Anyone got any idea what he's up to? Obviously it seems the Nelson fight isn't exactly in the pipeline, but has anyone heard any rumours about his next fight? I may be in a minority here, but I like the guy, and think he can actually make some noise above domestic level. Obviously, I'd like him to ditch the WBU title and actually fight someone who hits back, but beggers can't be choosers right now. One thing I will say is that unlike a certain other young British Cruiserweight who packs a punch, Enzo seems serious about the fight game.
I know we've got a fairly sizeable Welsh contingent here, so has anyone heard anything?
Enzo Macarinelli
I've always felt he's a guy that's never really out of shape, didn't he say he never had any problem making the old cruiserweight limit of 190lbs? This is despite the fact that he's always seemed a little fleshy.stujones wrote:He was ringside at Gammar vs Francis, looked in good shape.
What's your opinion on him Stu? Has he got what it takes? I'd like to see him in with someone like Rothman next myself.
My opinion of him is similar to that of Wayne Alexander, he has the power to win a world title but he could lose to a low level fighter.
One aspect of his game I have been dissapointed with is his jab - worse jab I have seen for a fighter with such a size advantage (usually). Still think he is chinny, but is quick and decent thinker and can whack. He has the power to take anyone out, and has the speed to catch the elite - but he can just as easily be KO'd himself when he steps up.
Seeing him in the flesh I was stunned by his size, the guy is massive. He looks so much bigger (not just taller but bigger) than Gammer. He looked around fighting weight, so I guess he is one of these light boned freaks.
One aspect of his game I have been dissapointed with is his jab - worse jab I have seen for a fighter with such a size advantage (usually). Still think he is chinny, but is quick and decent thinker and can whack. He has the power to take anyone out, and has the speed to catch the elite - but he can just as easily be KO'd himself when he steps up.
Seeing him in the flesh I was stunned by his size, the guy is massive. He looks so much bigger (not just taller but bigger) than Gammer. He looked around fighting weight, so I guess he is one of these light boned freaks.
I would like to see him back soon, he is a guy that gains momentum with his big punching performances and i don't think he can afford to lapse into inactivity. I doubt the Nelson fight will come off in fact i will be surprised to see Nelson fight again, i feel he is as good as retired and basically if all he has to aim for his Cantatore he may as well retire. I think Enzo may as well forget about Nelson and ditch that WBU thing and look for some meaningful fringe world level fights. There is nothing particularly menacing at world level at the moment, Mormeck is No. 1 but with Braithwaite getting beaten and the likes of Sellers, Davis and Jones hanging around the scene i think this is a good opportunity for Enzo to gatecrash things, his punch power means he has a chance with anyone.
That's pretty much my thinking as well Steve. Cruiserweight has never been bursting with talent (although I think the move to a 200lb limit was a good thing), so I've felt Macarinelli has the power to beat anyone in a fairly weak division. Dale Brown, for instance, is a contender, but I think if Enzo caught him, he'd go.steve689 wrote:I would like to see him back soon, he is a guy that gains momentum with his big punching performances and i don't think he can afford to lapse into inactivity. I doubt the Nelson fight will come off in fact i will be surprised to see Nelson fight again, i feel he is as good as retired and basically if all he has to aim for his Cantatore he may as well retire. I think Enzo may as well forget about Nelson and ditch that WBU thing and look for some meaningful fringe world level fights. There is nothing particularly menacing at world level at the moment, Mormeck is No. 1 but with Braithwaite getting beaten and the likes of Sellers, Davis and Jones hanging around the scene i think this is a good opportunity for Enzo to gatecrash things, his punch power means he has a chance with anyone.
Also agree with you about the jab, Stu. For a guy his size, he doesn't utilise it enough, instead favouring the lead left hook. Effective punch, certainly, but he could use his size much better. Especially if he's as big as you say. I understand where you're coming from, mind: As a teenage rugby player I trained against Tim Rodber, and it really is shocking just how big these guys are
Good to see that not everyone dismisses him though, as I said, I think he could make an impact. Speaking from (painful) experience, I like to see guys work the body, and that's the one part of Enzo's game that I've been impressed with over the last 18 months.
