Nice win for Friday over Butler. Friday is one of those frustrating guys to watch. He has very good head movement, sharp body puncher, but often just doesn't throw enough. When he does decide to work, he can do damage. Where do you guys think he goes off of two good wins over Cameron and Butler? Remain a gatekeeper type, or maybe take a slight step up, pull off another nice win and get a shot ala' Ding?
I think he's the epitome of a gatekeeper. The fighters he has been able to beat have shown that they were C level ish and the fighters he has lost to have more or less gone on to do something. I enjoy watching him and hope he gets a big money fight before he's done.
It was a good win; but my problem with Friday is that he needs to be more active in the fight. He almost let that **** slip away from him and he is a horrible finisher too.
He definitely needs to be more active, but I'll disagree a bit on the finishing part. I think he would have knocked out Shane Cameron clean but for the ref stopping the fight at a time when Cameron was obviously wobbly in the 9th to have the cuts looked at and then the wet canvas where Friday fell down a few times. He ended up assaulting Cameron and getting the fight stopped anyway. Also, against Butler in the 7th round it looked he would have taken him out if the ref hadn't again stepped in for an untimely doctor visit. When Friday attacks, he's dangerous, and I think with his recent improvement could be ready for a bigger type win. Being offensive is a big part of that equation.
Ha ha , here i am,, I haven't been able to comment because i was in Las Vegas training Friday and working his corner on Fight night. We are extremely happy with the win and understandibly see what you are saying, about him smothering his own work.. I find that the hard part is motivation, i needed to almost jockey Friday to do more work from ringside on Friday evening. I thought we won a bit more convincingly than the cards read it , but we can't afford to allow guys to be let off the hook when we have them dont and all but surrendering. I am over the moon however, we have a few nice options and as being victorious against 2 unbeaten cats in a row we are in a nice place as afr as options go. I will keep you all posted.. Merqui Sosa and I are happy with the new team Ahunanya and he is a more relaxed fighter now. Thanks for the positive comments.. I have never been more happy with Friday, he fractured his hand too in the fight and it took him forever to pee a damn sample he was so excited and dehydrated after the fight.. God bless..
I thought the way he finished Cameron in that 12th was very nice, he put together a great combination.. Against Alonzo i have a big problem with the way the referee intervened with a major point in the fight to confer with the doctor.. That **** was a bit bogus...
I don't think Friday will emerge as a bonafide contender...he doesn't seem to have the talent. However I am impressed by his latest winning streak, and I think he deserves a big fight. One or two of the alphabet organizations will probably rate Friday in their top 10 now. That should be enough to earn him a shot at the big money...maybe he'll be matched against a top contender in an eliminator. Let's see how he does.
It's cool that Merqui is training him. Might make Friday more offensive. Sosa was all action and a nice guy, had the opportunity to meet him a couple times back in the day. I know you probably can't say, but any names being kicked around for a next opponent?
Bigcat, didn't Friday knock down Iggy, and got robbed. Can you repeat what happened? Wasn't the fight stopped prematurely? I'm from NZ, and saw Friday beat Cameron. Although I badly wanted Cameron to win, I wish Friday all the best. Why are you having trouble motivating him? Does he get up for the big ones? He has always lost when he's stepped up.
Did you all see my plea on the front page to have Friday fight Chagaev? [url]http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=16217&more=1[/url] I have already been told in the lounge that it is an epic fail, but I still maintain that this would be an interesting and intruiging fight.
Its always great to have someone like friday come from behind and pull some surprising victories. However as far as title shots go its a bit shady for someone like him. Too big a risk for too little money, if the man comes in and fights the fight of his life... Hasnt friday sparred with both tyson and wlad?
He definitely sparred with Tyson. There's a youtube video of Tyson where he thanks Friday for his help but forgets his last name.