AP, Yahoo! News
NOTTINGHAM, England – Carl Froch retained his WBC 168-pound title with a split-decision victory over Andre Dirrell late Saturday night in the second fight of the Super Six World Boxing Classic super middleweight tournament.
Froch (26-0, 20 KOs) barely won in his hometown, earning three-point advantages on two of the three judges' scorecards after a messy but entertaining bout between two unbeaten fighters. READ MORE
Showing posts with label Super-middleweight. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Super-middleweight. Show all posts
Sunday, 18 October 2009
Carl Froch holds off Andre Dirrell in WBC super-middleweight title defence
By Kevin Mitchell, Guardian.co.uk
Carl Froch, on an off night against a desperately awkward Andre Dirrell, dug as deep as he has done for a long time to keep his unbeaten record and WBC super-middleweight title with a split decision at the Trent FM Arena.
The points fell his way by two scores of 115-112, with the American taking it 114-113 on the third official's card. Froch goes forward with two points in the Showtime Super Six series, but will not be happy with his performance. READ MORE
Carl Froch, on an off night against a desperately awkward Andre Dirrell, dug as deep as he has done for a long time to keep his unbeaten record and WBC super-middleweight title with a split decision at the Trent FM Arena.
The points fell his way by two scores of 115-112, with the American taking it 114-113 on the third official's card. Froch goes forward with two points in the Showtime Super Six series, but will not be happy with his performance. READ MORE
Taylor - Abraham: 'King' Arthur KOs Taylor in the final round
By BoxingNewsWorld.blogspot.com
Arthur Abraham knocked out Jermain Taylor in round 12. A hard right hand flushed to Jermain's face ended the surprisingly close fight. Taylor seemed to be out before he hit the canvass.
Jermain expectedly used his crisp jabs in the early rounds, perhaps winning the majority of the rounds in the first half of the fight.
Taylor was deducted one point in round 6 for hitting below the belt. He was already warned by referee Garcia back in rounds 2 and 4 for low blow after a flurry of punches to Abraham's body, some of which were clearly low.
Abraham picked up his offense in round 7 and wobbled Taylor in round 9 after a couple of hard rights to Jermain's head.
Taylor's jabs and punches began to lose snap in rounds 10 and 11, while Abraham looked much stronger landing hard body shots midway in round 11.
With just a few seconds remaining in the fight, Abraham landed a big right to Jermain's chin that sent the American to the canvass. He was out before he even hit the floor.
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Note: The video clips below were from YouTube.com.
Arthur Abraham knocked out Jermain Taylor in round 12. A hard right hand flushed to Jermain's face ended the surprisingly close fight. Taylor seemed to be out before he hit the canvass.
Jermain expectedly used his crisp jabs in the early rounds, perhaps winning the majority of the rounds in the first half of the fight.
Taylor was deducted one point in round 6 for hitting below the belt. He was already warned by referee Garcia back in rounds 2 and 4 for low blow after a flurry of punches to Abraham's body, some of which were clearly low.
Abraham picked up his offense in round 7 and wobbled Taylor in round 9 after a couple of hard rights to Jermain's head.
Taylor's jabs and punches began to lose snap in rounds 10 and 11, while Abraham looked much stronger landing hard body shots midway in round 11.
With just a few seconds remaining in the fight, Abraham landed a big right to Jermain's chin that sent the American to the canvass. He was out before he even hit the floor.
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Note: The video clips below were from YouTube.com.
Saturday, 17 October 2009
Barry McGuigan; Andre Direll is a threat to Carl Froch
By Barry McGuigan, Mirror.co.uk
Carl Froch is 32. His last two fights have been humdingers. You wonder how long he can go on at that pace.
Tonight he is up against a young, fast, flashy American who fancies his chances big time - the kind of character Froch loves to take down.
Andre Dirrell, 26, won bronze in Athens. He has fast hands and likes to switchhit. READ MORE
Carl Froch is 32. His last two fights have been humdingers. You wonder how long he can go on at that pace.
Tonight he is up against a young, fast, flashy American who fancies his chances big time - the kind of character Froch loves to take down.
Andre Dirrell, 26, won bronze in Athens. He has fast hands and likes to switchhit. READ MORE
Abraham – Taylor: Numbers favor 'King' Arthur
By BoxingNewsWorld.blogspot.com
Before the fight starts, let’s quickly analyze Arthur’s numbers and compare them with Jermain’s:
ARTHUR ABRAHAM:
Average number of rounds boxed per fight (career) – 6
Average number of rounds boxed per fight (last six fights) - 8
KO percentage (career) – 80%
KO percentage (last six fights) – 83%
Percentage, no. of rounds boxed per fight (career) – 189/284 = 66.5%
Percentage, no. of rounds boxed per fight (last six fights) – 49/72 = 68%
Combined records of opponents (career) – 536-121-25, (Win % = 79%)
Combined records of opponents (last six fights) – 153-10-6, (Win % = 90.5)
Notable facts:
- Moves up in weight after struggling to make the middleweight limit in his last couple of fights.
