By Ken Woods: The uproar over the Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao fall out has reached a fevered pitch. Although fans have been divided about each fighter’s merits in the ring, they are actually a lot more similar than many realize.
Ken Woods
Don’t believe the hype Part II—Matthysse fell
By Ken Woods: The hip hop group Public Enemy made the phrase “don’t believe the hype” popular during the late 80s. This phrase can apply to many aspects of life and sports, especially the boxing ring.
Many in the boxing community, however, did not take heed to these words and believed the hype surrounding Lucas Matthysse (34-3, 32 KO’s) was real. I, however, correctly predicted his hype train would be derailed at the hands of Danny Garcia (27-0, 16 KO’s), and the performance Garcia displayed last Saturday night made my words prophetic.
Mayweather vs. Canelo: The rhetoric remains the same
(Photo credit: Esther Lin) By Ken Woods: Floyd Mayweather often gets criticized by the media and boxing public alike. He has faced it for the majority of his career, but not only is the reproach unwarranted, but we have heard it all before.
Jack Johnson was the first African-American heavyweight champion. He was supremely skilled, a counter puncher, trash talker, and undeniably confident in his abilities to defeat any opponent put in front of him. There were reports that he would carry other fighters, prolong matches to brutalize them, and even hold opponents up who were falling down.
Johnson excelled in the ring and lived a lavish life outside of it. He aimlessly threw his money around, gallivanted with white women, which in the early 1900s was a cardinal sin for a black man, partied wildly, and drove the finest cars made at the time.
Put Garcia vs. Matthysee in proper perspective
By 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
By 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
By 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
(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?
By 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.