For all Larsen doubters, read Odlanier Solis own words! http://www.eastsideboxing.com/2013/odlanier-solis-larsen-is-one-of-the-toughest-guys-i-ever-fought/ You can say what you want about Solis current form, he has never the less been in a ring with some heavy hands during his career. Solis should get some credit for being honest here.
You have to wonder is Larsen took up boxing much earlier how far he would have went? he had no Amateur career, and he turned pro after a very brief career in the NFL. He's done quite well for himself considering that.
Being what he is, a big extremely strong guy with a really strong chin, he can box for quite a few years yet. Not comparing the two, but because of his immense strength, Big George could box and be dangerous until he was 48. Larsen definately has 5-7 years left if he stays in shape. He needs to be in better shape than this fight I must add. For gods sake, the guy trains at home in his garage most of the year. Then goes to Germany and gives Odlanier Solis hell? In my book, highly impressive. Hope they decide to go all in now, better training, better sparring and so on.
Larsen had two weeks of preparation for this fight. He was way to heavy and had not done enough sparring. If Larsen had been in proper shape like vs Danny Williams, this might have ended differently.
Last time Solis boxed was May '12. Of course he's going to say that. Bradley said the same after fighting Ruslan. In both situations it's not the opponent but Solis' lack of activity that made the bout tougher than it should have been.
My point exactly. He is to big to fight like a ballerina. He needs to use his blunt force in the same way as GF did. And Larsen seems to have a very good chin, which is something he needs with the style he has. Without a chin, he would be dead vs Solis. Solis got him with some cracking punches, and that did not hurt him at all. I think he can beat a lot of the top guys if he get's in better shape. I'm looing forward to his next fight. He is a one punch knockout boxer. There are not many of them around these days.
Listen, even if out of shape, chin is not affected by that. Solis was rocked several times, because the punches where hard, not because of his shape. Solis has spent months in training camps for this one, he was well prepared, Larsen was not.
The guy bases a lot of his powers on brute strength, he get's that from weight training. When you are bulking up, you need a bit of extra calories to grow, hence in the middle of strength periods you will be heavier. He got the match with 3 weeks notice, and had effectively 2 weeks of boxing training before the fight. He needs more time to get in the right shape for fights. I also think you are onto something here. People don't seem to realize how difficult GF was as an opponent in his comeback. Imagine someone who you cannot hurt, and punches like a mule is walking you down to club you into submission. It's not an easy task if cannot hurt the guy. Larsen was a linebacker remember, they are made to absorb smashes.