- TKOd Raul Marquez in the 6th round; Taylor TKOd Marquez in the 9th.
Abraham's last six fights:
1. Against Mahir Oral – W TKO 10
BadLeftHook.com: “Arthur Abraham knocked down Mahir Oral five times, three in the tenth round, at which point the Oral corner stopped the bout. Oral fought and fought, and came forward, and never ran, but he was simply outgunned by a better, stronger fighter.”
(http://www.badlefthook.com/event/aumjsIQW)
2. Against Lajuan Simon – W Decision
EastSideBoxing.com: “…Arthur Abraham outclassed Lajuan Simon... Abraham connected with his trademark power punches throughout the entire 12 rounds and also knocked the brave challenger down in the third following a hard series.”
(http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=19083&more=1)
3. Againts Raul Marquez – W TKO 6
FightFan.com: “…Arthur Abraham scored a sixth round TKO over a very gallant Raul Marquez... Abraham started out strongly in the first round punishing Marquez with quick hard punches. Marquez had a good second round but Abraham’s speed and power was just too much for the veteran Marquez. After several rounds of punishment Marquez’s corner stopped the fight after the sixth round awarding Abraham a TKO victory.”
(http://fightfan.com/2008/11/arthur-abraham-batters-raul-marquez/)
4. Against Edison Miranda – W TKO 4
EastSideBoxing.com: “Round Four, Abraham landed a clean right, left combo that floored Miranda. Miranda got up quick enough and a left hook from Abraham put him back down. Miranda got up and beat the count. Abraham went for the kill and threw a right that missed but followed with a left hook that caught Miranda on top of his head and down he went for a third time. This time, the referee stopped it.”
(http://www.eastsideboxing.com/boxing/Miranda-Abraham.php)
5. Against Elvin Ayala – W KO 12
BadLeftHook.com: “…Arthur Abraham had little real trouble disposing of mediocre challenger Elvin Ayala…, knocking the American out in the 12th round to retain his title.”
(http://www.badlefthook.com/story/2008/3/30/55619/8200)
6. Against Wayne Elcock (18-3, 8 KOs) – W TKO 5
HyeFighters.com: “…Arthur Abraham impressively took apart Wayne Elcock round by round... Arthur dropped Elcock in round two and continued to dismantle Elcock, dropping the challenger again in round five before referee Wayne Kelly stopped the slaughter at the 1:58 mark.”
(http://www.hyefighters.com/abraham_120807.htm)
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JERMAIN TAYLOR:
Average number of rounds boxed per fight (career) – 8
Average number of rounds boxed per fight (last six fights) - 11
KO percentage (career) – 53%
KO percentage (last six fights) – 0%
Percentage, no. of rounds boxed per fight (career) – 222/298 = 74.5%
Percentage, no of rounds boxed per fight (last six fights) – 93%
Combined records of opponents (career) – 718-109-25, (Win % = 84%)
Combined records of opponents (last six fights) – 172-6-1, (Win % = 96%)
Notable Facts:
- Last KOd a single opponent since late 2004 (9 consecutive fights without a KO victory)
- Has fought better opponents (based on combined win-loss ratio) than Abraham
Taylor's last six fights:
1. Against Carl Froch – L TKO 12
TheSweetScience.com: “Trailing by four points on each of two cards going into the final three minutes, Froch staged a furious last-ditch rally, scoring a knockdown by pummelling Jermain Taylor to the floor before battering his defenseless foe into submission.”
(http://www.thesweetscience.com/boxing-article/6755/carl-froch-rallies-round-twelve-kos-jermain-taylor/)
2. Against Jeff Lacy – W Decision
Nydailynews.com: “It was a clean, efficient win for Taylor…”
(http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more_sports/2008/11/15/2008-11%2015_jermain_taylor_pummels_olympic_teammate_-2.html)
3. Against Kelly Pavlik (Rematch) – L Decision
Nytimes.com: "He was better tonight than the first fight, (but) I was better, too," Pavlik said. "It was a more tactical fight. ... From rounds 10 through 12, I was finally landing body shots," Pavlik said. "He (Taylor) was tired. I could hear him exhaling."
(http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/17/sports/17iht-boxing17.10119665.html)
4. Against Kelly Pavlik (1st Fight) – L TKO 7
EastsideBoxing.com: “I wasted too much energy in that second round,” Taylor said quietly to Larry Merchant after he had left the ring. “Just too many wasted punches. I spent too much energy.”
