Playing the Pick ‘Em Game 2009 Pt. II: Abraham-Taylor, Haye-Valuev, Adamek-Golota
October 12th, 2009
By Philip H. Anselmo:
Arthur Abraham vs. Jermain Taylor
Arthur will beat Jermain over 12 decisively. Taylor will gain a personal victory by making it the 12 round distance, but will get out-hustled down the stretch, again. Abraham will open a lot of eyes after this performance. His skill-level must have been forgotten by the majority of Americans who are picking Taylor to win. It wasn’t that long ago that Arthur beat a fresher version of Edison Miranda, twice. He beat “Big Mouth” at his own game by brawling his way to a decision in their 1st meeting, then completely turned the tables in the rematch by “boxing” a charging Edison, and knocking him cold inside of 4. A victory for “King” Arthur over Taylor will serve as a reminder to all that he’s a major player in “The Super-6 Tourney”.
Either guy could win- but it’ll be how they win that’ll define their futures- and either way, it’ll be UGLY= BORING. Well, perhaps not boring, but definitely not a “classic” by any means. Haye will flop as a major “threat” by not being nearly as effective as advertised. Ring-rust and pressure to deliver will have David trying too hard early on to get to Nicolay’s chin. That may be harder to accomplish than expected. Valuev’s defense isn’t only underrated; it’s pretty damn good considering how big a target he presents. Actually, it wouldn’t be all that surprising to see Haye wilt down the stretch and get stopped. Considering what Odlainer Fonte Solis just did to an in-shape Monte Barrett (KO 2), Haye really has no business vying for a title belt at heavyweight at all. In stark comparison, Haye was in a life-or-death battle with Barrett. For all his deficiencies, Nicolay is the far more experienced fighter. I still feel that Haye has fought NO ONE. Was JM Mormeck an elite fighter when Haye beat him for the cruiserweight title? Was Mormeck EVER considered an elite boxer? No on both accounts. But he’s the best guy Haye has ever faced, and fairly enough, beaten. But that was over two-years ago, and at 200 lbs. Valuev won’t be mistaken for an elite fighter any time soon, but his knowledge of the game is sound and clinically effective. Nico is also seen as the far slower fighter, as hand speed is noted as one of Haye’s strong points, but I think Valuev is being underrated here. Look for the titleholder’s mitt-velocity to be a big surprise as well as an unexpected factor. These tangibles, and experience alone may be all it takes for Valuev to overcome Davey’s quick hands, wide bombing punches, and tasteless pre-fight predictions.
Tomasz Adamek vs. Andrew Golota
Tomasz will beat Golota on points without too much difficulty. Too fast for the older Golota, but Andrew will be in the fight. It would be surprising to see Adamek jump all over Andrew early and get a stoppage here. If Adamek pulls that off, we’ll know more about how shot Golota is than what Adamek can do against younger, rated heavyweights. Golota could make this a tough fight by using his superior size and strength providing he comes in shape. Tying up and leaning all 250 pounds on the smaller Adamek could serve Andrew well to sap the smaller man’s strength. But I see the sharper-punching Adamek landing enough stinging volleys to steal most close rounds, and the fight.
- PA
Tags: Abraham vs. Taylor, Adamek vs. Golota, Haye vs. Valuev ,Andrew Golota, Arthur Abraham, David Haye, Jermain Taylor, Nikolai Valuev, Tomasz Adamek8 Responses to “Playing the Pick ‘Em Game 2009 Pt. II: Abraham-Taylor, Haye-Valuev, Adamek-Golota”
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nice article philip,not sure about the life and death battle bit..but an intelligent look on all three fights..valuev could surprise everyone with his handspeed and endurance..i cannot see david haye NOT willting in this fight!
The last comment is a little harsh. Mr A is well capable of thoughtful analysis, even if I don’t always agree. Haye v Valuev could either be a stinker or a two round thriller-with the quicker, harder hitting and far more athletic Haye bringing home the bacon in fine style. Abraham is the X Factor in the super six. Teak tough, hard hitting and skilful enough to conjure up a plan B. His fights with Miranda, especially the first where he ignored a broken jaw, tell you all you need to knmow about the man. He is not the tallest, but certainly imposing and strong-it would have been an all out war had he and Pavlik ever met to unify their middleweight titles. I see him being far too strong for a somewhat shopworn Taylor. Froch and Pavlik have cememented the blueprint on how to defeat Jermain and I feel King Arthur will be far to insistent, aggressive and hard hitting for him. Add to this the fact Arthur is very hard to tg with a meaningful hard shot due to his annoying effective peak a boo style and you have the toughest of all possible fights for the former undisputed middleweight king. As for the heavyweight fight, the result is meaningless in world championship terms. Neither man is anywhere near to being a threat to the division’s elite-let us hope Haye can win, Povetkin and Boytsov continue to progress and David Tua continue the fine form he showed in his most recent fight. Either of these guys would be more capable of treating the Klitschko’s to a vulgar display of power than Adamek or Golota
Is the Author Philip H. Anselmo the singer from Pantera?
Listen man I loved your early work with the group but you have to lay off to the drugs when writing about boxing. Haye was in anything but a Life or death battle with Barrett. How is knocking him down 5 times in even a minor battle?
Guess anyone can become a boxing writer now a days.
Life or death battle with Barrett? What fight were you watching?
Haye was hardly in a “life or death battle” he was flooring the guy left right and center and putting on a show. The second Barett hurt Haye Haye turned his lights out, he could of done it at any point but wanted to put on a show!
I admit I may have overrated Mormeck,but he was a solid,punishing fighter,and undisputed.
Taylor I would like to win he was domnating Froch until the KO he is still an elite fighter, but it will be a tough fight for both.
Haye and Valuev will also be close and Adamek will batter a shot Golota!!!
when haye beat j m m, j m m was the UNDISPUTED cruiser champion, surely someone who holds all major belts in a weight is an elite fighter?