the what fights did you watch today\scorecard thread.

Fight 2: Golovkin vs Ouma

1: 9-10
2: 9-10
3: 9-10
4: 9-10
5: 9-10
6: 9-10
7: 10-9
8: 10-9
9: 10-9
10: ko

Golovkin faces his first well known opponent, even though Ouma is way past his best.

It's interesting watching this back now knowing what I know. Seeing it now I can't help but feel a sense of inevitability about the ending, but watching it at the time it very much felt like Golovkin was yet another EE MW never will be.

Up until round 9 this fight is very much in Kasim's favour. Ouma very much out punches and out fights Golovkin for large stretches of this fight. He also slips and rolls whatever is recklessly flung his way.

Round 9 wasn't so much Golovkin getting through with huge shots, as it was he broke Ouma down.

Golovkin showed great conditioning this fight, but not much else.

He won the fight by stoppage but he had to go through hell to secure it and in many ways this fight was considered to have exposed Golovkin.

 

I just watched a film I did not know was out there. The 1974 bout between Clyde Gray and Bunny Grant. The film was not hi-def by any means so I was a bit leery, but it turned out to be a very enjoyable contest between a very hot and very underrated welterweight in Gray and an 80 bout veteran at 33 years of age in Grant. Although scores were not displayed, I know Canada was using the 5-point must system at this time.

Clyde Gray v Bunny Grant

Round 1: 5-5 Even
Round 2: 5-4 Gray
Round 3: 5-4 Gray
Round 4: 5-4 Gray
Round 5: 5-4 Gray
Round 6: 5-3 Gray (scores a knockdown)
Round 7: 5-4 Gray
Round 8: 5-3 Gray (no knockdown but Gray batters Grant)
Round 9: Grant's corner retires him at the bell for the 9th

Total through 8 completed rounds: 40-31 Gray

I felt the first four rounds Grant was very competitive in. But in the 5th Gray's engine had amassed a full head of steam and he really took over from there and he let it rip. However, Grant was all heart and never gave up. Even in the 6th when he went down he was exchanging ferociously at the end of the round. The show itself was pretty cool because this was a tape being reviewed by the ringside commentator and Clyde Gray himself. Gray was very articulate and candid and gracious towards Bunny. He also talked about past foes such as Jose Napoles and Eddie Perkins. As I said, although the video wasn't top notch, the audio was. And when they're at the ropes above the camera, the viewer sees and hears every shot so vividly as they let those combos rip. Although Bunny was at the end of the trail by this time, one could see the handful he must have been in his 135-140 prime. And as for Gray, let's just say you can really get an idea how many belts he would have today. Man, this was a world class welterweight who was fighting in an era of 15 round world title fights not to mention 15 round Commonwealth championship fights. A truly impressive fighter.

 

Fight 3: Golovkin vs Proksa

1: 10-8
2: 10-9
3: 10-9
4: 10-8
5: ko

This was the fight that actually convinced me Golovkin was a world class talent.

So after the Ouma fight Golovkin had destroyed two lower level fighters and was beginning to get a bit of hype about him now. His amateur record was well known, the Ouma win was seen as proof that his power could defeat even the toughest of fighters and he had destroyed everyone else.

This was the big American debut, but more importantly it was against a prime world ranked talent. This was the fight that could move Golovkin from a top ten fighter to a top 5 fighter, and boy did he deliver.

He had learnt a lot from the Ouma fight, namely patience and sticking to the fundamentals. No longer was he just a none stop aggressive force. He came in behind his jab, picked his punches to deadly effect, and started to actually attempt to avoid punches coming his way.

He was no Pernell Whitaker, but he no longer gave up 4/5 punch combinations to prove he could take the punches. Now he would back up, block, roll with the punches, and then push back with the jab to set up his offence again.

Proksa was totally out matched and he was really unlucky to discover what a prime Golovkin was actually capable of. Namely he can cut off the ring in two steps, he can find a hole in any defence and destroy it with his power, and what's worse is he can do this for the full 12 rounds.