(http://www.eastsideboxing.com/boxing/Pavlik-Taylor.php)
5. Against Cory Spinks – W Decision
Eastsideboxing.com: “Jermain Taylor won a listless 12-round split decision victory over Cory Spinks… Neither fighter did much to distinguish themselves in the bout, which featured a lot of running – as usual – by Spinks and an abnormally low punch output by both fighters with little action for long periods.”
(http://www.eastsideboxing.com/boxing-news/Taylor-Spinks.php)
6. Against Kassim Ouma – W Decision
About.com: “ Ouma did what he normally does and threw more punches than his opponent. However, Taylor was simply too big for Ouma and, despite moving backwards throughout, landed nearly all the heavy blows during the bout. Taylor - clearly aiming for his first knockout in nearly two years - was aggressive from the opening bell but Ouma, who has a great chin, was never in any danger of being stopped.”
(http://boxing.about.com/b/2006/12/10/jermain-taylor-outpoints-game-kassim-ouma.htm)
If the numbers won't convince you that Abraham is bound to win, the reports of their previous fights hopefully will.
Marshall N. B.
Boxing Fan
Before the fight starts, let’s quickly analyze Arthur’s numbers and compare them with Jermain’s:
ARTHUR ABRAHAM:
Average number of rounds boxed per fight (career) – 6
Average number of rounds boxed per fight (last six fights) - 8
KO percentage (career) – 80%
KO percentage (last six fights) – 83%
Percentage, no. of rounds boxed per fight (career) – 189/284 = 66.5%
Percentage, no. of rounds boxed per fight (last six fights) – 49/72 = 68%
Combined records of opponents (career) – 536-121-25, (Win % = 79%)
Combined records of opponents (last six fights) – 153-10-6, (Win % = 90.5)
Notable facts:
- Moves up in weight after struggling to make the middleweight limit in his last couple of fights.
- TKOd Raul Marquez in the 6th round; Taylor TKOd Marquez in the 9th.
Abraham's last six fights:
1. Against Mahir Oral – W TKO 10
BadLeftHook.com: “Arthur Abraham knocked down Mahir Oral five times, three in the tenth round, at which point the Oral corner stopped the bout. Oral fought and fought, and came forward, and never ran, but he was simply outgunned by a better, stronger fighter.”
(http://www.badlefthook.com/event/aumjsIQW)
2. Against Lajuan Simon – W Decision
EastSideBoxing.com: “…Arthur Abraham outclassed Lajuan Simon... Abraham connected with his trademark power punches throughout the entire 12 rounds and also knocked the brave challenger down in the third following a hard series.”
(http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=19083&more=1)
3. Againts Raul Marquez – W TKO 6
FightFan.com: “…Arthur Abraham scored a sixth round TKO over a very gallant Raul Marquez... Abraham started out strongly in the first round punishing Marquez with quick hard punches. Marquez had a good second round but Abraham’s speed and power was just too much for the veteran Marquez. After several rounds of punishment Marquez’s corner stopped the fight after the sixth round awarding Abraham a TKO victory.”
(http://fightfan.com/2008/11/arthur-abraham-batters-raul-marquez/)
4. Against Edison Miranda – W TKO 4
EastSideBoxing.com: “Round Four, Abraham landed a clean right, left combo that floored Miranda. Miranda got up quick enough and a left hook from Abraham put him back down. Miranda got up and beat the count. Abraham went for the kill and threw a right that missed but followed with a left hook that caught Miranda on top of his head and down he went for a third time. This time, the referee stopped it.”
(http://www.eastsideboxing.com/boxing/Miranda-Abraham.php)
5. Against Elvin Ayala – W KO 12
BadLeftHook.com: “…Arthur Abraham had little real trouble disposing of mediocre challenger Elvin Ayala…, knocking the American out in the 12th round to retain his title.”
(http://www.badlefthook.com/story/2008/3/30/55619/8200)
6. Against Wayne Elcock (18-3, 8 KOs) – W TKO 5
HyeFighters.com: “…Arthur Abraham impressively took apart Wayne Elcock round by round... Arthur dropped Elcock in round two and continued to dismantle Elcock, dropping the challenger again in round five before referee Wayne Kelly stopped the slaughter at the 1:58 mark.”
(http://www.hyefighters.com/abraham_120807.htm)
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JERMAIN TAYLOR:
Average number of rounds boxed per fight (career) – 8
Average number of rounds boxed per fight (last six fights) - 11
KO percentage (career) – 53%
KO percentage (last six fights) – 0%
Percentage, no. of rounds boxed per fight (career) – 222/298 = 74.5%
Percentage, no of rounds boxed per fight (last six fights) – 93%
Combined records of opponents (career) – 718-109-25, (Win % = 84%)
Combined records of opponents (last six fights) – 172-6-1, (Win % = 96%)
Notable Facts:
- Last KOd a single opponent since late 2004 (9 consecutive fights without a KO victory)
- Has fought better opponents (based on combined win-loss ratio) than Abraham
Taylor's last six fights:
1. Against Carl Froch – L TKO 12
TheSweetScience.com: “Trailing by four points on each of two cards going into the final three minutes, Froch staged a furious last-ditch rally, scoring a knockdown by pummelling Jermain Taylor to the floor before battering his defenseless foe into submission.”
