Sad evening in Manchester

What can I say - I know that as Sports Photographer one should try not to 'live the event' and approach it from purely professional point of view. But personally I do find that difficult sometimes, and tonight was one of those times.

When you have followed/photographed someones career for few years and slightly gotten to know the person/team, you inevitably will feel sympathy for them.

It was only few hours earlier yesterday (it is past midnight now) that Asikainen was measuring the ring at the Manchester Velodrome - and I was having a short chat with him. And Amin has won much during his career - but as a person he is one of the most down to earth people I've had pleasure of meeting.

He seemed relaxed and full of confidence at 3pm when we walked out of the Velodrome into the sunny autumn afternoon.

Next time I saw Amin was as he was making his entrance to the Arena, to the beat of AC/DC's Hell's Bells song. (This song will always remind me of Asikainen's entry to the ring).

From my vantage point at ringside I caught glimpses of Amin getting final instructions from his manager/trainer Pekka Maki - after entering the ring Amin seemed ready to go and was suitably 'agitated' towards his opponent.

Myself and the other photographers all agreed that Asikainen needs to protect himself for the first couple of rounds and wear Macklin down. Sadly this was not the case - before Asikainen had managed to land a solid bunch on the Birmingham boxer - Macklin connected with Amin's jaw and Amin went down for the first time.

With the eight count the fight was allowed to continue, but Macklin was sensing an early chance of a win and was pressing on like mad - and only moments later another hit, this time to Amin's head, brought Asikainen crashing down to the canvas.

Asikainen looked dazed and seemed to even look into his corner (trainer Maki) and shook his head as he was sprawling down in the ropes. As Asikainen rose from the floor he did look fuddled and the Italian referee was quick to stop the fight.

Asikainen did protest furiously that he would've been able to continue - but in all honesty it was probably better that the fight was not allowed to go on any longer.

Photos from the night have been well used on the Finnish MTV3.fi website - this time their 'gallery' is taken from video footage which shows that punch that ended the fight. But my images are appearing in most of the articles related to the fight on their website - which at the latest count seems to be at least around 10 or so.

I will post my own Fight Night Manchester - Gallery later online. But now, at 2am - it is time to hit the sack and get some sleep.

Amin ! If this was your last fight, I have to say it has truly been a pleasure watching you fight and to get to know a little. I hope to see you as a trainer/promoter in the future and wish you all the best.

THANK YOU!