Lucian Bute vs. Jermain Taylor ~ Analysis Thread

Taylor just doesn't seem to live up to his promise. He is a very good athlete and he used to seem like he was going to become a very good boxer. He doesn't use his jab effectively as he used to. His footwork seems to be diminishing and is there to hit alot of the time. His hook has become loopy with his feet occasionally leaving the ground. Bute on the other hand seems going the other way despite the Andrade affair. The only thing Bute doesn't do well all the time is sit down on his punches. But that's the way he fights and he is successful with it. I take Bute UD 116-112, if he can keep Taylor at his range he may get a knockdown due to acculmation of punches.

 

Hopkins and Spinks, who are slick counter punchers that like to keep their distance, gave Taylor fits.

That said, he never really adjusted by taking it inside against those two (well, against Hopkins... he couldn't have caught up with Spinks if he tried), so I doubt we'd see it against Bute. I think he'd stick to his strength of trying to keep Bute at the end of his jab and left hook, and picking his spots for shooting his right straight down the pipe.

If Bute's movement and distance started causing him problems, I think Taylor would revert to what we saw against Pavlik in their second fight, where Pavlik's reach advantage made it hard for Taylor to find a rhythm for his jab. In that case Taylor went on the defensive, either fainting or picking off Kelly's jab and countering with brutal right hands (in Bute's case, probably left hooks since he is a southpaw).

 

I think he'd need to do more as well... Bute's a different fighter than Pavlik though, and presents different opportunities along with different challenges.

Taylor seemed to have better focus in the Lacy fight; still cautious as he was in Pavlik II, but not quite as tentative. He was mindful of his defense against Lacy's power but not to the point he let it freeze him into inaction, like he did in a few of the latter rounds against Pavlik.

One advantage for Taylor is that he's been in with the higher level of competition, fighting several guys on Bute's level or above (Hopkins), while Bute's not been tested by someone quite as good as Taylor.

Neither of them have been in against someone just like the other though, from a style/talent standpoint, so it would be a test for both.

 

Well, Taylor doesn't do well versus southpaws. Bute would be the biggest southpaw he has fought.

Bute can punch, but I don't think he'd KO Taylor, who has a good chin.

:-(

 

I like this fight next for Taylor because it's serious step toward making himself a force at 168, but is safer than Kessler or Froch, who's technically flawed but is an unknown commodity with one-punch KO power that should worry Taylor.

Now is the time to jump on this fight for both men. Bute is a good choice for Taylor because in a few fights he could be more dangerous, he was almost just KO'd against Andrade which could make him play it safer in his return fight, and the controversy against Andrade has made Bute a better known commodity.

Bute would be smart to take Taylor now before he settles in at SMW and further improves his game, which he seems to be doing his last two outings. Assuming Taylor still has his flaws in his next fight, Bute can be the guy to benefit from taking advantage of them before someone else makes a name for himself by doing it first.

The more I think about this, the more I think this fight makes sense for both men at this stage of their careers. Hopefully both their camps are serious about making it happen.

 

I think beating them "badly" is a bit of an overstatement; Bute and Taylor would be the best opposition Kessler's faced outside of Calzaghe. Both are quick, tough fighters like Calzaghe. Bute is a southpaw with good movement, like Calzaghe.

One thing Kessler hasn't reacted well to is being hit flush by game opponents... he seemed stung a few times against Calzaghe, who isn't even known as a power puncher, and was rocked by a Sartison right hand early in their fight. Kessler's never been down but Bute and Taylor would both have more than enough to test his chin and his determination.

Right now I'd give Kessler a slight edge against both guys, but can't see them being anything other than very competitive fights.

 

Bute by way of referee.

 

It would be a good fight, but Taylor does best against boxers not brawlers. I would favor Taylor by Late stoppage.

 

Regarding Taylor's next opponent. Bute could imo. easily be a nasty experience for Taylor. Well, actually 168 is popped with so much talent that Jermain will have a tough time no matter how we cut it. At 160 there were really noone until Pavlik came along. Now we have Pavlik and Abraham that can compete with Taylor. At 168 we have several more that would make very difficult opponents for Taylor.

 

It isn't Taylor's next opponent.It is just in talks.Bute will be fighting Mads Larsen next and Taylor might go for somebody interesting himself.

 

Hopefully Taylor will go for someone interesting... Bika's got a new belt ripe for the taking. Froch or Pascal will soon too...