I know this is a British forum but it's not like i'm going to get much sense over at the Current Scene if it is the same as when i left. I usually enjoy watching German Boxing. This year has been a fanastic year so far for World Boxing and it is getting better with quality matchups around the globe.
Germany has hardly been a standard bearer of fair play over time, but it has always been judging/reffing controversies that have hogged the headlines. This year has been a big year for mismatches IMO or "overmatches" if such a word existed! Where the opponent is brave and tough but just not good enough.
Look at the Middleweights for example, Felix Sturm WBA holder and Arthur Abraham IBF holder, it's a match crying out to be made. Does Sturm want it? I don't think so but that's just speculation, the fact is both are making facile defences that look set to continue.
Sturm started 2007 regaining his title off veteran Javier Castillejo who had spoiled the party in 2006 with an upset win, fair enough fight. He then defended against Noe Tulio Gonzalez Alcoba a 14-0 Uruguyan who had never fought outside South America. Noe Tulio was tough and brave and extremely fit but was basically lacking as Sturm jabbed and popped round after round refusing to finish his man. Strum accomodates Randy Griffin next who is a little better but not much.
Abraham eased himself back after a broken jaw to outgun Sebastian Demers, fair enough, next he faces Khoren Gevor. I have never heard of him. Abraham is wasting his prime.
Zsolt Erdei is world class and has a fantastic jab. He used it to defeat hapless Danny Santiago, the nicest guy in Boxing but frankly should not have been let anywhere near a "world" title. His last fight he beat George Blades, see above, a trier, hard working but technically inept. He couldn't throw a straight right hand properly.
Alexander Dimitrenko is 27-0 yet still mixing with the likes of Danny Batchelder. Am i being too harsh? Dieter and Egon Roth are both being moved at a pace that can only be described as dead.
Sven Ottke was deemed lucky on occasions but a glance at his resume didn't really reveal too many bad matches once he hit world level.
Wladimir Klitschko KO'd the facile Ray Austin in Germany, why was Austin even considered good enough to contest a world crown?
For the talent of Germany (whether nationals or German based) this has been a year dominated by mismatches.
A Weak Year For German Boxing?
Germany are very good at securing world class talent. As you say, Erdei has a great jab. He's a superlative boxer but has been wasted by Universum.
Huck beating Tokarev was important. But Enzo macca, the guy we all criticised for not taking Tok-level fights, is fighting Cunningham, the guy whom Huck won an elim to challenge!
11-0 Cuban cruiser Yoan Pablo Hernandez is sure to win a world title in the future. He's kept winning. This will be slow work but keep your eyes on him -unless he gets flabby & becomes a lazy heavyweight.
Arena Box have signed those 3 Cubans but no more it seems with Castro stopping any more of it.
& of course, Povetkin beat up Donald and has been put in the IBF 4-man tournament. But the Donald fight was somewhere in Russia and few have seen it.
Wlad Sid, one of my fave fighters, fought his 1st weak challenger for the WBA bantam - it must be a bad year!
It has been a bit thin this year. Inkin has basically sat on his WBO "mandatory" if such a status exists. It's been a bit too slow for my liking but they have good fighters making a lot of money whom I'm eager to watch.
It's been a "wait and see" type of year sadly.
Huck beating Tokarev was important. But Enzo macca, the guy we all criticised for not taking Tok-level fights, is fighting Cunningham, the guy whom Huck won an elim to challenge!
11-0 Cuban cruiser Yoan Pablo Hernandez is sure to win a world title in the future. He's kept winning. This will be slow work but keep your eyes on him -unless he gets flabby & becomes a lazy heavyweight.
Arena Box have signed those 3 Cubans but no more it seems with Castro stopping any more of it.
& of course, Povetkin beat up Donald and has been put in the IBF 4-man tournament. But the Donald fight was somewhere in Russia and few have seen it.
Wlad Sid, one of my fave fighters, fought his 1st weak challenger for the WBA bantam - it must be a bad year!
It has been a bit thin this year. Inkin has basically sat on his WBO "mandatory" if such a status exists. It's been a bit too slow for my liking but they have good fighters making a lot of money whom I'm eager to watch.
It's been a "wait and see" type of year sadly.
Erdei is totally wasted he has real talent i don't know why they are pitching him with sub standard Americans all the time. Huck-Tokarev was good i admit, forgot about that one. And Povetkin's matchmaking has been solid, better than any recent Heavyweight "prospect" i can think of. Kevin Johnson makes a lot of noise but basically he is a good jabber and has nothing else.Autobarn wrote:Germany are very good at securing world class talent. As you say, Erdei has a great jab. He's a superlative boxer but has been wasted by Universum.
