Matt Skelton from a Yanks' perspective

[iceman21287]

I've only seen Matt Skelton on two occasions, against Mirovic and Draskovic, so I'm basing my analysis on Skelton off of those two fights.

First off, the guy is a monster in the ring in terms of size...6'3, 250 and carries it well. He reminds me of a giant version of Jersey Joe in terms of physicality. Of course, comparing anything else other than that between those two would be almost laughable.

Skelton is strong. He's very strong. He was moving Mirovic and Draskovic all around the ring with every punch he threw. Because of this, he will always have a punchers chance against every fighter in the division right now.

That said, his boxing ability seems to be crude, at best. And he seems to be VERY slow. Because of those two things, I wouldn't favor him against Chris Byrd (even though Byrd has lost a lot), Wlad Klitschko, Hasim Rahman, Calvin Brock, Audley Harrison, and a few other top contenders. I would favor Skelton against Ruiz and most sluggers, because it seems that Skelton can take a punch and I doubt many fighters can take his.

The two fighters I would most like to see Skelton in the ring with are Sam Peter and Lamon Brewster. I think that both of these fights would be absolute wars (in which, to me, Skelton would be a slight favorite). I don't see any chance that either of these fights would go the distance.

Am I way off base here, considering I've only seen two of his fights, or do I have a fairly good read on him?

[josh fg]

Never been much of a skelton fan although I appriciate he came up through the difficult world of K1 and went to boxing late on. However you can not really knock his power but I don't think he has been in with many skilld technical boxers with a strong ametre peddagree. I think Peter would beat him because as well as the power he also brings a good deal of schooling as would Viet I would love to see the peter fight though.

[Zhuge]

What's McDermott's amateur background like?

I've only seen him fight once (against Popov), so it's hard to tell if he can put up a good fight against Skelton.

[KOJOE90]

What's McDermott's amateur background like?

ABA Super-Heavyweight Champion I believe. Although I don't think he had a long amateur career.

[hammer]

mcdermot is a useless heavey weight ,skelton will take him out in about the 6 saw him box mark krences last year the guy was shit poor balances .skelton is no better but he as good power and is very strong.

[Phenomenal-Nutrition]

I've only seen Matt Skelton on two occasions, against Mirovic and Draskovic, so I'm basing my analysis on Skelton off of those two fights.

First off, the guy is a monster in the ring in terms of size...6'3, 250 and carries it well. He reminds me of a giant version of Jersey Joe in terms of physicality. Of course, comparing anything else other than that between those two would be almost laughable.

Skelton is strong. He's very strong. He was moving Mirovic and Draskovic all around the ring with every punch he threw. Because of this, he will always have a punchers chance against every fighter in the division right now.

That said, his boxing ability seems to be crude, at best. And he seems to be VERY slow. Because of those two things, I wouldn't favor him against Chris Byrd (even though Byrd has lost a lot), Wlad Klitschko, Hasim Rahman, Calvin Brock, Audley Harrison, and a few other top contenders. I would favor Skelton against Ruiz and most sluggers, because it seems that Skelton can take a punch and I doubt many fighters can take his.

The two fighters I would most like to see Skelton in the ring with are Sam Peter and Lamon Brewster. I think that both of these fights would be absolute wars (in which, to me, Skelton would be a slight favorite). I don't see any chance that either of these fights would go the distance.

Am I way off base here, considering I've only seen two of his fights, or do I have a fairly good read on him?

1. Skeleton isn't a puncher
2. Hes not a monster - hes weak for his size
3. Ruiz is a boxer not a slugger and would easily jab grab a victory.
4. Brewster and Sam would KO Skeleton early (remember Mirkovic hurt Skeleton)

[iceman21287]

I've only seen Matt Skelton on two occasions, against Mirovic and Draskovic, so I'm basing my analysis on Skelton off of those two fights.

First off, the guy is a monster in the ring in terms of size...6'3, 250 and carries it well. He reminds me of a giant version of Jersey Joe in terms of physicality. Of course, comparing anything else other than that between those two would be almost laughable.

Skelton is strong. He's very strong. He was moving Mirovic and Draskovic all around the ring with every punch he threw. Because of this, he will always have a punchers chance against every fighter in the division right now.

That said, his boxing ability seems to be crude, at best. And he seems to be VERY slow. Because of those two things, I wouldn't favor him against Chris Byrd (even though Byrd has lost a lot), Wlad Klitschko, Hasim Rahman, Calvin Brock, Audley Harrison, and a few other top contenders. I would favor Skelton against Ruiz and most sluggers, because it seems that Skelton can take a punch and I doubt many fighters can take his.

