Is Lopez's size really a fair excuse to use for Lomas apprehension in that fight? I don't think so, personally. Of course it played a part, but his explosiveness and athleticism played the primary role in Lomas first half performance, imo.
He's tall and rangy, technically very good, seems much better suited to this weight, and he hits really hard. It's a big ask for him to beat even this aged and declined Beterbiev but he certainly stands a better chance than he would've against a prime Beterbiev who would get arrested for legal homicide if they shared a ring with each other. Yarde is talented, fought very well last night and displayed bravery and toughness in equal measure. That being said, I think a rangy boxer-puncher will cause him problems. Like to see him in against Hot Rod or Marcus Browne. But a match up between him and Smith would be intriguing and I can see an argument for both winning. Buatsi is good but he's too easy to hit and I'd make both Smith and Yarde a favorite against him. The most impressive thing about Beterbiev for me last night was the fact he was able to overcome moments of adversity against a talented, fast, much younger and fresher opponent in their backyard. Big Frank said he really hoped they got the timing right and that Yarde would make him an old man. And he was also banking on home advantage be being a big factor in this one too. And Yarde kind of did. However, despite his age, Beterbiev was still able to impose his will and break the much younger and fresher Yarde mentally and physically whereas lots of other champions come unstuck in that scenario at that age.
I agree with quite a lot of what you have said but disagree with some points such as: 1. I personally think Buatsi is better than Yarde and Callum Smith. Smith is okay at a certain level but gets ravaged at elite level. What Canelo did to him is not excusable really with his size advantages. He may have had a shorter camp then again my mate George Groves left elbow was messed up. 2. Talented Buatsi is improving under Virgil Hunter a master of defence and fluidity. 3. I don’t think a range boxer per se beats Beterbiev rather I think it’s going to be a fluid boxer with great defence and punch variety. I think our guy Bivol fits the bill maybe Buatsi. Props to Yarde who implemented some of the right tactics to win but Beterbiev is a genuinely great fighter and I agree with you about how he overcame the challenge. Many words and superlatives can be used but for me it came down to Know How. Great fight.
I was high on Buatsi when he came out the amateurs but he looked vulnerable against Richards and that Croatian dude he fought. He can fight and punch but he's too easy to hit and LHW is puncher central. Let's see if he can make the necessary improvements, if he can't he'll come unstuck That being said, I think Buatsi vs Yarde is the fight to make and I think it will be a barn burner I hear that but I'm not basing my assessment of the 168 version of Smith. Juan Ryder whooped that version too albeit Ryder is a very good fighter himself. Smith looks very dangerous at 175 with the added weight Beterbiev is no longer what he once was so the chance of him getting beat has obviously increased. I think your only chance of beating a prime version of him is catching him with something massive and knocking him out. In addition to his brutal power, toughness, relentless pressure and immense physical strength, his boxing skills are and have long been underrated and his engine is ridiculous. That's the scary thing - he can maintain that relentless pressure all night and keeping him off you for 12 rounds whilst trying to bag enough rounds to win a decision is incredibly hard to do. A some stage of the fight you're going to tire and soon as you start to he'll roll over you like a train and it's only a matter of time before he completely overwhelms you. Yeah, Yarde 's stock has risen after that performance. I was most impressed by his heart and toughness. The skills are there too but that's what impressed me the most.
Bellew is saying that just for the sake of favoring his countryman. He and everybody knows Smith has no chance against Beterbiev.
I lost all respect for Callum Smith after his shameful performance against Saul Alvarez. He let his people down in front of the whole world. No fire, not grit, no dawg in him at all. The guy should be working at JC Penney or something. Please don't ever bring his name up on this forum again
It's certainly possible. Callum Smith was drained to smithereens at 168. With his build, height, and length, he could be much healthier at 175 and he's already got pop. And Beterbiev is coming off of being hurt by Yarde, so who knows if the fight took anything out of him. I'm down. Obviously prefer Bivol, but this'll do until the Bivol fight happens.
Smith vs Arthur is maybe a 50/50 fight in my book. The key to beating Beterbiev as shown by Michael Hunter is to keep it long with a stiff 1-2. The power shown by Smith at 175 has been frightening and he is very long and rangey. Good boxer as well. Technically sound. His shortcomings at 168 mean nothing to me given the size of him. With that power , if he can land , he can win.
Bellew has a point. Beterbiev doesn't have the best defence and usually takes a few good shots. I think he can take them from Smith too, but perhaps not. Smith can bang and there is space that Beterbiev will have to cross due to Smith's height and reach.
We know Beterbiev can take a punch, the real question is, can Callum take big heavy shots at 175 ? I'm not sure
Easy fight for Beterbiev. Smith has beaten no one of note, except an injured Groves, and thats not saying much at all.