(http://www.thesweetscience.com/boxing-article/6755/carl-froch-rallies-round-twelve-kos-jermain-taylor/)
2. Against Jeff Lacy – W Decision
Nydailynews.com: “It was a clean, efficient win for Taylor…”
(http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more_sports/2008/11/15/2008-11%2015_jermain_taylor_pummels_olympic_teammate_-2.html)
3. Against Kelly Pavlik (Rematch) – L Decision
Nytimes.com: "He was better tonight than the first fight, (but) I was better, too," Pavlik said. "It was a more tactical fight. ... From rounds 10 through 12, I was finally landing body shots," Pavlik said. "He (Taylor) was tired. I could hear him exhaling."
(http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/17/sports/17iht-boxing17.10119665.html)
4. Against Kelly Pavlik (1st Fight) – L TKO 7
EastsideBoxing.com: “I wasted too much energy in that second round,” Taylor said quietly to Larry Merchant after he had left the ring. “Just too many wasted punches. I spent too much energy.”
(http://www.eastsideboxing.com/boxing/Pavlik-Taylor.php)
5. Against Cory Spinks – W Decision
Eastsideboxing.com: “Jermain Taylor won a listless 12-round split decision victory over Cory Spinks… Neither fighter did much to distinguish themselves in the bout, which featured a lot of running – as usual – by Spinks and an abnormally low punch output by both fighters with little action for long periods.”
(http://www.eastsideboxing.com/boxing-news/Taylor-Spinks.php)
6. Against Kassim Ouma – W Decision
About.com: “ Ouma did what he normally does and threw more punches than his opponent. However, Taylor was simply too big for Ouma and, despite moving backwards throughout, landed nearly all the heavy blows during the bout. Taylor - clearly aiming for his first knockout in nearly two years - was aggressive from the opening bell but Ouma, who has a great chin, was never in any danger of being stopped.”
(http://boxing.about.com/b/2006/12/10/jermain-taylor-outpoints-game-kassim-ouma.htm)
If the numbers won't convince you that Abraham is bound to win, the reports of their previous fights hopefully will.
Marshall N. B.
Boxing Fan
Boxing: Froch aiming to complete hat-trick of great wins
By Steve Bunce, Saturday, 17 October 2009, The Independent
Carl Froch knows that there are fights that change your life forever and tonight at the Trent FM Arena, in his hometown of Nottingham, he will walk from the shadows at the back to the bright lights aware that he needs a spectacular win.
Froch is one fight away from completing arguably the finest consecutive hat-trick of wins by a British world champion, and he is just as close to becoming a victim of his own pride because he has insisted on real fights and no phoney defences. READ MORE
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Carl Froch knows that there are fights that change your life forever and tonight at the Trent FM Arena, in his hometown of Nottingham, he will walk from the shadows at the back to the bright lights aware that he needs a spectacular win.
Froch is one fight away from completing arguably the finest consecutive hat-trick of wins by a British world champion, and he is just as close to becoming a victim of his own pride because he has insisted on real fights and no phoney defences. READ MORE
************************************************
Carl Froch
Friday, 16 October 2009
Video: Carl Froch vs Jermain Taylor, WBC Super Middleweight title at stake (April 25, 2009)
By BoxingNewsWorld.blogspot.com
Thursday, 15 October 2009
Andre Dirrell vows to beat 'easy as pie' Carl Froch in WBC super-middleweight title bout
By Sportsmail Reporter, 15th October 2009
Unbeaten American Andre Dirrell believes he can go all the way in the Super Six World Boxing Classic - but insists he is focusing solely on Carl Froch's WBC super-middleweight title.
The pair begin the tournament by squaring off at the Trent FM Arena in Froch's home city of Nottingham on Saturday night with Froch's prestigious belt at stake, before going through at least two more bouts in a bid to reach the Super Six semi-finals. READ MORE
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Unbeaten American Andre Dirrell believes he can go all the way in the Super Six World Boxing Classic - but insists he is focusing solely on Carl Froch's WBC super-middleweight title.
