I've always been a big fan of chunky, I think if you look at his attributes individually hes a special fighter but after 3 close fights you have to admit this guy cannot seem to put it all together. Jack is the exact opposite of Degale, keeps it compact and tight, not alot of flash just does all the fundementals and sticks to the game plan, while less talented he's discipline is what makes him the better fight of the two. That was a Jack win in my opinion, he's work was soo much more tidier and he's construct made sure degale did not land as cleanly. Degale is no longer the best 168lber in my eyes, his still a great fighter nevertheless.
No I think most have got his level just right. Groves, Jack, Degale, Ramirez i think could all edge each other on any given day.. Close division in terms of who's the best. None are Calzaghe, Hopkins,Kovalev,Froch or Ward level though..
This is an interesting question. I would say the one factor you are missing is how much Jack has improved since the Groves fight. If the De Gale of today had fought the Jack that turned up against Groves, De Gale would have won. Jack's defence is now really tight, most of De Gale's punches hit his guard, missed or were slappy. Against Groves he was wide open, and it was really due to Groves bad preparation and bad engine that led him to losing that fight. Some fighters do improve with good training, and Jack is clearly one of those. De Gale has not improved much since Groves, whilst Groves has gone backwards.
The top at SMW is very close atm. I put some of my fake money on the draw and some on Badou while predicting DeGale on points to cover all my bases yesterday. If Golovkin steps up and takes on one of them, I expect him to dominate actually.
I admit overrating Degale...he seems to fade and rest, and I was thinking that it was just him losing focus. Naw, he gasses and can't fight like he does for the first 4, for the whole fight. Badou Jack I knew was underrated so no problems there.
Degale is fringe elite, as he doesn't have the discipline to hold it together and stick to one particular gameplan when it matters. He's struggled with Groves, Medina and now Jack. Froch, GGG, Ward would make play with this fraud. As for Jack, he is making the most of souring in a somewhat weak division.
maybe it was just a great fight. with two different styles clashing . neither fighter needs to be disrespected. this is what happens when the best fights the best.
I never disrespected either of them. I just think its time I stop rating degale off his attributes and start rating him off his performance. That was a Jack win, he battered up Degales face and knocked out his tooth.
Jack is criminally underrated and gets no respect here. I told people here that Jack is a quality operator and would beat degale most thought he dudnt stand a chance in hell.
Degale's problem is he fades badly in fights. After about 4 or 5 rounds he has considerable less energy. Jack is a Glass Jawed fighter who has absolutely no future if he moves up to 175.