This Golovkin, this one doesn't lose to Canelo, I'll forever believe that just as I'll forever believe Klitschko in his prime doesn't lose to AJ.

 

Fight 4: Golovkin vs Rosado

1: 10-9
2: 10-9
3: 10-9
4: 10-9
5: 10-9
6: 10-9
7: ko

At this point in his career now the scene is set and actually it stays this way for the next 4 years. Golovkins fans are screaming from the rafters that he's the best MW in the world, put him in with anyone and he'll knock them out. But the problem is, not just anyone will get in the right with him. He's frozen out of the picture at the top of the division, Pirog is willing to fight him but unable due to what we now know was a career ending back injury. So Golovkin will keep facing and dominating world ranked fighters in the hope he eventually gets that fight.

The problem is he's already in his 30s and time isn't on his side.

As for this fight, it's the same as the Proksa fight. Golovkin establishes his jab, follows up with huge power shots whenever the opportunity is there. He cuts the ring off better than anyone in the division. He fully respects his opponent and defends when he needs to. Ultimately the power is too much, and here again it is. He rips the face of Rosado to shreds until his corner has seen enough.

 

Fight 5: Golovkin vs Ishida

1: 10-9
2: 10-9
3: ko

This fight interested me for a few reasons. Don't get me wrong, Ishida was miles away from being world ranked at the time of this fight. But he was bigger and taller plus he had quick hands and had gone the distance with Williams and Pirog, not to mention he had anhilated Kirkland, so the fight did intrigue me.

As it was Golovkin cut through Ishida like a knife through butter and damn near decapitated him. Golovkin got no credit for this win but I was secretly impressed, I must admit.

 

Fight 6: Golovkin vs Macklin

1: 10-9
2: 10-9
3: ko

This was the fight that convinced me Golovkin was the uncrowded MW king, and actually I think it's the fight that convinced the world he was the best out there. With what we know about how the MW division was at this specific time, there is no one who realistically believes Martinez or Cotto would have survived a fight against Golovkin.

At the time, some believed Martinez might well beat him, but given what we know about his knee, the chances of that happening were precisely zero.

I felt bad for Macklin in this fight at the time. He really wanted to take the fight to Golovkin, he wanted to bully the bully. Back him up with body work and big hooks. But when he tasted that power in round 1, he went on the defensive, Golovkin gained momentum and whilst Macklin did go out on his shield, by round 3 the writing was on the wall.

Man this Golovkin beats a lot of guys through history imo.

 

Fight 7: Golovkin vs Stevens

1: 10-9
2: 10-8
3: 10-9
4: 10-9
5: 10-9
6: 10-9
7: 10-9
8: ko

This fight actually starts off quite exciting, Stevens landing big quick shots, Golovkin chopping away with his inevitable power. Then Golovkin knocks Stevens down and the fight completely changes.

Stevens wears his ear muffs hoping to land a hail Mary counter, the opportunity becomes smaller and so does his attacking time in each round.

By round 7 Golovkin is just pounding right through the guard, landing body shots at will.

Stevens takes his beating, but it was a beating.

This stage of Golovkins career was frustrating. He can't get a big fight, he's quite clearly the best MW in the world and there's nothing anyone can do about it. Martinez and Cotto will continually promise to fight him, but history shows they never will.

I'd love to see this man against Dick Tiger. I take Tiger UD all day long but I'd love to see it play out.

 

Brian Mitchell vs Jim McDonnell

Ok, I didn't score this one (not one for scoring in the late night). This was an interesting clash of styles - Mitchell, the well rounded, strong Boxer Puncher with a classical style leaning, and McDonnell, the well schooled, shifty footed straight puncher of a British ideality. Despite the commentators say, Mitchell started stronger, although not much work was done, as his body punching made the difference. Beautiful parry and slip into the right hand body shot. Reminiscent of the great Napoles' technique, which was used to great effect here to offset McDonnell's strong jab. The constant counters at first made him weary and lowered the work rate considerably. However, McDonnell started to find his way by the mid rounds, perceptive of Mitchell's bait - perception he used to start slipping inside and countering with a strong left lead and a body shot. A risky strategy that seemed to be paying off, as McDonnell started to change the momentum in his favour. McDonnell's footwork troubled the more leaden Mitchell throughout, at one point leading to Mitchell gesturing him to come forward. Despite this, Mitchell was disciplined and well educated in cutting McDonnell off with positioning and a constant double jab. McDonnell started to to counter this wit a left hook later on, but Mitchell yet again adjusted by switching his jab to the body more and throwing looping right hands, to body and head.