The pair begin the tournament by squaring off at the Trent FM Arena in Froch's home city of Nottingham on Saturday night with Froch's prestigious belt at stake, before going through at least two more bouts in a bid to reach the Super Six semi-finals. READ MORE
Andre Dirrell
Carl Froch looks to establish himself among the boxing elite
hackneygazette.sport@archant.co.uk 15 October 2009
Carl Froch is aiming to establish himself as one of the world's best pound-for-pound fighters ahead of his WBC super-middleweight title defence against Andre Dirrell on Saturday night. READ MORE
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Carl Froch is aiming to establish himself as one of the world's best pound-for-pound fighters ahead of his WBC super-middleweight title defence against Andre Dirrell on Saturday night. READ MORE
Carl Froch
Boxing historian and author Adam Pollack shares his thoughts on Froch vs Dirrell
By BoxingNewsWorld.blogspot.com
Highly respected boxing historian and author of boxing books Adam Pollack has always been very generous to me in sharing his thoughts about boxing.
Here are his thoughts on the upcoming Carl Froch – Andre Dirrell’s fight.
(Quote) “Although Froch is one of the biggest, strongest super middles, I see Dirrell outboxing him to a decision. Dirrell is blazing fast with feet and hands. Still, Dirrell may have a questionable chin, and if he can't keep it up for 12 rounds, Froch will get him like he did with Taylor. However, I think Dirrell will finish the job that Jermain started. Other than how well he handles Froch's power, Dirrell had better not run too much against the hometown boxer, because if he stinks it out, he might lose a decision. But speed is a huge advantage, and Dirrell is a young rocket compared to Froch's turtle.” (Unquote)
Froch and Dirrell will square off at the Trent FM Arena in Froch's home city of Nottingham this Saturday with Froch's WBC super-middleweight belt at stake. The pair is part of the unique Super Six Tournament where six of the top super-middleweights slug it out (in a round-robin format) over the course of two years to determine the identity of the best 168-pounder in the game.
Marshall N. B.
Boxing Fan
***
Adam Pollack is a prolific boxing historian and author. He is also a practicing criminal defense attorney in Iowa City, IA. He is a staff writer for Cyberboxingzone.com, chair of USA Boxing's Rules and Regulations Committtee, chair of USA Boxing's Judicial Committee and a member of its Women's Task Force. He is also a boxing coach for the ICOR (Iowa City/Coralville) Boxing Club and attorney living in Iowa City, Iowa.
To date, Adam has published four books, John L. Sullivan: The Career of the First Gloved Heavyweight Champion, In the Ring With James J. Corbett, In The Ring With Bob Fitzsimmons, and his latest publication, In the Ring With James J. Jeffries.
Highly respected boxing historian and author of boxing books Adam Pollack has always been very generous to me in sharing his thoughts about boxing.
Here are his thoughts on the upcoming Carl Froch – Andre Dirrell’s fight.
(Quote) “Although Froch is one of the biggest, strongest super middles, I see Dirrell outboxing him to a decision. Dirrell is blazing fast with feet and hands. Still, Dirrell may have a questionable chin, and if he can't keep it up for 12 rounds, Froch will get him like he did with Taylor. However, I think Dirrell will finish the job that Jermain started. Other than how well he handles Froch's power, Dirrell had better not run too much against the hometown boxer, because if he stinks it out, he might lose a decision. But speed is a huge advantage, and Dirrell is a young rocket compared to Froch's turtle.” (Unquote)
Froch and Dirrell will square off at the Trent FM Arena in Froch's home city of Nottingham this Saturday with Froch's WBC super-middleweight belt at stake. The pair is part of the unique Super Six Tournament where six of the top super-middleweights slug it out (in a round-robin format) over the course of two years to determine the identity of the best 168-pounder in the game.
Marshall N. B.
Boxing Fan
***
Adam Pollack is a prolific boxing historian and author. He is also a practicing criminal defense attorney in Iowa City, IA. He is a staff writer for Cyberboxingzone.com, chair of USA Boxing's Rules and Regulations Committtee, chair of USA Boxing's Judicial Committee and a member of its Women's Task Force. He is also a boxing coach for the ICOR (Iowa City/Coralville) Boxing Club and attorney living in Iowa City, Iowa.
To date, Adam has published four books, John L. Sullivan: The Career of the First Gloved Heavyweight Champion, In the Ring With James J. Corbett, In The Ring With Bob Fitzsimmons, and his latest publication, In the Ring With James J. Jeffries.
Abraham – Taylor: Vast majority of boxing experts predict a victory for King Arthur (Part 2)
By BoxingNewsWorld.blogspot.com
David Tyler – Doghouse Boxing
“King Arthur Abraham is the P4P champ, regardless of what Oscar thinks. Abraham by an easy Kayo in the middle rounds or earlier if Taylor starts throwing down too soon. Abraham should Kayo everyone in the Super Middleweight tournament. That includes Mikell Kessler.”
