Arthur Abraham vs. Jermain Taylor Well, theres not really much to say except a lot of people expected Arthur to beat Jermain. But did people expect Arthur to outjab and outsmart Jermain going into the middle rounds? Arthurs boxing ability and ring smarts are very underrated, he's quite clever for his sturdy, grueling fighting style. Where does Jermain go next? he was yet again seconds away from fighting a competetive decision against an elite fighter, but was blown out by a right hand that resembled the one that Botha got clipped with against Mike Tyson back in the day. In all honesty, does anyone in the 168lbs division take that punch clean to the jaw? I don't think so, I really dont... But Jermains got Andre Ward next, a fight in which he can build himself up once again, because we all know Andre Ward does not have that knockout punch, he's just a very fine boxer... and I'd say Taylor has a very realistic chance of beating Andre Ward solely on his physical tools. Carl Froch vs. Andre Dirrell What a bad night to start off the super six tournament over in the UK, first we had a delay of about 40-50 minutes, then Dirrell didn't show up to engage at all. Sweet science is all about hitting and not getting hit, offense mixed with defense, but the only thing Dirrell was doing was running, holding and hitting, it was awful to see him do the Ruiz impression in close. Did Dirrell really expect to get a decision win with that kind of negativity? All he ever did was to complain, yet he himself head butted and held as much as I ever seen someone hold another fighter, where Carl Froch got a bit dirty on the inside, but in all fairness, how can you fight someone who does not want to engage at all but only run and hold his way to a decision? Carl Froch did all the things needed to win, even bending the rules a bit here and there, only to try and slow down the much faster Andre Dirrell.. can anyone blame him for doing everything in his power to win the fight? Thats my two cents on those fights, it should be quite the fight between Carl Froch and Mikkel Kessler in the next stage. And lets not forget the fight between an unproven Andre Ward vs. Mikkel Kessler on American ground. Carl Froch proved he was the man who wanted it the most, he deserved to hold that title at the end of the day.
Dirrell just have to regroup and come into the ring with a more positive look on things, that's all there is to it.
So basically what you are saying is that it is OK for Froch to use dirty tricks to win because Dirrel was to fast for him to hit. But it was a disgrace to boxing that Dirrel was holding Froch to avoid getting hit? :roll: Just a bit biased mate!
Exactly. Him and his team will make certain adjustments and just regroup. It's not a disaster, he'll learn alot from this. Dirrell's an excellent young fighter. He'll be back.
Sorry to butt in but you seem to be labouring under the misapprehention that holding is allowed. It isn't.
After last night I predict a Kessler vs Abraham final. I think Abraham will KO Dirrell and win a wide UD against Froch (possibly stops him late via TKO)
Although well written, I have to disagree with your assessment. The Taylor/Abraham fight was a decent fight, but I have to say that Abraham is highly overrated. IMHO, he is very intelligent and does have a heavy right hand, BUT everything else is not elite by any stretch. He threw maybe 5-10 straight punches all night long. His punches are wide hooks over and over again. His pattern of "guard...lunge forward with hooks...then guard again" style is just disgusting in my opinion. I think it is effective against people that are not as mentally string enough to stick to a game plan to break it, but against top physical and mental fighters he will get beaten easily. Abraham KO'd Taylor so he deserved the win, but his style is awful and amateur IMO. By amateur I do not mean like amateur boxing, but like he has very little skill, which I think is the case. He is smart, tough, and has a powerful right hand. That is enough to beat a lot of fighters. I have to admit that it would suit me perfectly to never see him fight again. JT looked ok and I am glad his stamina issues seemed much better, but he is not mentally strong. I really like the guy because he obviously tries very hard and is very humble, but he just cannot adjust when its crunch time. Abraham is an awkward mess but JT kept punding his guard all night. He needed to step to the side and throw a punch to the ear or something to get Abraham's attention. JT fought one dimensional but I still admire the guy for his guts and effort. As for the Froch fight, well I was very pleasantly surprised by Dirrell. I know the Frosh fans will whine about holding and running, but to a degree its tactical and skillful. I will say that there were a few times it was excessive, but not many. Nothing Dirrell did deserved a penalty, I will say that. The fight was good for Dirrell, and I think he won by probably 2 points. He did what he wanted to with Froch for the most part. Frosh was the same old Froch...slow, lumbering, and no defense. Dirrell should have started to sit down on some of his punches earlier, like in the 4th round and after because he had Froch wobbled a couple times. Froch's hitting behind the head and multiple cheap shots on the break were embarrassing for boxing IMO. He should not only hav been fined a point, but a suspension is in order for that guy. If he wants to fight MMA, then go ahead. This is the sweet science of boxing. That means throwing punches, bobbing, weaving, making people miss, etc. Another thing I wanted to point out that I havent read yet....more about Froch's dirty tactics. There was one time when Dirrell was buzzed by Froch. If you watch the shot, Froch hit him with a forearm. He lands a punch, but then forces his arm/elbow into Dirrell's face. The referee was horrible and missed it, but thats what fights are canceled for.....cheap shot fighting has no place. Now I give Froch credit that he is tough and is willing to take shots in order to give them. However, a guy like Kessler will destroy him. Kessler will KO Froch or will have a wide UD. There is no doubt in my mind. Thats my assessment. I think you made some very good points, but I disagree with some, primarily the Froch fight.
Not at all... I was just trying be a little objective, and pointing out the obvious that both fighters used tactics that is not allowed in boxing. But the TS credited Froch for doing so.
IMO, there are rules and they all should be followed, BUT there are things that can be argued as to whether it was a violation or not. For example, excessive clinching is arguable. What is too much, etc. However, things like hitting to the back of the head or hitting with forearms/elbows is a clear violation.
I think all 4 can hold their heads high after the first round... I feel bad for Taylor i was hopin he'd get a big win was tough to watch him get KO'd again! Also IMO its very unlikely anyone goes through this tournment undefeated.. and i think there is a good chance everyone will pick up a win. Although as much as i want him to prevail i see it as Taylor will have the hardest time picking up points..
