[yt]sJaMaI3tPag[/yt] Seems pretty explosive. Always liked his style, look forward to seeing how much more substance he's added. Velasquez was a solid opponent but Rodela seems like more of a tuneup at 16-7. He fights this Saturday.
Defense more than anything. He maintains range well, then starts giving it up as the fight goes on. Then once he's inside, he'd rather slug it out instead of patiently pick his shots. He had a decent guard when on the inside against DeMarco and just decided to open himself up unnecessarily. The fight following DeMarco he just let the guy in with no resistance. Also needs to learn to slip punches without turning away from them, that's the sign of a green fighter, which he clearly is not. Assuming he's top ten right now... :think He should rematch DeMarco. If he can pass that threshold without bleeding all over the place, he can become champion again. I need to watch his last fight with Velasquez, I'll probably check that out this weekend.
Linares has always been beautiful to watch. Really, really gorgeous offensive work and he often makes it look like an artform, love him
I'd like to see him with Virgil Hunter. Andre Ward's method of smothering and neutralizing his opponent on the inside may help him.
Linares has an awesome style...unfortunately he lacks some pop, he def needs to avenge that Demarco loss, he had that **** in the bag.
Call me crazy but I think with Andre Ward's style on the inside and his speed on the outside, I can see him beating Broner.
There's definitely already a deeper aspect to Linares's game than Broner's...The problem is he is likely not to get Broner's respect and the fact that he is a natural lightweight compared to broner who is huge at that weight is discouraging.
:nono It would make sense. Linares is on the comeback, DeMarco just got wrecked. Like I said, it would be a great threshold to see how far he can get in the division, especially if Broner's leaving for good, I can't imagine he'd come back.
This. If you watched this guy spar or hit the mitts, you'd swear he was destined to be lineal champion in 4 divisions. Of course, people have been saying this about him for almost 5 years now. He's got amazing tools but simply can't take world class power.
I really hope he doesnt come back down, I cant see anybody at 135 beating Broner and it has nothing to do with skills...He'll get tested at 140-147 though. Linares could very well become the man at 135, he's arguably the most talented guy there. Would love to see Linares vs Vasques/Burns