Beterbiev took Gvodzyk's best, then systematically broke him down. Taking his heart, and also his mind. He made the beloved Gvodzyk his *****. The beating made Gvodzyk retire.
Usyk was a CW and Beterbiev hadn’t done anything when Ward retired. Where’s the grounds for labelling it as a duck?
He carefully picked an alcoholic? Behave. Nobody said that at the time. He’d been an inactive former SMW when he moved up and fought Kovalev. He didn’t have to do that. That was a huge challenge at the time. I wish that he hadn’t retired, but I don’t think you can say that he specifically retired to avoid Beterbiev. Beterbiev hadn’t done anything 3 years ago.
This might sound crazy to most on this forum but i think Canelo can stop and outbox Beterbiev early. Beterbiev isn't the monster he is made out to be. The fight won't ever likely to be made, obviously. I just don't SEE the big fuss of Beterbiev. I never did with Gvosdyk and i don't see it with Bivol, either. I think they just campaign in an artificially ''good'' division which is much poorer than it looks on the surface.
This content is protected If Johnson had a bit more experience in the pros at that level he would've kept his composure and stopped Beterbiev in that round. Yes, I know Johnson is a big puncher with a good amateur background. He albeit is still less experienced at the top level in the pros than Canelo is. He has much less variety in his punches than Canelo and is less of a boxer.
Thanks for clarifying. Those comments very clearly indicate that Ward is retired for good. I say that because, while he was active, he generally kept complimentary comments about potential opponents to a minimum.
That's what was assumed with Kovalev. I don't think many thought it was possible Ward could stop him in the 2nd fight.