Huck beating Tokarev was important. But Enzo macca, the guy we all criticised for not taking Tok-level fights, is fighting Cunningham, the guy whom Huck won an elim to challenge!
11-0 Cuban cruiser Yoan Pablo Hernandez is sure to win a world title in the future. He's kept winning. This will be slow work but keep your eyes on him -unless he gets flabby & becomes a lazy heavyweight.
Arena Box have signed those 3 Cubans but no more it seems with Castro stopping any more of it.
& of course, Povetkin beat up Donald and has been put in the IBF 4-man tournament. But the Donald fight was somewhere in Russia and few have seen it.
Wlad Sid, one of my fave fighters, fought his 1st weak challenger for the WBA bantam - it must be a bad year!
It has been a bit thin this year. Inkin has basically sat on his WBO "mandatory" if such a status exists. It's been a bit too slow for my liking but they have good fighters making a lot of money whom I'm eager to watch.
It's been a "wait and see" type of year sadly.
Wladimir Sidorenko is good, he lacks a bit of power but his basics are sound. Seems Ricardo Cordoba is his bogeyman with those two draws. His fight in France was a bit of a gimme, i forget the French kids name but it was a good professional performance by Wlad. I was expecting more from Vitali Tajbert who was a good amateur but he has been tucked away on undercards so far.
Caught Tajbert once on Eurosport. Holdsworth was writing him off a bit. But you can't tell at this stage. I admit I was writing Povetkin off last year when he looked like a plodder vs that southpaw cruiser (it was his 1st fight on Sky).
I'm big on Povetkin and hope he hands Byrd a beating. If it shuts Byrd's attention seeking wag up, that's cool with me.
I like Sidorenko. I thought he beat Julio Zarate. The Thai he beat was a toughie as well. I also hear that he deserved to beat Cordoba, with it being more of a case of Central American fighters getting good breaks for WBA fights. (eg Viv Harris 'beating' Urkal on points).
I'm big on Povetkin and hope he hands Byrd a beating. If it shuts Byrd's attention seeking wag up, that's cool with me.
I like Sidorenko. I thought he beat Julio Zarate. The Thai he beat was a toughie as well. I also hear that he deserved to beat Cordoba, with it being more of a case of Central American fighters getting good breaks for WBA fights. (eg Viv Harris 'beating' Urkal on points).
Sidorenko beat Cordoba twice imho. First fight was a clear cut win for Sidorenko, the second fight was closer, back and forth action, but I don´t think Cordoba deserved more than a draw in that fight either.Autobarn wrote:Caught Tajbert once on Eurosport. Holdsworth was writing him off a bit. But you can't tell at this stage. I admit I was writing Povetkin off last year when he looked like a plodder vs that southpaw cruiser (it was his 1st fight on Sky).
I'm big on Povetkin and hope he hands Byrd a beating. If it shuts Byrd's attention seeking wag up, that's cool with me.
I like Sidorenko. I thought he beat Julio Zarate. The Thai he beat was a toughie as well. I also hear that he deserved to beat Cordoba, with it being more of a case of Central American fighters getting good breaks for WBA fights. (eg Viv Harris 'beating' Urkal on points).
Chris Byrd is one of the classiest fighters out of the ring, well that the impression I get from him when interviewed or as an analysist.Autobarn wrote:Caught Tajbert once on Eurosport. Holdsworth was writing him off a bit. But you can't tell at this stage. I admit I was writing Povetkin off last year when he looked like a plodder vs that southpaw cruiser (it was his 1st fight on Sky).
I'm big on Povetkin and hope he hands Byrd a beating. If it shuts Byrd's attention seeking wag up, that's cool with me.
I like Sidorenko. I thought he beat Julio Zarate. The Thai he beat was a toughie as well. I also hear that he deserved to beat Cordoba, with it being more of a case of Central American fighters getting good breaks for WBA fights. (eg Viv Harris 'beating' Urkal on points).
Not sure why he is labelled "attention seeking"... I actually thought his comeback was very low key - especially for a 2 time champion.
I hear the IBF are putting Byrd in with Povetkin and Brock in with Eddie Chambers. I think Byrd is on the slide and Povetkin will win wide on points or maybe stop him late. As for the other fight, i have never seen Chambers and know nothing of him but i hope he beats Brock, Brock is dull as dishwater and if he was supposed to be the saviour if American Heavyweight Boxing then they are in trouble.
