Both are world class operators with plenty of intestinal fortitude. Moreover, while I believe both men will likely have their moments in what projects to be a highly entertaining affair, I think Taylor's sharper, crisper punching--- particulalry in the trenches--- will ultimately be the difference. Taylor via decision or possibly late stoppage by virtue of his superior craft and (overall) athleticism.
Taylor is a great body puncher, but so is Raimrez. It's a tough one to call, but I think TTT can get a late stoppage with a liver shot
Money is on Taylor. Actually think Prograis was a bigger test. Full credit to the best facing the best.
Taylor has fought in the US before, so I'm not too concerned about that. Will be interesting to see how his game has changed at all under Ben Davidson. Taylor did exhibit a few flaws in both his fights to Barancyk and Prograis - namely that he can't seem to resist a tear-up, when he could probably make life easier on himself. Davidson is a bit more defensive minded thatn McGuigan, and that might be good to an extent as long as he doesn't try to change Taylor and make him overly cautious. Can't wait for this one though, I hope Josh is not sleeping on Raimrez, I think he is better than he showed against Postol - but Zepeda was unfortunate to lose the decision to Ramirez, so i'm hoping TTT can exploit the weaknesses he showed in those fights and become UKs first undisputed world champ in the 4 belt era.
I know Taylor will NOT get robbed. Both fighters are signed with Bob Arum and Top Rank. Jose Ramirez does virtually zero media related work, dose not keep active on social media and does nothing to raise his profile whatsoever. He is a about as low key and introverted as it is possible to be. He is a complete unknown, even to casuals and fans alike. Taylor is not exactly a household name, likeable or popular in anyway. The extent of this is that no broadcasting company in the UK even elected to show his undefeated, undisputed unification fight in his home country (UK). That's right, it's not even going to be on TV. A backwater streaming service picked it up, fite.tv. However, Taylor does at least try, he is very active on social media and seems to be making a huge attempt to be a funny cool guy. He also does any media work he can get his hands on. If anyone gets robbed, it's only ever about money. Who is more valuable. Who can make me (Bob Arum) more money. The answer to this is only one: Josh Taylor. This fight is for the number 1 at 140. The winner might fight Regis Progais afterwards, maybe not. Then head to 147. Taylor is, by far, the best of the two when we think of how much noise they are capable of making at 147. He can go there and not only get in big fights, but also has a very good chance of winning. He is also a Brit, that means he can bring over a lot of fans to his fight. That is a lot of gate money, hotel money, liquor money. Much more money than what Jose Ramirez is able to bring. That's the only thing that counts at the very top of boxing, money. Nationality means jack. If a fighter from Ghana had 50,000 fans travelling to Vegas, then he is not getting robbed. That's why Canelo doesn't get robbed. He has viewing numbers and fans. Money, money, money.
There's something strangely comforting seeing you Serge doing a virtual head nod. Glad to see nothing has changed and the slightly smug and painfully rhetorical posts are still here for us to cringe at. Taylor should win; he's got the talent and toughness to pull this out. I wouldn't sleep on Ramirez though, he's got that Mexican pedigree which comes with an immeasurable amount of determination.
Watching Ramirez vs Orozco earlier this morning and I saw how easy it is to hit Ramierz. He doesn't often use angles, his feet are a bit slow, and in this fight didn't throw right uppercuts that Orozco was open for. Ramierez is tough, brave, and relentless but I think Taylor can hit him clean from range pretty often. Late stoppage Taylor.
I think its going to be a great fight. I think Josh comes out boxing smart landing combinations and fighting behind the jab, but Taylor is a warrior at heart, and once Ramirez starts putting the pressure on, it will become more of a toe 2 toe battle with both fighters giving as good as they recieve. But, i think Ramirez is a little more durable and i think he eventually hurts taylor late in the fight and being a good finisher, gets the stoppage in the championship rounds. But damn, this is going to be a good one folks. Probably the most meaningful fight of the first half of 2021.
