A Superstar Comes to Rotherham

As I’ve said before- we don’t get many good news stories about Rotherham in the media. This week was an exception.

On Monday- one of the biggest names in UK sport came to town with brilliant news. David Haye is one of the hottest properties in world boxing. The undisputed cruiserweight champion of the world is moving up to heavyweight and is on course for a world title shot next year. Articulate and smart- he is a great role model for kids.

Haye is launching his own promotional company- Hayemaker Boxing. The promotion will have close links with Oscar de la Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions- but the UK operation will be based in Rotherham. Also at the event was Dave Coldwell, the Rotherham based trainer / promoter who will be running the shop, and Rotherham trained fighters Ryan Rhodes, Curtis Woodhouse and Josh Wale.

Hayemaker’s first show is at Hillsborough Leisure Centre and will be headlined by British champion Rhodes. Londoner Haye talked about his affection for Rotherham and made it clear that the new company will be putting on plenty of shows in the area.

So – we’ve got a famous sportsman saying positive things about Rotherham and investing in the town. A working class boy who has made good through hard work, intelligence and disciplined living. Putting his money behind local talent. Using Rotherham as the base for his exciting new business venture.

Brilliant news. eh? Except you probably haven’t heard about it if you live in Rotherham. The Star did a piece on it and no doubt The Advertiser will too- but what about the radio? Despite it being transfer deadline day-  national sport channel film crews turned up.

Radio Sheffield decided that it wasn’t worth bothering with. I listened to the news and sport bulletins- not a sausage. An event that puts Rotherham on the world sporting map and they can’t be arsed.

To hear the press conference- go to this independent source

Contrast this to the coverage Jamie’s Ministry of Food has received from our local public service broadcaster. They gave him two full hours to do whatever he wanted, they interview him about nothing and generally give him as much free publicity as he wants.

Is there any good reason why this happens?

If David Haye wins his next few fights- his international celebrity will dwarf Jamie’s fame. He is bringing investment to Rotherham rather than making a TV show and getting out. He has achieved phenomenal success through hard work and great talent- rather than being manufactured by a TV producer. He is articulate and speaks well- rather than tripping over a series of clichés and catchphrases.

In my opinion- David Haye is far more likely to inspire young people to lead a healthy lifestyle than Jamie Oliver. His presence in Rotherham will have a positive effect on the town while Jamie Oliver is doing nothing but rehash negative stereotypes.

I think our local public service broadcaster should give them at the very least the same coverage. Is that really such an extreme position?

 

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