Brock seems a nice bloke but I don't want to see him getting thumped by Klitschko again, these type of fights are moving the division backwards. Here's hoping Chambers wins and fights Povetkin. Let's have some variety.
Brock seems a nice bloke but I don't want to see him getting thumped by Klitschko again, these type of fights are moving the division backwards. Here's hoping Chambers wins and fights Povetkin. Let's have some variety.
i was talking about his wife ("attention seeking wag")stujones wrote:Chris Byrd is one of the classiest fighters out of the ring, well that the impression I get from him when interviewed or as an analysist.Autobarn wrote:Caught Tajbert once on Eurosport. Holdsworth was writing him off a bit. But you can't tell at this stage. I admit I was writing Povetkin off last year when he looked like a plodder vs that southpaw cruiser (it was his 1st fight on Sky).
I'm big on Povetkin and hope he hands Byrd a beating. If it shuts Byrd's attention seeking wag up, that's cool with me.
I like Sidorenko. I thought he beat Julio Zarate. The Thai he beat was a toughie as well. I also hear that he deserved to beat Cordoba, with it being more of a case of Central American fighters getting good breaks for WBA fights. (eg Viv Harris 'beating' Urkal on points).
Not sure why he is labelled "attention seeking"... I actually thought his comeback was very low key - especially for a 2 time champion.
Byrd is a bit of a plonker anyway. Praying with Jameel McCline ruined a terrific fight for me.
Ive got to admit that Huck v Tokarev was a real good fight. Im also extermely pleased with Povetkin.
Erdei meanwhile has been a huge disappointment. Heck, Thomas Ulrich has fought better fighters than Erdei, and his next challenger for the European crown is better than Erdei's last 2 challengers (and 3 of the last four) for the "world" championship! Erdei should have faced the likes of Adamek or Dawson, or even Clinton Woods, instead he continues sitting on his belt.
Universum have made some solid matchups in the past, particularly at Lightheavyweight, it's really inexplicable to me. All of boxing has seemed to "get a clue" (from MMA perhaps?), we are finally seeing the matches we want, but Germany seems to still be in the "protect your fighters at all costs" phase.
Erdei meanwhile has been a huge disappointment. Heck, Thomas Ulrich has fought better fighters than Erdei, and his next challenger for the European crown is better than Erdei's last 2 challengers (and 3 of the last four) for the "world" championship! Erdei should have faced the likes of Adamek or Dawson, or even Clinton Woods, instead he continues sitting on his belt.
Universum have made some solid matchups in the past, particularly at Lightheavyweight, it's really inexplicable to me. All of boxing has seemed to "get a clue" (from MMA perhaps?), we are finally seeing the matches we want, but Germany seems to still be in the "protect your fighters at all costs" phase.
I don't think it's Erdei's fault. I think it's Universum's fault - they did the same with Michalczewski to prolong him. He's a brilliant boxer but he's trapped in a deadening cycle of shit fights. I'll still watch him & I give him credit for beating tough foes Gonzalez (easily), Sahnoune (great fight), Ulrich (masterclass) and Garay (twice).
Erdei's well into his reign and with him being nearer the end, they will hopefully make a cash-out fight.
I'd favour Erdei over Calzaghe in what would be an easy fight to make between long time WBO champs. If the Calzaghe-Kessler European superfight goes down well, there may be a demand for more. I also think Erdei would outbox the ungainly Hopkins.
IMO it could be a period of hibernatrion for German boxing, while some of the Cubans mature, while Huck gets some more polish, etc.
Erdei's well into his reign and with him being nearer the end, they will hopefully make a cash-out fight.
I'd favour Erdei over Calzaghe in what would be an easy fight to make between long time WBO champs. If the Calzaghe-Kessler European superfight goes down well, there may be a demand for more. I also think Erdei would outbox the ungainly Hopkins.
IMO it could be a period of hibernatrion for German boxing, while some of the Cubans mature, while Huck gets some more polish, etc.
I still believe in Erdei. You do seem to acknowledge his ability. He was razor sharp vs the last guy, Blades. He looked fat and slow vs Santiago. The Blades fight was in Hungary, hence he raised his performance. Something slightly out of the ordinary.
