that in Seoul no other sprinters decided to dope, or was it because she had access to the kinds of stuff that Ivan Drago had, and the others had to make do with a few extra cups of coffee? Hand on heart I reckon something gave her the edge...I'll say no more.

5> Marita Koch. The hint is in the name....

6> I have not read it. I am betting it covers a lot of what I already know. Nothing in it will sway me in the slightest as regards Carl. No way. Unless it produces positive PED results or admissions of PED usage. Ok, I may just give it a read. I will get back to you.

7> I really like Thomas Barr and his performances of late have really impressed me. Mark English is quality, and of course, Jason Smyth is tops. I do admire Kelly Proper as well. 4 golds at the 2013 championships I think

8> Has to be the win over 5k. Coming last at anything where there is more than 2 involved can't be good in any way.

9> Sonia is number 2 to Taylor. If Sonia came close to what Katie achieved then maybe she would be number 1. Taylor has been at the very top for 10 years, with almost 0 defeats. Unmatched. Minority sport is a cop out. All continents compete, and have competed for many years now. That's a massive pool. Maybe not as massive as the runners, bit still big enough.

10> I believe that over 3 x 3 mins the best pros would win almost all medals. It's a different sport. The pros are a different animal. Brutally efficient. There are many in boxing that will disagree with me, but no bloody way would Kenny Egan or any recent Irish amateur last 9 minutes with their top pro counterparts under the amateur or pro rules. The pros are savages. Wicked hitting machines, and trained to a different level, The two sports are becoming closer, but up to 2012 I would bet the top pros would clean up in brutal fashion. I will end by stating as fact that they are two separate sports.

Oh, sorry, Floyd is one fighter that would probably be least likely to win the gold. He could, but watch his style. He would be pushed very hard. He's not a killer, and 3 rds wouldn't suit him. He breaks you down and figures you out through 8/10 and 12 rds.

11> Duran ranks for me as top 10. Hagler is top 25. Hagler stayed at MW his entire career. I am not his biggest fan. Tough as nails, but at times he could be made look ordinary. He lost his biggest bout to an inactive blown up WW, Leonard. Duran was so versatile. Could do it all. Box, slug, rough it up, move and hit, defend and hit. He was an all around offensive machine who has an excellent ring brain Hit hard too, and was fit as a fiddle.

P4P in history it has to be Ali. I always felt that the HW men got unfairly penalized in these debates. Ali was 210 lbs at peak and moved like a WW and had the speed of a FW. We will never know who beats who at P4P, but we can be close to certain that the best HW men destroy the likes of SRR and Monzon and Hagler and Leonard and Duran.

Outside of the HWs it is James Toney. The most naturally gifted fighter ever Not just boxer, but fighter, and there is a difference between a great boxer and a great fighter. A great fighter has that little bit extra. Toney was just so fluid and confident and effortless. I maintain that at his best or when in any kind of shape and form, he is D most difficult man to KO/TKO of any fighter ever.

12> I was in my kitchen as a young teen the day he won/stole gold. I think it was early morning, and wasn't it a Saturday?

13> .......

14> Not a big U2 fan, but they had some great tracks. Joshua Tree and War are excellent, but the tracks on R&H are better and more diverse. Hawkmoon and Desire and Angel of Harlem and Heartland are juts epic. Heartland is one of the best tracks ever. The album for me has more edginess and diversity. BTW, Achtung Baby is a stunning album. So Cruel is a top 10 song for me of all time.

15> Never. And never will. I think they are overrated as a live act. Bono pissing like a dog on stage doesn't do it for me. I am sure they have put on some good shows.

I hope I have put enough detail into the answers for you. Any clarifications you need let me know.

walshb

gerard_65 wrote: »

You've admitted on another discussion board (which didn't turn out too successful) you enjoy trolling here. Has anyone ever told you your crap at it?:pac:

Did I?

eldiva

Chivito550 wrote: »

1
9) You have mentioned on many occasions that you believe Katie Taylor is Ireland's greatest sportsperson in history. Can you explain why you believe somebody competing in a minority sport, with no female tradition, should be ranked above Sonia O'Sullivan, someone who dominated distance running, one of the most global and accessible disciplines in all of sport?

