#ukwingchunstudent

[wingyboxing]

Boxing is unpredictable so stop trying to predict it

They are not going to like this one, because I’m speaking the truth. I’m sure Floyd said something like that, maybe Broner…

The B.O.R. Remember where you heard this acronym first, I give birth to it today, my reason for why even expert predictors, fluff it up. The B.O.R. is an ethereal webbing that fuses together the fragile balance that is, predicting fights. Read on…

I would one day like to be a Boxing Historian. To delve into the deepest crevasses of my brain and pluck out Boxing fact after fact. To know every war that’s taken place within the ring, every splash of blood that’s fragmented into globules upon the canvas. Boxing is the most beautiful sport in the world, it commands our respect. Its ferocity intense and it’s grandeur supreme. Gladiators; the fight.

The problem comes when those who would like to play God with the outcome of fights, myself previously included within the throng, try to think they are better than the sport. The prediction. Predicting for fun is fine. But If the reason you predict fights is to get them right, then stop doing it. Let me explain…

I read the excellent Boxing News recently and was almost drooling over the beauty of the writing when reading their Bradley vs Marquez prediction, the way the fight was surgically sliced apart, inspected up close, and analyzed was as is always the case in Boxing News magazine, true art in the form of cool solid print. So how could they have got a fight they analyzed so deeply, over two pages, so wrong? They are the experts? Marquez will win by “Ultimately clear decision” they said.

If they get predictions wrong, there’s no hope for the rest of us.

Out of all us, the magazines like Boxing News and Boxing Monthly should surely very very rarely get picks wrong, however the interesting thing is, I find their prediction ratio generally being the same as most other people who are involved within Boxing reporting, or just those who are fans. Be it the #doitforfreebrigade on youtube, expert trainers or analysts.

Most famous recent prediction error being from Doug Fischer of the ring magazine who respected boxing reporter Elie Seckbach called “the no 1 boxing expert in the world” he picked Canelo to beat Mayweather Jr. He was so confident in this, he said ya boy Canelo would defeat Mayweather in several video interviews. How could an expert in Boxing get it so fumblingly wrong?

David Haye vs Wladimir Klitschko one of the biggest Boxing magazines in the country, one of the biggest heavyweight fights of recent memory, epic night, historical event, they picked Haye. Nothing could have been further from the truth. Haye was totally dominated. Oh and I picked Haye too lol

There’s no mystery as to why these fumbles happen, not including fighter / fan bias etc. Outside of the most blatant of mismatches (and even they often surprise us) Boxing is, in the literal sense and the entertainment sense, unpredictable. This is why everyone averages roughly the same who knows a little about the sport, with their prediction ratio. I’d say off my head between 65 to 75% correct picks in fights. This is over a huge number of fights remember, not just the easy ones, or the ones you deleted off of a website or Youtube page you made. That’s a percentage plucked out the air but I’d argue it’s pretty close to spot on.

Over the course of around three and a half years on YouTube, I predicted almost every main televised English speaking fight bill in Boxing, and many foreign ones. I released way over 2000 videos. I can throw my hat into the ring on this one, and genuinely offer some words of advice to confused frustrated and embarrassed predictors on YouTube; blogging or in general.

I have seen time and time again, what I like to refer to as back trackers; damage controllers. You tubers, bloggers and so called experts who Micheal Jackson moonwalk their way out of wrong predictions. I have felt the warm prickly embarrassment of wrong predictions many times over my three and a half years on YouTube. It’s not a nice spotlight to sit under, however in general my entire self, as a whole is literally an awkward walking cringe bomb, so I could usually slither my way out of wrong predictions by just being a bit of a prat.

The more serious predictors, like Richard Dwyer, the most popular Boxing analyst on You tube, have a particularly tough time of it when they pick a wrong fight, especially when they break down a fight so well. Dwyer for the record being pretty much the only person I saw online who picked Tony Thompson to KO David Price first time around, an amazing prediction, a man with a Boxing trainer like knowledge of the sport and it’s intricacies. In reality Dywer simply falls to the acronym I created, the B.O.R

The Boxing Outcome Ratio.

Other predictors tend to end a video with “im picking fighter A to win, however i wouldn’t be surprised if fighter B takes it” this is what I like to call in some cases the embarrassment buffer, again something I’m certain I’ve probably done more than once in my predictions. In short, covering your own ass. Or the ever popular “I predict fighter A but fighter B of course can always win by KO” Thus lending an easy escape narrative for their post fight video or report. When I say their, again I include the old me. It was cringe worthy at times in all fairness.

I used to have to explain myself “I hold my hands up” I would proclaim in a meek manner, my fat forehead glistening with a nervous sheen of sweat. How could I get a prediction so wrong? I then pieced the puzzle together and realised everyone seems to average out the same with their prediction picks, even experts. Boxing by it’s very nature, it’s speed; the variables; the mindset of the fighter; their mental and physical impairments we would never know about in some instances when picking who will win.

Styles make fights, but they don’t guarantee the outcome. I’m also certain many people don’t even know what that saying actually means, that’s for another blog lol

Many predicted Marquez to beat Bradley on October the 12th. They made video predictions, they wrote articles. Yet ya boy Timothy “Pacquiao” Bradley did something very few expected, he out thought, out fought, out hustled and at times, actually out countered Marquez in the ring. Why did the so called experts miss this? It’s because Boxing is insanely physical, but it is also an entity; an art.

We watch it because of the very fact that it can’t be predicted. Think about it, that excitement only those who know, feel when the first bell rings; you feel your own heart drumming against your chest plate. You literally hear the blood pump through your neck with nerves, and you aren’t even fighting. The fighters circle each other like like feral animals. That excitement is because in all truth we don’t know what is going to happen.

Adulation is the reason for most peoples predictions. It becomes more about their prediction, than it does about the actual fight. Sadly, I slipped down this treacherous slope. My research become more frantic, more in depth. Most fights I would be lucky enough to predict right if I’m honest, but still that same respect demanding ratio Boxing imposes on predictors; the B.O.R. would rule supreme. My correct and incorrect predictions were composed of internal elements that balanced out something like part boxing knowledge, part knowledge of the individual fighters and the rest pure luck. My correct predictions were not because I was a Boxing expert, so why was I getting the outcome correct in a lot of my fight predictions. Here’s why…

Once the bell goes, anything can happen. These are not my words, these are the words of the highest level trainers, Boxers; people who have actually been in the ring.

To get a prediction correct can leave an impression on those you have barked your amazing Boxing knowledge at over and over; show and prove time, and you showed. It makes you look like an expert, or that you know about Boxing that little bit more than the next person. That is until you get a prediction wrong, it has happened to you in the past, it will happen again. If it hasn’t happened to you yet, then you haven’t been predicting many fights. Some people have the added knowledge of having been a true boxing historian, trainer or former Boxer which I believe would increase their ratio by a few notches, but still even these guys get it wrong as I discuss in a little while.

I truly believe most predict simply for the Kudos shower after wards; to be able to boast. Especially Youtube channels with a lot of people subscribed and watching them, or prominent article writers. I have seen channels actually go back and adjust prediction videos (via changeable on screen text) - simply to cover their embarrassment, the prediction means so much to them it can be life or death. I can confidently say I rarely back tracked, because I find those who do that with incorrect predictions, abhorrent. Out of control ego’s trying to salvage any scraps from their prediction, no, you got it wrong, you’re not a special or unique boxing mind. We’re all the same matey, move on.

