BoxRec

Well, the upset has happend in one of the fights of the year. I say one of, because in my opinion - this fight was slightly to one-sided to beat Chi vs Brodie the week before. Its the 2nd best fight on these shores this year.

While I went for Arthur, I did state I wasn't at all confident in this pick - simply because I didn't think Arthur was this super prospect everyone raved about. I went for Arthur though, because I felt at this stage he would have the better punch resistance and would probably (possibly luckily) find a punch, when hurt himself.

I'm glad for Michael, that he proved me wrong about his current state, I'm not really at all surprised that he won - because, as I said, I was far from convinced about AA.

We've probably all seen the fight, so I won't give a round by round, but here's some thoughts.

Firstly, I have to agree with the thoughts of Barry McGuigan, I think John Coyle needs a little wrist slapping over the stoppage. For me, after the 2nd knockdown would have been more appropriate. I don't think it could have been stopped any earlier than that because Arthur was always fighting back.

Arthur defence is just terrible, no other word to describe it. The fight, in many ways reminded me of Locket's defeat against Tszarenko. Similar to that fight, it was the one punch (left hook) that was doing all the damage all of the time. Likewise, I suppose with Rob Reids effort against Joe Calzaghe, it was one punch that was doing all the damage.

Arthur was very brave, perhaps McCory was a little harsh suggesting his punch resistance was poor, after he survived much of the entire 4th round getting pummeled. However, perhaps Glenn and Ian were taking into account Gomez's power (not a huge 1 punch Ko artist - even at domestic level). If Gomez could frequently stiffen the legs, then Casaymayor, Corrales, Chavez, Freitas and Hernandez would have KO'd him much earlier. Lets not forget, Arthur had been calling out Sirrangmankon (spelling?) the former WBC champion.

I think Arthur has been exposed big time, this was his first domestic challenge and he lost convincingly. Limond was a tiny Superfeather (in comparison) yet he showed that Arthur could be hit, likewise Steve Conway. No disrespect to them, but I'm sure even the worst version of Gomez could have beaten them.

Obviously, there will be talk of a 2nd match up between Lear vs Gomez and I'm not sure who would be the betting favourite in this rematch. People may back this 'new', 'improved' Gomez - who looks back to the days when he seemed on the verge of a major world title shot (was never going to win one mind).

However, is it really a new, improved Gomez or has he simply exposed an over hyped fighter? Like I said, Limmond and Conway were no match for any Gomez - neither possessed enough power to remotely hurt Arthur, however both showed he could made to look amateurish at times. Did Arthur's limitations flatter Gomez, or is he really a better fighter than ever. In a similar way to Michael Sprott recent run of form, is it the 'new' Michael Sprott, or did his opponents limitations flatter his ability.

Lear beat Gomez convingly, a rematch will certainly say more about Gomez's current run than this last match. I really do hope it is a new, improved, Gomez - I'm just merely pointing out that you can't take the other standpoint out of view.

As for Arthur, I fear for his future. These habbits are perminant I'm afraid, because its not as if he hasn't been criticised before for his sloppy defence. Just like Lockett, I don't think no new trainer will help. Also, Arthur is a confident, if sometime boardering on arrogant (I like him though) individual. What will this defeat do to his confidence, remember how Hamed gave it the 'heart of a lion', 'comeback better than ever' jaggen after his defeat, well his exposure by Barrera left him gunshy. Likewise with Lockett (still do this day) and I still think Moseley. None of these, in my opinion, have come back well after defeats in which they were found out, all of them are confidence fighters (much like Arthur).

I really can't see him coming back to beyond British title level, if he does wish to persue his dreams, then maybe he should focus on Craig Docherty. For me, he's a fighter with a recognisable belt whose I think Arthur would be too big for.

It might be a quick way to get the confidence, as opposed to a few journeymen and the Gomez rematch.

I do hope he's okay - it did look promising, but I was worried at one stage.

Billy Graham showed he is a great trainer. That was my first thought after this fight. "The Preacher" devised a gameplan to beat the champion and Gomez had the power, ability and balls to carry it off. I was immensely impressed with the short left hook Gomez deployed (which Arthur was clearly unprepared for) and also Gomez's upper body movement.

bennie wrote:Billy Graham showed he is a great trainer. That was my first thought after this fight. "The Preacher" devised a gameplan to beat the champion and Gomez had the power, ability and balls to carry it off. I was immensely impressed with the short left hook Gomez deployed (which Arthur was clearly unprepared for) and also Gomez's upper body movement.

Bennie, interesting take.

I didn't really see many changes in Gomez - it just seemed to be the same old Michael as we saw when he first won the title - in terms of style.

I think Michael's old style, with his constantly moving head, had the beating of Arthur. I just didn't seem the change (from the early years - obviously he seemed over his problems from the Lear contest).

If Graham can get Gomez to plant his feet more like Hatton, and Hatton to move his head like Gomez we could have two fighters that could take on the best in America.

