Brandon Rios vs Miguel Acosta 1st few rounds were obvious that Acosta could box well, landing combos, body to head, appeared to set traps well, while Rios seemed to plod and follow as opposed to cutting the ring off. But something happened...the constant pressure seemed to force Acosta to move more than he wanted to, maybe even tiring early & in need of a 2nd wind. Rios wasn't having that. He NEVER looked discouraged, didn't try a plan B. He stuck to the script: throw punches and keep on. No skills about this dude, but I felt as long as his fuse burns he will beat people on sheer will. Next up was Antillon, that was just a sparking. Calzaghe vs Kessler. Everything Mikel did was textbook. Defense was tight, offense was economical, throwing when he felt he could land. Meanwhile Joe seamed to throw off balance, weird angles. hands at his knees goading Kessler who fell for it. By mid rounds it seemed conclusive: Kessler was by FAR the better craftsman, while Joe's style nullified the Viking Warrior to potshotting and that failed. Somewhere between outgutted, outhustled and outwilled was how Joe won IMO. Post fight Kessler said "He spoiled my boxing" Not sure what that means...but I guess he was saying no matter how much more skilled I am than Joe, I can't beat him.
Not sure Calzaghe adapting and changing things up to win is a good example Something like Carl Thompson V Rothman would be a good one, carl was getting a beating but then found a huge shot to win it. Hatton Vs Tysu - he just wouldn't let Kosta breathe that night and walked through anything that was thrown his way. Carlos Mussa KO'ed Vivan Harris but only walking through bombs round after round before landing his shots to stop Harris
Froch v Taylor? Carl fell behind, hit the deck, but would not take no for an answer and got the 12th round stoppage. Great fight.
Johnny Nelson vs Norbert Ekassi I disliked Acosta-Rios so I have to mention Skills beat Will in Rios-Abril
You can't will yourself from getting KTFO. Eating power shots and walking through it is not will. Its punch resistance or the other guy just doesn't have the power to put you down. These fights are example of a fighter being able to absorb punches.