I think he's good, but he has some things left to proove. Id like to see him fight better opposition, regardless where they fight. The fight at home stuff is dumb, it doesn't matter where he fights, he's either good or he's not.
Bute's opposition after Saturday is not worse than Ward's. SOG's standout win is Kessler in a dirty, ugly fight, credit goes there, but he was outperformed by Bute in the Miranda and Bika fights, and the Green (KO'd by Johnson) and Abraham (Froch more dominant) wins weren't the most spectacular either. Outside of this very one-sided win over Glen, Bute beat then top5 Berrio, top10 Andrade twice, Bika and Miranda as mentioned, and Magee, an underrated win both on his and Froch's resume (Bute had it easier).
Kool aid drinkers overrating saturday's victory against a 42 year old come out come out wherever you are.
Bute did well against Johnson - better than Froch. But get a little perspective. The guy is old. Too old at this point. The fight showed that Bute deserves to be named with the other top SMWs, but it didn't show much more than that.
It's good to see other people outside Canada writing stuff like this. Just to keep you post good, that has nothing to do with the spirit of your post, but it was 15000 at the collisé, not 25000.
I dont buy that. A suppose exciting fighter, suppose big puncher, fighting away will stay in 2nd gear and let himself get caught by big right hand. For all we know, this decision of him to take it easy will made him get "older" as a fighter faster. Plus, he have problem to sell in his own country... maybe going to the 3rd, 4th or even 5th gear will help him... So he is either stupid or a liar. I like Froch as a fighter, but when he open his mouth he loose me.
"the stay at home attitude" is because its where he makes money... Look, Bédard said after the last fight, that he may try to become a promoter in the states because since he is champion, one team (Froch) call Interbox to promote a fight with Bute in it. I wish Bute would have fought someone outside Canada before he have to face the S6 winner, this experience would have been good for him, but it didnt happen. I'm pretty sure if he fight the S6 winner it will be like in MSG where Bute can attract some people and be in USA at the same time.
I guess it's the best you can do, still I didnt think you would admit something good, so for me at least, I will not call you with the "h" words anymore, but just continue to look at him, even if he dont win all the fights with the Kessler's, Froch's and Ward's of this world, he will still be competitive.
I don't hate Bute but his fans have been getting annoying lately...so probably will end up hating him soon.
I'm not hating on the guy, its just obvious he doesn't face the best of competition... but he does look talented