Completely forgot about this fight tonight but to me, it's the best one on the bill. How do people see it going? Soto has always been a classy operator in my opinion but there's no doubt he's on the decline. He was a quality, world class super-featherweight & lightweight but he's not tested himself at 140 really and it seems a big step up with Matthysse. His reflexes don't seem as good and that could really hinder him tonight as I feel he was reliant on them in his style. He gets tagged more often now and I'm not sure about his accuracy which used to be a big advanatge of his. Matthysse is a very solid fighter and can certainly dig at the weight. He puts his punches together nicely and is decent defensively. I can see him taking more chances in this vs. a more vulnerable opponent in the aging Soto and we could be in for a treat with a real tear up. Soto having to trade to compensate for a lack of movement may be key IMO and I can see the Argentine coming out on top in most exchanges to take a pretty wide decision. I can't wait for it I have to say
this fight is the one im truly looking forward too. I best set my alarm clock, unorthodox and uncommon to my nature, sleeping before a late night card starts.. I haven't slept since Friday noon, wasn't feeling right the previous night. spain v france then bed. card starts at 2am right?
Great fight, Soto has been smart to have three fights to bed into the weight so to speak. Battle of the left hooks to the body for me. Soto may well box off the back, staying in range and twisting his hips and dipping his knee's to create angles and leverage into swift counters and classy leads inside (uppercuts R/L and left hook to body). I think Matthysse will slowly turn the pressure up. Soto will take the early rounds with classy counters to head and body as well as his distracting jab that will keep Matthysse occupied. Matthysse will look to turn it up around the 4th and start shooting the right over and land left hook to the body. He's quite cute on the inside turns to the side and drops elbow down. He's got a touch of class and schooling. Soto can be dragged into wars, I think the pressure will start to tell and his feet will become heavier. Soto is open to body punches, Matthysse will take advantage and put shots to right side of Soto. Matthysse will start to throw the right hand more and more. I think down the straight it will open up into a wonderful war. Matthysse now marauding forwards with straight punches and then looping punches to top of Soto's head. Soto answering back in true Mexican fashion with fast straight counters. I feel Soto's punches will be the more flashier, Matthysse will be the more damaging. I think it will be close on the scorecards, Could well be a draw if it gets to points. Such a hard fight to call, I'd favor Matthysse by late stoppage though. I think he'll land to the body and head and slowly break Soto with his strength and power. War!! like both guys, quality fighters!.
:good Thanks for the response. The worry for me, as you alluded to, is how Soto seems to get into wars more and more frequently these days. It's hardly a worry really as it should lead to a great fight but aside from his power, Matthysse is a pretty decent boxer so it could turn into a really good technical battle rather than just a toe to toe firefight. If Soto retains anywhere near the skill and nous he had at superfeatherweight in particular, it will be fascinating to watch and a potential FOTY. If he's not quite at that level, I'd imagine it'd still be a great fight but one in which he's a bit more disadvantaged and where his age & signs of wear and tear might come to the forefront.
Yep i totally agree, It's a tough fight to call but i'm gonna enjoy it. Nice to watch a fight liking both guys and just hoping for a great battle.
Most interesting fight of the night. I'm leaning towards Matthyse but its a proper "take your pick" fight IMHO.
prob better than Khan too, Matthysse is Good! hard exciting puncher who mixes his punches well & throws alot! :good
Matthyse boxing skills are underrated. I like the way he parries and blocks a lot of shots. He may just be the best 140lber out there.
He does some subtle defensive things, a more refined Maidana is the best definition of him. Huge right hand, better body punching but throws more combinations and a better defense
Yeah the winner of Khan vs Garcia would do well to stay away from Matthysse. I think he beats both as well.. A song i dedicate to him.. [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Djj7jW6ny2M[/ame] If i could make a highlight vid for him this would be the song.