The two fighters I would most like to see Skelton in the ring with are Sam Peter and Lamon Brewster. I think that both of these fights would be absolute wars (in which, to me, Skelton would be a slight favorite). I don't see any chance that either of these fights would go the distance.

Am I way off base here, considering I've only seen two of his fights, or do I have a fairly good read on him?

1. Skeleton isn't a puncher
2. Hes not a monster - hes weak for his size
3. Ruiz is a boxer not a slugger and would easily jab grab a victory.
4. Brewster and Sam would KO Skeleton early (remember Mirkovic hurt Skeleton)

1. Well he certainly isn't a boxer
2. He seems to have done pretty well for himself for being weak..16 out of 17 KO's
3. I didn't mean Ruiz was a slugger...I just didn't clarify that well enough. I meant that the Ruiz that fights right now I don't classify as either...he's just Ruiz
4. I'm not so sure...Brewster I could see that (especially if he came out like he did against Golota). Peter I'm not so sure...he's not as raw as Skelton but he's certainly not an amazingly gifted fighter by any stretch...he punches just as slow as Skelton in my opinion. I'll watch the Mirovic fight again when I get home though...if Skelton really did get hurt by Mirovic then that's a sign that his chin may not be up to snuff (taking nothing away from Mirovic, who though weak for his size, can still land some hard shots)

[JC]

I just find watching Skelton depressing. He is enthusiastic and seems to have good heart so good luck to him, but a fighter as unskilled as him would not have got as far as he has even a few years ago.

[WildWaylon]

Not too many of you seem to rate Skelton, however I do - He is a hard hitter but I agree he isnt skillful - I seriously beleive he could win over Harrison by storming him - Harrison doesnt like that sort of fighter and his defence is poor so I reckon Matt would nail him - Both Skelton and Harrison are running out of time so they need to get busy in 2006 - They need to be looking at big matchups, and they either make it or they dont - Skelton wont ever be a Lewis but he could be a Bruno - No he couldnt beat Klitchco or Byrd but he would have a fornicating good try

[reidy]

Skelton could be a Bruno? WTF. Come on Skelton seems like a good guy but Bruno would have punched him from Pillar to post on route to a 3rd rounf KO. You telling me that someone who virtually Boxed Lennox Lewis head off for 7 rounds before being ko'd is at a level Matt Skelton could get to. Yeah sure put down the pipe. Harrison is too skilled, has a good jab and good footwork. Those attributes alone mean he would win a wide UD over Skelton. If Krence had actully been fighting fit against Skelton he would have won that fight

[Lenny]

Although I don't rate Skelton, till I see Harrison fight at a good pace against half decent opposition (hopefully we'll see this in the Willams matchup) then imo Skelton wins that fight. If Harrison proves he can throw more than 10 punches a round and actually keep a fighter who wants to win away from him then the Skelton fight is easy for him given his boxing ability.

Skelton doesn't have great punch power but what he does have is good strengh together with a very good punch output for a heavyweight. In the current heavyweight division I think this is enough for him to be in some good fights at world level.

[funso banjo baby]

All fans of Skelton should lend their support to the A-FORCE AND SKELTON TOTAL DOMINATION thread on 'current scene'. IM not having much luck convincing the US fans. They seem to spend all their time biggin up byrd, ruiz, and mccline.......

IF Skelton gets past blubber boy mcdermot id love to see him fight either Sam Peter or Samil Sam ....what no backward stepping slug fest those would be

[J]

I've only seen Matt Skelton on two occasions, against Mirovic and Draskovic, so I'm basing my analysis on Skelton off of those two fights.

First off, the guy is a monster in the ring in terms of size...6'3, 250 and carries it well. He reminds me of a giant version of Jersey Joe in terms of physicality. Of course, comparing anything else other than that between those two would be almost laughable.

Skelton is strong. He's very strong. He was moving Mirovic and Draskovic all around the ring with every punch he threw. Because of this, he will always have a punchers chance against every fighter in the division right now.

That said, his boxing ability seems to be crude, at best. And he seems to be VERY slow. Because of those two things, I wouldn't favor him against Chris Byrd (even though Byrd has lost a lot), Wlad Klitschko, Hasim Rahman, Calvin Brock, Audley Harrison, and a few other top contenders. I would favor Skelton against Ruiz and most sluggers, because it seems that Skelton can take a punch and I doubt many fighters can take his.

The two fighters I would most like to see Skelton in the ring with are Sam Peter and Lamon Brewster. I think that both of these fights would be absolute wars (in which, to me, Skelton would be a slight favorite). I don't see any chance that either of these fights would go the distance.

Am I way off base here, considering I've only seen two of his fights, or do I have a fairly good read on him?