How exactly is boxing a minority sport? We have more world, european and olympic medals in boxing when compared to athletics. Countries all over the world compete in boxing whether amateur, semi-pro or pro

gerard_65

walshb wrote: »

Did I?

Yep. Couldn't be bothered trying to find it but it came up as part of back slapping each other and slagging off boards . A comment was made referring how you have avoided getting banned. Tails between legs, history now, lets move on.

Do you drink, if so, favorite tipple?
Last meal, what would it be?
If you could live anywhere in the world, apart from here, where?
What really annoys you?
Do you have a better half?
What advice you you give a 13yo you?

eldiva

Do you think any of the current crop of Irish boxers have the potential to be world beaters? I mean the Barnes, Nevins, Conlons, Quigleys?

Your having a dinner party can invite 4 guests, one boxer, one runner, one footballer and a.n other. They all have to have had some controversy in their career, who do you invite?

Who in your opinion is the greatest Irish runner?

Favourite chocolate bar?

Favourite superfero?

Can you solve a rubix cube or have you tried?

Chivito550

eldiva wrote: »

How exactly is boxing a minority sport? We have more world, european and olympic medals in boxing when compared to athletics. Countries all over the world compete in boxing whether amateur, semi-pro or pro

Women's amateur boxing is surely a minority sport no?

Pointless comparing athletics medals to amateur boxing medals. 1) athletes have to face everyone, while amateur boxers don't have to face the pros, who walshb has stated would clean up the medals, 2) our athletes have to face 3 Ethiopians, 3 Jamaicans, 3 Kenyans etc, in boxing it is just one per country, the top 3 in the world could be from one nation but only one goes to a major championships. And 3) there are 4 medals available for boxers, unlike athletics.

Won't derail any further as this is a Q&A thread, not a debating one.

kgosi

No Más. Only kidding.

Southpaw/orthodox/switcher?

Ballet dancers/boxers/gymnasts - the fittest?

Eubank?

walshb

gerard_65 wrote: »

Yep. Couldn't be bothered trying to find it but it came up as part of back slapping each other and slagging off boards . A comment was made referring how you have avoided getting banned. Tails between legs, history now, lets move on.

Do you drink, if so, favorite tipple?
Last meal, what would it be?
If you could live anywhere in the world, apart from here, where?
What really annoys you?
Do you have a better half?
What advice you you give a 13yo you?

No, let's not move on. You could be right, but I cannot for the life of me recall such an incident. It doesn't even attempt to ring a bell. I think it's unfair for you to post that if it is untrue. I am not saying it's false, as I have thousands of posts across several forums, and I cannot account for them all.

1> I drink very rarely. Never got into the taste. Had my fair share of binges, as in weekend sessions, but that was more nightclubs and nights out as opposed to just drinking sessions in pubs. I have never ever went to a pub juts for a drink. It would have always been for a night out. The whole "are you coming for a pint" never got me. My beer of choice would probabaly be bottled Budweiser. I don't drink pints.

2> Last meal would be a quality roast with all the trimmings and a pint of Dr Pepper to wash it down. Great question. Favourite food would be roast chicken. Meal? I do like Shepherds Pie...

3> I would choose to live in a sunny climate. Not too hot, but just enough clear sun per year, say 4-5 months of guaranteed sun. I would probably go with Florida.

4> What really annoys me is parents who allow their quite young children to fooking roam free. It grates me. I also cannot get folks who become overly animated and confrontational during a run of the mill discussion.

5> I do have a better half. Quite amazing she is.....;)

6> I would say be little less judgmental and try to see more of the good in people.

walshb

eldiva wrote: »

Do you think any of the current crop of Irish boxers have the potential to be world beaters? I mean the Barnes, Nevins, Conlons, Quigleys?

Your having a dinner party can invite 4 guests, one boxer, one runner, one footballer and a.n other. They all have to have had some controversy in their career, who do you invite?

Who in your opinion is the greatest Irish runner?

Favourite chocolate bar?

Favourite superfero?

Can you solve a rubix cube or have you tried?