I had to ask of myself what comes first? My love of Boxing? Or my love of getting a prediction right? / Youtube? It was then, in actually asking that question - comparing my glorious sport with a social media video uploading site, that I knew something was wrong; that it was best to leave the Youtube Boxing Community for half a year to simply enjoy Boxing like I used to, and it was the best decision I ever made regarding this Youtube shiz..

If you can look deep within yourself reading this, and you predict fights in some manner for public consumption, what would your answer be for the question “why do you predict fights for public consumption”. Probably to get them right? Correct? That to me, is when it can become more about loving your predictions than loving than the sport of Boxing. If my prediction record which is very much public and out there was any worse than any other predictors, then perhaps an accusation of “you only say stop predicting because you’re getting them wrong you numpty” could be valid, however I’m not. Which is the central point of this article. Anyone can have a bash at a prediction who knows a little bit about Boxing and get it right over the most cultured of Boxing anoraks.

The best experts out of all of us, Boxers themselves, when a Mic is shoved in their face mid show and they are asked to predict the outcome of a fight, why do they often place money on the wrong Thoroughbred? How is it Boxers them selves, are submissive to the all powerful B.O.R. Boxing Outcome Ratio. I have often sat in muted embarrassment when a big fight has finished on Sky and we are taken back to the studio to have to watch the poor pugilists in crisp suits bob and weave their way out of an incorrect prediction. If there’s any type of person who should have a 99.9% prediction ratio, every single time they predict, it’s Boxers. But this is not the case. Not even close.

Proof of every one of my predictions is still currently available online (until youtube close my old channel down, been a bit naughty there) My ratio once again, fell in line under the authority of the Boxing Outcome Ratio. In other words, pretty much the same as every one elses give or take a fight or two. The B.O.R. Is a silent element within nature, it has no feeling or taste. Touch or smell. It’s just there. Sitting, watching. It’s always existed, to keep those who attempt to predict fights, humble.

The B.O.R. Boxing Outcome Ratio. You can’t escape it…

I now prefer to look at how both fighters can get the upper hand in a general breakdown of various situations within the fight, rather then predicting an exact outcome. I expect over time perhaps other Youtubers online will follow suit with this practice I’ve begun of breaking down fights, explaining how both can win as opposed to 100% accurate ass predictions lol Also a breakdown of how a fight plays out can be more impressive than some random fella having a stab picking a big fight out come. Flip a coin, who wins.

A general breakdown works better I feel, not only because it saves embarrassment when like every other person; expert or not, you pick a fight horribly wrong.

Way more than that, I avoid rock solid predictions more because it takes me back to that essence of why I watch fights in the first place, not to hope my predicted fighter wins…but because I’m a fan of Boxing.

Not an analyst, just a fan.

© Wingy 2013 

My Twitter / My Youtube / My Facebook / My Podcast

[wingygaming]

Grand Theft Auto V The game of a generation

There are of course many beautiful things we witness as humans within the sphere of our existence. Nature; birth; life itself. Many timeless events; moments that encapsulate the collective feelings; emotions and moods of a culture. Or perhaps even just the simple breath taking beauty of a setting sun over proud majestic mountains. Or the tingle as one wonders upon an awe inspiring piece by the great Rembrandt. 

Moments that leave an impression upon hearts; that weave the tapestry which tells mankinds tale. For gamers, one particular moment is but a few short days away. That moment is... 

Grand Theft Auto V

My brothers and sisters this is it. If you are reading this, the chances are you know what's going down September the 17th. If you happen to be a dazed baby deer gormlessly gawping into oncoming headlights; clueless with ya mouth hanging open, then to explain the phenomenon of GTA would take more words than would be fitting for an easily digestible blog read. 

The Grand Theft Auto series has sold more than 125 Million copies since its release way back when it appeared on the dusty old Playstation 1. Grand Theft Auto 4 sold 11 Million copies in the first month. The FIRST MONTH! A dizzying total of 125 Million lifetime sales. These numbers are astronomical. It's not a game, it's quite literally a revolution in gaming. 

It's the world; the freedom. The side quests within that world. The playground, the sheer size of the map within which you are free to create all manner of offensive, delicious havoc. Go ahead, cause hell and indulge in  all the crime ridden fantasies you desire. You've always wanted to, no one is looking. So go on then... 

The unified euphoria of day one. Knowing millions are within that very same world, peering around, gobsmacked. Albeit disconnected from your experience (until Grand Theft Auto Online drops a couple of weeks afterwards) That once in a lifetime gaming moment. Shared. That "zoom out to see how big the f**king map is" moment only hardcore sandbox game lovers appreciate. When we zoom out while looking at this games map, the big one; GTA5, we may actually die. 

My dear friend reading this, finish off the remaining games you have lingering about the place like so many discarded chicken bones, stinking. Get those titles done with and thrown in the bin. It's close to offensive to have them sharing the same space. It's time to unofficially wave a solemn goodbye to the current generation of consoles, with the last big release for their tired aching disc trays, approaching. The last big release which happens to be the most epic title in gaming. What a send off.

Listen to me, you will never as a gamer have this moment again. Where were you on September the 17th when Grand Theft Auto 5 was released? More than a new city. More grandiose in scope and vision than simply a different era to place some GTA story in. No, this is quite simply the biggest most captivating and epic Grand Theft Auto title you will have ever played, and I have still yet to play it. 

San Andreas will seem blocky, constricted and pea sized in comparison. Perhaps even funny. The joy and freedom you felt in that game will be replicated on a scale like nothing else, our little pea brains will barely be able to drink it all in. This is even before any kind of expansion pack or additional new stories within the world have been dropped on our dumbfounded simpleton skulls. The best is still yet to come. 

Three protagonists. Each with a different interesting story to weave. Each man having trekked upon a unique and individual path, yet they almost coalesce into one for this most significant chapter of their lives. With vastly different boots each has walked in.

Those of you who haven't already booked off the 17th of September and the days that follow need to construct those creative excuses, now. My unlucky girlfriend has chose to accept the upcoming very prominent intrusion within the dynamic and balance of our relationship. She, unlike some heartless hags, has chose to simply embrace the inevitable. In the manner of a loyal wife allowing the husbands mistress to occasionally visit as she weeps alone upstairs, as they make love. Over and over. My girlfriend knows there will now be someone else. Grand Theft Auto 5.

Rockstar have in so many words hinted at there being old cities they would like to return, this can happen; the map can be increased. There has even been Rockstar talk of extending the cities within the game to that of the all encompassing global arena of some kind of actual international world map. 

However....that for now, is simply too much to comprehend. This game will be an experience beyond what my tiresome outpouring of text can even attempt to portray. Individual streets with life, hidden pockets of ghettos and suburbs. Stories; lives; missions and death. The literal sandbox, and it is here. 

Prepare yourself for what will more than likely be the greatest game you will have played thus far in your life. Grand Theft Auto 5, and it is just around the corner. Los Santos and all that's within and surrounds it (and maybe a bit more), is waiting. 

