It’s Thursday custom right here at Battle Hype that I make crude double entendres about my “sack” whereas introducing my weekly mailbag column. So, why break historic conference now? Right here’s my sack. It’s bulging and bulbous. It’s filled with gooey, salty reality. Right here comes a cash shot of knowledge. Yadda, yadda, yadda. This week we have now feedback/questions relating to Teofimo Lopez, Spence-Crawford, hating on Anthony Joshua.
Teofimo and AJ: The Comebacks
Hey Paul
Am I too arduous on Teofimo or did he do what he was purported to do? Pedro Campa was chosen as a result of there was nothing spectacular about him, however he had a good report. One factor I don’t like about fighters these days is that they comply with this Mayweather-esque fashion the place they circle the ring virtually all of the struggle and potshot with powershots…that being stated, although 140 is loaded with plenty of expertise, I see Teofimo taking on this division as he’s essentially the most proficient and has what it takes to beat most guys.
P.S. I really feel this weekend goes to finish badly for Anthony Joshua, however my struggle fan optimism hopes for that killer intuition to be again to make it entertaining.
Regards.
– Miguel
Hey Miguel.
I’m gonna be lazy right here and simply submit what I wrote in Monday’s Notes from the Boxing Underground column:
“Prime Rank is the best possible at protected matchmaking that seems harmful and their alternative of Campa as Teo’s comeback opponent was excellent. The native of Hermosillo, Sonora was robust, sport, and flung his fists like he COULD do some actual harm. However, actually, he by no means had an opportunity. He was simply too slow-footed, too slow-fisted, and too all-around pedestrian for a fighter in Lopez who’s particular in a number of methods…
…Lopez IS again and he appeared fairly good, albeit in opposition to somebody chosen to make him look fairly good. And, though his post-fight celebrations gave off an virtually determined “take a look at me being BACK and completely mentally wholesome, under no circumstances broken” vibe, it’s true that even a Teofimo Lopez working at 75%, and wading in delusion is healthier than virtually anybody else in his weight vary.”
We’re proper about this. Teofimo was matched in a strategy to make him look good and, to his credit score, he DID. I’m effective with this relative softball after a tough 2021 and first half of 2022. And, yeah, I believe he’ll do nicely at 140, if he retains his head collectively.
I believe that “potshot mentality” you point out occurs when fighters are matched too calmly. They are often careless and cargo up on pictures as a result of they don’t concern or respect what’s in entrance of them. Mayweather did it as a result of he was so significantly better than the opposition he confronted, not a lot as a result of he was matched calmly. These different guys who do that, for essentially the most half, are simply taking part in with their opponents, like an NBA star playing around, clowning round, juking an overmatched gymnasium baller out of his sneakers in a one-on-one.
As for Joshua– I believe he might very nicely win this Saturday. I don’t assume he misplaced to Usyk by a complete lot within the first struggle and the distinction between profitable and shedding might come right down to one thing so simple as utilizing his jab extra. I don’t assume Joshua has a killer intuition and the best way he cheerily accepted defeat in each of his losses appears to help my view. His one “sizzling” efficiency in opposition to Klitschko was, possible, a one and executed factor. He does have an enormous punch, although, and that can all the time be an element in opposition to, nicely, anybody, however particularly in opposition to a small heavyweight like Usyk. Gun to move, I’m selecting AJ to beat Usyk this Saturday, however not by way of some fiery drive for vengeance.
AJ Hater
Magno.
For the lifetime of me, I can’t determine why you’re so unfavorable on Anthony Joshua. Perhaps you’re jealous. Perhaps when he KOs Oleksandr Usyk this weekend, you’ll be pressured to vary your tune. No matter. This vendetta you may have in opposition to AJ is gloomy and pathetic.
– Elden
Hey Elden.
