As did I. I did (briefly) consider re subscribing, but decided against, it'll be on R5L, and a RBR on here, I'm fine with that. Agree with the post about the quality of his opposition, the guy slipping and sliding everywhere was a new low. Plus the non puncher in a fight that was allowed to go on for far too long. I've just got the suspicion this might be a lot closer than I initially thought. Especially if Fowler uses his long jab.
Unless Fowler takes him out early with a big shot, i would imo Smith would have to massively on slide for Fowler to win. Not seen nothing to suggest Smith is on decline.
Smith has boxed at a higher level than Fowler, obviously, but the way he's being talked about is as if he's some legend of the sport. He's not that good. I give Fowler a chance. It's a big challenge for Fowler mentally, more than anything. He will need to relax and settle in to the bout.
I like Beefy and think he's extremely underrated. Fully expect him to win this weekend. If he didn't get robbed in Russia then this fight doesn't happen.... but it kind of left him without too many "stand-out" options on the table. Obviously he was presented with the Tszyu fight in Australia but given the travel restrictions and the quarantine you can completely understand why he didn't take it as the preparation a few weeks prior to fight night would be massively affected. Given some of the fights he's been involved in (e.g. Canelo) and how long he's been in the game, he clearly needs a fight that he can get up for. No doubt about it he feels Fowler is a level below him but given the fact he had fewer options on the table yet is presented with a local derby, as it's a big night in Liverpool it's one that he can get himself up for..... a fight that he can get out of bed for and do those long runs because he won't want to get turned over in his home city. Really could not give a toss that they didn't shake hands a few weeks back.... it's a local derby what do you expect.
I am a big Fitzy fan but 'got flattened',- he lost on a split decision in what was a close fight. Fowler is not well liked and with good reason but no one can deny that was a very competitive, close fight. Fowler should have already faced Cheeseman and or Conway who are both Matchroom fighters. I question how much he needed to be built back up after his loss, as he's hardly a novice. Regardless of that, his opposition to me stands out as being particularly shocking and will do him no favors. He's been badly managed in my opinion. I'm convinced that at this stage he has probably made more money from his CBD business than he has from boxing. When he loses on Saturday and I think he will that will be one of the main reasons behind it. Sorry but when your 6 months off your 31st birthday you can't be in the position of facing adversity in the ring for only the second time in your career!!
He has a wee chance. I think people realise with the way Fowler is rigid when he fights will play into Smiths hands. Think Fowler will have decent success early. I do like way he has kept quite in build up.
He is underrated. That was shown in the rematch with Williams when he changed his style and out boxed him. He has one of best variety of punches in the UK. He is a real through back fighter, that just loves a fight.