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Michel Joseph – Boxing Talk
“Abraham wins. Give me the fighter who finds a way to win - broken jaw and all (Abraham), versus a fighter who finds a way to lose (Taylor). Taylor was lucky to beat Hopkins - fading down the stretch in both fights, and he did the same against Froch, and by the way, Abraham is just as hard of a puncher as Pavlik, who dispatched Taylor in their first fight, and simply outfought him in the rematch.”
Zachary Levin - Fight Beat
“Abraham by late TKO.”
***
Zachary Levin is the Editorial Advisor at FightBeat.com. He has written boxing pieces for Boxing Digest, CyberBoxingZone, BoxingTalk, MaxBoxing, and The Sweet Science. You can find samples of his writing (on boxing and many other subjects) at ZacharyLevin.com and/or ZacharyLevin.net.
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Michael Rosenthal – Ring Magazine
“I think Abraham beats Taylor. Taylor can give Abraham some trouble with his boxing ability but Abraham is also a good boxer -- he has excellent defensive skills -- and is much tougher than Taylor. Abraham will wear down Taylor and win by late KO or decision.”
***
Michael Rosenthal is an associate editor of The Ring magazine and also covers boxing for Yahoo Sports. He used to write for the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Frank Lotierzo – The Sweet Science
“Abraham.”
***
Frank Lotierzo has been considered by some boxing insiders to be one of the sport’s best fight analysts. His work has appeared in Fight Game, Boxing-Illustrated, and Uppercut magazine. Prior to his career as a writer, Mr. Lotierzo hosted Toe-To-Toe on ESPN Radio and trained at Joe Frazier's Gym in Philadelphia under the tutelage of the legendary George Benton. Between 1977-82, he had over 50 fights as an amateur and pro in the middleweight division.
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Don Stewart – Reading Eagle, Ring Magazine
“I like Abraham by late-rounds stoppage. Taylor is on the decline. I'm sure plenty of people will disagree with me on this, but I believe that Taylor needs to stay in close and turn this into a real rough, physical, possibly dirty fight, a la Edison Miranda in his first shot at Abraham. Taylor won't do that because that's not his game, so Abraham will break him down from a comfortable distance and take him out late.”
Bernard Fernandez – Philadelphia Daily News, The Sweet Science
“Arthur Abraham over Jermain Taylor. Taylor, I suspect, is mentally wrung-out by losing so much recently. That could spur him into a greater effort against Abraham, but in the back of his mind he might be thinking that another defeat forever removes him as a major factor either at 160 pounds or 168. The Europeans will fare very well in the Super Six tournament, mirroring their recent dominance at heavyweight.”
***
A native of New Orleans, Fernandez has been at the Philadelphia Daily News for the last 24 1/2 years, and covers boxing and Penn State football for the paper. His late father, Bernard "Jack" Fernandez Sr., was briefly a pro welterweight who fought twice on Archie Moore undercards in 1944. Fernandez’ stature among his peers is considerable. He served as president (five terms) of the Boxing Writers Association of America (succeeded recently by longtime BWAA vice president Jack Hirsch). The winner of 1998 BWAA Nat Fleischer Award for excellence in boxing journalism was inducted into the Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame in 2005, and was the first media person selected.
(Video by Eastside Boxing)
Tom Donelson – Black Athlete Sports Network
“Abraham will win over Taylor late.”
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Geoff Poundes – Ringside Report
“I think Taylor is probably in the last chance saloon and Abraham is a great middleweight. That said, Abraham is much the smaller man, so I think he might have some trouble with Taylor before seeing out a close-ish 12 round decision.”
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Lyle Fitzsimmons – The Sports Network
“This is a big one for Jermain. He's consistently failed to deliver on the promise he showed while an unbeaten champion at 160. But I think this is a good matchup for him. I see him using superior all-around skill and winning what amounts to a "last stand" fight. Taylor UD 12.”
***
Lyle Fitzsimmons is an award-winning 20-year sports journalist, a full voting member of the Boxing Writers Association of America, Contributing Boxing Editor of The Sports Network, and a frequent contributor to Stone Cold Sports on the MVN Network (stonecoldsports.com) and several sports radio talk shows throughout the U.S.
(Video by Eastside Boxing)
Yero Moody – East Side Boxing
“Abraham v. Taylor will be a must win for Taylor. I see Taylor winning via TKO because he will be going all out and when he is really focused J.T. is a very dangerous puncher. Abraham's defense leaves a lot to be desired.”
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Adam Pollack – Cyber Boxing Zone, Author of ‘John L. Sullivan: The Career of the First Gloved Heavyweight Champion’, ‘In the Ring With James J. Corbett’, and ‘In The Ring With Bob Fitzsimmons’
“I'm taking Taylor in an upset because I think Jermain's speed and experience will come through for him this time. Abraham's outside style is well suited for Jermain. He does not have the physically imposing heavy handed style that guys like Froch and Pavlik had, so I can see Jermain lasting it out rather than faltering at the end. But of course, tension and condition is the big X factor with Jermain, and you never know how a guy will react to coming off a KO loss. Could be close.”
