I am not sure why Cruz's team decided to hook up with Bozy Ennis, I hold nothing against him, but he had only trained his son so far and they will likely have difficulty having any chemistry during training camp due to the language barrier.
There is:
-Jorge Rubio who had trained Amir Khan, Luke Campbell, and Teofimo Lopez.
-Pedro Diaz who had trained Roamer Alexis Angulo, Ivan Baranchynk, Filip Hrgović, Guillermo Rigondeaux, and Miguel Cotto.
It doesn't even need to be a Cuban trainers that I just mentioned, there are more viable options than Bozy Ennis in my opinion.
I asked my self the same question, why ennis? Rubio is a heck of a Trainer, just like Pedro Diaz, Salas and Cuellar. And as you mentioned, the language barrier right off the bat worries me. Again, doesn't have to be Cuban, although that would be one of my choices, but ennis? Don't know man.
Maybe hearns is lobbying to promote his sonhione thing for sure, money is behind it.
Tommy Hearns has 11KO as amateur. As a professionals he was one of the hardest hitters ftom ww to lhw. Go figure.
I am not sure why Cruz's team decided to hook up with Bozy Ennis, I hold nothing against him, but he had only trained his son so far and they will likely have difficulty having any chemistry during training camp due to the language barrier.
There is:
-Jorge Rubio who had trained Amir Khan, Luke Campbell, and Teofimo Lopez.
-Pedro Diaz who had trained Roamer Alexis Angulo, Ivan Baranchynk, Filip Hrgović, Guillermo Rigondeaux, and Miguel Cotto.
It doesn't even need to be a Cuban trainers that I just mentioned, there are more viable options than Bozy Ennis in my opinion.
I was watching some film on Cruz and I hope he has learned how to turn over his punches. He has no snap on his punches and his right hand is awful.
Tommy Hearns has 11KO as amateur. As a professionals he was one of the hardest hitters ftom ww to lhw. Go figure.
Zamora could have beaten him if he racked up a few more wins, a special fighter who just didn't live up to his potential and had a meteoric rise. It is proof that not letting big fights overmarinate help promote the sport and keep it entertaining. But in the long run, if he just prepared a bit more and not taken another hefty challenge right after (Jorge Lujan), he could have achieved more out of his career instead of just beating two champions.
(Hong Soon-hwan X2 and Eusebio Pedroza)
{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","height":"250","width":"446","src":"https:\/\/imgur.com\/wnIrLjg.gif"}{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","height":"250","width":"446","src":"https:\/\/imgur.com\/gzjJFX9.gif"}
I agree Allen is more of a gatekeeper than Aidos, but the latter has yet to prove where stands in 168 and probably will later in time. For now, he has mostly defeated either subpar competition and lost to a standout talent in Morrell who could probably be a world champion by now.
Some hit their prime early others late, Zamora was good but not like Zarate. He should have take a little time off, and definitely not take on Lujan right after Zarate, Zamora was used to koing people left and right, Lujan had a granite chin. Who knows what could had happened if he took a year off. But Zarate was a beast at 118, one of the best ever at that weight.
I saw the fight and he gave his all against Zarate, he was a really good and young champion, just like Zarate, no marinating back then and Zarate proved he was better, a HOF better. They have only two belts back then, that to me was one too many, so they have more sharks swimming at the same time. Lupe Pintor was lurking along with a few others. Also, I'll call Allen more of a gatekeeper than Aidos. Unfortunately for him, he was fought a real talent in Morell jr.
Zamora could have beaten him if he racked up a few more wins, a special fighter who just didn't live up to his potential and had a meteoric rise. It is proof that not letting big fights overmarinate help promote the sport and keep it entertaining. But in the long run, if he just prepared a bit more and not taken another hefty challenge right after (Jorge Lujan), he could have achieved more out of his career instead of just beating two champions.
(Hong Soon-hwan X2 and Eusebio Pedroza)
{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","height":"250","width":"446","src":"https:\/\/imgur.com\/wnIrLjg.gif"}{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","height":"250","width":"446","src":"https:\/\/imgur.com\/gzjJFX9.gif"}
I agree Allen is more of a gatekeeper than Aidos, but the latter has yet to prove where stands in 168 and probably will later in time. For now, he has mostly defeated either subpar competition and lost to a standout talent in Morrell who could probably be a world champion by now.
I've yet to see any footage on Andy Cruz because I want his pro debut to be my first impression. I think Burgos is a dangerous opponent, so I'm pretty excited to see what Cruz is capable of. This match-up feels on-brand for Matchroom.
He looked spectacular in amateurs, he defeated Keyshawn Davis in the Olympics for the golden medal.
Although it is not registered in his professional record, he had a exhibition bout where he won by SD in a competitive bout against a journeyman vet called Miguel Vazquez.
A experienced vet who:
-Got robbed against Lewis Ritson
-Got robbed against Mickey Bey who he himself got robbed by Kambosos.
