Zurdo's gameplan - why?

Zurdo couldn't do what he normally does. It's not as if he didn't want to; it's that Bivol didn't let him and forced Zurdo to fight his fight. That's called "ring generalship." Zurdo couldn't get close enough without using his jab. And when he'd go down to the body, he was countered, and this is why he started hesitating. After a couple straight rights from Bivol, he had "fear" put into his heart. He was hesitant to throw because he couldn't respond to the speed. And when he could, many times Bivol would control the distance and get out of range.

The best boxers make you fight their fight. That's what Bivol did last night.

 

He knew if he was more aggressive, he would likely be TKOed.

 

There is also an argument that Zurdo was forced into that mindset very early in round one when Bivol established the centre of the ring and distance and tagged him with a nice firm right counter making him wary. Bivol's defense is the best in the sport, and when opponent's make a mistake, he can counter incredibly fast with combiantions, without sacrificing any of his defensive acumen.

Zurdo's corner was terrible throughout, next to useless, it was clear even as early as round 4/5 that Zurdo needed to change things up, and he got nothing out of his corner to help with that.

 

This! 100% spot on!

 

Good post.

Boxers seriously need to work on their roughhousing abilities. When you can't outbox a boxer, you throw all the tactics out the window and you go to war. It's the trainers job to notice when things aren't going to plan. Ramirez corner was terrible. Motivational toe curling speeches.. It's not a bloody film.

 

Usyk is going to walk forward at Fury and maul him to death

 

Why is his team comprised of Asian millennials? Very odd pairing. They thought they were in a movie — 12th round advice:

"Immortality is through that guy!"

 

He could have Cus D'Amato, Nacho Berestien & Micheal Jackson coaching him it still wouldn't make a difference

Great fighters adapt and find a way to win. They don't lose round after round expecting something to change by magic.

 

When Zurdo started being even a little bit aggressive, Bivol countered him to hell

 

It's not about Zurdo's game plan or his corner's incompetence.

Zurdo's potential is not sufficient. This is what he is. He won't ever be a champion, no matter how good he is trained or how good game plan he follows.

 

It's not like Zurdo didn't tried.

Bivol was backing him up most of the fight. Bivol was right in front of Zurdo and Zurdo couldn't do much.

 

It’s because Bivol was always a few steps ahead of him and forced Zurdo to fight his fight. Even when Zurdo started to let his hands go Bivol would fire right back furiously with combinations. Zurdo simply had no answer for him. Bivol’s mastery with controlling range and ring generalship is remarkable.

 

For starters, I don't know why the hell Zurdo has a corner made up of Planet Fitness trainers. They gave **** advice during the fight.

Second, as you mentioned, why the hell would Zurdo try and outbox Bivol? Whoever came up with that game plan needs to be ***** slapped and fired. Zurdo negated his height and reach advantage by crouching and trying to do whatever the hell he was trying to do.

Third, when Zurdo did have Bivol on the ropes, I never saw him throw a punch with any type of leverage. They all appeared to be arm punches. His punches had zero urgency. This has to be one of the shittiest performances I have seen from a pro boxer in a championship fight. I am not interested in seeing Zurdo again.

Lastly, someone needs to check what Zurdo was smoking before the fight. To even say he thought he did enough to win only adds insult to injury.