What Khan is saying is probably partly true, although i'll never question Roach's abilities as a trainer. The problem I have is that if Khan had kept on winning, he wouldn't be saying these things, he's using it as an excuse to justify his own failings. As soon as somebody loses then it becomes a problem.
I'm not making excuses for Bute, but I do think the foot infection definately affected his movement in that fight. He didn't look himself. But then Froch, in his defence, has had eardrum problems in several fights, which would alter your balance and got through them. Bute will be much more competitive this time around and if he's got over the psychological scars he's got a chance. I do think Bute has problems with making 168 though and with someone who's strong and fit at the weight like Froch there, putting pressure on you, its up to Bute to make a fast start this time, bank early rounds and aim to outpoint Froch. Problem for Bute is if he gets caught again, it could be game over. Hopefully he'll hold the centre of the ring more this time around and learn how to counter and defend off the ropes better should he get pushed back as Froch is very underrated at cutting off the ring.
From his interviews lately it seems that boxing is a sort of redemption for him in terms of sorting his demons out, losing weight, getting into a routine and filling a void in his life again. He has spoke about how even if he lost, he's already won the fight in his life. If he can stick to those principles and this comeback is a catalyst for a better lifestyle, then I can't see why he would fall apart as he seems to have a good network of people around him.
On the flipside, he seemed to be one of the guys who had a focus after boxing, with his promotional company etc and not even that could prevent his well-acknowledged troubles. Once he retires again or loses, that void will be there again, feeling how he's let everybody down and having to make up for it. I just hope Ricky realises that despite what he thinks, there was no shame in losing to Pac and May and even if he gets beat in his comeback by somebody inferior to them, it doesn't detract from the fact that he was (and still is?) a top operator who just fell short against the elite.
I do think Abraham still has a degree of power at 168. If you look at the fight camp 360 series Direll definitely respected his power and was weary of it, Froch in his book says Abraham was one of the hardest hitters he faced and I know Ward has gone on record saying he hit hard. Stieglitz doesn't have anywhere near the defence/athleticism of Direll/Ward or general awkwardness of Froch, despite having a decent skillset, so I can see an AA ko in this one. However, any other division titlist beats AA, he just lacks the physical dimensions in height and reach to trouble them. He doesn't throw enough punches despite when he does, showing some decent handspeed.
It depends on what he wants. He could obviously still beat most of the Euro belt contenders or club-level guys in America and would still make a decent ish living on these circuits, but would take punishment in the process as seen in his last fight - but obviously a former champion and a 'top level' guys ego will mean they probably won't want to be slugging it out life-and-death on a card like this - so I'd agree thats the definition of 'done'. Taylor's skills itself are probably still enough to compete at world level IMO but the psychological scars of the knockdowns probably will have had some effect in his approach and will make him tense when he's in there, which will have manifested physically making him slower etc plus the factor of age.
No questioning the guys a warrior but I'd stay away from the big hitters in the MW division - and lets face it the likes of Martinez, GG, Pirog hit hard - the guys got nothing left to prove, unless its financially motivated. Would love him to prove me wrong as JT was one of my favourite boxers a few years ago but don't want to see him getting hurt and knocked down by guys like Caleb Traux who in his prime he'd have beaten comfortably. If he fancies one last roll of the dice go for Sturm or Chavez Jr for cash reasons as they're both popular with their fanbases, a belt and a style that he could have a chance against taking less punishment in the process. Much better than the straight lefts he'd endure against Sergio.
Ortiz can pretty much take his pick outside Pac and May at 147 with anyone outside the TR stable. Love him or hate him, the guy carries interest as he's such as unpredictable character.
Berto would surely love a re-match, money would tempt Lopez in for a re-match. Maidana sells for obvious reasons and i've always thought he'll end up fighting Khan one day. If TR and GBP can patch up their differences then they also have the potential Rios grudge match one day, as that would sell!
Ortiz is still only a young guy and can still carve a good career for himself and make good money in the process. The 154 division is also an option in the future.
hahaha dont even get me started on Angel Garcia. That guy has no business within 1000 ft. of a boxing ring, even with his son.
Father and son teams come down to emotional bond more than anything. Will Garcia improve as a fighter if he stays with his dad the rest of his career? Yes, through general experience of more fights and if hes receptive enough, he'll learn from his mistakes. Can the father bring anything to the table? Motivation I would say, but probably nothing from a technical standpoint.
Sometimes the bold is what is really need by a person on the team. Ali and Ray Leonard both said Dundee was really just a motivator and not trainer/teacher that people thought he was.
Boxing is mostly a mental thing I suppose. The likes of Ali and Ray Leonard and Floyd today, all so naturally gifted I think with them kind of fighters it comes down to 'feeling good'. I like Garcia and his dad and hope they do well in the game.
