I gained a lot of respect for lyell after the Kirkland fight,which i thought was a premature stoppage.He showed a lot by taking all that Kirkland could throw at him and still wanting to continue.Not a big surprise for me.
Him trying to fight at 154 is a mistake. He has a solid middleweight frame, and he has fought at 160 his whole career. The lowest he ever weighed was his first few fights at 155.5. He cuts weight like every fighter does, but 10 pounds tends to be the limit for most fighters as to how much weight they can cut naturally without having to really drastically drain themselves. Duddy has never had any problem cutting to 160, he has been at 158 and as high as 162. Perhaps trying make the weight, his body just refused. trying to cut an extra 5 pounds can be huge. It might have affected the last few days of his camp and his focus. Not making excuses for Duddy, but I would think this is more of a fluke loss than anything else. Its not as if he was "exposed" in any way. No one has any illusions about Duddy being an elite fighter, but we all know that he is better than Lyell at least.
Which is EXACTLY what I predicted would happen :nut I guess Duddy failed his anger management classes as well.
Actually this loss might be the best thing for Duddy. Now that the bloom is off the rose, maybe Arum will pair him with Duddy like he said he would two years ago.
I seen Billy working out at Southside boxing club, a couple of months ago. Honestly, I was really impressed, he looked very, focused, strong, and fast. My theory is that Bill just graduated from college and now is able to focus on boxing, just my guess. Anyhow, great job, Jack and Billy..
I guess Billy didn't get the memo? Maybe the mob forgot the payment was due before the fight? Who know?
I was going to bring that up. I know he just graduated, but I wonder if he has a job as well? Not that school wouldn't take up a lot of time. You from the Ytown area then?
On a local radio show he said Kelly hits harder in sparing with the 16 oz mitts than Kirkland does in a fight, so I guess he was well prepared for that.
Hermit, Yes i am from Youngstown. I use to spar amateur with Ray Mancini, Harry Arroyo, Lenny Villers, and Jack Lowe. I often stop down at Southside Boxing Club and check things out. Watched Kelly spar for the Miranda fight and first Taylor fight. During the Miranda fight I will never forget this, I asked Jack what his Game Plan was for Miranda and he said we are going right after Miranda and I said well ok.. interesting.I am on Eastsideboxing everyday but, I keep a low profile, as you can tell from the amount of post's. It is a honor to see you, Boo, and pipewrenched on here everyday and being loyal fans of Kelly. For all the people that rank on Jack, he has been taken kids of the streets of Y- Town for more that 20 + years and he and his wife have dedicated their life. Jack has put on amature shows for many years. Thanks Guys