See you there. 

© Wingy 2013

  My Youtube / My Twitter / My Facebook / My Instagram

[wingygaming]

A letter to the Megadrive, the greatest console of all time!

Dear Megadrive

I just want to sit down, and seriously if I may, take a moment out to thank you man. I've never sat down with you and actually told you this, but really, thank you. Megadrive, you were the f**king best bro.

You had my back through some of the most important years of my life brother. My school years, when I needed you the most? My boy The Sega Megadrive was there. Listen, we both know I owned many consoles before you fam, yo and a computer or two, and of course the Super Nintendo made me switch allegiances for a while; I mean come on, the snes was powerful, it was beastly. Super Mario World had 96 something levels. And the mysterious Mode 7, how did it stretch stuff like that? I was so envious of the snes owners. I had to do it...I'm sorry, but did your boy not come back?

Tell me one thing though, did I or did I not remain Megadrive strong? It felt like me and you against the world my  brother.

Sonic the Hedgehog? Are you kidding me? A whole other level man. The first game that brought us together. The speed, the music and the graphics. Those visuals. That twinkling sea on the Green Hill Zone. The rich blue sky, the sounds. This was an enormous leap. I didn't have too many friends at school, You reached out to me; you guided me. The simple fact is, you made my early to late teenage years an absolute joy, more than any other single friend ever did.

I started to question if I ever needed to really leave the house to enjoy life, so I rarely did. You was my companion as a young teenager. I gamed before you of course. My trusty spectrum 48 and 128k  Master System, Nes and more all served their purpose. You were different though, something about you. Gaming came alive for me with you, the Sega Megadrive 16 Bit revolution. It makes me extremely proud to say I lived through your era as a kid. Not pretending to claim to be retro, as is of course the fashion of some gamers today. I was there, living it, with you.

You without doubt shaped my very being.

You seemed to come along at the exact moment in my life to provide a solid and stable correct foundation. The happiness and unforgettable moments we shared without question shaped me as a character and a person. Alongside me Megadrive, you guided me like sensei Gouken shaping Ryu and Ken, from boys to young adults.

Speaking of which, you were also the console that gave birth to my love of what became my favourite genre in gaming. Fighting games. We all know the games. Streets of Rage, Streets of rage 2 and 3 all of which I have purchased again... for you. Two Crude dudes, only the hardcore will remember that...

These titles helped a lonely slightly weird kid escape. Losing myself within the games, as opposed to within the streets my homey.

I thought about girls now and then as a young teen, I was human after all but none would be interested in the chubby nerd who read CVG, Mean Machines and the like. Gaming had a stigma attached to it. I didn't play football like the cool boys. I wasn't any good at sports. I didn't smoke cigarettes, I came with a distinct lack of bad boy appeal. I was a gamer. I could only communicate to these girls; anyone actually, through the medium of gaming somehow. It had to relate to games if I was to strike a conversation. Of course, this approach to the opposite sex bore no fruit.

Street fighter 2 special champion edition and what that particular game gave to me as a young kid deserves its own separate blog. The thick black boxes and cartridges. The literally hundreds of games that I played either via borrowing or swaps or out right, hard worked ownership. Alienstorm; Ecco the dolphin; Eternal champions; Space Harrier, Outrun, After burner, Golden Axe, Revenge of Shinobi, Toe jam and Earl. How long should this list go on for? How many have I forgotten? Megadrive, let's not front, me and you had a fu**ing blast boy.

The music from games of this era has buried itself so deep within me, I can remember almost every theme note for note. Physical evidence of how much I played these titles over and over. 

My parents were not rich it took me a year working various endless paper rounds to put money toward a console, only then would my parents help out and your games were so expensive man! The underground swap system at school served me well. We gathered behind the PE Hall, while the other boys smoked, and performed gross sexual acts with fingers on girls behind the bike sheds and what have you. We sat within a circle, emptied our backpacks as your games boxed and unboxed clattered into a pile and the swaps were on. One triple A title for two of lesser quality and so on and so forth. Once they were completed, or "clocked" as REAL old schoolers used to say, we would all meet again.

Megadrive, haha, you remember that time I got hold of a Japanese cartridge, and actually sawed the edges off to see if it would work inside you, and it did! The game escapes me but the scary and almost alien nature of this new world of Japanese gaming; the text the varying themes. You let me play them, and I thank you for it.

So even though many games on you passed me by into the night, due mostly to being a kid at school who couldn't afford them. All the big hitters I owned through some means, fair or foul and loved them. Plus I am currently re building your collection now, just to show how much you mean to me Megadrive.

Dominic Diamond, Gamesmaster Patrick Moore R.I.P. The Games Mistress, Gamesworld which I appeared on and won, as well as bad influence with violet berlin which I graced with my presence and also conquered. It was thanks to you, you was there through all of it. No other console even to this day held such a close connection with me. I think we were so close mainly because of my age, not a boy, but not yet a man.   

Few were there right in the mix of seminal moments such as the release of Virtua Racing, coming complete with additional jiggery pokery within the actual cartridge to provide something that was visually for the time off the charts, you worked like a shire horse to make that happen. Not a fan spinning inside you to be seen, sh*t got hot and unlike the p*ssy ass consoles of today, you dealt with it, processed that b*tch like a motherfker. I'm still proud of you for that one man.

Then of course the Mega CD and 32X Both of which I owned. The 32X I was lucky enough to get on launch, although let's be honest, you never really liked it did you man, lol, was you jealous I got it and had to attatch it inside you? Bit degrading wasn't it. Sorry bro.

I wish I could express the enjoyment you gave me now twenty something years ago. Whenever school was done, as the uncontainable elation of the final bell for the last lesson hit. I looked at the clock and knew you was at home waiting as soon as the teacher was done. If you wasn't there, if I never had you, who knows how long I would have survived out there on those heartless streets. I made a bee line from school directly to my room, and gamed, and gamed...and gamed...and gamed...

When a proposal to meet after school was folded up into a delicate small square and left on a girl who would be the target of my affections desk, only to be ignored, as was standard for me. Who was there for me to soften the throbbing blow of rejection and to dampen the stinging burn of shame, you was. Everytime Megadrive, you was there.

The magazines were ridiculous, I got every one possible, every month without fail. Part of my reason for still buying gaming magazines today is the nostalgia of when I threw pennies at em back when me and you used to kick it. These things were like bibles back in the day. When we had no internet!

It's good to have you back after all these years. For those who offend your name and honor by emulating, we pass them by; let them perform their sacrilege. They dare to call themselves retro gamers. We know the deal though. We peer upon them with one eyebrow raised. For suspect activities like this in Gaming, suggest suspect activities elsewhere in their lives.

For those who say they are retro but only entered gaming the last couple of generations, we call for them to be hung. (Only those claiming to be retro - otherwise, of course if you are new to gaming we welcome you with open arms) Gaming is more than playing a game, to some of us, it's literally a way of life, as explained here, and you was part of that Megadrive.

You were the best, and you mean so much to me. So much we missed out on together, but we're back re united. Thank you Megadrive. 

The greatest console of all time.

