James Degale walks around the ring with the "phily shell" technique. He never used this type of defence as an amateur, it looks to me that he basically copied Mayweathers defence. The special thing about Degale is that he can do it from orthodox and southpaw stances. I know he went and trained with the mayweathers about 2 years ago for a few weeks when he turned pro. This defence is a bit leaky imo because he hasn't really perfected it. I remember in his fight vs Matthew Barr he took two solid right hands to the chin in the middle of the ring. Watch here around the 8.30 mark. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBp2jlPq8K4 I am worried about his defence as he moves up as I think it leaks punches. Smith got in with one or two that he shouldn't have. On the other hand, Degale is fond of standing in range blocking shots then letting his shots go so he's bound to take one or two. If he learns to master this defensive technique and became as good as the likes of Mayweather at slipping/blocking and rolling with the shots, he will take a lot of beating by anybody in the division.
Yeah but that's the TS point? He might struggle at the top level if he gives elite fighters the same chances
Lirva, what are you opinions on Sumbu Kalambay, Nicolino Locche, Marlon Starling and Wilfred Benitez?
Well, he's told me straight up on another thread tat I'm wrong about summat, surely he has points of reference? ;-)
I think he's very good at blocking punches, preventing them from hitting him cleanly. His head movement isn't amazing, but it's decent. I think he's got an above average defense by his divisions standards.
Still waiting :think Thread should be called 'What does Lirva actually know about boxing?' To which there would be one response: '**** all :deal' /End thread
Livra Andre Ward has a very good defence and even he was dropped by a journeyman although decent one in Boone. End of the day the Smith fight James was evading and blocking even the more straighter shots. Smith didn't exactly swing and loop shots so i think he's compact enough. Groves looping shots will be of danger obviously and i be interested to see how he deals with shots that go out of the eye line.
Take it easy mate. I am a boxing historian. I have been posting on boxing forums since the secondsout days when frankie boy got it shut down. you are not talking to a mug mate
Smith got in a few punches, yes. Thats what happens in boxing. Expecting to win boxing matches without shipping a punch is nigh on impossible unless you're facing a grade A tomato can or the other guy has no arms.
For me Degales defence is a huge part of his game. It enables him to counter and fight coming forward or backward. It really has to hold up at the top level in order for him to be effective. the good thing about him is that he will have plenty of plans for every eventuality. If the defence is leaking too many shots, he is more than capable of getting on his bicycle and using hit and run tactics. i believe he is a boxer of the highest quality if his defence turns out to be solid
Great! I apologise then. Now, being a 'boxing historian' as you are, I'd love to hear your opinions on the above fighters :good
Yep also he's got long arms and has worked on a few techniques defensively. I think he can take a dig as well so he's on the right path.