Liverpool RBR

[palooka]

I'm not saying I really enjoy watching Sturm box or agree with how his career has been handled or the decisions in Germany. Sturm has got a wealth of high level experience and a reputation for thinking about his boxing, setting traps and durability, at the level he's been boxing no one has been able to do that to Smith and the danger is that he is devastating at the lower level and gets to challenge for a title soley on physical attributes and has a deficit of high level experience.

[Stuarty]

I'm not saying I really enjoy watching Sturm box or agree with how his career has been handled or the decisions in Germany. Sturm has got a wealth of high level experience and a reputation for thinking about his boxing, setting traps and durability, at the level he's been boxing no one has been able to do that to Smith and the danger is that he is devastating at the lower level and gets to challenge for a title soley on physical attributes and has a deficit of high level experience.

Yeah I get what you're saying and a few years ago you would be spot on but Sturm is a shell of what he once was. If Smith went on and defeated him would he get any credit? Some credit but it's no big deal IMO. Smith needs to look in a different direction and Sturm has to retire.

[Horse]

I just think Sturm is shot to pieces and should be retiring rather than going in with a top prospect. Smith could probably pick up a few new experiences facing him but it wouldn't be any great learning curve and I doubt he'd get much credit. Someone on Sky had mentioned Jleon Love for Fielding last night, that would be a good fight for Smith. Hopefully it's the winner of Jack/Bute next though.

You think J'Leon Love is a better opponent for Smith than Felix Sturm?

Yeah I get what you're saying and a few years ago you would be spot on but Sturm is a shell of what he once was. If Smith went on and defeated him would he get any credit? Some credit but it's no big deal IMO. Smith needs to look in a different direction and Sturm has to retire.

Why does Smith need to look in a different direction?

If Sturm is so terrible then surely that is even more reason for Smith to be looking at him.

[Stuarty]

I just think Sturm is shot to pieces and should be retiring rather than going in with a top prospect. Smith could probably pick up a few new experiences facing him but it wouldn't be any great learning curve and I doubt he'd get much credit. Someone on Sky had mentioned Jleon Love for Fielding last night, that would be a good fight for Smith. Hopefully it's the winner of Jack/Bute next though.

You think J'Leon Love is a better opponent for Smith than Felix Sturm?

Yeah I get what you're saying and a few years ago you would be spot on but Sturm is a shell of what he once was. If Smith went on and defeated him would he get any credit? Some credit but it's no big deal IMO. Smith needs to look in a different direction and Sturm has to retire.

Why does Smith need to look in a different direction?

If Sturm is so terrible then surely that is even more reason for Smith to be looking at him.

Sturm is shot. There's not an arguement to suggest otherwise! And why is the fact that he's shot even more reason for Smith to go for him? Should he not test himself against other young, hungry contenders (Love) or Jack? He's worked his way in to a position to fight Jack and that's what he should do. Sturm should just pack it in. Does anyone actually look forward to or enjoy his fights?

[palooka]

I don't get excited when Sturm boxes but it's clear he still knows his way around the ring and puts a bit of thought into what he's doing. Anyone who marches into Smith is likely to get clocked hard and early. If Smith were to face someone like Sturm he'd likely learn a bit, experience boxing in a hostile environment and if he won in an exciting fashion could even make boxing in Germany a lucrative option - he could go for Abraham in the future as a known commodity. If Smith were to win well and Sturm gave great praise then Callum would be much better known and appreciated than he is now.

[Horse]

Sturm is shot. There's not an arguement to suggest otherwise! And why is the fact that he's shot even more reason for Smith to go for him?

So Smith can win his world title.

Should he not test himself against other young, hungry contenders (Love) or Jack?

Love might be hungry, but is he actually better than Sturm? On paper he is not.

Taking a few months out of his time to fight Sturm doesn't mean he can't test himself against other fighters afterwards does it?

He's worked his way in to a position to fight Jack and that's what he should do. Sturm should just pack it in. Does anyone actually look forward to or enjoy his fights?

Jack's busy and Smith could be waiting for a long time to get his shot.

