Bute - Berrio Analysis

I had it 6-4 going into the 11th round for Bute. I agree that Bute played it a bit too safely throughout the fight, and could have put more pression on Berrio especially the times when he was backing away. But then again, this was a fight that Interbox couldn't afford to lose, thus, their gameplan was the best way to win the fight with a minimum risk.

I did wish that Bute had jabbed a bit more thought. After the middle rounds, his short right hooks were connecting nicely I thought.

Finally, like I said before the fight, Bute won the fight by taking advantage of his footwork, balance and countering abilities... :good

 

Berrio is a puncher. Some of his punches landed, and that will slow down any man. If Berrio had learned basic boxing skills he may well have KO'd Bute. Bute presented a technical flaw in his style which Berrio could have exploited very easily, keeping his right hand down. Berrio had no idea how to deal with it, but you can be sure that Kessler would have jabbed the **** out of Bute and probably knocked him on his ass.

 

:thumbsup

 

For those who mention the right hook: I heard Bute's trainer on the radio. He said that part of the strategy was to wait before using the right hook. To wait until the latter rounds in order to surprise Berrio with those right hooks that made the difference.

A lot of people have been extremely critical with Bute's performance. We have to remember that he his only 27 and that he his still improving even if he his the IBF champ now. Just think of Kessler when he became champ. Kessler today is way better that the Kessler that beat Siaca a couple years ago.

Here is 3 crucial points I think he has to work on:

1. Im not sure he had the best strategy.
2. Keeping his right hand higher.
3. Mentally, I think he was too nervous.

That could explain:

1. Backing away too much. Not working in combination enough. Spending his energy counter-punching when he didnt had to.
2. Taking many punches on the right side of his face.
3. Stamina issues.