Interesting domestic crossroads HW scrap tomorrow in Germany. First was a bit of a banter with both guys hitting the deck. That was almost 4 years ago with both guys going different paths but avoiding anymore losses(until recently in Schwarzs case) Schwarz faced a few unbeaten prospects(albeit with extremely padded records) and a few well regarded journeymen seen frequently in the European circuit before running into a wall in Tyson Fury. Mezencev opted to instead crush a much lower calibur of opponent and even moonlighted as a CW. While the first fight was clearly too soon for him has he gotten enough experience to give him a good chance this time around? Regardless I think this one will be fun while it lasts. Who do you guys got?
@IntentionalButt @CST80 @Serge think one of you guys could do me a big favor and close this before the fight starts tomorrow?
Mezenjev hasn’t really looked improved, but this fight might be too much for Schwarz after the defeat he suffered against Fury. Think Mezenjev might grab a decision this time.
Mezencev did well early in the first fight. He has nice footwork and a good jab for an unknown HW. He def can box a bit and has some good skills. But he has two big weaknesses: Stamina and Strength. He was gassing bad vs. Schwarz in the first fight after 3-4 rounds and he's a chinny HW. I think he put on some weight since the first fight but he fought at CW last year and from the body composition he's a blown up CW. He shouldn't fight at HW especially not vs. the big guys and Schwarz is a big guy. Schwarz had problems with the movement in the first fight and was eating jabs and 1,2s early on, was even dropped by Mezencev in the first round i think but came back and broke him down in the pocket. Mezencev clearly not strong enough to keep it up with Schwarz there, and mentally probably not strong enough to do it. I think he will do well early again, then his movement slow down and Schwarz will break him down again by a mid / late round TKO. The additional weight is a curse and blessing at the same time for Mezencev. On the one hand he might be a bit stronger, on the other hand i think he might even gas faster than before. Betting odds are pretty much reflecting what i think: Mezencev +600. I really would like to see him getting the W and i actually think he's the much better boxer in terms of skills but Schwarz is probably too strong. If you want to beat Tom Schwarz at this level you need to be a dirty and strong MOFO like Senad Gashi. And Mezencev won't fit the description at all. It's a shame as i think he's a decent prospect and probably would have done much better vs. Tyson Fury than Schwarz did (no joke).
I doubt this fight would register on anyone's radar if The Schwarz hadn't been a recent Fury opponent. I expect Schwarz to win again, but won't be surprised at all if he loses the rematch.
Mezencev is coming in 12 pounds heavier than in their first fight, unfortunately it seems to be mainly additional fat.