Further on, the bout was still competitive, but McDonnell lost his mid fight momentum and began to fall back into Mitchell's pattern. Still seeking to win, the ultra fit McDonnell decided that one last strategy of exchanging would be needed. Surprisingly, it worked for a time - landing some uppercuts and strong straight punches. Mitchell quickly came on, however, as the mid range trenches were his comfort zone. He quickly proceeded to batter McDonnell's body and counter to the head. A strong finish seized the decision for the Champion, in a competitive but decisive battle.

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Fight 8: Golovkin vs Geale

1: 10-9
2: 10-8
3: ko

Geale is by far the best opponent Golovkin has been matched with. He's finally been able to get a fight against someone in the top 5 of the world. With Martinez falling so one sidedly to Cotto, its now clear to everyone Golovkin is the best MW in the world, and has been for a couple of years now.

Geale had unified two titles against Sturm and avenged his loss to Mundine.

He had just dropped a very close decision with Darren Barker, albeit one I point blank refuse to score against Barker.

In the ring Geale has clearly studied Golovkin and is doing his best Kasim Ouma impression by staying very busy, very mobile, and throwing quick combinations in the pocket.

The difference now is Golovkin will defend these attacks, re establish his jab, cut off the ring and unload when his backs are on the ropes. This means his accuracy is a lot higher than it was vs Ouma, he doesn't have to rely on his conditioning to bail him out.

He patiently stalks Geale as if he's the second coming of Joe Louis.

By the third round the inevitable has happened.

The story here is very clear. Golovkin is seen by all as the best MW out there. His peers at the top of the division don't want to lose by ko to a man who cannot draw a huge crowd. Golovkin has a clear path in front of him, knock everyone out and make himself the A side fighter.

This fight goes a long way towards achieving that goal.

 

The first time I saw this fight I had Lampkin ahead, and that was watching it live on CBS. I scored it out now and here is what I saw.

Roberto Duran v Ray Lampkin

Round 1: 10-9 Duran
Round 2: 10-9 Lampkin
Round 3: 10-9 Lampkin
Round 4: 10-10 Even
Round 5: 10-9 Duran (2 minute round??)
Round 6: 10-9 Duran
Round 7: 10-9 Lampkin
Round 8: 10-9 Lampkin
Round 9: 10-9 Duran
Round 10: 10-10 Even
Round 11: 10-9 Duran
Round 12: 10-9 Lampkin
Round 13: 10-10 Even
Round 14: Duran KOs Lampkin

Total through 13 completed rounds: 125-125 Even (actual scores: 129-124, 129-124 and 128-122 all for Duran)

We all remember the dark quote from Duran after the bout. "If I was in shape I would have sent him.....", we know the rest. But what is key was always that part of not being in shape. And it is evident from the 6th round on. Duran is exhausted and never got a second wind. In fact he showed more energy post fight jumping around the ring in joy. As well he should because Lampkin took this seriously. Duran had the heavier hands but Lampkin had the faster, the sharper and he was as scrappy as hell. Even the KO can't really be held up as anything amazing other than the effect because Lampkin walked onto it and hitting his head on the canvas didn't help matters. Rounds 11, 12 and 13 became really sloppy with both exhausted by this time. It should be noted that the officials scoring this bout were all from Panama and their scores do not reflect what actually took place in that ring. I had it all square after 13 and a quick check of this thread shows 3 more of our posters scored this. Natonic and Philly had it 125-123 and 124-123 respectively for Duran while GPater had it 125-122 for Lampkin. These are far more realistic scores.

 

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Last time - and the only time - I scored it, I had Roman up.