Hi,

1> Current crop world beaters as pros. Likely not. Barnes will likely never go pro. Conlon may go pro, and could do well but I don't see world beater at pro level. Quigley at MW and above. No. JJN won't make it at world level. BTW, this is my idea of world level. I love pro boxing, but it's littered with problems. Andy Lee is technically a world champion, but he is not a world beater. I have huge respect and admiration for our amateur starts, but nothing stands out as huge pro potential.

2> Runner: Steve Ovett. Not sure he is all that controversial, but certainly well able to speak his mind. The boxer I would invite would be Ali. Hugely inspirational, and also a quite divisive sportsman. I was going to select Foreman. Very articulate and jovial and interesting character. But I don't see much controversy with him. The footballer (assuming it is soccer) would be Zidane. My all time favorite player. The GOAT as regards all around skills and ability. No doubt for me. The A.N. Other would be Marilyn Monroe. No need to say much there. We all need a bit of eye candy at dinner time. BTW, nobody gets a word in edge ways with Ali at the head of the table

3> For success and longevity and achievements it has to be Sonia. Coghlan for his time was very close to her. His indoor talent over a mile is legendary. So close to medaling at the Olympics as well. Plus, he is a miler, and I rate those lads as the best of the best.

4> Do you know me? I am a chocoholic. I cannot recall the last day where I went without at least 100 grammes of chocolate. Not saying I eat 4-5 bars per day, but at least 100 grammes. Very tough question. Wit a cuppa I tend to gravitate for kitkat more than any other. If I had to pick one bar then it's a snickers. It's as close to perfection as possible. It has everything. Taster/consistency/flavor and satisfaction.

5> Without a doubt it's Superman. Just like Jaws, the original 1978 Superman has yet to be surpassed for its genre. Superb film. One question though. Why does Clark act so deliberately awkward and clumsy all the time?

5> Not a chance. I am useless when it comes to shapes and puzzles like that. Qute good with arithmetic and conversions, but images and shapes screw me.

Dubgal72

Hi Mr Walsh, fair play to you, I knew you were a big old softie...great questions and answers so far and apologies in advance for the overload here

The sports round:

What would Katie Taylor run 5k in: now and after training specifically for 10 weeks

Who on A / R would you choose to coach you for sub 18 5k?

What male would you put in the ring with Katie Taylor for an evenly matched fight?

Seb Coe or Steve Cram?


Political, legal and moral sh%t:

26 or 32 counties?

You get Enda Kenny alone in a room...

What do you think of Russell Brand?

Will you boycott the water charges?

When is it ok to break the law?

God or void?


Personal stuff:

When did you last cry and why?

Any regrets? What?

24 hours to live, what will you do?

Favourite item of clothing?

Scariest thing you've ever done (apart from agreeing to do this)?


Finishing line:

When are you starting your own training log here and what will you call it? Go on, you know you want to...think of all the fun you can have

Any suggestions to get walshb started?

Chivito550

Dean Cain and Terri Hatcher, the best Clark Kent and Lois Lane there has ever been. Thoughts?

walshb

Dubgal72 wrote: »

Hi Mr Walsh, fair play to you, I knew you were a big old softie...great questions and answers so far and apologies in advance for the overload here

The sports round:

What would Katie Taylor run 5k in: now and after training specifically for 10 weeks

Who on A / R would you choose to coach you for sub 18 5k?

What male would you put in the ring with Katie Taylor for an evenly matched fight?

Seb Coe or Steve Cram?


Political, legal and moral sh%t:

26 or 32 counties?

You get Enda Kenny alone in a room...

What do you think of Russell Brand?

Will you boycott the water charges?

When is it ok to break the law?

God or void?


Personal stuff:

When did you last cry and why?

Any regrets? What?

24 hours to live, what will you do?

Favourite item of clothing?

Scariest thing you've ever done (apart from agreeing to do this)?


Finishing line:

When are you starting your own training log here and what will you call it? Go on, you know you want to...think of all the fun you can have

Any suggestions to get walshb started?

Hi,

Sports Round:

1> I would guess she would go 19-19 30. With specific training I reckon low 18s.

2> Tunguska looks to be good. Good knowledge and natural talent.