Now, why on this planet would I be jealous of Anthony Joshua? How would that make any sense? Am I jealous of his physique…his cash…his snorkel buddy relationship with Eddie Hearn? If I hated on fighters for these causes, I’d be hating on virtually everybody in boxing (though Eddie Hearn snorkel buddies are few and much between). I don’t even “hate” the man. Individuals really want to start out understanding that being actually essential of somebody will not be “hating” on them, it’s merely telling inconvenient, uncomfortable truths– one thing which all of us within the media needs to be doing.
I simply don’t assume Joshua has “it.” What he’s delivered in his profession to date has fallen nicely wanting the hype slathered on him as he got here up, touted as the following “King of Boxing.” Sorry if the reality hurts. If he goes on a tear and destroys Usyk, Tyson Fury, Joe Joyce, Deontay Wilder, and a half-dozen different prime heavyweights, I’ll admit I used to be improper. I’ve no drawback admitting after I’m improper. However, as of proper now, I’m proper and the cuckold vibe he gave off in defeat– each occasions– instructed quite a bit in regards to the fireplace that’s (not) burning inside.
Like I stated above, I believe Joshua will beat Usyk this Saturday, however that can have extra to do with the realities of each fighters’ bodily presence than Joshua’s burning want for revenge. I don’t assume AJ has “it” in him– “it” being that intangible warrior soul power that guys like Ali, Holyfield, Louis, and even Tyson Fury had. Once more, sorry if that hurts your emotions.
What’s up with Spence-Crawford?
What’s up Paul?
What is going on on with the Spence and Crawford struggle? It is both they’re at a lifeless finish or they’re diligently negotiating. Supposedly, the struggle was purported to occur in late October or early November. If they do not announce a deal by the tip of this month, we’re late winter or early spring.
The standard knowledge was that Spence was the A-side. He has extra belts, a much bigger field workplace draw and he is confronted higher opposition. To my understanding Spence is attempting to place himself to get a much bigger share of the pie.
I personally believed that Spence was deserving of the A-side place and was entitled to a 60/40 cut up. In addition to calling the pictures relating to the situation, gloves, ring dimension, and many others. Nonetheless, after actually analyzing the scenario, Spence wants Crawford simply as a lot as Crawford wants him. Which makes this a 50/50 struggle. Crawford needs to be demanding that cut up. As a result of there isn’t any attainable manner Spence can transfer ahead in his profession with out the Crawford struggle. It will be a travesty if Spence’s subsequent struggle is not in opposition to Crawford and vice versa.
I do not assume Crawford is demanding the bigger cut up. Crawford most likely is demanding 50/50. Appropriately, as a result of Crawford is so vital to Spence’s legacy. Moreover, if this struggle does not occur subsequent for Spence, it is a dangerous look on PBC. If PBC cannot get Spence and Crawford within the ring, it isn’t going to look good. Crawford will not be a PBC fighter, he is a free agent, however there needs to be no excuses as to why Spence v. Crawford is not subsequent.
What do you assume is happening? What do you assume occurs subsequent?
– Nail Rahman
Hey Nail.
I believe it’s an excellent signal that there are not any back-and-forths occurring by way of media or social media and no negotiating by the press. The truth that all events have been quiet and respectful, to me, signifies that a deal is being hammered out and everybody’s been instructed to steer clear of beginning any potential fight-wrecking squabbles or misunderstandings.
All the thrill I’ve heard from industry-types has been constructive and, proper now, a mid-November date seems to be just like the aim. However, in fact, that is boxing and that might change in a heartbeat.
You’re proper in that either side really want one another and that there are only a few commercially and competitively-viable alternate options accessible to both. It is because the followers, in unison, appear to be of the thoughts that Spence is the one opponent for Crawford and that Crawford is the one opponent for Spence. That is positively a superb factor. Plus, it doesn’t harm that these guys actually, actually do wish to struggle each other.
The cash cut up stuff may be labored out, particularly if each are satisfied that there will probably be sufficient cash within the pot. The query is whether or not there WILL be, however that’s a subject for an additional day.
Received a query (or hate mail) for Magno’s Bulging Mail Sack? The perfect of the most effective will get included within the weekly mailbag section proper right here at FightHype. Ship your stuff right here: paulmagno@theboxingtribune.com.