Yours sincerely. Wingy

© Wingy 2013

  My Youtube / My Twitter / My Facebook / My Instagram

[wingygaming]

Why The Last Of Us is a masterpiece (Spoiler Free)

My spluttering garbled speech and nonsensical babbling in video form, could in no way describe the sheer perfection and the utterly hopeless but truly captivating world Naughty Dog have given birth to for our pleasure, I'm still gobsmacked. So I take to quill and goat skin to attempt to convey what's inside. If you would be so kind...

By my very nature as a person and as a gaming Blogger and Vlogger I tend to usually walk a path that's a little lopsided; different than that of the masses, I find this just naturally happens. So with the risk of sounding the same as everyone else who has seen or played this game, I have to say...it's the perfect farewell in a sense to the current generation. The Last Of Us has done us proud. Console owners should feel a warm glow. Our machines have gone out fighting.

I thought in this blog I would focus on exactly why the game works without dropping any spoilers or plot leaks whatsoever. This is something other articles and reviews on this game seem unable to do. I wouldn't be able to rise from my greasy pit in the morning and even come close to calling my self an aspiring gaming writer, if I didn't attempt to put into words the impression this game has left on me. So here it is...

The feeling I was left with was this: Less is more. The game has a meaty (literally in many cases) campaign, it has of course bullet blasting action and scares by the blood filled bucket load, but it's paced so, that it's not a constant bombardment, numbing you to the experience; it's not around every corner like Dead Rising. It hits the sweet spot perfect. This balance is brave for an action game and also applaudable. 

It would have been easier from a creative standpoint to have beast after beast run at you in timed sequences. In other words, filling the world with enough to haunt you when there is nothing actually present threat wise, is also a technical achievement in itself. The slow walk through the dying streets and roads. The subtle echo of music or in some cases, just a soundtrack of various eerie noises that implies the undercurrent of terror that exists in even the quietest moments. Delicious portions of silence; two unlikely partners; companionship, these are part of the shining achievement that is The Last Of Us. I absolutely love it. 

Many areas you walk through on your mission with Ellie as the tired and worn Joel, sometimes are totally void of any life, often you will trudge through desolate buildings expecting an ambush of some kind, only to emerge unscathed, left with merely the lingering threat. You can often see where families have rounded up essentials and ran; escaped the delirious infected hordes, and never returned.

One friend said to me, there's not enough going on in some places; wide open scenery. I agree and I think it's perfect. You are The Last Of Us. Most of mankind is dead from disease, the streets are unforgiving and almost empty. Cars have plants growing within and around them. Doors are left open on homes. Abandoned. You genuinely feel like the last scattered survivors on earth. Not because you've read you are, but the nature of the game dictates you are without even actually telling you this.

On a higher difficulty setting I would imagine the monsters increase, but for me, this would knock the pacing of the game off. A perfect game design should be comfortably challenging enough on Normal no matter how good you are. That's what the Last of us is.

Another element, the clickers and infected. The most gruesome and physically disgusting creations in a game I can remember seeing. It's because they look how you would imagine someone to actually look, if an epic end of world physically deforming virus struck. Over grown sores, repulsive growths and grotesque biological webs of infection growing on the ceilings and floors. Seriously horrible looking stuff. Again, not as wild, scary or sharp toothed as many other in game beasts from other titles, but just approaching the fine line of being realistic enough to gross you out. Less is more. 

And finally the acting. Joel (Troy Baker) has to be one of my favourite video game characters for acting performance of all time. With the added element of Ellie in the mix, the sometimes awkward; touching and often frosty word play between these two is truly a joy to watch. Joel is understated; serious, is old tired and a little bitter with life. Yet every so often, deep underneath his cold nature, warmth shines through. His blossoming relationship with Ellie is a true highlight in the game and alongside the other actors, only serves to draw you further in as you play.  

So for me The Last Of Us works because it holds back more than other action games. This restraint for me, invests a little more of the players emotion in the story, the dialogue and the acting. Playing through an action game simply to enjoy every superbly motion captured cut scene, and to see the conclusion of a story is not something I can remember doing in a long time.  Normally I play through an action game, solely for the action alone. 

Last of us is an action survival horror game, and you will be shooting; stabbing and Molotov cocktailin' lots of Zombie like humans (With some pretty gory animations) but it's more about how the story is told and how the pace of the game is for me; its heartbeat.

Games like this are why I love my consoles. 7 or so years on, as I am constantly reminded by PC elitists my machine is some kind of heresy, yet it sings to me a masterpiece like this game. If you are a gamer I would have no problem recommending purchasing a second hand PS3 just to be there at this moment in gaming. You will tell the kids about this title one day, when this game is considered Retro, and you will tell them it was a classic. 

  © Wingy 2013

  My Youtube / My Twitter / My Facebook / My Instagram

[wingygaming]

Sony won the conference but Microsoft won the games?

I think so, if we look back at both shows, on a game by game basis. I was very impressed with the Xbox one titles, more so than the Playstation 4 ones. One could argue the fact they were exclusive IP's contributed heavily to my favoring Microsofts offerings. I imagine some very impressive Playstation 4 exclusive games to be announced the coming months as well. However the fact is, I'm a gamer, and Microsofts games impressed me a little more. Beckoned me closer toward them with a teasing finger. 

I closed my browser window cutting my choppy feed, warmed throughout my bones from that unique feel that literally only comes round once a decade. I wanted that taste, almost craved it as we approached the end of this generation of gaming. That flavor; knowing we have arrived. It's good, people. Finally. Next gen. I got that mostly with Microsoft.

I can only describe my feelings as I watched these new gaming experiences unfurl before me, as a warm flutter located somewhere within the stomach area, the next gen of console gaming had arrived. It happened to be in the form of a frilly Roman skirt wearing gladiator shouty guy, but nonetheless, we were here. Ryse was my epiphany. Damn. It looked CG, finally, the games we get our hands on to play, will look fully CG. Ryse was that arrival for me into the next generation. As website bit-tech wrote "It’s difficult to tell if much of the demo is indicative of real content as the scene transitions seemed almost too smooth" It was in game, and it was happening homies...

I was yet to really feel this clout as a console gamer, even the super cool and blue, Playstation 4 reveal in February didn't knock me sidewards when it come to receiving that sweet sugary hit of next gen gaming. Seeing these next gen titles is best described when attempting to encapsulate a new console arrival, back in the croaky old 8 or 16 Bit era. When the graphical leaps happened back then, they were astronomical. The closer we flew forward to the present the advancements visually slowed down, squeezed tighter and smaller as they hit the bottleneck; almost coming to some kind of halt in the later generation, save a few shiny reflections here, a bumpy texture or two there. Plus of course, the 3D jump.

This view I'm about to express is not popular right now. My youtube subscribers who I am honored to have, in their vast majority disagree with me, loudly, and extremely vocally! Often making me cry real gaming tears, that shimmer green as they fall, but I respect their views fully as gamers. However it has to be said, I personally believe games wise Microsoft brought the heat June 10th 

Expressing this in public can stoke passions, heating up hearts with the volcanic ferocity of the most vile hate crime. The better more captivating conference from the standpoint of games, in my opinion was Microsoft. I expressed this excitement in a video here recorded immediately after the conference, as you can see, few agreed. One legendary response was "you fu**ing love anything with games" as if this was a crime... Us gamers can say some strange and fu**ed up things lol.

