Anthony Small - worth keeping an eye on?

E · Post by E » 13 May 2004, 06:47

DId anyone catch Anthony Small at the Reading bill? (Did the BBC show a clip?)

Charismatic guy - entered the ring wearing a Scream mask and oozing confidence. Unorthodox, a puncher, and throws accurate unorthodox shots from WAY OUT.

The TV cameras loved him.

Hands low and relies on reflexes, has a Witter/Hamed type style but brings individuality - if he misses with a shot, however far away / seemingly off balance he is, he will come back with another unexpectedly.

Already rated no 21 in Britain according to Boxrec, he beat a decent opponent for a debut.

As an amateur boxed got to the South West divs finals boxing out of the Fitzroy Lodge, but the judges were always going to be prejudiced against his style. Was robbed against Sam Webb in the final, when Sam should've been been stopped on an injury and should not have got the decision.

How far can he go? If his chin is good (because WILL get caught as he moves up) he can be British champ, his strengths must be honed by his trainer.

Regardless, he is a positive addition to the pro ranks and certainly brings colour....

What did others think?

jeej · Post by **jeej** » 13 May 2004, 06:49

I didn't see this and I don't know anything about the fighter and his potential. But wearing a scream mask to the ring sounds funny! Crazy characters are always welcome in boxing!

knockout artist · Post by **knockout artist** » 13 May 2004, 07:19

Anthony Small is a lovely kid and could turn out to be a great fighter, he has huge potential.

I had a light supper with him at about 4pm yesterday and he was explaining his nickname "SRCRJJ" or something like that, which he said stood for Sugar Ray, Cassius, Roy Jones Junior.

He's a real natural, terrific speed, good power, reflexes etc, charasmatic.

After Haye's win, Small and I were talking to Vince Phillips (Small didnt have a clue who he was). Small was telling him that it was Haye's class that won the fight, not Williams being washed up. Phillips asked Small what weight he fought at, and suggested they fight.

Small's response : "Your nothing, I'd whip your ass".

Class!

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 13 May 2004, 07:25

Sounds like a fighter who is going to get alot of publicity. It might be someone though we love to hate.

knockout artist · Post by **knockout artist** » 13 May 2004, 07:27

stujones wrote:Sounds like a fighter who is going to get alot of publicity. It might be someone though we love to hate.

Yeah, a shame.

He was hated in the Amatuers because of his style.

IMO he easily beat Sam Webb in the ABA's but because he was unpopular he got shafted.

No wonder all the good kids turn pro early.

I think the kid can go far and wish him all the best.

The game needs more like him.

MightyWarrior · Post by **MightyWarrior** » 13 May 2004, 07:30

knockout artist wrote: Phillips asked Small what weight he fought at, and suggested they fight.

Small's response : "Your nothing, I'd whip your ass".

Class!

REAL_DEAL · Post by **REAL_DEAL** » 13 May 2004, 07:38

Yes small was great to watch

E · Post by E » 13 May 2004, 08:24

stujones wrote:Sounds like a fighter who is going to get alot of publicity. It might be someone though we love to hate.

Yeah maybe...but in reality he's a very likeable guy and doesn't come accross as arrogant....he has a much more friendly approach than eg Hamed or Witter.....he's more humourous

I guess it's just a matter of whether this comes across...smiling in interviews and joking a bit helps.

knockout artist · Post by **knockout artist** » 13 May 2004, 08:30

E wrote:
stujones wrote:Sounds like a fighter who is going to get alot of publicity. It might be someone though we love to hate.
Yeah maybe...but in reality he's a very likeable guy and doesn't come accross as arrogant....he has a much more friendly approach than eg Hamed or Witter.....he's more humourous

I guess it's just a matter of whether this comes across...smiling in interviews and joking a bit helps.

Oh yeah, he's a great kid, very likeable and personable.

Ulysses · Post by **Ulysses** » 13 May 2004, 08:55

Yeah, echo what's already been said, he's a very likeable fella.
He can certainly bang and relies on fast reflexes with that hands down style.
I'd pick him over the likes of Symonds, Elvis M, Brett James and most of the current crop of London welters right now.
Regarding the Webb fight, although I had Small winning it wasn't the scandalous decision that some make out. Smally should've thrown more shots when it mattered.
Speaking of Webb, he's going to be talked about alot on here too when he turns over. Mark my words.

E · Post by E » 13 May 2004, 09:08

Ulysses wrote:Yeah, echo what's already been said, he's a very likeable fella.
He can certainly bang and relies on fast reflexes with that hands down style.
I'd pick him over the likes of Symonds, Elvis M, Brett James and most of the current crop of London welters right now.
Regarding the Webb fight, although I had Small winning it wasn't the scandalous decision that some make out. Smally should've thrown more shots when it mattered.
Speaking of Webb, he's going to be talked about alot on here too when he turns over. Mark my words.

Don't want to make turn this into a back-slapping thread, but I am in agreement - he would beat all the above now....in fact he flattened Elvis M already in the amateurs - I have seen the knockout.

It also wasn't that much of a scandalous decision against Webb - if you take away the blood, it was actually quite close, but it should definitely have been stopped on injury by amateur rules.

Webb will be a big ticket seller as a pro, he has a great fanbase. He will be involved in exciting fights.....British title level I would say.

Now, if only he would get rid of his ponytail!!!!

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 13 May 2004, 12:32

Yeah, E, I hope your correct. I have never seen Small but I personally don't like to see all this guises in the ring enterences. It gives an arrogant perception and people will want to see him fall, just like many wanted to see Naseem fall.

My brother is a boxing fan, but hasn't got Sky he saw Brian Magee for the first time last time and he wanted him to lose, because of the fact he where shades.

Some fighters (like Hopkins) get away with it, most though don't.

It will make him £££ at the end of the day though.