I see this fight being very similar. Of course, Matthysse isn't as skilled as Trinidad and Provo isn't as stupid as Mayorga. Mayorga came in as the tougher, but less-skilled guy. Trinidad came more chinny and more precise puncher. The longer the fight went, the more it favored the Trinidad. The opening round saw Mayorga pushing Trinidad back and throwing a lot of punches...until Mayorga gave Trinidad 2 free punches that hurt him badly, even though he didn't show it. It was basically downhill for Mayorga from there and we know the final result. Provo is not going to be Mayorga stupid, but his style is at a disadvantage against the sharper punching Matthysse once the fight goes a certain number of rounds. Of course, we know that Matthysse's not as good as Trinidad, so the fight may turn in the 2nd half of the fight instead of earlier. Matthysse is the better fighter of the 2 and the longer this fight goes on, the more it favors Matthysse. I don't care how good anyone's chin is...it will crack. Provo is incredibly dangerous in the first 3-4 rounds and if Matthysse fights smart, it's his fight to win.
you got to remember mayorga went up to 160. he hasnt been knocked down prior. it would have been better if it was at 147 at their prime weight.
I'm always making comparisons but I don't see the similarity here. I'm thinking it's more like the Z bomb fight, Zarate vs Zamora in the way it's being hyped. But I don't think Provo is as big a puncher as they are making him out to be! It should be a great fight though & I'm picking the Machine by a 5th round kayo!:bbb
Matthysse isn't as skilled as Trinidad? I don't think Matthysse would ever lose a fight as bad as the Wright and Hopkins fight. Trinidad was great, but not because of boxing skills....Hell even Journeymen won at least one round from Wright. Trinidad could win half a round from Wright.:deal
Trinidad also went up 2 divisions to fight Hopkins. By the time he fought Wright, he was already near retirement. I'm not saying Trinidad is a master boxer, but he's better than Matthysse.
Matthysse would never lose a fight as bad as Tito vs Hopkins because he will never be above his best weight fighting a big prime ATG like Tito did against Hopkins. Trinidad was way past his best against Wright but still, bad performance.... again though, winky is arguably a top 15 jr middle of all time (I realize the fight was at middle) One thing is for sure, a Judah or Garcia type would never go the distance with the likes of Trinidad, let alone get the W over him. But I hope Matthysse starts another chapter to his career and shows himself to be a great fighter.... though I think we have seen the best of him I hope he proves that wrong and goes on to warrant an actual comparison to the likes of Trinidad.
Provo boxing skills are underrated. He has good footwork to cut off ring, good head movement, good short combinations.
