Both men are chalk and cheese from there lifestyle to there careers as prizefighters. The one thing that gives these two men common ground is there desire to become a world champion. Amir Khan plays a major role in both of there careers for very different reasons. Khan has them in his rearview as he speeds towards the more 'elite' of the boxing community. On saturday night Both McCloskey and Prescott have 36 minutes to cling on to not only to a chance of a rematch with Khan but also the thought of having any career at world level. This is a crossroads battle, A battle that i'm intrigued by due to the very different styles they both present. What are the keys to victory for both men? McCloskey This content is protected - - - Prescott This content is protected - - - Eliminator for: This content is protected I'm starting to look forward to this. I wasn't so keen the other day but both men know a win is a must. :good
McCloskey: Don't look for the right hook, set it up with the left hand. Movement, and jab is the key to keeping Prescott sweet. Prescott: Cut the ring off, ramrod jab, close the distance, put compact hooks together well. Look for right hook as McCloskey poses in a faux-elusive fashion, push him toward it with the jab.
Not sure theres too much rocket science involved from Prescott's POV. He's only got one dimension. Stand at mid range and throw looping shots. Thats what he's good at and its about all he's good at so I don't see him changing it up too much and I doubt he'd be able to. He's the type of guy where if you asked him to do something else he'd probably be clueless. It might just work against the more static McCloskey compared to his recent foes. McCloskey needs to get his feet out of quicksand. Standing there ducking and diving might work but he may also end up soaking up too much punishment. They need him lighter on his feet this time.
Paul really needs to become a runner and stay away from Prescott all night, theres no point entertaining him in a war that is benifit to him. Prescott has to con Paul into thinking he's a counter puncher, draw McClosky in close then unleash his winging shots and start a fire fight, not giving up throwing until Paul holds or legs it.
McCloskey...should box and not brawl, make sure he doesnt get hit, and obviously hit prescott as often as possible...he should probably go for a late rounds, accumulative stoppage. Prescott has to try to take him out early, make it into a scrap, if it goes past round 5 he has very little chance
McCloskey -Footwork/Movement: Must move feet even halfstepping back and to side to offset Prescott who likes a standing target. In doing this he will frustrate Prescott who gets anxious and wants to land with intent. Early rounds i'd give up the iniative and lead Prescott onto him. He falls in with punches then you can counter and score nicely. -Jab: Must make use of his southpaw stance. Switch the jab upstairs and downstairs and create openings for counters/leads. -Compact: I'm slightly worried about Paul in this fight due to fact he can be a bit open and ragged. He sometimes wants to be more awkward then he should and actually makes life harder on himself. I would like him to opt for a bit more brains then brawn and keep a tighter shell and tighter punches. He can't afford to swing with this guy like Khan did. Early on he will have to make do with points punching then later on he can look to hurt. He must roll with the punches as well and stay in stance. Prescott: Patience: He is far to eager to land, The Mitchell fight he starts to complain early on that Mitchell's moving away from him. Prescott has a pretty nice jab and should apply it under steady pressure focusing on just pinning down McCloskey who's not a natural mover. Combinations: Breidis should look to work from head to body at long range. McCloskey will look to dip down to side or lean back so he should look to jab/double it then as Paul rolls and slips, he should step around McCloskey rip the left hook to head and body and and shorten the right over on the inside. Jab: Is a must! always against a southpaw and a awkward customer like McCloskey look to use your reach and range and double the jab and draw McCloskey's lead either defensively or offensively. I'm concerned about Paul in some aspects of this fight. I worry about his patience and not trading in exchanges with Prescott as well as his lack of movement. He has to be sensible and accept the height and range of Prescott dictates the type of fight you must make it. Presscott could be such a dangerous fighter if he concentrated and stayed patient. He is far to aggressive for own good. McCloskey should look to make him miss, land the points scoring punches and take the rounds.
