If it were just a judges preference thing then it would be easier for fans to take and for boxers to prepare for. It's often not the case though is it? Watch this sport long enough and you also get to know when judges also have a preference for the fighter who is already signed up for other, bigger fights to come. The script last night was that brave but limited Ted Cheeseman would propel himself into Fitz's gloves for 12 glorious but hapless rounds before Fitz could go off with his title ready for the rematch with mouthy Anthony Fowler. That will be Eddie's domestic clash banker, a repeat of their classic encounter. Well Ted didn't read the script. He changed his entire approach and he outboxed Fitz for the majority of the fight. On a fair set of cards he won, not a massive margin, but a definite one in my view. The fact I didn't think he'd get it had nothing to do with what style judges like, it had everything to do with understanding the commercials and how the judging, especially below world title level, typically falls in line with the interests of the firm that's paying everyone's bills.
I enjoyed Fitzgerald vs Cheeseman. Was surprised by Cheeseman, showed he can box but used a lot of energy keeping the fight close. Fitzgerald looked a bit lost in the mid rounds but came on strong and did enough to win a close fight. Those saying Cheeseman is an area level fighter have been shown up but he does need to snap out of the delusions. Was the same after the Conway fight. Fitzgerald has a lot to learn based on that performance but the fact he carrys power late means he’s always going to be exciting to watch. Can’t see him going beyond British level though, matchroom can’t wait for him to lose and he just doesn’t have the mentality to go beyond.
After that ring entrance, he certainly has a big future outside the ring with 'An evening with Ted Cheeseman' at all the venues in Old Compton Street and Canal Street.
Just to say I was really impressed by ritson. Greatly improved over the one dimensional slugger he used to be at 135. Did the sharper punching throughout and never let the bigger man dominate him. That said I feel if Davies could tighten up a few areas he would win a rematch.. bit of head movement, improved left hook, better body punching are all areas he could brush up on. These improvements plus his natural size advantage would, if implemented, make me favour him in a rematch. Hats off to both men. Great fight.
There's no way the script was set in Fitzgerald's favour, the entire Matchroom/Sky narrative was heavily biased in Cheeseman favour.
My worry with cheeseman and ritson aswell is how easy they got beat when they stepped up to European level . Both fighters got schooled by decent not great European fighters . Just heard people now saying ritson is the new big thing again . Sorry but not with that defence he isn’t
On reflection, I think Cheeseman's tactics were actually very good. Fitz clearly has real power at this weight so a war would have been suicide. Sadly, he just lacked in execution on the night to secure enough of the closer rounds particularly early doors i.e. his movement was very good but his counter attacking could have been more effective /precise. Whilst he caused Fitz some frustration, Fitz was having some joy here and there and was never hurt. You simply cannot expect to lose ALL the championship rounds in a close fight and expect the 'W'. As too often, the cards were trash. I had the fight 1 round to Fitz (would have been fine with a draw). I think Cheeseman must have been hurt with some of those body shots mid/ late rounds. His mobility and slickness fell off a cliff from rounds 9 on (not something you would expect from someone deemed as ultra fit) and Fitz was able to catch him much more regularly. Fitz should get a lot of credit for that. Plenty of intrigue left in this Fitz/ Cheeseman/ Fowler triangle. I would like to see them all fight each other some more on Saturday night boxing cards.
Really enjoyed the show, crowd were great and the last two fights really delivered. Had Fitz by a round, but draw or Cheeseman by a round is fine. Lots of positives for Cheeseman but Fitz was so strong at the end, and nicked it IMO. Still plenty of intrigue in the Fitz/Fowler/Cheeseman triangle. Ritson/Davies Jr fight was great, last round was tremendous. Had Ritson by a couple and was impressed with his performance. I'm a Geordie and love Ritson but think Taylor would beat him within 7-8 rounds. Davies Jr came to fight, and he contributed to a super fight.
I like ritson too he's a cracking kid but the taylor fight is beyond a monumental mismatch and would be a case of josh finishing it whenever he decides.I personally wouldn't want to see that tbh.
Taylor wins comfortably I agree. There are good solid fights to make at the weight for Ritson - he has options.
I agree, this fight would be too soon for him as he is still developing and growing into the weight. That said, I won't blame him for taking the fight if offered, this might be a limited opportunity to do this and earn a heck of a lot of money.
Next weekend will tell us if the gap between Taylor and Ritson is really as wide as people are assuming!
