Was Michael Grant an underrated contender?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by mr. magoo, May 6, 2009.


  1. Big Ukrainian

    Big Ukrainian Boxing Junkie Full Member

    10,647
    9,469
    Jan 10, 2007
    Grant was overrated before the Golota fight. Golota, Lewis and McCline exposed him. Michael is big and strong, but he hasn't defence and his chin is pure glass (Golota knocked him down twice in the first round, Lennox knocked him out easily with 3 KD's in the first rd, and McCline knocked him down with the very first punch he threw).
     
  2. Flea Man

    Flea Man มวยสากล Full Member

    82,426
    1,467
    Sep 7, 2008
    Deontay Wilder is the new Grant IMO
     
  3. Russell

    Russell Loyal Member Full Member

    43,650
    13,048
    Apr 1, 2007
    You're aware that years later that same McCline would knock down Sam Peter multiple times.

    You're aware of the ungodly asskicking he took from Vitali and Wladimir without ever hitting the canvas, right?

    There's no shame in going down when super Heavyweights who can hit land on you, and everyone you mentioned did indeed land on him.

    *Looks at username*

    Oh, nevermind then. :dead:hi:
     
  4. PowerPuncher

    PowerPuncher Loyal Member Full Member

    42,723
    269
    Jul 22, 2004
    I wonder if Lewis ruined him a bit, he may have done better if he hadnt run into Lenny, say got a gift belt like Byrd/Ruiz
     
  5. gregor

    gregor Well-Known Member Full Member

    1,962
    3
    Dec 3, 2005
    I agree. Golota exposed him and was winning the fight easily before quitting, and after that every decent fighter he faced annihilated him.

    Grant combined weak chin with bad defence, and could get way with that only as long as he fought opponents below certain level.

    I do not agree his offence was that good either, his punches looked clumsy and telegraphed. This was good enough to TKO slow Sanders, but he was already more than lucky that Golota gave away his win.

    He never really improved his defence or technique, so I guess he just started boxing too late.
     
  6. Big Ukrainian

    Big Ukrainian Boxing Junkie Full Member

    10,647
    9,469
    Jan 10, 2007
    Well it means Michael has bad defence since the punches were landed very early in these fights (3 fights in a row)
     
  7. jaffay

    jaffay New Orleans Hornets Full Member

    3,980
    18
    Jun 24, 2007
    Gołota was beating Grant till he boke down mentally. Leading on scorecards, he thought that he has no chance to get the decision...
     
  8. Holmes' Jab

    Holmes' Jab Master Jabber Full Member

    5,112
    74
    Nov 20, 2006

    Yeah, was baffled at that comment myself since George himself rarely utilized the jab much at his peak, or otherwise. :lol:
     
  9. Russell

    Russell Loyal Member Full Member

    43,650
    13,048
    Apr 1, 2007
    And yet your screen name is referencing an equally big super heavyweight with even bit as touchy a chin. :think:think:think
     
  10. Big Ukrainian

    Big Ukrainian Boxing Junkie Full Member

    10,647
    9,469
    Jan 10, 2007
    :roll:
     
  11. TheGreatA

    TheGreatA Boxing Junkie Full Member

    14,241
    157
    Mar 4, 2009
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhGReqwjzTs

    This content is protected
     
  12. PowerPuncher

    PowerPuncher Loyal Member Full Member

    42,723
    269
    Jul 22, 2004
  13. TheGreatA

    TheGreatA Boxing Junkie Full Member

    14,241
    157
    Mar 4, 2009
  14. gregor

    gregor Well-Known Member Full Member

    1,962
    3
    Dec 3, 2005
    Weak chin is not a problem... as long as you do not get hit, which is the big difference between Wlad and Grant. Wlad has decent defence, he knows how to use his size advantage to keep opponents out of reach, and after some upsets he finally learned what to do if he gets hit despite that. I hate his style, but have to admit it is effective.

    On the other hand, Grant never really used his size advantege (see the fight with Guinn), and after being KO'd by one opponent after another he still knows nothing about clinching. It seems he fights now tomato cans to get another payday (or even titleshot, who knows nowadays) like Briggs.
     
  15. Mendoza

    Mendoza Hrgovic = Next Heavyweight champion of the world. banned Full Member

    55,255
    10,354
    Jun 29, 2007
    Grant was over rated. He was an American and HBO hype job created in the hopes of dethroning Lynx Lewis.

    Grant was big, he had good power, and some skills, BUT he was horrible on defense, had an average chin, lacked a killer instinct in the ring, and never really was cut out for boxing from a mental sense to begin with.

    So yes, Grant was over rated. I also think he was far from a bum. Grant could be viewed as a one time bottom level top ten type of talent.