-Had beaten Mercito Gesta.
Neither do I to be fair if you have read my opinion on the fact that he got a title bout against Alberto Puello despite getting brutally stopped by a lightweight.
but Rolly defeated Anthony Yigit and (very controversially) Jackson Marinez. That was the basis his promoters were going for despite the very obvious reasons he did get the opportunity. His performance against a super featherweight in sparring and Ismael Barroso just reaffirmed my opinion.
Aidos hasn't beaten any notable opponent besides knocking out Lennox Allen which was pretty close despite Lennox coming off from a beating. If he beats a gatekeeper convincingly like let's say Roamer Alexis Angulo, Vladimir Shishkin, and Jose Uzcategui then I would think otherwise.
If the division lacks any contenders, the uprising prospects should get the opportunity early on if they looked spectacular though I am a advocate that fighters should take their time.
Not that they should be unactive, over marinate fights nor rarely elevate the level of competition. Cases like Berlanga and Munguia.
Recently I had seen the performances of Alfonso Zamora whose ceiling would been higher than HOFs like Zarate, Pintor and Olivares being a tecnical Silver Olympian with 29 wins (29 KOs). Too bad he got derailed by Zarate early on at 23 years old. Not something I would wish in any upcoming fighters.
I saw the fight and he gave his all against Zarate, he was a really good and young champion, just like Zarate, no marinating back thenand Zarate proved he was better, a HOF better. They have only two belts back then, that to me was one too many, so they have more sharks swimming at the same time. Lupe Pintor was lurking along with a few others. Also, I'll call Allen more of a gatekeeper than Aidos. Unfortunately for him, he was fought a real talent in Morell jr. And I have asked this question a few times, none has responded. I'm the history of the 168lbs division, who with only 9 fights has face the kind of opposition Morrell Jr has faced? I do understand that you need a name in your resume, actually it's not needed it just looks better, the body of work needs to be there. And none has a better resume with 9 fights than Morrell Jr at 168lbs, past or present.
While I agree he has to put the work in, I still don't see how a loudmouth like Romero deserves a chance, just because he got ktfo by tank. And I'd like to know how an undefeated fighter, like Aidos, became a gatekeeper like ryder? And been in a less stacked division should get you a better opportunity to fight for a title. Don't you think so?
Neither do I to be fair if you have read my opinion on the fact that he got a title bout against Alberto Puello despite getting brutally stopped by a lightweight.
but Rolly defeated Anthony Yigit and (very controversially) Jackson Marinez. That was the basis his promoters were going for despite the very obvious reasons he did get the opportunity. His performance against a super featherweight in sparring and Ismael Barroso just reaffirmed my opinion.
Aidos hasn't beaten any notable opponent besides knocking out Lennox Allen which was pretty close despite Lennox coming off from a beating. If he beats a gatekeeper convincingly like let's say Roamer Alexis Angulo, Vladimir Shishkin, and Jose Uzcategui then I would think otherwise.
If the division lacks any contenders, the uprising prospects should get the opportunity early on if they looked spectacular though I am a advocate that fighters should take their time.
Not that they should be unactive, over marinate fights nor rarely elevate the level of competition. Cases like Berlanga and Munguia.
Recently I had seen the performances of Alfonso Zamora whose ceiling would been higher than HOFs like Zarate, Pintor and Olivares being a tecnical Silver Olympian with 29 wins (29 KOs). Too bad he got derailed by Zarate early on at 23 years old. Not something I would wish in any upcoming fighters.
I've yet to see any footage on Andy Cruz because I want his pro debut to be my first impression. I think Burgos is a dangerous opponent, so I'm pretty excited to see what Cruz is capable of. This match-up feels on-brand for Matchroom.
I think context matters:
-Romero was coming off from a big fight against one of the most marketable fighters around, PBC is aware that if a entertaining loudmoth like Rolly gets world title, it will improve Tank's popularity even further.
-Morrell is fighting at one of the least stacked divisions, where the level competition is either subpar or elite, there is rarely in-between gatekeepers like John Ryder and Aidos Yerbossynuly. Demetrius and Charlo just moved up from middleweight just recently. Obviously Morrell is very talented as he has laterally demolished through the competition, but I think a lack of names played a big role in his standing though he would easily get there throughtout more fights even if there was.
-Ramirez worked very hard inside two years, he had about 12 fights and then went to fight ranked contenders like Abraham Nova and a former ranked lightweight in Jose Matias Romero to get a chance for a title against Isaac Dogboe.
I think it is commendable by Andy, but I think he needs to put in the work before taking on a elite fighter for a world title at a very stacked division. The opportunity might come sooner than later who knows. But he should work his way up to both make a few changes to his style and let there be no question that he does belong at the top.