I felt like Santos gave away the first two rounds. He wasn't throwing much, but was looking for openings and kept on giving different looks. Taut the angles of his feet; trying to find the best way to get inside. In the third, he found it. A slip, shift, uppercut. His head-movement nullified Roman's jab, and he kept himself on Roman's chest, where Gilberto's brilliant movement could be abolished. How can you move if someone's pushing at the right moments, so you're off balance? It really kicked off in the fourth. Damn, this is a great fight, close too. I loved Roman's parries, and feints with his lead. Very economical, actually quite reminiscent of Michael Spinks IMO. Laciar was much more aggressive here. Up and down, in and out, constantly moving and throwing two/three punch combos as sharp as ever. He did get in position very neatly, and he really made the most of it; landing cleaner and winning the round IMO.

Great fireworks in the fifth from both. More head-movement from Roman here, as opposed to the movement he was using in the previous four. Worked well for him, and I thought his clean counters won the round. Another very close one. Santos elected to box on the back-foot in the sixth, it worked well. Brilliant footwork, and some very sharp counters as he retreated to the ropes, but I just can't ignore the activity of Roman with his left hand. Another very close round. For ****'s sake, another swing round! I think Laciar took this one. Roman's jab was again in his face, but he landed some of those brilliantly put together combos and counters, I had to give him it. Back to aggression from Laciar, and it's working well. Roman trying a mummy guard and stiff-arms off the ropes, but not throwing enough for my liking.

Laciar working the body to good extent in the ninth. Brilliant tenth. I felt Laciar's dominance over the first minute or so was more impressive than Roman barely getting the better of the tit-for-tat exchanges in the rest of the round. Laciar looking outstanding in that first minute. So accurate, with some unbelievable head-movement. He almost went unit, without missing.

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10 : 9
10 : 9
9 : 10
9 : 10*
10 : 9* (48/47)
10 : 9*
9 : 10
9 : 10
9 : 10
9 : 10 (

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I've said recently that Roman is my #1 SFly. That hasn't changed, but I think H2H, there's a few guys who'd trouble him. Haven't seen his late career losses, but I'd always pick Moon to beat him as well as 50/50s with Khaosai and prime Jiro. But one things for sure, this guy is ****ing brilliant. What a technician.

Laciar was a truly exceptional flyweight. One of the all-timers for sure. I can see him either beating, or being troublesome for so many ATGs. The only fighters I think I'd make a decent favourite over him are Harada, Borkhorsor and Wolgast. He has a very live chance of beating everyone else, and he has a chance vs those three as well - just not a very big one IMO. I so wish footage of the Betulio fight emerges.

 

Fight 9: Golovkin vs Rubio

1: 10-9
2: ko

This is Golovkin at his very best. One of the best jabs in the sport, the best footwork in the sport and that absolutely crushing power.

He really does look like Joe Louis in there.

Really enjoying this boxing binge, really struggling to see arguments against Golovkin being an ATG MW fighter.

 

Fight 10: Golovkin vs Murray

1: 10-9
2: 10-9
3: 10-9
4: 10-7
5: 10-9
6: 10-9
7: 9-10
8: 10-9
9: 10-9
10: 10-8
11: ko

This is the best performance against Golovkin since Ouma many fights ago.

Murray followed that game plan to a tee, he kept a very tight defence, he threw quick combinations, put the work in to the body and some of the rounds were very close, it looked in round 7 as if Murray had made Golovkin expend too much energy, but then Golovkin got a second wind and it was basically over.

For all the success Murray had, he couldn't ever gain Golovkins respects. Golovkin has sured up his defence enough were he isn't just taking flush punch over and over like he did against Kasim, that means you need power to stop his forward March, and power is something Murray just doesn't have.

Very brave effort, but ultimately a losing effort.

 

was at this fight, fairly entertaining early on. met kovalev in the stands, klitschko got a standing ovation and met john ruiz as well. unfortunately it was the night mago had his tradgedy with perez though it was a fantastic fight live ..i think i scored a round or two to stevens but maybe just from a flashy punch or two in each round. golovkin was in control