He should go after Sturm or Abraham instead.

[Horse]

I don't get excited when Sturm boxes but it's clear he still knows his way around the ring and puts a bit of thought into what he's doing. Anyone who marches into Smith is likely to get clocked hard and early. If Smith were to face someone like Sturm he'd likely learn a bit, experience boxing in a hostile environment and if he won in an exciting fashion could even make boxing in Germany a lucrative option - he could go for Abraham in the future as a known commodity. If Smith were to win well and Sturm gave great praise then Callum would be much better known and appreciated than he is now.

[Counter-puncher]

I'm not saying I really enjoy watching Sturm box or agree with how his career has been handled or the decisions in Germany. Sturm has got a wealth of high level experience and a reputation for thinking about his boxing, setting traps and durability, at the level he's been boxing no one has been able to do that to Smith and the danger is that he is devastating at the lower level and gets to challenge for a title soley on physical attributes and has a deficit of high level experience.

Excellent post. Someone like sturm or Murray would be perfect for smith at this point imo

[Stuarty]

Sturm is shot. There's not an arguement to suggest otherwise! And why is the fact that he's shot even more reason for Smith to go for him?

So Smith can win his world title.

Should he not test himself against other young, hungry contenders (Love) or Jack?

Love might be hungry, but is he actually better than Sturm? On paper he is not.

Taking a few months out of his time to fight Sturm doesn't mean he can't test himself against other fighters afterwards does it?

He's worked his way in to a position to fight Jack and that's what he should do. Sturm should just pack it in. Does anyone actually look forward to or enjoy his fights?

Jack's busy and Smith could be waiting for a long time to get his shot.

He should go after Sturm or Abraham instead.

Abrahams busy. Fights just a few weeks before Jack and he might not come through. If Ramirez wins the title then that's a good fight for Smith. I think Love would be a better test than Sturm yeah and it would get Smith some exposure over the pond. Sturm is awful to watch especially nowadays and I have no desire to see one of our up and coming talents go in with him. I've had enough of the guy on our screens and it's time to call it a day.

[Horse]

Abrahams busy. Fights just a few weeks before Jack and he might not come through. If Ramirez wins the title then that's a good fight for Smith.

Ramirez is a good fight, but Abraham isn't?

Is Abraham not capable of teaching Smith anything either?

I think Love would be a better test than Sturm yeah and it would get Smith some exposure over the pond. Sturm is awful to watch especially nowadays and I have no desire to see one of our up and coming talents go in with him. I've had enough of the guy on our screens and it's time to call it a day.

Beating Sturm is much better for Smith's reputation than beating Love.

Callum could send Sturm into retirement. Wouldn't that make you happy?

[Stuarty]

Abrahams busy. Fights just a few weeks before Jack and he might not come through. If Ramirez wins the title then that's a good fight for Smith.

Ramirez is a good fight, but Abraham isn't?

Is Abraham not capable of teaching Smith anything either?

I think Love would be a better test than Sturm yeah and it would get Smith some exposure over the pond. Sturm is awful to watch especially nowadays and I have no desire to see one of our up and coming talents go in with him. I've had enough of the guy on our screens and it's time to call it a day.

Beating Sturm is much better for Smith's reputation than beating Love.

Callum could send Sturm into retirement. Wouldn't that make you happy?

First off no it wouldn't make me happy for Smith to send Sturm in to retirement. He's been a good pro and I'd like him to realise himself that his time is up rather than be punched in to retirement. A few years ago Sturm would've been a good fight. Today in 2016 I just don't want to see it.

I didn't say AA wasn't a good fight. I said he's busy too. You said Jack was busy... So is AA. The winner of AA and Ramirez is a good fight. Miles better than Sturm.

[Horse]

First off no it wouldn't make me happy for Smith to send Sturm in to retirement. He's been a good pro and I'd like him to realise himself that his time is up rather than be punched in to retirement. A few years ago Sturm would've been a good fight. Today in 2016 I just don't want to see it.

