What did Tua lack?

True, if he'd been given shots like Tony Tucker then more than likely won at least one belt.

 

He lacked footspeed and head movement.

The best and most disciplined/risk averse long range boxers should out box him, whilst he's a nightmare for smaller pressure fighters who can't adapt their style.

 

Footwork, he had problems getting into punching position. It was painful watching him follow Lennox around the ring.

 

He lacked dedication. Also , intensity, and urgency.

 

He was lazy...didn't train like he should have...lost every important fight during his career...and yet...people here think that he walks thru Jack Dempsey...Joe Louis...Rocky Marciano...and Ali....Too funny!

 

Dempsey is awful for Tua. That ultra high octane offense from the first bell would chase Tua out of the ring. Don’t let his great chin fool you…it could perhaps stand upto Dempsey’s punch but it would’ve taken Tua’s heart out of the fight in short order.

 

So, in terms of h2h hypotheticals he is interesting in that he is in fact deadly but only under certain circumstances against any ATG of a particular stripe. Somewhat similar to Tyson, actually, but more restrictive, with less dimensions to him.

Tyson and Tua both shone when the opponent was temperamentally and stylistically susceptible to:

1. Left hooks
2. Crumbling under intimidation
3. Scythelike pressure (pretty much meaning you aren't a long tall educated jabber)

If you meet all three criteria - which many greats do, as none are perfect and all have their own unique collection of foibles - you're pretty much meat for guys like Tyson and Tua.

But if you're a Lennox Lewis, even though he had a chin that on paper should be a concern with punchers the caliber of Mike & Dave, you've got all the tools to more than likely beat both (barring any lapses in concentration).

Boxing is fascinating!

 

To me, what Tua always lacked was fitness. I can't tell you how many times I screamed at the TV, "Will you let the punches go!" When he would flurry, he was like a force of nature. But then he would go back to trudging after his opponent. And this, IMO, was all down to fitness, or lack thereof. And when he would show up for a fight as big as a house, the chances of him getting outpointed became greater. But let's face it. His hereditary genetic structure was always going to come into play and there was no way around that. I mean, let's face it, when's the last time you saw a skinny or svelte person of Samoan background?

 

Must have been a good Netflix series on

 

Is that fitness, or mental? (or a daub of each)

 

He lacked what I would call the 'Frazier-fighting-instinct', that a short heavyweight must implement. Non stop pressure and accepting taking a shot in order to deliver a shot.

 

What are the essential ingredients of a great swarmer?

None has ever attained greatness without a meticulous training ethic, and ferocious tenacity.

Tua didn't quite have these in the quantities needed.

Lacking finesse you can just about get away with.

You also usually find a great trainer behind a great swarmer.

 

If we should be a bit harsh it could be argued that when you fight for a world heavyweight title you have the chance of your life - either you make the most of it and risk your life or you don't. Tua reminds me a bit of Earnie Shavers. They got so close to winning the title but they just lacked that little extra. I suppose that is what separates the absolute elite and the second raters. Frazier and Ruíz Jr. had it, Tua didn't.

 

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