To be fair to Khan, he's making GBP work for him, not the other way around like too many other fighters. That should ultimately be a promoters job and normality! Too many fighters are bothered about losing their L but if you look at Khan, he'll still be in good money fights to make a living because people know he's value for money (however long it lasts), and logically fighting better fighters equates to better purses.
He said in a recent interview on Ringside that he "kills himself" to make 140, but that his heaviest ever he's walked around at is 152?
I would have thought 12 lbs over a 10 week camp wouldn't be too difficult, just over a pound a week, and still easily enough time to work on tactics, unless he walks around heavier than he's actually saying.
Remember watching this fight live and been impressed with some of DeGale's inside work and defence for a guy who'd only had a dozen or so fights, usually don't see that sort of style amongst British fighters.
Obviously Wilczewski landed as DeGale still has things to learn, but definately showed his ability in this fight. Wilczewski went on to show how durable he was in his next fight against Abraham, a seasoned former world champion. If DeGale can stay active and improve some aspects of his game, I can see him been in and around the contenders at 168 in the future.
Been the smaller fighter Audley's just gotta let his hands go in this one and try and land a big left. Price isn't unbeatable, but be passive and Price is more than good enough to just pick him off. That nervous (or "Jittery", as Mayweather Sr said of Mosely) approach to boxing won't work and hasn't really ever worked. In all seriousness Audley fights best when he's angry, like when he blasted Williams out.
Generally, I would say your right. A professional or higher class sportsperson turned Coach/Trainer should have a higher level of knowledge/input to someone than somebody who hasn't performed at the highest levels. I listen to the likes of Tarver, B-Hop, RJJ and they are all intelligent, knowledgeable guys who you'd think could relate to a top-level fighter more than someone who hasn't boxed professionally.
On the flipside, I think to be a top coach, you have to apply your knowledge in the right way, otherwise theres no point you been there. Hunter has probably been observing and studying around boxing gyms for years and can probably teach the correct fundamentals, but doesnt have the ability to apply them himself otherwise he'd be world champion and not Ward! Also other non ex-pro trainers, the likes of Adam Booth, Pedro Diaz et al. have sports science and/or psychology qualifications, so can earn the respect of a fighter in a different way than somebody who was an ex-champion in your corner.
Controversial here, but I think Dirrell would be too fast for Dawson who at 168 has slightly slower reflexes from making weight, could see a UD there.
Froch I could see applying the pressure and possibly forcing a close controversial UD. Dawson would land good straight lefts but Froch would just keep coming and maybe grind the victory. Depends on Dawsons pop at 168 as Froch is easier to hit than Ward.
Dawson would beat Abraham by decision provided he boxed him, but with Dawson's legs and chin a little shaky at 168 if AA catches him there could be a stoppage.
Dawson and Kessler would be a close one, still think Dawson has the speed and slickness over Kessler at 168 but again its how his legs would hold up to Kesslers bombs, otherwise could see a decision over this version of Kessler. Both styles would be difficult to one another.
Dawson beats everybody else by decision. Johnson, Green and Bute in my opinion are all tight at 168 like Dawson. Current Bute/Dawson would be a southpaw chess match, both weary of their stamina/chins, but I see Dawson's speed edging a close decision, although Bute's body punching could wear down Dawson late in the fight. Bute would have an edge in power but it'd be interesting to see whether their stances created the angles to capitalise on any chances one another gave.
I'm still surprised Morales managed to go 12 rounds against Maidana with the way he looks.
I see what you mean, I used to wonder this in the past too. You'd see guys looking soft and wonder how they went the distance at such a competitive level. I think in Morales' case though, experience and hindsight has enabled the 'older' Eric to not waste as many shots and become more crafty, saving energy.
Ortiz' mental state is the key in this one for me. He's an enigma. This fight, given the history, would definately ensure Ortiz would not give up, similar to the Berto fight. He seems to rise when the chips are down. Coupled with Ortiz's superior ability to box when he's on his game, he's definately got more dimensions to win this fight.
On the flipside, he could also come in too pumped, play into Rios's hands in a slugfest and do something stupid. The extra aggression in this fight would only boost Rios, who'd just keep coming and coming. Ortiz by a very close UD or possible SD.
Sergio could pack out Boca or River Plates football ground with a huge attendance. Just remains to be seen whether the revenue would be enough without the casinos in the US to entice a top middleweight over.
Floyd will get opposition no matter who he fights. But based on form, Bradley has to be considered based on the fact that he just beat Pacquiao, whether legit or not, and has also beaten another considered opponent, Devon Alexander. However, Pac equals more cash and publicity, and is known worldwide as one of the P4P top guys. Politics could prevent both of these happening though as Bob isn't going to want to risk seeing two of his best assets lose in succession.