Look, Gomez is still the same as he always was. Arthur was just a little bit overrated and he probably believed his own hype too much. As for Gomez taking on the Americans, uh uh it ain't gonna happen. EVERY top 130 pounder would cream Gomez. Imagine him taking a bomb from Chico? Or getting totally outboxed by Casamayor?

Southpaw Stylist wrote:Look, Gomez is still the same as he always was. Arthur was just a little bit overrated and he probably believed his own hype too much. As for Gomez taking on the Americans, uh uh it ain't gonna happen. EVERY top 130 pounder would cream Gomez. Imagine him taking a bomb from Chico? Or getting totally outboxed by Casamayor?

Southpaw - agreed, hope you didn't misread my last post.

I said if you could add some of the things Hatton does to Gomez (i.e. plant feet better, body work), likewise if we could add Gomez's impressive head movement on the static Hatton, then we could have two very impressive fighters to be proud of.

Do I think it could happen? no - Gomez is Gomez and Hatton is Hatton. It was all supposed to be hypothetical, due to the fact that Graham coaches both of them.

This was a tremendous battle. Gomez fought (or rather was allowed to) the fight of his career and Arthur showed what a true fighting heart he has.

Any questions about how Alex would react when his poor defensive skills eventually let through some big shots were answered. On the positive side, he showed courage by firing right back and going toe-to-toe with Gomez when he had recovered sufficiently. The downside: he showed inexperience by getting off the floor too quickly and by mixing it with Gomez when he should have taking a breather.

I thought Freddie Roach was supposed to have been helping him tighten up but I saw no evidence of that here. Aside from the beating Arthur took in this fight, this defeat may well prove to be a good thing.

When a boxer is winning fights there is no real incentive to strive for defensive improvements. In this, his first loss, having been floored three times and been almost out on his feet prior to that, he has every incentive he needs.

The confidence aspect of Arthur does concern me too, Stu. This was a crushing defeat for Alex. As a Scot, I am perhaps more optimistic than I have cause to be, but I think he will come back better. It's certainly made things more interesting...

tolstoy wrote: When a boxer is winning fights there is no real incentive to strive for defensive improvements. In this, his first loss, having been floored three times and been almost out on his feet prior to that, he has every incentive he needs....

Yes, however the warning signs (from lesser fighters) have been there. You don't just learn from your defeats, but you learn (probably more effectivelly - if your to become successful) from less convincing wins.

Limond, Conway and Malinga all exposed the flaws in Arthur, but didn't have the power to hurt him. He should have learned from those fights.

I just see so much of Lockett in Arthur, i'm afraid. With the Welshman, he had warning signs against Kelly, but couldn't make the neccesary adjustments (and still hasn't). I think, if Arthur did learn anything during his learning fights, then he's not going to make the necessary changes in technique.

Its a force of habbit, and without trying to sound nasty, by the way his nose is shaping up, I would say he's been making these defensive flaws as an amateur. However, like in his previous pro fights, has relied on his strength and offensive skills to win the fights.

Your right Stu but Arthur appeared to have learned from those fights and effectively made style changes mid-fight, here though he was exposed big time. I honestly think he has been shot here, that may sound alarmist after his first loss but i can never see Arthur recovering fully and becoming the great champ that was expected of him. His weaknesses have been hung out for all to see and people will know the right gameplan to beat him, a bit like when we saw Scott Harrison exposed against a boxer/mover in Medina, Arthur has showed he cannot defend against left hooks and holds his chin too high. I doubt he will ever be the same again.

steve689 wrote:Your right Stu but Arthur appeared to have learned from those fights and effectively made style changes mid-fight, here though he was exposed big time. I honestly think he has been shot here, that may sound alarmist after his first loss but i can never see Arthur recovering fully and becoming the great champ that was expected of him. His weaknesses have been hung out for all to see and people will know the right gameplan to beat him, a bit like when we saw Scott Harrison exposed against a boxer/mover in Medina, Arthur has showed he cannot defend against left hooks and holds his chin too high. I doubt he will ever be the same again.

Disagree with your first comments there Steve. I just thought in these fights Arthur's strength started to get hold - no midfight change of tactics.

He has tremendous power, and good body shots - which wear down his opponents.

For me, his strength became too much for Limond and Malinga - basically he was hurting them, more than they were hurting him (although Malinga did stun him).

Conway was competitive throughout, and was still catching Arthur with alarming ease (given Conway's level - no disrespect) when Arthur tagged him with a blinding shot.

That was the first time I really started to question Watt's judgement, especially when Arthur claimed that he was looking for that punch (the beauty that caught Conway) - it wasn't cause Arthur wasn't looking at the target. When fighters start saying that, I begin to doubt them.

With Hatton, you can see him looking at the body and landing the shot directly where he's looking. With Arthur it was more on speed, and a bit of luck, as opposed to thinking.

The rest of your post I agree with, although maybe Harrison can comeback - lets not underestimate Medina. What a fighter he is, I know some people didn't like that match up, but my rankings at the time had Harrison at 5 (behind Barrera, Morales, Marquez and Gainer). With Medina at 6.