I've seen Joe C look worse than Erdei did vs similar crap foes. Joe went on to beat Lacy. Erdei has pedigree - the clinics over Gonzalez and Ulrich (recent) - toughness - stopping the maniac Sahnoune when he had an injury & poor training etc etc - ability to fight under big pressure - Garay (twice).
Erdei still has it. Universum have sat on him, but he still has the class. Give him a good opponent and he'll be up for it.
One way of looking at him is that by dropping off the opposition level, he has atrophied. I don't believe this. He's not had a lot of wear and tear. Like Calzaghe he has saved something for his mid '30s. If Universum deliver him a big fight I'd bet Zsolt wins it.
Verbal, what do you think of Wladimir Sidorenko - fighting tough comp most of the time - lots of tough WBA challengers i.e. Zarate, Cordoba x2, Kratingdeanggym - but being given scant coverage by German TV for his gritty and skilfull efforts. Disgracefu
I've seen Joe C look worse than Erdei did vs similar crap foes. Joe went on to beat Lacy. Erdei has pedigree - the clinics over Gonzalez and Ulrich (recent) - toughness - stopping the maniac Sahnoune when he had an injury & poor training etc etc - ability to fight under big pressure - Garay (twice).
Erdei still has it. Universum have sat on him, but he still has the class. Give him a good opponent and he'll be up for it.
One way of looking at him is that by dropping off the opposition level, he has atrophied. I don't believe this. He's not had a lot of wear and tear. Like Calzaghe he has saved something for his mid '30s. If Universum deliver him a big fight I'd bet Zsolt wins it.
Verbal, what do you think of Wladimir Sidorenko - fighting tough comp most of the time - lots of tough WBA challengers i.e. Zarate, Cordoba x2, Kratingdeanggym - but being given scant coverage by German TV for his gritty and skilfull efforts. Disgracefu
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black panther
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When Erdei beat Gonzalez that was a master-class in boxing - made Gonzalez look silly and hurt him a few times. At the the time I thought "This guy could end up being the champ at lightheavy" but as you say subsequent performances against mediocre opposition have been poor. He always looks a bit podgy to be as well - I think if he worked hard he could make supermiddle.....
I still think Erdei would be a bit too fast on the trigger for Hopkins. But definitely, there are things he should have learned as champion that he hasn't learned due to some poor opposition.
They must feel that he has all the skills he needs. Anyway, Hopkins is crafty, knows his own body enough to do 12 rds and studies his foes hard enough to negate them. But Erdei's much more outwardly talented than Hopkins. He came into the pros with a near-fully developed pro style.
Ironically, Hopkins has made a lot of comparatively little, whle Erdei came into the pros with pedigree and talent but has been sold short.
With Sidorenko, the irony is he grows with every tough opponent he fights. He beat a tall, difficult guy in Julio Zarate for the vacant title, defended twice in draws with Cordoba (many feel Wlad won 'em both) and outboxed the hardy Thai Kratingdaenggym. German TV normally shows a full Sturm/Erdei type fight live and then shows 5 min highlights of a Sidorenko fight. Disgusting.
Doubt it happens for him in America. There's no real market for Europeans unless they're a super middle or heavyweight. I'd further that by saying there's no audience for Eastern bloc guys if they don't carry a heavyweight belt and a Phd.
They must feel that he has all the skills he needs. Anyway, Hopkins is crafty, knows his own body enough to do 12 rds and studies his foes hard enough to negate them. But Erdei's much more outwardly talented than Hopkins. He came into the pros with a near-fully developed pro style.
Ironically, Hopkins has made a lot of comparatively little, whle Erdei came into the pros with pedigree and talent but has been sold short.
With Sidorenko, the irony is he grows with every tough opponent he fights. He beat a tall, difficult guy in Julio Zarate for the vacant title, defended twice in draws with Cordoba (many feel Wlad won 'em both) and outboxed the hardy Thai Kratingdaenggym. German TV normally shows a full Sturm/Erdei type fight live and then shows 5 min highlights of a Sidorenko fight. Disgusting.
Doubt it happens for him in America. There's no real market for Europeans unless they're a super middle or heavyweight. I'd further that by saying there's no audience for Eastern bloc guys if they don't carry a heavyweight belt and a Phd.
I had him beating Garay on the cleaner punches and better defense. He doesn't like being crowded but he always had a better answer. The speed of his shots was brilliant in that fight. Whenever Garay left an opening - which was often considering his fast pace - Erdei always dropped something good in there. I totally disagree with Holdsworth's commentaries - he sticks up for Ottke's close wins but any other German based fighter in a close fight and he always leans against them.