1. Skeleton isn't a puncher
2. Hes not a monster - hes weak for his size
3. Ruiz is a boxer not a slugger and would easily jab grab a victory.
4. Brewster and Sam would KO Skeleton early (remember Mirkovic hurt Skeleton)

agree with most of that but he is strong as an ox.
come on.

thje geezer bullies people into submission and you dont make it as a top K1 merchant unless you have strength and Matt was pretty damn good at that.

He has balls and heart, he is relentless its just too late for him to learn the skills necessary to compete at the very top level.

I met matt at the york hall had a nice chin wag with him for ten mins or so, a thoroughly nice man he seemed as well.

[jamesmcdonnell]

I'd agree with that. Matt's age is his biggest stumbling block, he has only a couple of years to make whatever mark he makes.

I think his technique has improved recently, he has been throwing more straight shots and getting a bit more power behind his punches.

[KOJOE90]

Due to Skeltons age I doubt he will have a long career, but he appears physically fresh, strong and determined.

So sit back and enjoy the ride I say.

[josh fg]

He is just a bit of a freak show really someone who can hit heard and KO people. He will make money while he can and then get beaten against a truly skilled boxer. Harrison would beat him as would Peter who for all that is said of his skill has a good ametre pedagree.

[Phenomenal-Nutrition]

I've only seen Matt Skelton on two occasions, against Mirovic and Draskovic, so I'm basing my analysis on Skelton off of those two fights.

First off, the guy is a monster in the ring in terms of size...6'3, 250 and carries it well. He reminds me of a giant version of Jersey Joe in terms of physicality. Of course, comparing anything else other than that between those two would be almost laughable.

Skelton is strong. He's very strong. He was moving Mirovic and Draskovic all around the ring with every punch he threw. Because of this, he will always have a punchers chance against every fighter in the division right now.

That said, his boxing ability seems to be crude, at best. And he seems to be VERY slow. Because of those two things, I wouldn't favor him against Chris Byrd (even though Byrd has lost a lot), Wlad Klitschko, Hasim Rahman, Calvin Brock, Audley Harrison, and a few other top contenders. I would favor Skelton against Ruiz and most sluggers, because it seems that Skelton can take a punch and I doubt many fighters can take his.

The two fighters I would most like to see Skelton in the ring with are Sam Peter and Lamon Brewster. I think that both of these fights would be absolute wars (in which, to me, Skelton would be a slight favorite). I don't see any chance that either of these fights would go the distance.

Am I way off base here, considering I've only seen two of his fights, or do I have a fairly good read on him?

1. Skeleton isn't a puncher
2. Hes not a monster - hes weak for his size
3. Ruiz is a boxer not a slugger and would easily jab grab a victory.
4. Brewster and Sam would KO Skeleton early (remember Mirkovic hurt Skeleton)

agree with most of that but he is strong as an ox.
come on.

thje geezer bullies people into submission and you dont make it as a top K1 merchant unless you have strength and Matt was pretty damn good at that.

He has balls and heart, he is relentless its just too late for him to learn the skills necessary to compete at the very top level.

I met matt at the york hall had a nice chin wag with him for ten mins or so, a thoroughly nice man he seemed as well.

Talking about world level strength though - good British level strength but Vitali, Golota, Peter, Brewster, Wlad would push him around very easily. Hes a top30 fighter, biggish, strongish but nothing special in any area OTHER THAN MAYBE HIS WORKRATE. Who knows maybe at a stretch he could grab a belt in a close points win if a belt holders looking below average

[josh fg]

Which Klitschko brother was it who was world Kick Boxing champion? Was he a propper champion?

Just because I am interesting to see how often or well the transition is made.

[nickd]

Which Klitschko brother was it who was world Kick Boxing champion? Was he a propper champion?

Just because I am interesting to see how often or well the transition is made.

Vitali.

[J]

yip nige benn also has a background in kick boxing pre army.

[KOJOE90]

yip nige benn also has a background in kick boxing pre army.

As does James Warring who outpointed Vitali in a match.

I undestand Carl Thompson used to be a Thai Boxer.

[josh fg]

yip nige benn also has a background in kick boxing pre army.

As does James Warring who outpointed Vitali in a match.

I undestand Carl Thompson used to be a Thai Boxer.

Which dissaplin translates into boxing the best, I have heard Wing Chung is one.

[leforge]

Is his fight with Mcdermott for british title? I saw somewhere the dreaded wbu was mentioned. Notice Hatton did not defend it the other day

[nickd]

Is his fight with Mcdermott for british title? I saw somewhere the dreaded wbu was mentioned. Notice Hatton did not defend it the other day

Yes, British title fight.

[josh fg]

What annois me is that so many punters will think that the WBU is worth more than the British.

Speaking of which why the frigg has Hatton held on to his WBU belt for christ sake that doesn't make him the three belt champion just makes him look silly on the telie