So what do you think of Enzo Maccarinelli now?

KOJOE90 · Post by **KOJOE90** » 22 Feb 2004, 08:07

For the first time I was quite impressed by big Enzo, we all knew he could punch (at domestic level anyway) but I liked his hand speed, he threw some good combinations, including those spitefull body shots.

He also went seven rounds at a good pace, well at least he broke the four round barrier!! He also seemed to listed to his corner which is a good sign that he wants to improve as a fighter.

Obviously there is still lots of room for improvemnt, but he is still young, I may even become a fan!

What do you guys think know we have seen a bit more of him?

Hut*Hut · Post by **Hut*Hut** » 22 Feb 2004, 08:17

Hes going nowhere...Im unimpressed.

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 22 Feb 2004, 08:19

Partly impressed, partly dissapointed. Fair play to Delaney first off all - a brave effort, just I think the early body shots took an awful lot out of him offensively, so I think he was unable to really test the Maccrinelli chin.

Firstly with Enzo - the negatives.

Very dissapointed with Enzo's jab, there were times that the slow, smaller, Delaney was beating him to that punch, there seems to be little snap with Enzo's jab, at 6 foot 4 it should be a great weapon of his and this will need drastic improvement if he's to progess.

At times he seemed to lose a little bit of focus, and while not ever seriously hurt he showed me nothing to suggest, he's not a chinny as I think he is.

The positives.
Nice shot selection, nice patience. For a young guy, I have been worried that the KO's might have effected his ego and he'd be head hunting all the time. The body punches were the damaging shots last night, and he was shot picking nicely.

The defence had certainly improved, but still needs to be worked on more.

Kept pretty busy throughout, there was one spell which he looked tired - but I think he passed the stamina test, but more tests to come.

Cuts don't seem to be a serious issue, and he's not a "sweller".

Overall all, fairly impressed - but that jab must need to be worked on if he's to progress much futher.

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 22 Feb 2004, 09:03

Enzo is a world class puncher, but that's been obvious for a while.

His shots are enough to hurt anyone, but that's not enough at world level.

He needs to work on his defence, and he needs to learn to dictate a fight against more shrewd opponents, which is where I think he may fall down, still a long way to go, but in today's cruiser division, there aren't too many learning fights out there for him, there is a big gulg between the top guys like Nelson, Braithwaite, Mormeck etc and everyone else.

It think Enzo is capable of pulversising Thompson at this stage, but I don't want to see that fight.

In a few fights I would like to see Enzo against Rothmann, but he needs to get more rounds in. I think he can beat Rothmann if he can pace himself, but it will be the hardest fight to date.

beduff · Post by **beduff** » 22 Feb 2004, 09:41

needs to step it up a level,how will he fair with someone who hits back???carl thompson should be next but i think enzo would struggle with thompsons power.still to many questions to be answered for me.

adamiw · Post by **adamiw** » 22 Feb 2004, 10:04

His variety and combinations impressed me. His speed as well, offensivly he is VERY good.

However he's fortunate that Delaney never really landed too much of any significance. Even the shots that Gary did land they seemed to trouble Enzo slightly. There were alot of gaps in Enzo's defence but Gary unfortunately was too slow to expose them.

Enzo also looked tired from about the 6th onwards and began to fight in spurts. In a fight where the pace maybe quicker, and he has to take more shots, his stamina would be tested alot more, and i dunno if he would pass.

He's capable of beating almost anyone, but at the same time capable of losing to almost anyone. Makes him very exciting though.

KOJOE90 · Post by **KOJOE90** » 22 Feb 2004, 10:10

adamiw wrote: He's capable of beating almost anyone, but at the same time capable of losing to almost anyone. Makes him very exciting though.

Agreed, just like Carl Thompson.

mrbassie · Post by **mrbassie** » 22 Feb 2004, 11:53

The way he puts his punches together is first rate and his power is great too, but despite the win I feel last nights matchup showed us more of his (current) limitations than his skills. He's too easy to jab and IMO if Delaney had varied his jab, turned the wrist occasionally, thrown some to the body, then he would have opened big Enzo up almost completely. Also exposed was that you can neutralise a lot of his work by staying close.
I really don't think he's going much further unless he improves defensively a great deal. That said though I think he's fifty/fifty with Haye and Thompson, if you put any of those three big punching chinny lads together and it's anybodies fight on the night.

Twinkle Toes · Post by **Twinkle Toes** » 22 Feb 2004, 13:08

I thought his stamina was pretty good, his speed was nice, and he worked the body very well. Although interesting to see Delaney didn't seem bothered by the headshots.

