1st Round - 140 Pound Tourney - Henry Armstrong vs. Kostya Tszyu

Hm, a slightly similar fighter to Armstrong made an old Tszyu quit. I expect an prime Armstrong to do worse to a prime Tszyu. Armstrong TKO9 Tszyu.

 

A surprisingly close fight with Kostya knocking Armstrong down once or twice. If he can keep the distance (a near impossible task against Armstrong) and fully utilise his power at long range, he is a chance for the upset. However, I can't see him doing this, and Armstrong takes a decision. Hatton fought an ancient, inactive Tszyu who didn't seem to want it as much as he used to, so I can't see him making Kostya quit.

 

I pick Henry here, Tszyu wont have that space he likes to get the pinpoint accurate ones off. And Armstrong can push him back i think, something Tszyu doesnt like. Stylistically, the only thing i can see for Tszyu is that if he would be stronger physically than his opponent and therefore not allow Henty to put him on the back foot. But Armstrong made his living from that kind of fighting, and i think he would be strong enough.

Armstrong by stoppage imo.

 

Armstrong he would apply too much pressure not give Tszyu and space to throw punches and he had an excellent chin, limitless cardio and solid power. Henry takes him out in the mid late rounds like 9/10.

 

Tszyu is a tough fighter to slot historically. But the more I see of his prime efforts, the more impressed I become. I don't think this is an easy fight, but Armstrong would deprive Tszyu of the space he likes to get of his precision shots. I'll take armstrong by late stoppage in a tough fight.

 

Armstrong's workrate is too much here. Henry takes a wide decision if he doesn't stop Tszyu late.

Scartissue

 

Armstrong takes a clear ud. Could get wobbled at some point but if Hatton could do it.............

 

Tyszu has massive advantages in weight and strength and power. He also would for once have a height and reach advantage and be able to outbox his opponent from range

I see Tyszu using his jab and timing big rights as Armstrong comes in, on the inside Tyszu would manhandle the smaller man, land bigger bodyshots and punnish Henry.

Tyszu KO mid-late rounds

 

Kostya had 3 rounds in 2 1/2 years and had a shoulder injury which stopped him throwing left hooks and was 35 and clearly no longer good for more than 5 rounds

 

Tszyu's trouble was an Armstrong type. A fighter who'd be in his chest all night, now allowing Tszyu to play the role of stalking power puncher or get off his shots, which he'd typically fire off from mid range while dictating the pace. Armstrong by mid to late rounds TKO.

 

Armstrong actually used a pretty nice jab and some good head movement on the way in, and given that he was only stopped twice in 150 bouts, I think his underrated skill, ability to close the distance quickly, and durability would stand him in good stead against a fighter who could be troubled by swarmers.

Armstrong KO 10.