Being the infamous Youtube Historian you've all come to know and love, what insightful things could the Classic Forum treat me too ahead of my screening of Yuri Arbachakov vs Muangchi Kittikasem? The Russian has never been on the agenda, but I've heard glowing reviews of him as a fighter, and envision coming away from the performance impressed with his punching form, power, and overall quality. With that said, here's a few queries. 1. Is Arbachakov's fight with Kittikasem a good indicator of Yuri's abilities? 2. What were the strengths and weaknesses of Yuri Arbachakov? 3. Has there been a better fighter to hail from Russia?
I just typed out a pretty lengthy post, but my goddamn computer ****ed me over yet again. In short, you'll come away very impressed with this performance, of that I've little doubt.
That's a shame Bujia, your posts are typically very insightful. Technology is a *****. Most know I have the most appreciation for textbook boxer punchers, and Yuri on first glance seems to meet the criteria.
1. Is Arbachakov's fight with Kittikasem a good indicator of Yuri's abilities? You won't find a better, more conclusive performance of his. 2. What were the strengths and weaknesses of Yuri Arbachakov? About as fundamentally sound a fighter as you'll find without being stiff and rigid. Excellent footwork and ability to maintain optimal distance, seamlessly blended offense and defense (though he wasn't a great defensive fighter, he was very sound), great combination puncher and punch-picker, very poised and controlled. No glaring weakness, though I'd say when unable to control the pace against a fellow boxer/puncher, he seemed a bit less poised. Whether under pressure or forced to do the pressing, his effectiveness waned a bit, though he could usually adapt depending on the quality of fighter. I figure only the better fighters of those particular styles would be able to beat him. 3. Has there been a better fighter to hail from Russia? Not that I've seen. I suppose you could argue Tszyu, but Tszyu was a bit too stiff and one-dimensional for my liking, at least the more his career progressed. Kid Kaplan was Russian-born as well, but no footage I've seen sways my opinion of him being a finer boxer than Yuri, though his record would certainly indicate it.
Brilliant footwork like you said. A little step outside and punches were whizzing past him, was gauging distance expertly against Kittikassem, who was game but just out classed. Guilty of telegraphing his right hand and not getting full extension on his jab a few times, but he never smothered his work and was patient for the stoppage. I'm in love all over again.
One thing I love about Arbachakov is his controll of range and his footwork, he is always in a position to get full leverage in his punches, even when moving backwards. I think it is his fight with Bohol, he actually drops him whilst moving backwards. For me, he is the most textbook boxer-puncher there is. If someone asked m whats a boxer-puncher, I would show them some Arbachakov.
Thought you'd get in this thread, you're a huge Arbachakov fan, and with good reason. When i get some time next week, i'm going to watch as much of Yuri as i can.
Check out the Yun-un Chin and first sasakul fights next if you want to see more. Second Kittikassem is good as well, with the typically corrupt homecooking trying everything they could to get their man the win...stopping rounds 30 seconds early when he was hurt, keeping arbachakov waiting in terrible conditions before the fight etc... Arbachakov just keeps his cool and eventually caves him in once again.
Amazing boxer-puncher. I'm a huge fan. Would have achieved even more greatness had pro boxing been more developed in Russia at the time (and he wouldnt have fought out of Japan with some beter promoters).
Me or my post? I thought you werent too impressed with the Chin fight? He shows his class in it, but he also shows some weakness in the way he gets a bit flustered that he cant really dent chin, and the fact that Chin is making abit uncomfortable pace-wise. I will need to check out the first Sasakul fight, have it ready to watch. The second Kittikasum fight isnt as good as the first IMO, like you say its not administered the same and Arbachakov isnt as clinical.
Then why the quote? Dosent matter. We do finally agree on something, better write this in the calender. I actually enjoy some of Arbachakov's KOs early in his career like Bohol, Mizuno etc.. Sure it is not a great indicater of his greatness but he does show some really impressive skills.