BoxRec

His immediate future is a clash with Sergio Martinez which should be good.

However, what's your views on where his future should lie. Should he move back down to Welterweight or stay at Light Middleweight.

He's always given me the impression that he is a natural Welterweight, who was trying to make a bit a money on a surprise opportunity in fighting fot the IBO Light Middleweight championship a few years ago.

During his original reign as Welter he showed he belonged amongst the in the fringe world class bracket following his brave defeat at the hands of Vernon Forrest. In a fight that was been touted as 50:50. Well, Forrest went on to do wonderful things in the devision with his victory over Moseley.

Stone went on a remained undefeated as a Light Middle, moving into many peoples top ten before stepping back down to challenge Shane Moseley a few years ago. A gruesome 6th round stoppage almost signal the end of Stone's career but he has since returned and again has been undefeated as a Light Middle.

However, with the Welter who were dominating the World scene when Stone was knocking on that door have now moved to Lightmiddle (Forrest WILL move). So watch should Stone do.

If he has world title aspirations then perhaps it would be better if he moved back down. Corey Spinks is a beatable champion and Mayorga (while I would favour him considerably) has more clear flaws compared to the likes of Wright, Moseley, DLH, and Vargas.

Also domestically, there is a core of exiciting Welterweights that could generate some big interest, whereas in the Light middleweight devision fighters seem to be getting exposed with every fight.

So all signs suggest that Stone should move back down, however, did extensive dehydration cause the severity of the Moseley KO. Stone's chin has never been his greatest assesst, but he has faced some fairly decent punchers at the heavier weight and I aint seen him take a backward step. So making Welter too much of a struggle for Adrian these days.

I wish him the best, he's a quality fighter and seems a nice guy. He was one of the few to realise the America have got much better facilities, sparring and coaches and has used them wisely. Especially now he's training in America and fighting domestic comp.

What do you think he should do as he enters the final stages of his career.

I think his future depends on beating Martinez. He has ready-made challengers in Steve Roberts and Richard Williams if he does so, but a loss would really leave him struggling to get back. There's no guarantee he will beat Martinez either, who looked a good fighter against Williams. It's make or break for Stone in my opinion.

bennie wrote:I think his future depends on beating Martinez. He has ready-made challengers in Steve Roberts and Richard Williams if he does so, but a loss would really leave him struggling to get back. There's no guarantee he will beat Martinez either, who looked a good fighter against Williams. It's make or break for Stone in my opinion.

All very true, but supposing he beats Marquez - what(if you were his manager) would you do next. Keeping at lightmiddle (where he HAS been undefeated) or moving back to Welter.

You say he has ready made challenger, but how sellable would a match be between someone who beats Martinez (supposing he wins) and someone who comprehensively got beat by the underrated Argentinian.

There's equally compelling matchups against Hare, Sinclair, Khaliq et al at Welter. I'm sure the promoters would come to an agreement.

Although I agree, its not a gimmie that he'll beat Martinez, who I was impressed with. I just feel he (Martinez) isn't that powerful or strong, which will suit Stone. I also see Stone as a more consistent performer than Williams.

I go for Stone by pts.

Martinez tko (not sure wich round yet ill be back)