It's funny looking back at how promising 140-147 was 10 years ago. Loaded with newcomers or big names like Thurman, Porter, Bradley, Maidana, Danny Garcia, Brook, Khan, Matthysse, Alexander, Broner, Ortiz, Mike Jones, Provodnikov, Rios, Andre Berto, Guerrero, etc.
But most of these motherfuckers (not all) didn't fight each other until they already peaked, or they were no longer in the top 10.
So I guess I mean to say, even if the division was stacked like it was, we'd still probably end up underwhelmed or disappointed.
It's difficult to engage when you don't have the tools to gain entry. Especially when your opponent is taller, lengthier, quicker, and more explosive. Often ends up putting them in a position where they're waiting on someone like Garcia to make a mistake and get off-balance, but either the window is too small or they're never given an opportunity.
Bivol used the formulas already set by previous opponents, (eg, jab, range, distance management coupled with footwork).
But, those fighters often wasted a lot of movement, gave up the center of the ring, took bait, gave into risks, and forfeited their discipline in the process. They never looked half as sharp as they did in the earlier rounds.
I believe that's also why Canelo adopted that higher-guard, plodding style, as he's not forced to exhaust as much effort early, then he can just ratio-out what he has left later and put them away.
Bivol forced Canelo to use more energy early, and by the later rounds when Canelo tends to have his way, he found himself the one at the wrong end of the stick.
I was there last night. Certainly not out of shape, he was doing real good work during sparring, looked like he had no rust at all. Definitely not out of shape, or at least didn't appear to be. It was also really fvcking hot in there, the fighters had to take breaks for fresh air.
In terms of accomplishments? Wards wins over Froch, Kovalev, and Dawson seal it for me. Hell, even Kessler was considered the best SMW and favorite to win the Super Six at the time, and he dominated him in only his 20th fight.
Can you post more? Youre a trainer right?
Wasn't much to it really. Felt routine, and I think we've all seen his training footage before, so it just doesn't really feel too different. He's just a work horse. Minimal breaks. He sparred some kid and took him to school. Looked great for it being only his second sparring session.
I'd like to see how Rob Brant fairs. A fellow Minnesotan, I've known him for a long time. He's a little green at the A level, but if he has a solid step-up performance he should be able to clean the tournaments division.
For some reason I can't see Ortiz getting passed Povetkin. I think it comes down to a little physicality, which Povetkin utilizes very well. Although, I will say Ortiz had made me a fan in the Kayode fight, so I'd be rooting for him. I just think he might be one of those fighters who is prone to mental lapses, and physical fighters tend to do well in assuring those fighters fumble mentally as soon as it begins.
3 sessions ain't much. Stick with it for at least 3 months and see where you end up. Only 3 sessions, that's not enough time for you to even see what all they have to offer. Patience.
Well, in the amateurs, there's plenty of big-fish stories. Also factor in Porter played multiple different sports, and also wasn't a professional athlete so he was likely to carry a little extra weight. You know, when he's transitioning between his football seasons and amateur bouts, cutting weight isn't going to be quite as drastic as the professional realm. Plus, it's really not uncommon to see guys in bigger weight classes than they should be.
Also, there's a bit of leniency in amateur boxing with making weight.. especially in local scenes. I forget the actual regulation, but in local shows I think as long as you and your opponent are within 8lbs of each other? Tournaments though you can't be more than 2 lbs under; if you weigh within 2 lbs over you have a certain time frame to make weight. Over 2 lbs, fight is a no-go. Please correct me, I'm sure I'm not 100% correct, but this was the case at the Reno Nat'l a few weeks ago and as well as at RWC.
The guy hasn't dominated any one of relevance. Seems to show some sort of flaw against most opponents. But he's kind of like a polished Carl Froch. He just... wins.
:thinking:
Nishioka brutally knocked Gonzalez out cold in four rounds. Apart from a flash knock down in the first, he won everything else. It wasn't close to going the other way.
Anyone that thought Marquez beat Nishioka can't score a fight or simply didn't watch it. Frankly, it wasn't even that close.
Anyway, both those fights were as clear as day so you've lost me there. An easy fourth round KO and a very clear UD.
Anyway, it's simple really. The market for those weight classes just isn't big here. They're stars in their own country and have big TV and sponsorship deals so why in the world would they come over apart from for the odd big fight? They have every reason to stay at home and actually have a good, well paid, worthy career.
You've totally missed the point.
You'd think there would be more initiative to at least hit boxing's Mecca in Vegas, seeing as how closely Teiken works with Top Rank. Top Rank has done fairly well at supporting the lower weight classes for years and always have a steady stable. They have given a pretty good platform for Teiken when they're willing. Although it makes all the sense in the world for them to fight at home as well.
Also, a lot of the Japanese fighters who try and make the cross over tend to burn and crash. Nishioka was the only one balsy enough to head to Mexico and fight Gonzalez (which almost went the other way), then Marquez in the US (whom some think got robbed), then Donaire. Shimoda getting KO'd by Ramos in the US, then crushed by Sonsona in China. Everytime Kamegai fought outside of Japan he didn't do so hot.
Just overall bad juju.
I thought it was a pretty slick method for them to announce the fight the same way they do movies and video games. Little to no whispers about the fight prior, then bam, a great unexpected announcement video on all streams of social media.
Whether you are for or against this fight, their marketing this time around was kind of a breath of fresh air.
:headbang: Preach :headbang:
It's also quite annoying when you see folks bagging on younger prospects who are still being developed and trying to acclimate themselves to pro game.
Anyone familiar with these guys in the main event? Is it going to be a good fight?
I've known Jamal for years, trained side by side with him; I know him incredibly well.
I will tell you Jamal is literally THE most disciplined person I have ever met. It also shows in his ability as a boxer, keeps his composure throughout an entire fight, never changes his temperament, doesn't get caught up in the firefights. Pure boxer.
That fight could be more of a testament to how good Walters may possibly be, as opposed to how bad Vic has become.
I thought Vic looked really good against Donaire. He was hurting him, which is something Rigo wasn't really able to do with the same effect.
Maybe another gatekeeper-esque fight for him will may be the tell tale.
He fought in a manner that he has never really fought and even said before the fight he would do something different...hello, McFly!?
Was he tired while on the ropes, was he held against the ropes, was there glue on the ropes:soapbox:
He says that before every fight....
I hate when people say a fighter "took it slow" when they are still only at the tender age of 23.
He just turned 20 when he KO'd Baldomir.
Yes, he was a prodigy beating bums in Mexico in his teens.. But what happens when you throw a very young fighter in with the wolves when his experience isn't caught up with their potential?
You get Fernando Vargas...
And no one should wish that upon any fighter.
thats probably why he hates on wlad so much lol. he got tired of losing his picks
There used to be this thing called the Atlas curse, haha. Whoever he picked to win fights, they ended up losing.
It's odd though, didn't he train Povetkin?