This content is protected I really like Zayas' desire to fight his fellow champions in the division. Hopefully it happens. This content is protected This is an awesome idea by Hearn. It would be really cool if the winners face off.
Xander schools Kelly, his superior fundamentals and footwork will overcome Kelly's faster hands and movement
I like Xander but this fight would likely be an awful style matchup and a bad watch. Even still, it’s a good fight to make in terms of sorting the division out.
As far as the clash of styles go I don't see the ingredients of an entertaining fight; Zayas will box and move, and as evidenced in Kelly's fight against Ray Robinson he can struggle to lead against an opponent who isn't coming to him. I see Kelly being outboxed in a dour affair.
It'll be Josh and Xander waving at each other from opposite sides of the ring. This content is protected
I wouldn't say he schools him, certainly not the Kelly that beat Bakhram anyway. I think Xander might have better fundamentals, but his footwork isn't better, and his defense definitely needs improvement. I actually think it's a lot closer than people think, but I can see Boots slicing through the pair of them pretty easily, regardless of who wins it.
Xander will dominate the battle of jabs and uses better angles, also has better defense overall. Kelly struggled with Ishmael Davis and lost to Avanesyan. Kelly has good movement, fast hands which can aid his counter punching but he's not as dynamic as Zayas. He happened to be too elusive and quick for Murtazaliev
Yeah, that's why I emphasized the Kelly that beat Bakhram, he's a level above the guy who struggled with Davies and Avenesyan. If Kelly shows up in the same mindset he did against Bakhram, it will be a tough fight for both men. If not, he loses. I'm not completely sold on Xander yet; he's impressive for his age, especially if he carries on improving, but I don't think he's better than Ortiz or Boots, and he has plenty of flaws in his game. The fact that he's managed to pick up the WBA and WBO straps shows the power of a good promoter, and I hope the Kelly fight happens because it's a big money fight for 2 fighters who are likeable.
I am confident Xander beats the best version of Kelly comfortably, styles make fights. Murtazaliev was just all wrong for Tszyu. I think Boots beats Xander, Boots beats everyone at 154
