Sadly not. I worry a bit about his weight, he started out as a LHW and wentball the way up to SHW as an amateur while still being a great fighter (Imo he beat Makhmudov in WSoB). He lost to Beterbiev as an amateur, so the guy has beaten both Usyk an someone who became a good SHW. I hope he stays focussed and keeps his weight under control, we don't need another Cuban who gets lazy after turning pro who just coasts on his talent.
massive power in either hand very aggressive, not the best footwork but I’ve seen worse at heavyweight, sometimes he’s guilty of headhunting to much would like to see him go to the body more. cuts off the ring decently though rice was only guys to go rounds with him and rice refused to engage with him, someone with footwork could maybe out box him though but it anyone goes toe to toe with him there in massive trouble.
The other guy got it right. Rice showed some of his shortcomings. He doesn't have particularly good coordination nor is he quick. Those flaws were obscured when he was knocking people out quickly. Of course, a fighter shelling up and hunting for big counters or just running can make any HW look bad. Wide stance, more square upper body, carries his hands about chest level. Not a lot of craft to his game. That sound rather negative, but I don't rate him highly. He fought fellow HW prospect Junior Fa in the World Series of Boxing when both were 22: This content is protected
I agree, his stance is too wide and he needs to work on cutting off the ring. I like that he was throwing a constant jab to the body against Rice for at least a few rounds. The thing with him is that given his age and amateur background I have my doubts if he can still fix those flaws. He has a few things going for him, size and legit power in both hands (that right uppercut is scary), decent handspeed once he gets going and he doesn't get hit by as many clean shots as one might think (watch the slo-mo replay of the fight with Nistor in World Series of Boxing). His power is legit, he hurts guys who haven't been stopped before/are known for having a good chin with every power punch he lands. I'd keep him away from big punchers on his way up to minimize the damage he takes and let him fight durable movers and spoilers who aren't big punchers, guys with decent height would also be good, so that he can just bumrush them and uppercut them into oblivion. Sorry for the little rant, maybe it should be moved into Makhmzdov's own thread.
Difficult to tell really, looks a handful for anyone at first glance. Quick, aggressive, punches In bunches. you then watch some more of him and realise he could just be a one trick pony, very much the same attack everytime. He needs to change it up and we need to see who he reacts when backed up more. Sanchez vs Hunter would tell up much more, that’s a good fight! I’d pick hunter at this stage though
Was at his fight vs Joey Dawejko. Good footwork for such a big guy. He's definitely not a world beater, but I certainly think he could beat a Kuzmin or Dominic Breazeale level fighter