I've only seen the fight once but my observations were: - Less head and body movement, he seemed much more stationary (less Tyson-esque movement) - Seemed to have slightly slower hand speed, as you would expect - Fought in bursts again similar to the last 4 or 5 fights, especially the Bradley fight. This really was a sparring session against a a mobile heavy bag. - nice sporadic busts and great combo's but Manny seems to never plant his feet and throw one big power shot? I guess that's his style - lacked a decent jab and didn't throw the jab often enough - perhaps based on the last fight he has shelved the feint with the right and throw with the left? - When infighting or up against the ropes Manny just stands there and does nothing allowing his opponent to slap away. I don't get this at all?? - round 12 he absolutely held his punches back. I think if he went for it from round 6 he would have gotten Rios out of there by 10 but he seemed less willing to get into a fight than before. towards the end it started to feel like a mix of Margarito 2 and Mosely 2. - Has a tendency to take a break and stand there with the double hands up Clottey defence. He tends to take a few punches, especially uppercuts at this point. - Clearly does not have the punch power many think he has. I dare say if Floyd threw and landed that many punches the effect would be very similar? That said it was a b+ comeback and was great to see him back in the ring. Boxing missed Manny and when he retires boxing will be greatly diminished. Any thoughts on where I'm wrong/right on my assessment??
Pretty accurate summation. I think it was a combination of him being more cautious and haven slowed down a small bit. It's not necessirly a bad thing that he was thinking a bit more in there and he did win 120-108 so its hard to be too critical. He has never had huge power at 147 and Rios has a great chin so I expected it to go the distance. I agree he didn't fight well on the inside. Manny the destroyer of 2009 is probably gone forever but he is still elite and at this stage in his career, maybe being less reckless isn't a bad thing..
Thanks for your thoughts Collie. I was aware that I may be being too critical but I guess the elephant in the room is always how is he travelling compared to Floyd. I just thought he seemed a little less dynamic, unwilling to finish, a little slower and also less mobile. That said in the context of his KO he followed a gameplan and showed great restraint perhaps?? He fought smart so maybe I am being a bit harsh? I just think He still looks vulnerable in close, this is a major flaw. If he ever fights Floyd he will not outbox him so he must work on: - better jab and more consistent with it - Stop looking at the ref....Floyd takes full advantage of these moments. - If you make the opponent miss....make them pay with a solid counter (less likely to happen with F as he throws from the back foot and never over balances)