3> I would put in the lightest available weight with Katie. As great as she is she would not be close to a match for the equivalent LW male. It would be a massacre. Hence she would need to face the like of Barnes to be comparable. I think Barnes probably stops her. There is a huge gulf in power between men and women, and that is what bit boils down to. She has the equivalent skill set as the men, but in boxing that won't be enough for her.

4> Coe without a doubt. His records surpass Cram any time. He was also far more aesthetically pleasing on the eye. Better form and motion. He was flat out faster, not by much, but faster. He had a better race brain, and I believe more desire and spite. Saying this Cram has a faster PB over 1500/mile, but only by a 1/10 or so at 1500. Cram also has a surprisingly fast 800 PB. Coe probably goes very low 1 41 with proper pacing, maybe even sub 1 mins 41.

Political, legal and moral sh%t:

1> 32 counties. I am not all that political, but during the troubled times I would always support the oppressed people of the North. We down here can never really know what suffering they endured by an occupying force. Very happy that there is a semblance of peace. England are our neighbours. I encourage us to work together and build bridges. All this anti English nonsense over here grates me. It usually comes form the EE/Corrie/Emerdale and Premiership brigade. Oh the irony.

2> Boom boom!

3> Russell Brand is a junkie. Living the fast and fancy and capitalistic life yet preaching to the masses the complete opposite. How he gets oxygen to spout his nonsense says a lot about the standards in today's society.

4> I will not boycott them. I don't necessarily like paying for stuff, but I live in a democratic society. You cannot please all the people all the time. Food isn't free, and why should water be? At least delivered and piped and treated water.

5> Depends on the law. I am sure many of us break laws every day of the week without really realizing it. If you are in physical danger then it should be ok, or if you really feel an injustice has befallen you then go for it, but expect to face the consequences. I would try my best to not cause people unnecessary pain and discomfort whilst I break the law. That should always be in the back of our minds.

6> Void scares me. Surely there has to be something else? I have changed my views. I used to believe that there was life and death and nothing after, but what is nothing. It's incomprehensible to me. It can't be grasped or touched or explained. Everything we ever know means something and feels. To say you die and then nothing happens? Bewildering. Reincarnation is plausible, but again, what is the bloody point to it if you can't feel it or reason it. I am going to place my bet on an afterlife that is comprehensible and real in a human sense. God probably exists in this afterlife.

Personal stuff:

1> Last time I cried was a long time ago. Not sure why. I am not all that teary a chap. Emotional heart like rest of us, but not in a teary way. Maybe I fight it? I might view it as a weakness in myself, and hence I fight it. Tough to decipher. I can't stomach people suffering. I can't bear to see or hear of people suffering. I would consider myself quite a compassionate person. Very good listener.

2> No real regrets. I can say that in my life I have not hurt anyone in a malicious or devious way. That is something that I would always regret. I may have a slight regret that I gave up boxing when I did. Now that I coach an see the action as a maturer person I feel that I probably had a many more bouts in me. There you go. That's a wee regret.

3> 24 hrs to live. What would I do. I assume nobody is to know apart from me. Splash out all my cash on a party for family and friends.

4> Nice clean and stylish jeans, crisp and fitted shirt and quality shoes and a blazer/suit jacket. Jeans have to be simple. None of this ripped hobo ****, or overly flary. Skinny jeans on a man are horrendous. The most despicable item of clothing we can wear.

5> Scariest thing I have ever done. What is the name of that carnival ride that goes up and down in a pendulum motion and spins when it reaches the top? Horrible horrible experience. I despise carnival rides. I did that ride once and it took me 3 days to get over it. I really thought I was going to slip out of it and plunge to a horrible death. There were kids up and down off it every ten minutes. Unreal. I have a very weak stomach for that sh1t.

My own training log will be called "Having a fcuking life." And how not to waste endless hours paving the pavements.:P

Dubgal72

Thank you, really honest answers. I'm looking forward to more from you.

walshb

kgosi wrote: »

No Más. Only kidding.

Southpaw/orthodox/switcher?

Ballet dancers/boxers/gymnasts - the fittest?

Eubank?

These directed at me?

