Put Garcia vs. Matthysee in proper perspective

garcia3By Ken Woods: The fight between Danny Garcia and Lucas Matthysee is one of the most talked about matches this year. It has garnered strong emotions in both boxers’ favor. My question is, why?

Many believe Matthysee will destroy Garcia because of his recent performances, but let’s look at both fighters’ abilities and past bouts from a fair perspective.

Both of these boxers faced Zab Judah. Garcia and Matthysee both knocked him down and could not finish the job. However, Garcia had Judah hurt a few times in the bout while Matthysee lost a close controversial decision. Judah also gave a better performance against Garcia. Matthysee did not get robbed. The notion amongst boxing fans that one fighter gets robbed if the fight is close is getting out of hand.

Don’t believe the hype, Matthysse will fall

matthysse55By Ken Woods:  The fight between Danny Garcia and Lucas Matthysse is one of the most anticipated of the year. This bout will show which fighter is truly elite in the junior welterweight division on September 14.

After Matthysse’s destruction of Lamont Peterson, many in the boxing world began to believe the hype that he was just going to beat all of his future foes up in a similar fashion. His hype train will come to a screeching halt when he steps in the ring with Garcia. That’s right, I said it.

Matthysse is a great power puncher with power in both hands; however, that is the extent of his prowess in the ring. He is one dimensional with limited footwork and defense. He is not technically sound, doesn’t have good head movement, and often throws wide looping punches. In his last fight, he literally fell to the ground trying to swing at his opponent. He has been successful to this point with opponents that have little boxing ability.

Floyd Mayweather—The Game Plan

floyd8By Ken Woods:  The mega fight between Floyd “Money” Mayweather and Saul “Canelo” Alvarez is fast approaching.

Mayweather will face a formidable adversary, but he is used to the challenge. What will he have to do to be successful against Alvarez? Essentially, he has to continue to do what he always does. The following game plan will lead to another Mayweather victory.

Work the body

This was “Canelo’s” strong suit for the majority of his career; however, “Money” will have to swing the pendulum to his side in this bout.

The All-Time Great Dilemma

By Ken Woods: Many fans and analysts like to go through the annals of boxing history and compare those of yesteryear with those of current times and determine who is better. This is pointless.

One cannot accurately compare fighters from different eras. Many things have changed in the sport since its inception, and things will continue to change. The debate about all-time greats is one that lacks substance.

Saul Alvarez—The Game Plan

Mayweather and Canelo faceoff(Photo credit: Esther Lin/Showtime) By Ken Woods: Saul “Canelo” Alvarez will face Floyd “Money” Mayweather on September 14. Every boxer and analyst has tried to come up with a strategy to defeat Mayweather. Most strategies had something to do with smothering him, applying pressure, and throwing a lot of punches. This game plan has yet to work.

Alvarez will have to implement a different strategy if he wants to be successful. The following are the measures he needs to take to win, and even then, it will still be a difficult task.

Punch When He Punches

What Makes Mayweather So Difficult to Beat?

floyd#83By Ken Woods: Floyd Mayweather will embark on his 45th fight, and perhaps his toughest, on September 14 against Saul Canelo Alvarez. Mayweather is undefeated, and many have wondered what the remedy is to beat the gifted fighter.

So what exactly is it that makes Mayweather so successful? The answer has nothing to do with speed or power.

Rhythm

Mayweather does not fight in one rhythm. Most fighters move to their own consistent pace. This makes it easier to time them. However, “Money” does not. He may move around the ring quickly on his toes.