Yes, if you count a live stream rather than in the flesh. The most impressive thing (of many) was his beastly stamina, fueled by a mere few intermittent gulps of water and half a bag of Skittles.
The same thing always struck me, 'specially when they were training for a big fight. They'd go three rounds -- back-to-back -- with five cracking good sparring partners (all wanting to make an impression), without any loss of fire.
Brings vivid memories of several guys, MM. Most stayed within their own style, honing their tools. But if a sparring partner didn't play nice -- with a sucker punch, breaking on a clinch, wanting to make an instant rep, SRR, 'n the like,as a reminder -- big gloves, 'n all -- usually struck with a thunderbolt 'n flattened 'em. The lightweight Roberto Duran is seared in my mind. He didn't spar; from the opening bell, he took no prisoners. He was a Visigoth storming ashore with a battle ax.
What fighters have you seen who looked special in the gym but just couldn't replicate the same form on fight night JG?
At Stillmans, there were countless "gym fighters," (highly touted amateurs) who looked like a million dollars sparring...made Marciano look like a heavy bag, but wilted in real bouts.
Sparred 2 rds with JLC before he was known on the boxing scene. Felt like I was fighting a reincarnation of SRL. Guys jab was coming at lightning speed....no time to put up a glove, then thump right in the nose. Thankfully he was aware in the disparity of class and didnt finish me off with head shots, but instead feinted with a jab and dug a L hook in under my guard......I was done.....though I mighta bruise a rib there. Couldnt breathe for almost 2 minutes. Edit: It was more like 3 minutes really.:yep
This one guy, top amateur here, did something similar with me. I got up from the KD but then he just started banging my shoulders. Thats all he aimed for. Boy could he punch! Finally he opened up with a few bodyshots and i was just broken down. I did not return to the gym for almost a week
'prreciate your candor,c... Now it's a funny memory over a pint, but the hook musta been a hot poker in the ribs.
and thats why we love roberto NO ****ING MERCY!. he earnt his spot at the top and he aient giving it to NO ONE