The all things technical thread.

I've always thought of Jones' decline as both physical and mental. He dropped off incrementally but it caused such a difference in how other fighters handled him that it looked even more pronounced than it actually was.

Mentally, he was enveloped in a culture of success. From standout amateur all the way to heavyweight "champion". The first bump in the road, struggling with Tarver, took a big toll on his psyche. The knockout in the rematch finished him.

Rather than adjust, reassess and adapt he ploughed ahead, still trying to do what he always did and came unstuck.

I once went 12 rounds with Derry Matthews. Took his best shots.

 

Roy carries on, I think, because he loves the game. I think their was so much pressure back in the day that now, he's actually enjoying it.

 

Going back a few pages to give my 2 cents on the "thumb up vs thumb down hook".

Correct technique i've always been told/heard/read that thumb down is the proper form but in practice I think it all comes down to personal preference.

Not only what you feel is more effective but what you feel most comfortable throwing.

I've always made the distinction that thumb down is a more definitive shot. It gives you the most power and leverage into your punch, fully allowing you to snap your hip and get full torsion on the end.

The thumb up, however, I see as more versatile. You can throw it quicker and more importantly get your guard back up quicker. Rather than "uncorking" your wrist and returning to guard you can bring your glove straight back to cheek. It also allows you to flick out a jab more readily if you fall short or glance off with the hook.

So for me it's thumb up = versatility and speed, thumb down = full bodied, power shot.

Re: fighters like Frazier and Tyson hooking thumb up, how much of that was a necessity from their short stature? I.e: reaching up with the hook rather than turning the fist over? They did what was more comfortable/suitable to their physical stature imo.

 

Glad someone is.

Great point though, while he does still crave the limelight I imagine he's enjoying it more without the weight of expectation.

Looking forward to the day he does finally hang em up though, well suited to an analyst role from what i've seen of him commentating. If only we can put Larry Merchant out to pasture......

 

Well, he's my boyhood hero so it's been pretty horrible viewing for me. But I'll respect him whatever be does...even the dreadful hip-hope made

 

Some things are unforgivable Flea.

MC Hammer would be turning in his grave. :-(

 

If he was dead!

 

Good thought that.


Just remembered........Derek Roche was advising to jab with ya thumb up so ya get through the opponents guard easier.

Anyways.

 

Just searching for you Slip, Then found this :rofl i'm sure he lands on Manny @ 3 seconds in here.
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0Hsi9LGnVU[/ame]

 

:deal He knows how to roll with the punches does Manny.

 

Yeah he jerks the head back a fair bit, even punch before he did. It may of clipped the pad and went towards him.

 

I have noticed when watching Wlad do bits of training he does a lot of pulling back exercises. Just forward and then back with upper body, I'm still on lookout for vids very few and far between in length and quality. Just odd bits of padwork for 20 seconds..