While I agree he has to put the work in, I still don't see how a loudmouth like Romero deserves a chance, just because he got ktfo by tank. And I'd like to know how an undefeated fighter, like Aidos, became a gatekeeper like ryder? And been in a less stacked division should get you a better opportunity to fight for a title. Don't you think so?
One thing I learned about boxing, is that if you have the right people behind you, there's no line, nor deserving. Just check Romero, they're a lot of them. Would you say Ramirez or Morell don't deserve the chances that were given to them? I'm not saying he's going to rock and be a superstar. I just saying that it's commendable the type of boxers,they facing so early in their careers.
I think context matters:
-Romero was coming off from a big fight against one of the most marketable fighters around, PBC is aware that if a entertaining loudmoth like Rolly gets world title, it will improve Tank's popularity even further.
-Morrell is fighting at one of the least stacked divisions, where the level competition is either subpar or elite, there is rarely in-between gatekeepers like John Ryder and Aidos Yerbossynuly. Demetrius and Charlo just moved up from middleweight just recently. Obviously Morrell is very talented as he has laterally demolished through the competition, but I think a lack of names played a big role in his standing though he would easily get there throughtout more fights even if there was.
-Ramirez worked very hard inside two years, he had about 12 fights and then went to fight ranked contenders like Abraham Nova and a former ranked lightweight in Jose Matias Romero to get a chance for a title against Isaac Dogboe.
I think it is commendable by Andy, but I think he needs to put in the work before taking on a elite fighter for a world title at a very stacked division. The opportunity might come sooner than later who knows. But he should work his way up to both make a few changes to his style and let there be no question that he does belong at the top.
At a technical level, he is fundamentally much better compared to other fighters who are just debuting, but he does need to make a few tweaks in his style to translate his amateur experience onto what will be his professional career. How long it takes I wouldn't know, it varies from boxer to boxer.
It depend on the level of competition he faces in just five fights but even then 135 is very stacked. I don't think anyone deserves to skip the line due to background credentials.
Nonetheless, I think Andy should get a lot of credit taking on a durable vet immediately after debuting, if he wins in any fashion it just shows his potential at the top level.
One thing I learned about boxing, is that if you have the right people behind you, there's no line, nor deserving. Just check Romero, they're a lot of them. Would you say Ramirez or Morell jr don't deserve the chances that were given to them? I'm not saying he's going to rock and be a superstar. I just saying that it's commendable the type of boxers,they facing so early in their careers.
I'll repeat pros and amtuers are different animals. I like Andy I was rooting for him when he took gold in 2016 but the pro games is different no pitty pat stuff.
I agreed with you. He needs to hit hard and often. Ramirez learned in his first fight.
By now, what does he needs to learn? About himself, that he needs to learn, just like Robeisy and Lomachenko. The same people hoping for Cruz to fail, will be the first, if he is triumphing, clamoring that he doesn't deserve a shot at the belt because he only has 5 or whatever fights he have at the time.
At a technical level, he is fundamentally much better compared to other fighters who are just debuting, but he does need to make a few tweaks in his style to translate his amateur experience onto what will be his professional career. How long it takes I wouldn't know, it varies from boxer to boxer.
It depend on the level of competition he faces in just five fights but even then 135 is very stacked. I don't think anyone deserves to skip the line due to background credentials.
Nonetheless, I think Andy should get a lot of credit taking on a durable vet immediately after debuting, if he wins in any fashion it just shows his potential at the top level.
By now, what does he needs to learn? About himself, that he needs to learn, just like Robeisy and Lomachenko. The same people hoping for Cruz to fail, will be the first, if he is triumphing, clamoring that he doesn't deserve a shot at the belt because he only has 5 or whatever fights he have at the time.
I'll repeat pros and amtuers are different animals. I like Andy I was rooting for him when he took gold in 2016 but the pro games is different no pitty pat stuff.
It will be great for boxing if Andy becomes a top contender, but man he has tough nut to crack immediately after his debut, none had stopped Burgos, he also had a draw with Angel Fierro just recently.
Andy and his team likely pushed for this fight, so he likely ready but Vasily and Robeisy had faced upsets that early on aswell by pushing to fight vets too early on.
By now, what does he needs to learn? About himself, that he needs to learn, just like Robeisy and Lomachenko. The same people hoping for Cruz to fail, will be the first, if he is triumphing, clamoring that he doesn't deserve a shot at the belt because he only has 5 or whatever fights he have at the time.
I guess Hearn doesn't realize the difference between amtuer and pros Ppl fail to realize Andy Cruz fought titere Vasquez in an exhibition and looked horrible against a washed up vet.
https://youtu.be/tug1w0_enHA
We should see. This is the same guy that in 7 or 8 fights from now, if he wins. You would be saying who he has fought that he's fighting for a belt. All the haters conveniently would forget that in his first fight, he fought a boxer with 47 professionals fights, 37 wins and 21ko. In any case nobody can say he's fighting a cab driver. Even Morell fought a guy with a loosing record in his first fight.