Nah, I always thought that was just an excuse. He was training every day, it's all he had to do. It never bothered him before.
Wierd I don’t really think of Qawi as a pressure fighter, although he could slip into and out of that mode. I certainly don’t see him as a pressure fighter, but I think his size makes people want to put him in this group. I do think his defense sometimes goes under the radar. I do think he was a great counter puncher with a great counter jab especially when we factor in size and reach. Before his fight with Spinks Braxton said of his style: “I am a counterpuncher who makes people pay for thier mistakes”. Rock Newman: “people have thewrong impression of Braxton's style. 'Somehere along the line, somepeople have gotten the misconception that he's a brawler. He's a boxer.”
James Scott, although Scott chose to box him rather than press like usual. Jerry “The Bull” Martin. Leon Spinks at cruiser. And Evander at cruiser also stood toe to toe with him.
I recall the Spinks Qawi fight,, after Spinks nailed him with a hard right early Qawi fought cautiously the rest of the way. Foster will nail him too. Bob by UD.
This is a tough one and a very good question. A tall rangy puncher vs a shorter busier pressure fighter. I’m wondering if Qawis chin and stamina might be a deciding factor here ?
I love Foster, but I think Qawi could really wear down Foster's fit but thin frame with a lot of body punching. No way Foster can handle it. He also doesn't have the legs to handle it.
It's possible the fight snoozes along after that ala the Spinks fight. But Foster liked racking up knockouts...