***
Adam Pollack is a prolific boxing historian and author. He is also a practicing criminal defense attorney in Iowa City, IA. He is a staff writer for Cyberboxingzone.com, chair of USA Boxing's Rules and Regulations Committtee, chair of USA Boxing's Judicial Committee and a member of its Women's Task Force. He is also a boxing coach for the ICOR (Iowa City/Coralville) Boxing Club and attorney living in Iowa City, Iowa.
To date, Adam has published four books, John L. Sullivan: The Career of the First Gloved Heavyweight Champion, In the Ring With James J. Corbett, In The Ring With Bob Fitzsimmons, and his latest publication, In the Ring With James J. Jeffries.
(Video by Eastside Boxing)
David Greisman - The Keene Sentinel, Boxing Scene
“Abraham by KO, though I give Taylor a small chance because his back is against the wall.”
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David Greisman is an award-winning member of the Boxing Writers Association of America.
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My sincere gratitude to all the above boxing writers who found time to share their thoughts generously despite their busy schedule.
Marshall N. B.
Boxing Fan
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More predictions:
Ramon Aranda – 411mania
“An excellent fight that Abraham is able to dictate down the stretch before stopping Taylor.”
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Comments from readers:
Arthur Abraham is making a move up in weight to super middleweight for the Super Six Tournament. The first obstacle in his path is former undisputed middleweight world champion Jermain Taylor. Abraham is a strong, rugged boxer. He holds a tight guard, picks his spots when to throw, and when he does, unleashes lethal flurries of punches. In addition, he possesses inhumane stamina due to greuling conditioning camps. Taylor was once on top of the world but his world came crashing down after consecutive defeats to Kelly Pavlik an embarassing knockout in the closing seconds against Carl Froch. This is his last chance at redemption, and a desparate man is the most dangerous as they say. However, it is difficult to teach an old dog new tricks, and it's hard to see Taylor last the distance without tiring.
Vikram Birring - Doghouse Boxing
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David Tyler – Doghouse Boxing
“King Arthur Abraham is the P4P champ, regardless of what Oscar thinks. Abraham by an easy Kayo in the middle rounds or earlier if Taylor starts throwing down too soon. Abraham should Kayo everyone in the Super Middleweight tournament. That includes Mikell Kessler.”
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Michel Joseph – Boxing Talk
“Abraham wins. Give me the fighter who finds a way to win - broken jaw and all (Abraham), versus a fighter who finds a way to lose (Taylor). Taylor was lucky to beat Hopkins - fading down the stretch in both fights, and he did the same against Froch, and by the way, Abraham is just as hard of a puncher as Pavlik, who dispatched Taylor in their first fight, and simply outfought him in the rematch.”
Zachary Levin - Fight Beat
“Abraham by late TKO.”
***
Zachary Levin is the Editorial Advisor at FightBeat.com. He has written boxing pieces for Boxing Digest, CyberBoxingZone, BoxingTalk, MaxBoxing, and The Sweet Science. You can find samples of his writing (on boxing and many other subjects) at ZacharyLevin.com and/or ZacharyLevin.net.
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Michael Rosenthal – Ring Magazine
“I think Abraham beats Taylor. Taylor can give Abraham some trouble with his boxing ability but Abraham is also a good boxer -- he has excellent defensive skills -- and is much tougher than Taylor. Abraham will wear down Taylor and win by late KO or decision.”
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Michael Rosenthal is an associate editor of The Ring magazine and also covers boxing for Yahoo Sports. He used to write for the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Frank Lotierzo – The Sweet Science
“Abraham.”
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Frank Lotierzo has been considered by some boxing insiders to be one of the sport’s best fight analysts. His work has appeared in Fight Game, Boxing-Illustrated, and Uppercut magazine. Prior to his career as a writer, Mr. Lotierzo hosted Toe-To-Toe on ESPN Radio and trained at Joe Frazier's Gym in Philadelphia under the tutelage of the legendary George Benton. Between 1977-82, he had over 50 fights as an amateur and pro in the middleweight division.
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Don Stewart – Reading Eagle, Ring Magazine
“I like Abraham by late-rounds stoppage. Taylor is on the decline. I'm sure plenty of people will disagree with me on this, but I believe that Taylor needs to stay in close and turn this into a real rough, physical, possibly dirty fight, a la Edison Miranda in his first shot at Abraham. Taylor won't do that because that's not his game, so Abraham will break him down from a comfortable distance and take him out late.”
