Paul Smith ''He was what I expected him to be, nothing special ''

Groves seems to waste a lot of energy in there.

He's got into the Haye mould of waving his arms around trying to look flash, plus he's added lots of unnecessary movement which doesn't help.

DeGale seems more at ease, especially on Saturday - it was a good indication of where he is at. Up until then I'd have picked Groves in a heartbeat based upon their performances to date, and Groves having fought the better opponents too.

Now I'm not so sure, DeGale seems pretty streetwise and doesn't mind a bit of foul play either......

 

Don't agree at all with that. If that was the case and he would of had easy night with Anderson if he's that good as people suggest. He wastes energy because of needless movement. He actually is thinking about what to do on back foot because he isn't natural to it. He doesn't have the reflexes to pull it off and his counters are wide looping shots IMO.

DeGale likes the chess side of it but also likes a tear up. Groves i don't think had the patience or maturity to work in a tactical battle. DeGale can take it to the inside or keep it on outside.

 

Agreed, there is a lot to be said for economy of movement. You never saw Pernell Whitaker running all over the ring. It's about moving enough to make your opponent miss but not so much that you waste a ton of energy. Groves poses too much when he's doing nothing and moves far too much. It's okay when your David Haye and you can spark the guy in one volley of punches and can discourage him, but Groves isn't in that ilk.

I see that playing out fairly even early, but the holes in Groves defence, the holes in his overall style don't make for a great 12 round fighter at the moment. He'll do well with his long punching and movement early but it won't hold up or 12. DeGale will steadily up the tempo and stop him late.

 

He even stated that Anderson was the first fight where he was asked to fight to a plan and he struggled. DeGale went out and dealt with his work well.

We all know what Haye and Booth said to each other when Smith and Watt weren't looking....''I told you we should of picked DeGale!''

 

DeGale has no power? No confidence? That's clearly bollocks and he thinks he can take boxing fans for a mug. He should man up and admit he got beaten by a better man. In fact saying DeGale is nothing special now makes Smith look like he got outclassed by somebody average.

 

it's true, if DeGales just some average kid then he saying he's ****. I suppose that's the only truth from that article........

 

i see ur point, i watched the magic man documentary yesteday, u should see how he takes his defeat to cotto, his first loss and in a world title fight:thumbsup

 

Sad to see this obviously he is finding it hard to come to terms with the loss it would have reflected much beton him if he just said wow degale is the real deal I tip him to go onto special things rather than try and discredit him

 

I'll have a peek mate!

 

Awful stuff from Smith. He really should be ashamed of himself. He was outclassed from first bell and shown up for what he is. Degale played with him in there and really beat him very easily. I don't think he broke sweat.

Smith should go back to rematching Quigley.

 

I know Smith took some heavy blows to the head on Saturday but its disappointing to hear him talking absolute nonsense about the fight. He doesnt want to give De Gale any credit but anybody could see how good he was. One thing De Gale certainly isnt lacking is confidence! Id love to know what Smith is if De Gale is nothing special.

He should move back down to middleweight and come again.

 

He seems to genuinely dislike Degale, so much so he can't bring himself to pay him a compliment. Hopefully when the physical and emotional bruises have settled he'll give a more measured view.

As an extreme example of lack of dignity in a fighter, anyone remember Ashley Sexton after being gifted a draw against Shinny Bayaar?

 

Very good post. I was thinking something very similar. I picked DeGale as I have never seen anything in Smith that impresses me, but was very impressed with how DeGale after so few fights handled Smith.
Smith seems to hold alot and punch in clinches but dosent seem to be able to box to well on the outside.
Great performance by DeGale

 

Just read the fight report in the liverpool echo and i am lost for words.

Paul its embarassing to read you criticise degale after he ran absolute rings round you. Have a bit of class mate and give him some credit.

"he's not that good, he doesnt hit hard, i know i could beat him etc". If hes not that good then what are you?

Man up and accept he is streets ahead you.

 

Lost respect for Paul.

Glad DeGale beat your arse.