I totally agree. I felt Degale could have poured it on and got a stoppage any time he wanted to. It was almost as if Degale was content to show off his skills, then back off and get a few rounds in. I have been very sceptical of Degale thus far but last night he looked a million dollars against a very solid operator. Smith had no answer for the speed, power and angles. At this point in time I honestly believe Degale destroys Groves. Groves is way too open, he's slower, and he can be hurt.
Groves would lose badly to degale, and to be brutally honest he is not in the same league. Degale is on the fast track to a works title shot. Smith needs to re group at middleweight IMO, where he can be effective. Hate to say it but smw doesn't seem to be the weight class for him. Only stopped 1 out if 5 opponents at smw. 10/10 for degale
The amount of flab on his back shows he can easily go to 160 again. He's done well to win British at SMW. But as you say look at the stoppages. If he stays at 168 he's only gonna have more wars. Get down to 160 where you belong Smith. Did he move up after the Bendall loss? maybe a knee jerk reaction?
Not straight after, think he fought Danny Thornton at middleweight and knocked him out cold. He seemed to be able to impose and bully a lot more. The thing with him being a smw was some guys are so much more naturally bigger than him that an aggressive style is not to his advantage where guys can walk through what is coming at them. That half a stone makes so much difference. Groves would be in the **** with degale. I would give smith a much better chance against Ginger kid having seen him and degale against higher opposition now
As a side note, the move up was motivated by lack of opportunities at middleweight as far as I am aware. He is good mates with macklin, and when macklin beat elcock, I am sure I heard someone say that macklins result against elcock would partially affect any decision to change weight class
Degale's performance was utterly brilliant from a guy going into his 9th professional bout, like many others i had my reservations whether he would actually deliver what he was saying but deliver he did and he actually made Smith look like the novice, punch perfect and really couldn't have went any better for him than it did well maybe a ko but let's not ask for too much :yep. tremendous performance and great future in prospect.
9/10 Slight problem with the slapping/backhanders... DeGale just looked a completely different class of fighter imo. Faster, more skillfull, composed, fought well inside, heavy hands, great footwork. I have to say before this fight that DeGales arrogance really put me off cos I didnt think he was anywhere near as good as he made out...how wrong was I!!!
I was there last night. What most impressed me was Degale's composure in what was a very hostile atmosphere. He may have had a distinguished amateur career but he won't have fought in a cauldron like that before and to look so at ease and to totally dominate a champion in his own back yard in his ninth fight was very impressive. Felt for Smith last night but he was out of his depth. He should be fighting at middleweight, he was massive a few weeks ago. He's still got plenty left in him but only if he gets properly dedicated - the size of him a few weeks ago suggests that he's not.
Calm cool and composed in a hostile liverpool crowd, and only 9 pro fights. Degale will go far. I think people get annoyed with his arrogance but tbh we need characters, I've always thought he's a ****, but a likeable **** nonetheless haha I'm a fan after last night, and if he carries on like this and remains focused he's definitely a future titleholder. As for Groves, I seriously cannot understand how some people think he has a chance against Degale, to me Groves has poor boxing form, a jerky style that is not very pleasing to the eye and is far too open, as well as being quite slow. Degale at this stage would be too much for him. Great night of boxing.
Oh for ****s sake rob. Whether he would or wouldn't get beaten by macklin or barker if it had have been called for he'd have fought them. Although without a doubt he'd have only fought macklin at a push because of the friendship. You might think smith is many things, but he ain't a ducker that's fo' sho.
9 fights, 9 wins, British champ and in hostile territory. Second good performance in a row. Still needs to improve but he did well.
the move was orcistrated by Warren not Smith. I don't think any fighter in boxing is a ducker but there team do initiate ducks. Smiths team dodged those fights. i hate the bull**** about not fighting cos your mates. I thought him and DeGale were mates to but Smiths seemed to slag him off at every opporunity