Microsoft had the exclusives on lock at this show, this cannot be up for debate, it's an actual physical statistical fact. Dead Rising 3 another impressive title, still having the character design and feel of the Dead Rising games of old yet sporting a very impressive new lick of paint, the textures, lighting etc looking really nice. It just looked like the next natural evolution of our console game visuals and that's all we asked for. Well that and no used game restrictions; Kinect requirement, and no high price. Also, that online check in thing. You can keep that too fu**ing Microsoft fu*k!!!

To me the main issue here is the used games. Those of you who are subscribers to my gaming channel know I regularly do pick up videos. Many of these super bargains are mass collected titles, it's not going to be financially possible for me to get every Xbox One game that's released as they are dropped, I own several consoles. All these little plastic babies are squealing for the milky goodness of a new game now and then. 

As the months pass knowing I can never look back and pick up a bargain Xbox One game at a store or online etc without paying a fee above what I usually would for used games, or even something as simple as borrowing or "lending" a game from my mate, as we say in the estates. I won't be able to do that on the Xbox One. That's the kick for me. No used game freedom is a big part of my decision not to purchase it on launch. Perhaps after when things change, I go into detail on this in a bit.

Gaming is a luxury, not a necessity if, if we are being honest. If you can afford a big ass Xbox One, is it really such a stretch to expect you own a half decent Internet connection? I can duck the bullets flying and peep above the warring to see both sides. You would not expect the poorest parts of the world with no Internet to even think of owning a games console, let alone one that requires a 24 hour online check in, so I can't say I'm buying that particular scenario.

There are however many circumstances where the gamer could be cut off, soldiers enjoying some gaming down time abroad, workers at sea? Who ever said Aliens who are orbiting in space won't be able to use Xbox One either, leave the room now, this is serious.

Sometimes I have lost my own Internet connection but if I'm honest this has been for a short while for probably a few hours, and while I'm waiting for it, I log on using either my actual brain, which has evolved naturally into a Wifi modem of sorts due to prolonged Internet exposure. Failing that I would use my super phone from the year 2138. Basically most of us are always connected. I'm sure it seemed acceptable to the heads at microsoft Guffawing atop their gold thrones at the time, they are so disconnected from us it seems they could not have foreseen how actually pissed the masses would be. Their naivety is both funny and deeply tragic at the same time.

So back to the conference, Ryse, Dead Rising 3 and some more very nice looking titles, this trend of dope ass games continued with Forza 5 which almost has to look stunning, anything less would be close to blasphemy for that series, and of course for a next gen driving game. If you are a driving game on any of the new consoles and you don't look like you're getting close to photo realistic visuals, that in itself insults my very core and is actually wholly unacceptable. Unless you're a kart game. Forza 5 looked the part, sexy and curvy, yet no fat. Like Scarlett Johansson

Then there was the sheer stomping beauty. Nervy woozy emotion that only a brand new, next gen IP can bring you. I wept tears of joy. I stood up, fists raised in victory and cried aloud "Titanfall" I have hired a band of wily bearded scavengers to round up dissenters who were not impressed with this game, throw them into the back of a caged truck then systematically brutalise each one until they love Titanfall as if it was their own first born. If you don't think this game looks cool, perhaps you need it BEATEN into you is my point here.

This game looked as epic as I'd hoped, a Microsoft only release. Created by core members from the Call Of Duty team who formed a new studio. Big mechs; big guns; super powered human suits; explosions and military shouting. We live for this. A beautiful ending to a sweet show of games. This blog isn't listing the full line up of games, there's thousands of articles online detailing every single game, like this one.

Did I also mention the return of Master Chief? Oh yea, that too...

So with that, we have a fascinating insight into the mindset of the modern emo gamer. Even a conference with a less impressive line up of games, can still win resoundingly as long as you demonstrate that you can connect with gamers on a certain level; show us you've listened, and we will come.

The look of child like glee on Jack Trettons face when he revealed how free and open the used games policies would be seemed to almost genuinely surprise him. However as the days pass there's still debate on what he actually really means, here's my video on this.

The games Sony showed were really good, Final Fantasy was awesome. However the conference lacked the wow factor you get from seeing a new IP revealed. The other gameplay footage Watchdogs and Assassins creed had some of the sharp edge rubbed off because we had been looking at these games in some form or another for the past few months. Most of the Xbox One exclusives were brand new, and unseen to many.

Are people being unfair to the Xbox One conference itself? strip the rest away and just focus your eyeballs on the actual conference. Think about it, we wanted to see the games and they brought them. Alongside more exclusives than Sony. Is the greed, restrictive unfriendly practices and taking away our ownership of these games enough to make you harsh ass gamers drop Microsoft in the pungent green swill to rot. Even if the games look actually fu**ing excellent? It would initially seem so. 

The better conference overall was Sony, because they spoke to the gamers, which is always going to be a good thing for a gaming company to do. They said what we wanted to hear, they made it all free and open, and they dropped it like it was hot up in this bitch, so to speak. They landed the, what I like to refer to as the e3 hit combo. No used game restrictions, no online, and a excellent price of 349 in the UK. Dizzying.

The Xbox One line up of games seemingly got ignored by even the hardcore gamers simply because you pissed them off Microsoft. All that money spent on these IP's and overall it still wasn't enough at this early stage. You take away our rights to own games, it would seem you take away any love or gratitude. No matter how good the titles are. Ironic, gamers themselves would not care for the actual games.

The vast majority of the gamers complaining about Internet check in requirements are posting their thoughts from an actual high speed fibre optic Internet connection. It always effects someone else, but not actually them. I will concede though, Kinect requirement; the sheer cheek of the used games restrictions and the overall feeling that Microsoft don't really care for gamers (as much as a multi million dollar corporation can care) is too much, even for me. A fan of the Xbox and Xbox 360.

I personally feel the blows by Sony were too well delivered, deep into the meat of the kidneys and too brutal and concussive. The conference itself by Sony was average, but it was the e3 hit combo that ended the last round and Microsoft couldn't regain consciousness. For the sake of gaming and competition, I hope they learn from this and get to their feet, a little groggy; vision cloudy but eventually clearing. As a gamer, a gamer regardless of system I hope Microsoft beat the count and return in the rematch (november launch) fighting.

I currently have no plans to purchase an Xbox One, the Playstation 4 is something I have always wanted, I have been Xbox for around twelve years and my reasons were as simple as wanting a change, new franchises I would only see on the other side, I wanted to be involved in these. I detail this thought process in my blog here. I haven't dismissed the idea of going green again one day. It could still happen...

Let me be the first to say it here, Microsoft will make some major changes to their policies, probably re thinking the whole used game fu*k up completely. I still see some massive micheal jackson style moonwalking happening from this corporation as they backtrack on a lot of these dumb as restrictions, too much money is at stake. Remember where you read it.

