So now it's official Kessler has a new head coach, and it's Jimmy Montoya. The only thing I know about the guy is that he has trained Salvador sanchez and is currently also training his cousin. I think it's a good move, but it's mainly cause he needs to change his ways, instead of just sticking with Olsen who was bad in the corner against Ward. Anyone think they can suceed?
This is great for Kessler, the Euro style of boxing just seems so basic, it doesn't bring out the versatility and potential in a boxer. Although British and Russian boxers fight very similar to Americans.
I hope it pays out for Kessler. Maybe he needs some change now and this move will add some new dimensions to his abilities. Anybody knows where in Kopenhagen the Froch-fight takes place?
Usually I think moves like this are more looking for a scapegoat.... but, in defense of Mikkel - I was stunned by the lack of direction that Olsen would give during both the Calzaghe and Ward fight. I can tell a boxer, "you're not doing enough" "you need to do more".... but that's not direction.
Mikkel needs a much better trainer to give him a good gameplan for his fights, cause he is not able to much about boxers like Ward at the moment. Also I think the mental trainer will help him focus more on what he can do, instead of looking to the referee and talking about how dirty the other fighter is etc. That's something he shouldn't worry about when he's already losing the fight.
Yes Montoya is very well known and respected on the West Coast hes had a long list of guys over the years. I remember he trained Camacho Sr too back in the 80s.
Kessler needs to start making some noise, if hes not injured he should be fighting regularly and not disappearing for long peroids. His promoter problems, injuries and inactivity are taking its toll on him. What happens if froch wins, that could be a mortal blow for him.
He owned Hoover St. Boxing Gym in East Los Angeles (which has since closed) and brought Cosme "Chino" Rivera to a #1 IBF welterweight ranking. Chino had little to no amateur experience and Jimmy took him pretty far on that somewhat limited talent and experience. He's also in the Top Rank Hall of Fame. Unfortunately, I can't contribute much more in terms of his list of fighters as I only knew him shortly during Chino's ascent. Everlast has a few shirts "Montoya Boxing" so...that at least gives a little credence to the fact that the dude had to be somewhat competent. From what limited time I spent with him and saw him, he definitely knows his stuff. There was an article on him on ESPN a few yrs ago saying Jimmy Montoya will forget more about boxing that most of us will ever know. Seems about right...the guy was first class. I'll be interested to see his mark on Kessler.
I think he trained Oscar Muniz (top JF contender in the 80s who beat Jeff Chandler) and he also trained Alex Ramos when he moved to LA. Also the Hoover street gym was In South Central not East LA. I think he might have trained former JF champ Juan "kid' Meza.
I dont know how much it will help this late in the game usually when things get heated in a fight the fighter 9 out of 10 times resorts back to what he always did for the previous 40 something fights....but you never know
