Matthew Hall 20(13)-1 I liked this kid. His style was a refreshing change from what we usually see from British prospects. He's small and compact, looks to utilize head movement and bobbing and weaving to get inside and land wicked body shots. I was also quite impressed with his defensive work, both his upper body movement and his guard which was quite sneaky as he used his elbows which is gonna hurt some guys hands. His shots all sounded like they had venom too. I think he could improve by switching up to the head a bit more to get the elbows up, and also use his jab more to get inside as a variation to weaving. I think he can do something at 154 at British level at least, what happened against Concepcion? Bad chin? Need a rematch, he can win that fight. Denton Vassell 9(4)-0 Looks a very well rounded fighter already. He seems to be a volume fighter with a high output. But also effective from long range, I liked his consistent jab and the variety of his attack was very good and he is very rhythmical and easy on the eye. I think he is already good enough offensively to fight anybody in Britain, but his defence concerned me a little. Looked good at times but he got sloppy on occasion just leaving his chin out for no reason. I think he is the sort of guy that is going to score more and more KO's as he gets stronger and fights longer distances given his work-rate and I think he does have natural power more so than his record suggests. An A grade prospect I think. Tony Bellew 7(4)-0 I didn't know what to make of this guy. He did some things very well and others horribly, and looks far from the finished article and the one that needs most work. Plus sides are he looked huge for his weight, but also quick and powerful. Reminded me of Froch in many ways, he neglected the skills he obviously has from amateur, keeps his hands down, and didn't always put his shots together instead winding up. He looked at his best when he let the guy come to him and counter. But his opponent did not come to fight, just fiddle his way through. Against somebody coming to win that will take risks this man is going to be dangerous I feel. Unpolished diamond is my verdict. What did you think?
[YT]vnmU0Xplh3g[/YT] That's the Hall v Concepcion fight, it's a premature stoppage imo and the referee steps in as he thinks Hall has been staggered again when what actually happens is Hall catches his arm in the rope which causes him to appear to wobble. I think he'd win a rematch. I didn't see Fridays show but what I think is interesting to note is Stephen Smith scored another stoppage against a guy who normally isn't stopped(Robin Deakin). Smith could be a very very good prospect.
Watched the Hall fight last night and he looked impressive. He works the body very well. If he can improve his hand speed a bit he'll be even more dangerous. He should have a rematch with Concepcion and then step up in opponent class.
dont think it was that bad a stoppage really. if he hadnt got his hand caught perhaps it might of gone on for a bit longer, but hall was hurt and still tried to go toe to toe, there was a bit of time left in the round so i think it would have been a matter of time before conception finished it. hopefully he fights smarter these days.
hall was brought along quite slowly with concepcion his first opponent with decent ko ratio. hall should knock him out if there ever is a rematch (concepcions chin is khanesque).
I would put the breaks on denton vassell being an A grade prospect unless he has signifanctly improved from his performance on the Khan- Prescott undercard. on that night he hardly threw a straight punch all night, fights similar to tyson with his hands held high and alot of lateral movement because of that, however he seemed to lack a jab and any one punch power that can give fighters a decent 'punchers chance'. It doesn't look like he will be willing to fight on the back foot either, seems a bit one dimensional. I personally don't believe he will make it to world level, infact, I'd be surprised if he won the British title. Who was he fighting last night? Getting clocked at this level an all..
I've just noticed that the creator of this thread said he liked his consistant jab, that's good, he has obviously worked on that because it was non existant!
ahh, Alexandrs Spitko was his opponment, won 4 lost 7, lost his last 5 including last nights fight, 4 of them by TKO/KO. You can't judge his potential much from fighting this guy... I don't mean to rip into Denton! hope he proves me wrong... 2006 ABA champion so he can't be that bad
Spitko is a great lad and you can judge alot on the fights he is in. Spitko always brings a good fight and comes forward with aggression.
I didn't see Vassell on the Khan undercard, but I did hear he was unimpressive and a bit crap. He said he was overeager. So I wasn't expecting much, but he impressed me last night.
That's a very good spot. He's in trouble no doubt, but its a bad stoppage at that point. Arm clearly caught in the rope. Concepcion is a good puncher despite his own fragile jaw, and Hall just looked inexperienced walking into clean shots. I think he's improved and can make something of himself at 154.