Once they apoligise and say sorry, I may be joining the rest of the titan fall players into 2014. But until then, of course, I will see you in the Killzone. ;)

© Wingy 2013

    My Youtube / My Twitter / My Facebook / My Instagram

[wingygaming]

An open letter to PC Gamers

It's still as i write this a good six or so months away, somewhere in that far off red wavy horizon, but I feel that unmistakable tingle buzzing inside my stomach. The butterflies; pure excitement. It's the feeling only passionate, possibly on the verge of being obsessive console gamers can truly grasp with both fat fists and genuinely relate to. Akin to studying the full delicious form for the first time, of a maiden you have just conquered, dragged to your lair from club "Flex" and those final moments that lead up to the delicate impregnation ritual. This is what a new console reveal is like. 

Your mind, from behind an obscuring pink cloud of curiosity forms an uncertain image of her breasts. Their full yet light dimensions through her top your only clue. You wonder how they will feel cupped in your hands once revealed. The shape of her buttocks in jeans, a tease; what will she really look like once you derobe your queen. Once she is yours as nature dictated. This is the anticipation for next gen console gaming; launch night. A truly special moment. Curiosity, excitement. A new day. For weird cun*ts like me, perhaps a next gen release night is, beneath the sheets kind of sexual. 

I already have a gaming hard on for the Playstation 4 and upcoming Xbox, and it's a unique arousal only console gamers can recognise the tingly warmth of. It's a global mouth watering anticipation. An actual life changing moment in a sense. These babies will be alongside us as plastic companions for most of the next ten years of our existence. As we produce seeds to carry on our name; as they grow into upstanding adults; as friendships form; relationships end; loved ones pass on. Your next console could potentially be here through all of these significant moments in your life silently sitting, waiting to be doted upon. 

You don't whip out some rusty scalpel and carve away at its most delicate internal organs like some kind of sick perverted f**king Dr Frankenstein. Shoving an old lung in here and an eyeball in there after six months to "make it look shinier" You accept it for what it is, and you declare a silent but heartfelt appreciation knowing, how after everything, it will remain steadfast, as the one constant in your life, for possibly the next decade of your walking days upon earth. This is the new Console, and the feelings it evokes PC Gamer. 

You may deride our enthusiasm PC Gamer, but there were many snapshots of beauty at the PS4 reveal. Mine wasn't even the incredibly impressive, intricately detailed old man mugshot. Tired hanging skin, that held behind haggard worn features a lifetime of soul sapping torment. Nope, for me, it was the bang bang guns the Kill zone 4 video. That was my sh*t my homey. 

The twisting knot of excitement somewhere deep within my organs around my belly area was wrenched hard, around 7 minutes 20 seconds in to this video. The mechanical insect like black ship rises over the building edge aiming a laser, to be joined by two more of its crew. The first ship looked cold; menacing; reflecting light with such an elegance and profound industrial beauty, for a brief moment it actually looked as real as that old man. When I witnesses that ship and the camera zoomed out. There was a genuine recognition within me. It was as if I could feel the solid dense weight of that moment of realisation itself in one video. That leap from current to next. The new generation of console gaming, had arrived. 

Mr or mrs PC Gamer. Your gaming at its highest level is obviously going to surpass console gaming. PC gaming can be cheaper, provide much better visuals than even the consoles that aren't released yet. It's just the way to go if you want the most powerful system. I have always flirted with the idea of getting a gaming PC. However throughout all of my Gaming life, I've never made that step despite as I say in my video here, having the funds. The idea of PC Gaming personally, has never appealed. Ideally a PS4 a new Xbox and a PC would be sweet. However not essential, for me. Not everyone feels they need a PC for gaming, believe it or not!

I always figure consoles give me more bang for my buck, considering the cost of keeping my PC at the cutting edge visually for gaming (which is the only reason why I would purchase the purring beast - to be the most powerful) Upgrading my components twice a year to keep everything at its absolute possible peak, super model smooth and shiny has never appealed. My budget is controlled, plus the main reason for me is I am 100% happy with console gaming. I am certain, PC gamer, you find this hard to digest. I don't really want a gaming PC! I'm happy with consoles! Actually cool yo! 

I have recently dusted off the marvelous Gears of War 2 again. This came out three or so years ago on xbox. To me the visuals are still very slick and impressive, providing a fully immersive  experience I can get lost in. I'm still impressed with Xbox and PS3 visuals seven or so years on! Best way for me to describe it, is someone who has a decent adequate car that looks nice. It's for getting around in and does the job perfectly. May not be a top of the range sports car but they are happy with it and enjoy it. For me, that's console gaming. 

Why do some of you PC gamers intoxicated with power even bother trying to passionately promote your machine, faces bursting red like pomegranates with anger when really, you  shouldn't have to. My personal view is you feel possibly frustration. With a smidgen of insecurity, and bizarrely enough, jealousy! Let me explain. Imagine spending thousands of pounds on the fastest most powerful PC gaming system only to feel like the inferior gamer to the masses, when you really aren't. The cheek of it! This is the salt crushed into the wound of you PC gamers. It's that console gamers should care more, but they really don't. 

The hype; excitement; fanfare and fuss that surrounds a console launch happens on average perhaps a couple of times every ten years per console. People go nuts; queues are formed by the salivating masses, its a world wide humongous event. Perhaps understandably, you petals feel a little left out in the rain. The Heavy Rain ;) 

When some ol' internal memory bits or a better graphics card is launched to make the highest end PC roar even louder at the quivering consoles, the console community doesn't seem to be able to muster up half as much effort regards giving a sh*t as you PC Gamers do regards our consoles. We tend to be deep into our gaming, content and happy. Transported to desolate distant planets or apocalyptic end of the world scenarios using an optimised system with no fuss, no stems; no seeds. 

Console gamers are usually console gamers from the start of their gaming lives. Completely made up statistic that I'm confident has weight to it. The console is more than a "plastic shitty toaster" as one of you PC owning scoundrels besmirched my beloved Xbox 360. His head currently adorns a wooden pole on my front lawn. A friendly reminder to any other wandering night walkers who decide to come test. 

Console gaming is a cheap accessible way to get impressive visuals on your games and to be certain that for the next at the very least five or six years your machine will be rinsed tight as a wet dishcloth to get the very best out of it and still not in all honesty look too far off a high end PC in the case of some games. Consoles when you look at what they do, and the admirable way they try to keep up in the race with their little legs, are pretty impressive really. 

When console launch hullabaloo is going on and for the proceeding years afterwards, the PC, the most powerful gaming device is in a sense kind of a second thought when it comes to games. An uncool lanky big brother. It's this very fact that deep down inside, narks off you more militant PC lovers. So for the most part you descend like once mighty gods gripping a golden trident and proceed to roar at us the elitist testament. Sad thing is for the most part. Nobody cares. 

With the rumors of the next generation of consoles coming in at an even cheaper price point and for the first few years not being far off the highest end PC graphics wise, when it comes to the more popular cross platform games (which will generally be dictated looks wise by console trends) I can see why you PC owners get a little salty when it's console launch time. With the launch of the PS4 and the new Xbox the commotion will boil over to even more of an epic volcanic like proportion. 

Two different worlds for two different types of people. Console gamers are happy. They get on with gaming as opposed to, like some of you PC gamers, stomping around the internet like grey haired elder trolls babbling on within range of any tired ears who will listen, how powerful your magic is. 