Enzo does look vulnerable though doesn't he, he has zero head movement and Delaney landed with nearly every jab he threw. Totally agree with James, he needs more learning fights, but there aren't many out there at cruiserweight, not without taking a big risk.

steve689 · Post by **steve689** » 22 Feb 2004, 14:20

Half and half here as well i am afraid, the spiteful left hooks to the body and right hands were excellent, as mentioned before he has world class power but his defence is leaky. His stamina is also questionable, he looked tired and jaded mid rounds and wa backed up and i gave Delaney two rounds there, a younger fresher fighter than Delaney who could sustain an attack during that period would have had Macarinelli in deep trouble. Luckily Macarinelli got a second wind and managed to get him out of there, however if Macarinelli fought David Haye i would pick Haye to win now after seeing that fight. Enzo's power is not enough to beat the better guys, i could not see him beating Nelson if -although i doubt- it happens next as was suggested.

The_Power · Post by **The_Power** » 22 Feb 2004, 15:17

I was disappointed with Enzo.

at times the rather average delaney, got through with an amazing amount of jabs, and in the middle rounds, Enzo looked to me punched-out.

I fear his stamina looked dicey and so did his defense. However i would like to again mention that it would have probably ended earlier had it not been for the guts and grit of Garry

Goz · Post by **Goz** » 23 Feb 2004, 05:16

Nothing special really. Tough as Delaney is, I guess the world top 10 wouldn't take anywhere near as long.

DIRT SUGAR · Post by **DIRT SUGAR** » 23 Feb 2004, 07:37

I think he's exciting, good offensively, but once a good, solid opponent with decent handspeed can start tagging him with right hands, he'll struggle.

Agree that he should make better use of his jab and really make it a stiff, hard shot to deter guys just bundling in.

There was no head movement whatsoever, he's far too upright and will take all the power of the shots coming his way. Just needs to dip a bit and make himself a smaller target but I like the way he puts punches together. He's still very much a learner and that was better than all of his fights together. Just getting nearly 8 rounds in the bag won't have hurt him at all.

If I was an opponent I'd target his body too. For such a puncher, he's not the strongest looking lad.

Kilburn · Post by **Kilburn** » 23 Feb 2004, 07:43

I agree with Dirt, Enzo could be a much less beatable fighter if he developed a stronger jab.

Is Warren really going to chuck him in with Nelson? Considering how age does not yet appear to have caught up with the WBO champ I don't see how on earth Maccarinelli could win.

J · Post by J » 23 Feb 2004, 09:22

i actually finished watching the fight questioning whether Enzo actually is left handed and fight out of an orthodox stance as he didnt jab and only seemed interested in throwing big left hooks to the body as a lead, having said that he did a good job against a durable opponent. As for him losing to Mr Haye, Think David has much more potential but at present Enzo has the experience, I posted that on another thread and said how would Enzo vs Haye be for a crowd pleaser, and someone came back with Yeah who ever lands first wins.

Probs it in a nutshell.

Finally credit to G.d. good effort to keep getitng back up, totally commendable and didnt give in against a bigger and better opponent.

knockout artist · Post by **knockout artist** » 23 Feb 2004, 09:33

Kilburn wrote:I agree with Dirt, Enzo could be a much less beatable fighter if he developed a stronger jab.

Is Warren really going to chuck him in with Nelson? Considering how age does not yet appear to have caught up with the WBO champ I don't see how on earth Maccarinelli could win.

Nelson would murder him. It would be like Herol Graham v Rod Douglas (hopefully without the injury).

Maccaroni is way to green for Nelson.

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 23 Feb 2004, 10:11

Haye and Macaranelli shouldn't fight yet, Haye is a much bigger novice, and what's the purpose in either of them spoiling the other's chances at this stage.

Haye presents a smaller target, and will have an easier time tightening his defence, all he has to do really is bring the left arm up, and he's going to be a lot harder to hit already.

Haye also has far better reflexes that Enzo, and uses a bit more head movement too.

I agree, spot on about Nelson, though Nelson is past his peak, he's got far too much savvy to let himself get tagged by Enzo like that, and is physically very strong too.

Nelson would dance circles round him, bust him up with the jab, and stop him late. Enzo would have a punchers chance.

I wonder about Enzo's physical conditioning, he certainly looks flabby, maybe he's just built that way, but his phenomenal power comes from the speed of his hands, he doesn't even get full extension on a lot of those shots, but he is obviously quite athletic to explode his punches so fast.

I wonder whether if he trained differently he would be even stronger.

I think at this stage Enzo would muller Thompson, he would stop Thompson before he was able to find the shot I think, as Enzo has as fast if not faster hands than Rothman, and bangs much much harder.

Though Thompson stopped Rothmann, Rothmann would be a far stiffer test for Enzo, defensively he's excellent and quick, which negates a lot of Enzo's obvious aces.

In 2-3 fights I think Rothmann might be a good choice, but it's hard to see who Enzo could face in the meantime.

Any suggestions?