I didn't say AA wasn't a good fight. I said he's busy too. You said Jack was busy... So is AA. The winner of AA and Ramirez is a good fight. Miles better than Sturm.

Jack's meant to be fighting DeGale if he beats Bute.

Has Abraham got another fight lined up after Ramirez? Sturm maybe?

Beating Love in a nothing fight is in no way better than beating Sturm for the WBA title.

[Stuarty]

First off no it wouldn't make me happy for Smith to send Sturm in to retirement. He's been a good pro and I'd like him to realise himself that his time is up rather than be punched in to retirement. A few years ago Sturm would've been a good fight. Today in 2016 I just don't want to see it.

I didn't say AA wasn't a good fight. I said he's busy too. You said Jack was busy... So is AA. The winner of AA and Ramirez is a good fight. Miles better than Sturm.

Jack's meant to be fighting DeGale if he beats Bute.

Has Abraham got another fight lined up after Ramirez? Sturm maybe?

Beating Love in a nothing fight is in no way better than beating Sturm for the WBA title.

Not sure. AA v Sturm was mentioned. Another fight I don't want to see. How is beating Love a nothing fight? Love isn't anything special but he's known in the U.S. Smith has a style the Americans would take to and a fight with Love is the ideal opportunity for him to showcase his talents over there. Sturm has to retire.

[palooka]

Sturm is still effective and conditioned enough to win in 12 round bouts over very good opposition. Steiglitz and Chudinov are far better fighters than anyone on Smiths record and are proven at a higher level. Sturm is not the boxer he once was but has refined his technique to reflect his age etc. Sturm has never been the most entertaining to watch but I'd wager hell still be making very good money in stadium bouts in Germany in 2 more years, there's no chance he'll retire.

[Horse]

Not sure. AA v Sturm was mentioned. Another fight I don't want to see. How is beating Love a nothing fight? Love isn't anything special but he's known in the U.S. Smith has a style the Americans would take to and a fight with Love is the ideal opportunity for him to showcase his talents over there. Sturm has to retire.

Love is not highly rated any more and there would be no major title on the line unlike if Smith was fighting Sturm for the WBA title.

Beating Love wouldn't impress the Americans that much. Getting the WBA title and defending it in America would be much better for Smith.

Sturm is the WBA champion he most certainly does not have to retire.

[Horse]

Sturm is still effective and conditioned enough to win in 12 round bouts over very good opposition. Steiglitz and Chudinov are far better fighters than anyone on Smiths record and are proven at a higher level. Sturm is not the boxer he once was but has refined his technique to reflect his age etc. Sturm has never been the most entertaining to watch but I'd wager hell still be making very good money in stadium bouts in Germany in 2 more years, there's no chance he'll retire.

Yes, I think Stuarty30 is somewhat overstating how washed up Sturm is.

It would clearly be the best win on Smith's record, whether Sturm is faded or not.

It's also not unthinkable that Sturm might win.

[Stuarty]

Sturm is still effective and conditioned enough to win in 12 round bouts over very good opposition. Steiglitz and Chudinov are far better fighters than anyone on Smiths record and are proven at a higher level. Sturm is not the boxer he once was but has refined his technique to reflect his age etc. Sturm has never been the most entertaining to watch but I'd wager hell still be making very good money in stadium bouts in Germany in 2 more years, there's no chance he'll retire.

Yes, I think Stuarty30 is somewhat overstating how washed up Sturm is.

It would clearly be the best win on Smith's record, whether Sturm is faded or not.

It's also not unthinkable that Sturm might win.

There is no way Sturm beats Smith. Not a chance. And Sturm may well still be selling arenas out in two years time but I'm sure David Hasslehoff sells out arenas in Germany so it doesn't really mean anything on the grand scale of things...

[Horse]

There is no way Sturm beats Smith. Not a chance.

I think that you're underestimating Sturm and overestimating Smith.

You're talking about a reigning world champion here, not some low level journeyman.

I'd favour Smith, but I wouldn't be shocked if he lost.