Back in the days of the mega drive and snes us console owners never had to go through this pain and bullying from the elitists, once the internet flourished the bullying spread like the most virulent crippling disease. Console owner it is time to take a stand.

Mr or Mrs PC owner, the new consoles are coming, and as inferior as they may be to your high end system every one and their mother will be playing, enjoying smiling and loving them. Don't let happiness warp you, sit back and enjoy the ride. Better still. Join us :) 

Have a read of this fascinating article on Eurogamer regarding the gap between high end PC's and the next generation of consoles shrinking rapidly. Then chill out, and say hi to me in the queue for a PS4 ;)

© Wingy 2013

  My Youtube / My Twitter / My Facebook / 

[wingygaming]

My story in gaming from day one (featuring three mentions of tits)

                   In my head as I write and pluck the hazy memories from deep within the meat of my brain, I hear some kind of ragtime piano merrily singing and I picture the scene played out behind a sepia tinted slightly sped up film. Crackling and uneven. The reality, nothing like that. It was a while ago though, back in the very early eighties. Please walk with me brothers and sisters in gaming...

I would guess I was about five years old. Round my aunties house, sitting beside my mum as she waffled on about god only knows what with my aunt, on what seemed at the time my aunts cartoon sized roger rabbit extended stretched kitchen type enormous sofa. I remember scrambling off the cushion and wandering off desperate to engage the still working cogs in my little head. This was obviously way before tits and what not were anywhere close to my thoughts, so pretty much anything would fascinate me, even without a nipple attached to it.

Aha, I found something. The looming vast entrance to the Aztec temple. Golden steps, the top of which obscured by grey clouds illuminated with the bassy rumble of occasional thunder. Standing at the foot of the mountain peak I gazed upwards. The most monumental climb known to man, the fuzzy steps. Stairs! Somethings got to be going on up there, off I went...

I defeated the mountain, made it to the top and stood outside a waiting door. A grown ups door. My older cousin, miserable, a little intimidating. I was never thinking to actually enter, merely flirt with the danger of having a listen to what was going on, my ear pressed hard to the wood. 

It was from this moment, at the tender age of around six or so years, I heard it. The manic bleeping. The stabbing synth like sound. It sounded like actual fucking insanity. As soon as I gathered enough bravery within my chest to gingerly ease the door open for a better look. I entered the room. Stale farts and a mess of clothes and magazines with tits. This was a mans zone; I felt big.

I entered my older cousins room and my eyes were drawn to a strange looking box with a wooden front panel on the floor, and my cousin hunched over, controlling on the screen, with what looked like some kind of angular Yellow head with square edges like some kind of flat animated lego brick, that had been attempted to be constructed round in shape. As he moved his hand, the actual yellow pill guzzling drug addict on the screen avoided what looked like ghosts. This was all happening at the whim and wish of my cousin. Who had full control of this world. The box said Atari 2600 on it. My life changed; I became a gamer.

He acknowledged my presence with a simple nod towards the floor. Indicating the empty patch next to him on the carpet for me to sit down on and watch in silence. I didn't get told off. He knew this moment was going to be burned within my memories for ever; to take me from but a boy, to a spartan. Something new was happening. Video gaming. He knew this would be with me forever. Thirty something years on, as he silently prophesied, I recount it to you. This was Pac Man and this was when the beauty of gaming bared all to me for the first time. Her breasts pert and firm. (Several breast references in this article, simply because it has to be done)

After my Atari 2600. My old man insisted I get a "real computer", this came in the form of the legendarily crappy Spectrum 48k, which they coughed up for *stands up and salutes the memory of the rubber keys* Sitting patiently minutes upon minutes as the screen edges danced. Fucked up lines that looked like something was broken and the loading sound, that sound which no man; machine or being on earth could probably replicate in it's painful entirety. The spectrum loading screech. Everything was ok as long as it didn't flash the ominous two tones. If the lines were moving, all was good in the hood my playaz.

I would have been close to eight or so years old right now. Well, the thing busted, I can't remember exactly what I did but I stuck in it something I shouldn't have, the wrong adapter perhaps. Regardless I remember a metallic smell coming from the back which I later discovered was something inside burning. That sh*t was a wrap. I evolved, like the Borg if they actually evolve, if they do not, then not like them. An amoeba.

Next came the daddy, the Spectrum 128k and this was where my gaming really took off. Big time. I remember my first game being Donkey Kong, which I believe came with the computer. My first introduction to Mario. Back then I could never have fathomed how much of a rockstar that fat man would become; it was all about that monkey back then.

I had the largest collection of Spectrum games I think possible. Most of which should still i think actually be somewhere at my mothers, maturing like fine vintage wine. I cannot begin to explain the absolutely all encompassing fantasy world of gaming escapism I became lost in. My most consistent memory of that age, and my favorite games were the Dizzy collection. If you don't know Dizzy, please leave right now. Then accept the rocks and stones thrown at your back and head ripping chunks out of both as you go.

From here on in I was officially solidified as a quivering addict, desperate for more. Other boys were discovering porn magazines; girls; staying out late drinking in the street. I was in my room. Gaming, like...a lot! I saw a vagina far too late, within the pages of a porn magazine at one of my first jobs. Scared the life out of me. I blame gaming for this, same as I blame it for making me a rolling ball of actual dough.

My next machines were a Nes; Master System, Gameboy, Game Gear, Neo Geo (altho I didn't own it I had a swap period when the baby was mine for a good while), Jaguar (lol), Megadrive, where I had arguably my fondest memories of gaming. Street of Rage 2 still to this day perhaps being one of my all time favorite games, in no small part because of the ever present tease of full exposure to Blaze Feildings knickers....and boobs. So, the Snes, N64...

The crack cocaine like addiction continued, as did my isolation from girls and life throughout my teens, all thanks to games. I had my first girlfriend at 18. I blame the gaming for this. Sad. Mega CD, 32X, Saturn. Coming up to my twenties the game porn continued with the Dreamcast (I miss you dreamy) Playstation 1, Xbox, Xbox 360....which is where we are today. 

The Xbox 360 has to sit alongside the Megadrive as providing me with the purest gaming entertainment. Perhaps the Dreamy as well, although how much of these memories of Segas white knight are tinted a beautiful rose colour due to the epic Shenmue, I'm not too sure! And nights! That game was an acid trip on the tongue I would definitely pop again. He er, or she was awesome.

You may have noticed I missed out the Playstation 2 and 3. I know, I have never played many of the consoles biggest games. Killzone any of them. The same goes for uncharted or basically any big Playstation exclusive. I had to for financial reasons chose one or the other. I became a tame version of an xbox fan boy. I wasn't too hardcore about it. I was a real grown up now though, actually working and stuff. Buying the consoles myself! I decided to go with the Xbox, enjoyed the experience immensely. The awkwardly large console and controller now in my mind had a sturdy weight about them I kind of miss. Again, rose tinted. The Xbox and it's design was big and shit. Forever in my mind though, that shite clunkyness will translate as trident god of the sea type gargantuan ness.