Boxers are likely the most fit as regards Cardio. I posted a article a while back on ESPNs toughest sports. We got great mileage from it. Gymnasts for me are probably the most complete sports people in terms of mechanics and athleticism. They are almost above human. I have always followed the world and Olympics. Some fantastic sportsmen and women.

Eubank? Can't for the life of me stomach listening to his drivel. He lives in cuckoo land. Very good fighter. Chin of steel.

BTW, I boxed soutpaw. I am a right handed southpaw. The best version.;)

tunguska

Chivito550 wrote: »

Dean Cain and Terri Hatcher, the best Clark Kent and Lois Lane there has ever been. Thoughts?

Thats a ridiculous question.........its obviously Christopher Reeve & Margot Kidder.

Chivito550

tunguska wrote: »

Thats a ridiculous question.........its obviously Christopher Reeve & Margot Kidder.

I said Clark Kent though, not Superman. Reeve may have been a superb Superman but Dean Cain is the best Clark. Lois and Clark was about Lois and Clark with Superman as a side character. I think he brought out the character of Clark more than had ever been seen before.

This is a fantastic thread.

ultrapercy

Do you ever look at the number of posts beside your name on your boards account and think "my God Ive wasted my life"?

TFBubendorfer

gerard_65 wrote: »

You've admitted on another discussion board (which didn't turn out too successful) you enjoy trolling here.

Umm ... no. That was someone else posing as someone else (it got a bit complicated).

walshb

ultrapercy wrote: »

Do you ever look at the number of posts beside your name on your boards account and think "my God Ive wasted my life"?

Every fooking day! Addictions are a bitch!

gerard_65

I have to apologise for accusing you of that comment on another forum. I've just been told it wasn't you but someone else using a name very similar to yours.
I think they thought it'd be amusing to troll as you.
Sorry again. Ger.

Vito Andolini

Great answers so far!
Would you ever consider coaching athletics?

Do you work full time? ( you seem quick to answer, or reply in a debate!)

walshb

Vito Andolini wrote: »

Great answers so far!
Would you ever consider coaching athletics?

Do you work full time? ( you seem quick to answer, or reply in a debate!)

I wouldn't consider coaching athletics as I am a bit too busy coaching boxing. I would imagine that coaching athletics would be tougher and more challenging. Although I believe the sport of boxing to be more complex, I think the coaching of athletics would be more intense.

I do work full time, but boards and other sites are always open in the background. I can multitask. Yes, females, we can do it.

walshb

gerard_65 wrote: »

I have to apologise for accusing you of that comment on another forum. I've just been told it wasn't you but someone else using a name very similar to yours.
I think they thought it'd be amusing to troll as you.
Sorry again. Ger.

No problem, Gerard. And for the record I don't troll, or should I say intend to troll. If some here believe me to troll then so be it. It's not something I do with intent/malice. I also find the accusation of trolling, in general, quite flaky. It's far too subjective in many cases. Disagreeing and debating your corner is just that, debating. I do, however, believe that we all have a troll inside us. I have almost 2000 posts here in this forum. Many are just run of the mill. Many are battles and debates, but they have been battled by me in good faith and with decency and decorum in mind. Not all them, but most. Nobody's perfect.

pistol_75

Hi Walshb,

Great answers and insight so far. Really enjoying it.

1) from someone who used to watch a good bit of boxing something that turned me off was the amount of World Champions at each weight division. It didn't sit well with me and I felt it devalues the fighters of the past who were the genuine best in their weight division. Now the best don't have to fight each other but both can be called World Champion. What are your thoughts on this? Is it a money thing or power struggle?

2) Don King :- friend or foe of the sport?

3) Pacman or Mayweather and why?

4) how big a part had Billy Walsh played in the rise of Irish boxing vs natural talent?

5) if we look back at Jamaican & Kenyan athletics in 10 years time will it have been a golden generation or too good to be true?

6) Have you run any Parkruns?

7) Favourite boxing venue?

8) if you were responsible for sports funding which sports would you increase/decrease funding of and why?

9) will we see another track & field Olympic medal in our lifetime?

10) Do you have any kids and are they/ will they be involved in sport?