Maccarinelli - Haye has just screamed out to be made, and I'd love to see it. Naturally, there's no chance of it happening.
Its not that he doesn't utilise the jab enough (although you are right), it also poorly executed when he does use it. He's got fairly fast hands and is young, but that portuguse (I think) survivor (the one who gave Cantatore a scare) - forgot his name, but he was beating Enzo to the jab time and time again - seem to be easily slipping the Enzo jab and countering with his own.
Not enough for him to win a round, but it was too many times considering the ambition and the size difference of the two.
Not enough for him to win a round, but it was too many times considering the ambition and the size difference of the two.
Boxing: Enzo the gladiator to fight in Rome
Gareth Jones, South Wales Echo
ENZO Maccarinelli is heading for the land of his fathers for his next bout of action - and it will hopefully lead to his dream fight with Johnny Nelson in Wales in February.
The 25-year-old WBU cruiserweight champion from Swansea is to have a non-title 10-rounder on the November 26 show in Rome, topped by Nelson's WBO defence against mandatory challenger Vincenzo Cantatore.
Both bouts will be broadcast by ITV.
And, assuming the two Brits come through unscathed, allegedly plans to match them in the chief support if - and it is a fairly big 'if' - the Joe Calzaghe-Jeff Lacy collision can be resurrected for February 4.
The two super-middle rivals were due to meet on Bonfire Night in London until Calzaghe broke his left hand beating Kenyan Evans Ashira in Cardiff last month.
Now, although Warren insists the Lacy camp signed a contract specifying the new date in the event a postponement became necessary, the American's promoter, Gary Shaw, is adamant that the fight will not happen.
That need not affect Maccarinelli greatly.
Presumably, Joe will fight someone on February 4, even if it isn't Lacy, and Enzo's scrap with Nelson would still share the stage. Meanwhile, he must head for the country his father, Mario, left in 1954 to work in the Welsh mines.
"I boxed out there when I was 14," recalled Enzo. "I beat two senior boxers in one week. I'm really looking forward to going back." Introducing himself to the Italian public will be a bonus, particularly if Cantatore were to upset the applecart by beating Nelson.
"I think they'll like my style," he says. "After all, I'm a gladiator!"
Gareth Jones, South Wales Echo
ENZO Maccarinelli is heading for the land of his fathers for his next bout of action - and it will hopefully lead to his dream fight with Johnny Nelson in Wales in February.
The 25-year-old WBU cruiserweight champion from Swansea is to have a non-title 10-rounder on the November 26 show in Rome, topped by Nelson's WBO defence against mandatory challenger Vincenzo Cantatore.
Both bouts will be broadcast by ITV.
And, assuming the two Brits come through unscathed, allegedly plans to match them in the chief support if - and it is a fairly big 'if' - the Joe Calzaghe-Jeff Lacy collision can be resurrected for February 4.
The two super-middle rivals were due to meet on Bonfire Night in London until Calzaghe broke his left hand beating Kenyan Evans Ashira in Cardiff last month.
Now, although Warren insists the Lacy camp signed a contract specifying the new date in the event a postponement became necessary, the American's promoter, Gary Shaw, is adamant that the fight will not happen.
That need not affect Maccarinelli greatly.
Presumably, Joe will fight someone on February 4, even if it isn't Lacy, and Enzo's scrap with Nelson would still share the stage. Meanwhile, he must head for the country his father, Mario, left in 1954 to work in the Welsh mines.
"I boxed out there when I was 14," recalled Enzo. "I beat two senior boxers in one week. I'm really looking forward to going back." Introducing himself to the Italian public will be a bonus, particularly if Cantatore were to upset the applecart by beating Nelson.
"I think they'll like my style," he says. "After all, I'm a gladiator!"
I just hope he's not put in against another knockover job. Although I have a feeling that will be the case.