User:UKBoxingAnalyst

Simon Philip Coventry (born November 13, 1985 in Bolton, England) is an undefeated British professional boxer. He fights in the light-welterweight division. His current professional boxing record stands at 19(18)-0-0. He is known as 'The Scorpion'.

Early career

Simon Coventry began boxing at the age of 18, making his professional debut at the age of 21. In his first year as a professional boxer he amassed a record of 6(6)-0-0. He fought twice during 2007, winning both fights via TKO stoppage. After preliminary discussions for a British light-welterweight title elimination fight, Simon Coventry vanished from the UK boxing scene, resurfacing in New Zealand after a 3 year long hiatus from the sport. Since returning to the sport he has improved his record to an impressive 19(18)-0-0.

'''New Zealand ''' Simon relocated to New Zealand during 2008. He states his motivation for emigrating was due to the poor economic state of his homeland coupled with a desire to live in one of the world's most beautiful countries.

Fighting Style

Simon Coventry has built a reputation as a solid punching, intelligent brawler. His trainer Jean Pierre-Louis stated in a 2011 magazine article: ''He isn't the most powerful, he doesn't have the fastest hands, technically he could be a lot, lot better. But what he does have is heart and a cast iron, granite chin. He holds the big shots like a prime Erik Morales''. He is known to be notoriously hard to land clean upon due to excellent movement in both head and body. He is often lauded for his supreme punching accuracy. One of Coventry's main strengths as a boxer is his stiff, thudding jab. During a recent interview for NZBoxing magazine he is quoted as saying: ''My strength is in the right side of my body, I am right handed. I fight as a southpaw because I want the first sensation my opponent feels to be my strength. My back hand is the money maker but my jab signs the cheques.''

Espen Arnesen Fight and Rematch Controversy

On December 8th, 2012; Coventry fought a very talented, Norwegian boxing prospect by the name of Espen Arnesen. Leading into the fight 24 year old Arnesen boasted a professional record of 12(12)-0-0. Despite the questionable quality of his previous opponents Arnesen's power is said to be a considerable test for even the sturdiest of chins. Arnesen began the fight in stunning fashion knocking Coventry down 3 times in the first round. By the time the bell sounded for the 2nd round to commence, Coventry's left eye was swollen completely shut. Fighting the remainder of the fight with his vision reduced to one eye, Coventry clawed his way back into the fight countering with tremendous accuracy. After 10 rounds Coventry was declared victorious via split decision. The two Danish referees scored the bout 96-92 in favour of Coventry with the 3rd referee, a Norwegian, scoring the bout 97-91 in favour of Arnesen. There was significant interest for the two fighters to meet for a second time but negotiations stalled due to Arnesen's refusal to comply with random drug testing. This has led to claims from both spectators and journalists that Arnesen used PEDs leading into the first fight.