I missed out on a world of Playstation exclusive titles. All the time while owning my Xbox consoles I felt like I was a step behind in gaming. This makes the next generation particularly exciting for me, as one of the minority of hardcore gamers who never physically owned a Playstation 2 or 3 (although of course I played on them with friends - I did have friends. I'm not lying)

At the age of 34 my next chapter in gaming continues, as it will until I'm old and grey, but with mutated fingers that move so quick, they are but a blur. This generation of gamers will be something close to evolved super sense X-Men thanks to all the work we have put in shooting; avoiding; reacting and jumping. I plan to be the Xavier of the lot of you as I roll my sleeves up and after a brief period of distraction, truly get back to my gaming and noob you up. The kids online still say noob right. Noob.

I've missed being a hardcore gamer over the last year or so, like I really was. Due to life and stuff like a girlfriend and that. However my priorities are now set. Reality and stuff can do one, no time at all for that nonsense. Bring on the next gen shit.

© Wingy 2013

  My Youtube / My Twitter / My Facebook / 

[wingyboxing]

My big David Price concern

Big Pricey is the boss. When he steps through the ropes we are always guaranteed a show. A brutal pummeling upon some poor souls cranium as the big white giant pounds away on it like an actual 6 foot 8 cartoon hammer. The power it seems right now is looking beyond mortal, against fighters of a certain level. 

I had the honor of interviewing this man a while back and through his deep scouse accent he assured me he is the future of heavyweight boxing. Here is that interview. Let me just say this, I believe him. Up to a point...

I'm starting to get slightly concerned with two aspects of the big guys fight game. His head movement or lack of and his ability to deal with early onslaughts pressure fighters. Not the slower huge ass swingers who give him loads of space to work the ramrod left and can often formally send an actual invite out mid fight, asking to get their chins spun backwards by him. Plus I'm not talking about the more technical orientated heavyweights like Sexton who boxed a little too cautiously when he had his time under the big lights.

I'm talking about the more competent pressure pistons. Heads down and looping right handin' behemoths all up in your barbecue grill types. The most recent example fresh in our minds would be Matt Skelton before he had his insides blended to a delicious meaty paste by Price's body blows.

When John Mcdermott the big friendly giant of brit boxing caught the Price with a whizzing right hand in the first round of their fight, few noticed that it was a clean punch that actually landed, early on too. Price took it like an itch to be fair, but it landed early and the puncher could have been a much more dangerous hitter. Careful observers of Prices career can see a pattern in this. This disconcerting scenario was repeated a few fights down the line when the Bedford bear himself Matt Skelton applied a very similar type of bullish pressure and caught price with a clean left hand that rocked his head back. That brother came out the gates like he stole something, the Pricey looked uncomfortable. 

As the Skelton fight continued we saw big Matt catching him several times again in the beginning of the second round. Price it seemed barely attempted to move, just resigned himself to the springy support of the ropes and let Skelton bash away like an ejected club patron angry and beered up. When Price did attempt to move to avoid the onslaught, it almost seemed like he had to crack and break in the cogs within his back that facilitate upper body movement. It was a bit worrying, we all saw this, but kind of like, ignored it. 

It then dawned on me hard, David Price is not immortal, he is actually a man. Beneath his nice guy persona; sickeningly unforgiving power he arrived upon planet earth with and admirable athleticism, he is merely a heavyweight who has beaten guys impressively, but guys that he should have beaten impressively.  

All of this hullabaloo I sit in the middle of and yes, enjoy the excitement, I often participate in the cheerleading but there is always something deep within my core pulsating with heavy concern, that suggests I should react a little differently to the hype.

Let me again emphasise I am a Price fan. The popular trend of bashing on every heavyweight that walks the earth by Boxing fans is not a practice I adopt. It's tiresome, it's uninspiring, and it's not within the spirit of Boxing. In days gone we used to get excited over our heavyweights, even if they didn't have the best ability. Remember Bruno?

I don't to be honest enjoy sitting here and picking a fault in a man I am often in awe of, but we are Boxing fans, not blind geese; we see these issues, we discuss them. The upcoming Thompson fight sends a cool chill down my spine. The realisation that some trainer with an eye for the finer details has spotted this apparent defect in Price's game is worrying indeed.

This trainer could proceed to throw their fighter right toward David as soon as the first bell has sounded, be they Boxer or slickster type. "Just pressure him from the first bell!" An unexpected tactic to offset Price's game, risky but quite smart at the same time. Could Tony Thompson be the first man to expose this failing of price? Thompson is not the wild brawler type I allude to but I am picturing a scenario where if Team Tiger think it's in his benefit, he could be.

Here are my thoughts in a prediction video. My David Price vs Tony Thompson Prediction.

In the future I do see a ravenously hungry; stubbornly determined fresher, more experienced and written off say, Dereck Chisora having enough success with his dipping and ducking; his constant work to get inside. I see someone like this spilling a full pot of ink all over the script here unless David Price moves his head more and shows perhaps a little more confidence in his jab.

In all fairness these swinging humongous beasts shouldn't be getting anywhere near Price, especially not so early when he is fresh. Look what happens when they try to Box him on the outside. Harrison, Sexton. They get sent in front of the one man firing squad, blindfolded and then viciously executed via big right hand, but it's the swinging pressure neanderthals with two clubs in both fists where there seems to be some issues regarding the Pricey's defence. The offense as we know, is fine.

Despite what he tells us, a certain part of him must be perhaps slightly overly comfortable in knowing he can get himself out of most scrapes, by throwing a right clenched fist toward someones face and to then feel the bone and cartilage twist underneath until it cracks. That won't always work though. What about when he comes up against a Mariusz Wach. The polish fighter who literally took Heavyweight don Wladimir's hardest punches? Wach we later discovered was on the Wachy stuff of course but still, soon someone is not going to fold over so willingly.

The snake charmer like right hand will not always induce that lullaby state so easily, especially against a younger more determined foe. This situation with Price one day soon is going to happen and we never really let ourselves accept that. I haven't even mentioned the still lingering concerns regarding his chin in the amateurs. Or the again early success that Tom Dallas had, with Price once more, backed up against the ropes! Price himself says he finds it hard to get motivated for fighters he knows he can beat quite easily. Understandable but at the same time, dangerous.

We know what David Price needs to do. We know he is a tremendous heavyweight and is in my opinion the most likely candidate alongside perhaps Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury to end the Klitschko reign. The question I see is this; will his body allow him to do what he needs to do in these pressure situations. Because as I mentioned earlier regarding Tony Thompson, even the Boxer types will start to see the bum rush blueprint against Price and literally come out swinging some David Haye style home run shots.

Price needs to move the head more and be much more mobile defensively for me to not be so fricking worried as I am right now. Don't let them pressure you mon. Counter or turn, twist and move. Not stand tall (like the champion he will no doubt become) and just take what's coming, this is not the way. As I said though will his physical make up actually allow him to dance to that beat? Is he structured that way within his bones construction and muscle memory? Or will that slightly upright posture be his signature? I don't know how confident I am he will make the changes I want to see. I'm a little bit concerned for the future of our heavyweight division, even if he does have that get out of jail free right hand constantly cocked back and lurking.

Tony Thompson, good man, please play your part correctly, so we can further assess this situation after the 23rd of February. Come on the Pricey.

© Wingy 2013 

  My Twitter / My Youtube / My Facebook / My Podcast