But what a farce and another bad night for boxing. I had to check channels at one stage to make sure I hadn’t tuned in to Strictly Come Dancing as the pair lumbered around without throwing a punch.

Luckily later that evening the great Manny Pacquiao turned in a superb performance beating Antonio Margarito. The pride of the Phillipines is now an all-time great and a reminder of what the sport should be all about.

Enough of the eulogising – let’s get back to attacking incompetence which means a mention of the England football team can’t be far away.

Successful teams at international level are all about speed of movement and quick thinking – qualities I’m sure will be on Gareth Barry’s Christmas present list.

We are still stuck in the dark days of lumping it up to the big man at the front and the whole evening was a depressing experience.

One thing has changed under Capello. We used to flatter to deceive by winning friendlies but now even false hope has evaporated under the Italian maestro.

At least our cricket team seems the real deal so let’s get behind the boys and back them to win the Ashes at 15/8 with Betfred.

The Aussies’ air of invincibility is a thing of the past and now is the time for this England team to come of age and beat the Baggy Greens in their own back yard.

Graeme Swann looks the standout bowler from either side so a dabble on him at 7/2 to be the top wicket taker looks worth an investment.

Back on the football front and Chelsea look worth taking on after the Sunderland shock. Birmingham are a tough outfit at St Andrews and the 9/2 offered by Coral looks too big for a home win.

Running Total for all bets to a £10 stake:   +£77