J · Post by J » 23 Feb 2004, 10:25

James again agree mate re Haye, especially regarding his left he needs to work on that more as he nearly got exposed a couple of fights back (some pretty ambitious match making against Mock but to be applauded in only his 7th fight then.)
Personally got some pretty high hopes for Mr Haye will be watching with interest as his career pans out.
As for who should enzo fight, theres plenty out there he could fight of varying levels it depends on how good he thinks he is at this stage, Valerie Brudov is a possible if ough nut to crack, Finlands Alle Gronfers, Lasse johnassen or if he really wants to step up how bout Michael Sims or Felix Corra Jnr.

But agree he and Haye need not meet til its a headliner in years to come.

knockout artist · Post by **knockout artist** » 23 Feb 2004, 10:26

J wrote:James again agree mate re Haye, especially regarding his left he needs to work on that more as he nearly got exposed a couple of fights back (some pretty ambitious match making against Mock but to be applauded in only his 7th fight then.)
Personally got some pretty high hopes for Mr Haye will be watching with interest as his career pans out.
As for who should enzo fight, theres plenty out there he could fight of varying levels it depends on how good he thinks he is at this stage, Valerie Brudov is a possible if ough nut to crack, Finlands Alle Gronfers, Lasse johnassen or if he really wants to step up how bout Michael Sims or Felix Corra Jnr.

But agree he and Haye need not meet til its a headliner in years to come.

I know they are old but Donny Lalonde or Ernest Mateen might give Enzo a workout, they are names as well, punchers, but not a huge risk

J · Post by J » 23 Feb 2004, 10:28

ezra sellers would be another one, but he brings a heck of a lot more to the table.

TerribleTerry · Post by **TerribleTerry** » 23 Feb 2004, 10:33

J wrote:ezra sellers would be another one, but he brings a heck of a lot more to the table.

Sellers is way too dangerous at this stage in enzo's development. This fight certainly won't happen.

knockout artist · Post by **knockout artist** » 23 Feb 2004, 10:34

J wrote:ezra sellers would be another one, but he brings a heck of a lot more to the table.

I dont think i'd risk him with Sellers just yet. I think old Ezra would turn his lights out.

J · Post by J » 23 Feb 2004, 10:41

true. think so myself but like we have seen many times before ageing top rank contender vs young up and comer, coudl make a name for himself as an alternative to the lesser known Johannsens. I agree for the record but its not beyond the realms of possibilty.

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 23 Feb 2004, 13:39

I think Enzo needs to focus on opponents only a little bit better than Delaney (Swaby?) - he's got potential, but he needs to work on alot of aspects - mainly his jab, for a guy with such height and reach advantages (aswell as speed) at times Delaney was out jabbing him. He needs to forget about Sellars or even Castro and focus on the likes of Swaby and maybe Rob Norton first.

adamiw · Post by **adamiw** » 23 Feb 2004, 14:07

jamesmcdonnell wrote:Haye and Macaranelli shouldn't fight yet, Haye is a much bigger novice, and what's the purpose in either of them spoiling the other's chances at this stage.

Haye presents a smaller target, and will have an easier time tightening his defence, all he has to do really is bring the left arm up, and he's going to be a lot harder to hit already.

Haye also has far better reflexes that Enzo, and uses a bit more head movement too.

I agree, spot on about Nelson, though Nelson is past his peak, he's got far too much savvy to let himself get tagged by Enzo like that, and is physically very strong too.

Nelson would dance circles round him, bust him up with the jab, and stop him late. Enzo would have a punchers chance.

I wonder about Enzo's physical conditioning, he certainly looks flabby, maybe he's just built that way, but his phenomenal power comes from the speed of his hands, he doesn't even get full extension on a lot of those shots, but he is obviously quite athletic to explode his punches so fast.

I wonder whether if he trained differently he would be even stronger.

I think at this stage Enzo would muller Thompson, he would stop Thompson before he was able to find the shot I think, as Enzo has as fast if not faster hands than Rothman, and bangs much much harder.

Though Thompson stopped Rothmann, Rothmann would be a far stiffer test for Enzo, defensively he's excellent and quick, which negates a lot of Enzo's obvious aces.

In 2-3 fights I think Rothmann might be a good choice, but it's hard to see who Enzo could face in the meantime.

Any suggestions?

good post, agree with all of it.

However a point about Enzo-Haye. David would take the fight next week provided the money was right of course. He doesn't rate Enzo, and fancies his chances big time. He likes to take risks, and doesn't want to be hanging around at domestic level for too long. I've warned him, that if he was hurt and started doing his version of the 'judah dance' against a higher class of opponent than Mock, he could of been taken out, and he shouldn't take such big risks. But he says from a fans point of view fights with Thompson and Enzo would be great, and thats why he aint hanging around. A breath of fresh air but i would like to see him slow down. Like you i feel Haye-Enzo would be a very risky fight for both fighters, they are young, can improve greatly and meet each other in the future.