And Sturm may well still be selling arenas out in two years time but I'm sure David Hasslehoff sells out arenas in Germany so it doesn't really mean anything on the grand scale of things...

It means he doesn't need to retire.

He's the WBA champion and he's making plenty of money.

[palooka]

It doesn't have to make much in the grand scheme of things but is surely a motivating factor, German fans are far more forgiving and relaxed about a boxers record and performance than British fans. Sturm could stay over there, boxing twice every 18 months against politically placed opposition and earn big money, if I were him I'd do that until the wheels fell off.

[Stuarty]

It doesn't have to make much in the grand scheme of things but is surely a motivating factor, German fans are far more forgiving and relaxed about a boxers record and performance than British fans. Sturm could stay over there, boxing twice every 18 months against politically placed opposition and earn big money, if I were him I'd do that until the wheels fell off.

Fair point I suppose but the big question is, would you rather go to a Sturm fight or a David Hasslehoff concert?

[palooka]

It doesn't have to make much in the grand scheme of things but is surely a motivating factor, German fans are far more forgiving and relaxed about a boxers record and performance than British fans. Sturm could stay over there, boxing twice every 18 months against politically placed opposition and earn big money, if I were him I'd do that until the wheels fell off.

Fair point I suppose but the big question is, would you rather go to a Sturm fight or a David Hasslehoff concert?

Hasslehoff and I'd wear one of those jackets with fairy lights on

[Stuarty]

There is no way Sturm beats Smith. Not a chance.

I think that you're underestimating Sturm and overestimating Smith.

You're talking about a reigning world champion here, not some low level journeyman.

I'd favour Smith, but I wouldn't be shocked if he lost.

And Sturm may well still be selling arenas out in two years time but I'm sure David Hasslehoff sells out arenas in Germany so it doesn't really mean anything on the grand scale of things...

It means he doesn't need to retire.

He's the WBA champion and he's making plenty of money.

I know fine well who I am talking about and what he is capable of. He doesn't beat Smith. He got a gift against Chudinov (who isn't anything special) and that is sadly as good as it's likely to get for Felix. If he's fighting for the money then that's his prerogative but I doubt he needs it tbh. He's had a great career but he should call it a day. I have no interest in a past his best, boring to watch ex champion milking his alphabet title to line his own pockets.

[Stuarty]

It doesn't have to make much in the grand scheme of things but is surely a motivating factor, German fans are far more forgiving and relaxed about a boxers record and performance than British fans. Sturm could stay over there, boxing twice every 18 months against politically placed opposition and earn big money, if I were him I'd do that until the wheels fell off.

Fair point I suppose but the big question is, would you rather go to a Sturm fight or a David Hasslehoff concert?

Hasslehoff and I'd wear one of those jackets with fairy lights on

I'd wear my baywatch shorts and chest wig

[Horse]

I know fine well who I am talking about and what he is capable of. He doesn't beat Smith. He got a gift against Chudinov (who isn't anything special) and that is sadly as good as it's likely to get for Felix. If he's fighting for the money then that's his prerogative but I doubt he needs it tbh. He's had a great career but he should call it a day. I have no interest in a past his best, boring to watch ex champion milking his alphabet title to line his own pockets.

Yet you'd be excited about Callum Smith fighting J'Leon Love?

I think most people would be far more interested in Smith vs Sturm rather than Smith vs Love.

[Stuarty]

I know fine well who I am talking about and what he is capable of. He doesn't beat Smith. He got a gift against Chudinov (who isn't anything special) and that is sadly as good as it's likely to get for Felix. If he's fighting for the money then that's his prerogative but I doubt he needs it tbh. He's had a great career but he should call it a day. I have no interest in a past his best, boring to watch ex champion milking his alphabet title to line his own pockets.

Yet you'd be excited about Callum Smith fighting J'Leon Love?

I think most people would be far more interested in Smith vs Sturm rather than Smith vs Love.

I didn't say I'd be excited for it. I just think it's a better fight. It might be the case that the majority would be more interested in Smith v Sturm but I am not one of them. His fights are boring and often controversial.