Bernard Fernandez – Philadelphia Daily News, The Sweet Science
“Arthur Abraham over Jermain Taylor. Taylor, I suspect, is mentally wrung-out by losing so much recently. That could spur him into a greater effort against Abraham, but in the back of his mind he might be thinking that another defeat forever removes him as a major factor either at 160 pounds or 168. The Europeans will fare very well in the Super Six tournament, mirroring their recent dominance at heavyweight.”
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A native of New Orleans, Fernandez has been at the Philadelphia Daily News for the last 24 1/2 years, and covers boxing and Penn State football for the paper. His late father, Bernard "Jack" Fernandez Sr., was briefly a pro welterweight who fought twice on Archie Moore undercards in 1944. Fernandez’ stature among his peers is considerable. He served as president (five terms) of the Boxing Writers Association of America (succeeded recently by longtime BWAA vice president Jack Hirsch). The winner of 1998 BWAA Nat Fleischer Award for excellence in boxing journalism was inducted into the Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame in 2005, and was the first media person selected.
(Video by Eastside Boxing)
Tom Donelson – Black Athlete Sports Network
“Abraham will win over Taylor late.”
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Geoff Poundes – Ringside Report
“I think Taylor is probably in the last chance saloon and Abraham is a great middleweight. That said, Abraham is much the smaller man, so I think he might have some trouble with Taylor before seeing out a close-ish 12 round decision.”
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Lyle Fitzsimmons – The Sports Network
“This is a big one for Jermain. He's consistently failed to deliver on the promise he showed while an unbeaten champion at 160. But I think this is a good matchup for him. I see him using superior all-around skill and winning what amounts to a "last stand" fight. Taylor UD 12.”
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Lyle Fitzsimmons is an award-winning 20-year sports journalist, a full voting member of the Boxing Writers Association of America, Contributing Boxing Editor of The Sports Network, and a frequent contributor to Stone Cold Sports on the MVN Network (stonecoldsports.com) and several sports radio talk shows throughout the U.S.
(Video by Eastside Boxing)
Yero Moody – East Side Boxing
“Abraham v. Taylor will be a must win for Taylor. I see Taylor winning via TKO because he will be going all out and when he is really focused J.T. is a very dangerous puncher. Abraham's defense leaves a lot to be desired.”
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Adam Pollack – Cyber Boxing Zone, Author of ‘John L. Sullivan: The Career of the First Gloved Heavyweight Champion’, ‘In the Ring With James J. Corbett’, and ‘In The Ring With Bob Fitzsimmons’
“I'm taking Taylor in an upset because I think Jermain's speed and experience will come through for him this time. Abraham's outside style is well suited for Jermain. He does not have the physically imposing heavy handed style that guys like Froch and Pavlik had, so I can see Jermain lasting it out rather than faltering at the end. But of course, tension and condition is the big X factor with Jermain, and you never know how a guy will react to coming off a KO loss. Could be close.”
***
Adam Pollack is a prolific boxing historian and author. He is also a practicing criminal defense attorney in Iowa City, IA. He is a staff writer for Cyberboxingzone.com, chair of USA Boxing's Rules and Regulations Committtee, chair of USA Boxing's Judicial Committee and a member of its Women's Task Force. He is also a boxing coach for the ICOR (Iowa City/Coralville) Boxing Club and attorney living in Iowa City, Iowa.
To date, Adam has published four books, John L. Sullivan: The Career of the First Gloved Heavyweight Champion, In the Ring With James J. Corbett, In The Ring With Bob Fitzsimmons, and his latest publication, In the Ring With James J. Jeffries.
(Video by Eastside Boxing)
David Greisman - The Keene Sentinel, Boxing Scene
“Abraham by KO, though I give Taylor a small chance because his back is against the wall.”
***
David Greisman is an award-winning member of the Boxing Writers Association of America.
********************************
My sincere gratitude to all the above boxing writers who found time to share their thoughts generously despite their busy schedule.
Marshall N. B.
Boxing Fan
********************************
More predictions:
Ramon Aranda – 411mania
“An excellent fight that Abraham is able to dictate down the stretch before stopping Taylor.”
-----
Comments from readers:
Arthur Abraham is making a move up in weight to super middleweight for the Super Six Tournament. The first obstacle in his path is former undisputed middleweight world champion Jermain Taylor. Abraham is a strong, rugged boxer. He holds a tight guard, picks his spots when to throw, and when he does, unleashes lethal flurries of punches. In addition, he possesses inhumane stamina due to greuling conditioning camps. Taylor was once on top of the world but his world came crashing down after consecutive defeats to Kelly Pavlik an embarassing knockout in the closing seconds against Carl Froch. This is his last chance at redemption, and a desparate man is the most dangerous as they say. However, it is difficult to teach an old dog new tricks, and it's hard to see Taylor last the distance without tiring.
Vikram Birring - Doghouse Boxing
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