I could see Bradley been more of the type to demand a Floyd fight though and standing up to Bob. So in my eyes Bradley at Christmas, then give Pac a take it or leave it offer in April, as in theory there should be no excuses about schedules, otherwise Canelo at 154. A young hungry pup although a little green, is easy to make with Golden Boy. Then by this time provided Sergio isnt too old and Floyd might have filled out a little more, roll the dice and go up to 160lb or try and tempt Pac in again in an open air stadium where they both retire.
This is all speculative though and to be honest I could well envisage Guerrero/Berto/Canelo as his next three unless TMT manage to bridge any potential conflicts. Here's hoping.
A fight that's definitely one for the purists, like myself. Problem with these kind of fights is for the 'casual' fan is that they don't look that pleasing on the eye live, but when you watch a second or third time you appreciate the skill set, versatility and defensive qualities on show. I'm really looking forward to this, Ward's toughest challenge to date and I'm interested to see how he beats someone who's taller than him but also very athletic and a good all round boxer.
agree with this post.
With the change in trainers hopefully khan and manny can fight at 147. I think thats the fight Khan needs because he'd be forced to fight smart or get KTFO.
I see what you mean but the problem I'd have here is, its going to be hard enough for Khan to remain disciplined to box and learn how to defend himself against anyone decent, never mind against a hard-hitting southpaw who throws shots awkward angles.
Seems a big guy at the weight, so hopefully durable. Hoped for a higher/ well-ranked guy though to appeal to the American audiances, excluding other titlists and someone obviously realistic. Looking at schedules, someone like Chris Henry would have been ideal, very good, strong fighter and worthy contender.
Really like Paulie, seems a nice guy and always has time for everyone. Glad he's got a nice payday back in his hometown after having to go to the Ukraine, Vegas and Texas in the past. Don't expect Cano to lie down as he's a decent operator and has more time to prepare for this than Morales but have been impressed with Paulie's resurgence since moving up to WW and expect him to edge this on points. Hopefully after this a possible unification with Bailey/Alexander winner - if his hands are feeling good he could give a real go with the right venue/judges.
Not happy with this fight at all. Walsh is a good, talented prospect but definately needs more time before stepping up a level like this. Suppose its his reward for agreeing to fight on the Luxembourg licensed Haye/Chisora card when nobody else would, so can't blame him for taking it and the experience will only do him good. This fight won't build momentum for Burns or help with regards to fighting the top guys, a wasted fight date where he could have been building his top level experience.
The last thing to leave an ageing fighter is his power, which Rahman has. So provided Rahman gets himself into somewhat decent condition, I believe this could get to Povetkin in the later rounds as his stamina is suspect. Like other posters have said Povetkin really isn't that good. I see the poster snub as just classic hometown psychology and probably designed to target a European audiance more than US sadly. Rahman shouldn't try and go for a points decision here as he's got no chance of getting one, train for the KO and smother Povetkin. Stop him trying to duck under waist height and allowing the ref to jump in for breathers like against Huck.
He's entitled to his opinion but its not something I agree with. Klitschko, for the most part, doesn't really use all his skill set because he doesn't need to against the likes of Mormeck, as his height and jab win the fight alone. However, his footspeed and use of distance in the Haye fight was pretty good for such a big guy, in the first Thompson fight I thought his use of the uppercut to penetrate a high guard from a tall guy/stance was something different again. When pushed by Steward in the Chambers fight he showed his ability to hook and put the pressure on and took away Peter's right hand in their second fight after taking a good shot in the first round.
Povetkin is a good fighter and controls fights well but I don't see the same ring IQ or technique. The Huck fight required adaptability and it wasn't there, whether through poor conditioning or not remains to be seen. Pressure is the only chance he would have against Klitschko. That's not disrespectful to Povetkin, just against the very best in his division he would come up short most times unless Klitschko had an off day or he caught him with a lucky shot.
I do believe Paulie when he says Buddy was a bad fit for him in that fight and its possible he may have had an off night or whatever. However, the main problem in that fight for him was Hatton's ability to close the distance with his footspeed, PM couldn't get enough room to get his jab and combinations working to full effect and I don't think he anticipated quite how good at that Hatton was. If I recall, he was saying before the fight about it becoming a 'wrestling match' unless the ref stamped his authority and he ended up holding more than Hatton!
I'd expect a rematch to be a much closer contested fight, but much of the outcome would depend on Hatton's punch resistance and footspeed as Paulie's legs appear much stronger at 147 and I don't see any age related decline in him just yet.