[Clip] Manny Steward on matchmaking/avoiding certain fighters

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by mrkoolkevin, Sep 4, 2017.


  1. mrkoolkevin

    mrkoolkevin Never wrestle with pigs or argue with fools Full Member

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    Interesting clip where Manny seems to admit that he kept Tommy Hearns away from certain rough pressure fighters. Any idea who he might have been referring to?

    He also notes that Ali wasn't as effective against "guys who could box" like Young and Norton.

    https://streamable.com/1n6r1
     
    mrkoolkevin, Sep 4, 2017
    mrkoolkevin, Sep 4, 2017
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  2. reznick

    reznick In the 7.2% Full Member

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    That's a pretty key finding. Well done.
    It says more about Hearns than it does Ali.

    It was Hearns's balance. He had good balance mechanics when he wasn't crowded. But his legs seemed to get wobbly when he was pressured.
     
    reznick, Sep 4, 2017
    reznick, Sep 4, 2017
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  3. greynotsoold

    greynotsoold Boxing Addict

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    That is standard practice. You match your guy against opponent's he can not only beat, but look good beating them. Whenever possible and, if the promoter believes in the fighter, it is almost always possible.
     
    greynotsoold, Sep 4, 2017
    greynotsoold, Sep 4, 2017
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  4. Perry

    Perry Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    In general a good matchmaker would avoid putting a boxer in the ring with another boxer. Ali's skills were best shown vs punchers as would most great boxers throughout history.
     
    Perry, Sep 4, 2017
    Perry, Sep 4, 2017
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  5. mrkoolkevin

    mrkoolkevin Never wrestle with pigs or argue with fools Full Member

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    Thanks. I think it's more that Hearns needed room to work at his preferred range (because of his long arms), coupled with the fact that he didn't have the best chin. Wasn't the pressure that got his legs wobbly so much as it was the punches to his chin.
     
    mrkoolkevin, Sep 4, 2017
    mrkoolkevin, Sep 4, 2017
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  6. mrkoolkevin

    mrkoolkevin Never wrestle with pigs or argue with fools Full Member

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    Sure, but in Hearns' case, I think there was also the heightened risk that he might actually get hurt and taken life and death by inferior opponents.
     
    mrkoolkevin, Sep 4, 2017
    mrkoolkevin, Sep 4, 2017
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  7. mrkoolkevin

    mrkoolkevin Never wrestle with pigs or argue with fools Full Member

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    It depends. Some boxers are especially vulnerable to being physically overwhelmed by brawlers and maulers. Those guys are on much safer ground against other boxers.
     
    mrkoolkevin, Sep 4, 2017
    mrkoolkevin, Sep 4, 2017
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  8. reznick

    reznick In the 7.2% Full Member

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    Those are good points.
    I'm not sure I would call it chin, because the wobbling would sometimes show even when he wasn't hurt. But getting hurt definitely exacerbated the problem.
     
    reznick, Sep 4, 2017
    reznick, Sep 4, 2017
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  9. The Morlocks

    The Morlocks Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    DUNDEE said if Hearns had proper balance, he would have beaten them all.
     
    The Morlocks, Sep 4, 2017
    The Morlocks, Sep 4, 2017
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  10. Perry

    Perry Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Boxer vs boxer usually produces a lousy hwt fight.
     
    Perry, Sep 4, 2017
    Perry, Sep 4, 2017
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  11. reznick

    reznick In the 7.2% Full Member

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    Interesting, thank you.
     
    reznick, Sep 4, 2017
    reznick, Sep 4, 2017
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