Perhaps, Harrison problems were to do with some illness - it wasn't a crushing defeat like Arthur and Harrison has never been such a showman. He's come back from an early defeat and for me had made sufficient improvements from the night he struggled with an ancient Boom Boom Johnson. Since his poor showing against Boom Boom I tipped against him in nearly all his fights. The only time, I can remember going for the Scott were against Chacon (who was a poor champion, in my opinion) and Medina. So perhaps my judgement is clouded because he's proved me wrong so many times.

He seems like a fighter, who can adjust (after a learning fight) November will show if this is true.

Hindsight is a great thing but I've always felt that Arthur is overrated.... he is too upright, easy to hit and predicatable. Futhermore he has come to believe in his own hype and that is often the fatal flaw in many young fighters today. All respect to Gomez though he fought a great brave fight in his opponents backyard and it was good to see after all Gomezes setbacks in recent years.
Arthur might be able to come back, he is young enough and his confidence and character will help him in this aspect, but he took an awful beating, ref Coyle's negligence in letting it go too long may have a ultimately negative effect on Arthurs career. Many boxers never fully recover from such knockout defeats.

I never did get carried away with the hype surrounding Arthur, but for sure I expected him to dismantle Gomez in about 9-10 rounds.

It's clear to me that Alex had gotten way ahead of himself outside of the ring, and the preperation for this fight appears to have been not ideal.

I don't want to take too much away from Gomez, but if Alex has the ability to defeat Gomez, then it was up to him to use it. He didn't, and subsequently took a beating by getting invloved in a slug fest, which is ok, as long as you don't neglect your own defence, but Alex did neglect his defence and to me it looked like total bravado on his part which backfired in big style.

I Honestly thought that Alex Arthur was playing to the crowd far too much.In his ringwalk he was smiling,waving to crowd as if he'd already won the fight.He should have been 100%focussed,tunnel visioned for the task in hand.Even when he was knocked down he looked round to smile at the tv camera!
He'll be back.

On Skelton issue all I can say is......RUN,FRAUDLEY,RUN!
Matt Skelton is a comin!

Great fight, best of the year for me. It was edge of the seat stuff, most people couldn't believe what they were seeing I think. Coyle certainly didn't believe his eyes - he really fu**ed up in letting that last knockdown occur. He's meant to be protecting the fighters, not let them get beheaded
in the name of entertainment.

Gomez was a revelation, and those who think Arthur can't come back, well just look at how Gomez managed it..

Alex Arthur can still come back to be a great fighter.

It's not like he showed any major unfixable flaws last night, like a glass chin or no heart for a battle.

His major problem was he didn't know how to survive being badly heart - in fact it looked like he'd never been really hurt in a ring before, judging by the way he reacted - he didn't hold on at all, never grabbed Gomez to buy a few moments, then jumped straight up from the knockdowns. It was suicidal tactics from the 3rd round on.

If he's taken back to school in American gyms, by a top trainer ( not Roach who is just a hired gun these days ) he's bright enough, and young enough, to learn how to defend himself properly. ( Like Trinidad: when hurt, throw a hard left hook to the balls )
When that finaly happens, when he's learned from his mistakes like other excellent boxers from the past, he could well become a formidable fighter.

And then maybe a rematch with the Amazin' Michael Gomez

MightyWarrior wrote:Great fight, best of the year for me. It was edge of the seat stuff, most people couldn't believe what they were seeing I think. Coyle certainly didn't believe his eyes - he really fu**ed up in letting that last knockdown occur. He's meant to be protecting the fighters, not let them get beheaded
in the name of entertainment.

Gomez was a revelation, and those who think Arthur can't come back, well just look at how Gomez managed it..

Alex Arthur can still come back to be a great fighter.

It's not like he showed any major unfixable flaws last night, like a glass chin or no heart for a battle.

His major problem was he didn't know how to survive being badly heart - in fact it looked like he'd never been really hurt in a ring before, judging by the way he reacted - he didn't hold on at all, never grabbed Gomez to buy a few moments, then jumped straight up from the knockdowns. It was suicidal tactics from the 3rd round on.

If he's taken back to school in American gyms, by a top trainer ( not Roach who is just a hired gun these days ) he's bright enough, and young enough, to learn how to defend himself properly. ( Like Trinidad: when hurt, throw a hard left hook to the balls )
When that finaly happens, when he's learned from his mistakes like other excellent boxers from the past, he could well become a formidable fighter.

And then maybe a rematch with the Amazin' Michael Gomez

Some good points.

However, one thing I disagree - you say his problem is "unfixable", however this hasn't been the Lockett. Defensive flaws are usually there foor life. I still see Calzaghe open to a straight right hand.

However, what you say about learning to survive is very true - even when he was clinging, his face was still open. The amount of clean head shots Gomez got when they were tangled up was alarming.

This may well have been the first time Arthur has been seriously hurt amateur,proffesional or in sparring - and yes the first time it happens you can be clueless.

Look at the difference in Hearns in both of his fights with Sugar Ray Leonard - he didn't know how to survive in the first one.

Arthur will never be a defensive master (IMO) and I think he'll always remain open to the left hook. However, your right, he might be able to learn how to survive when hurt, which will happen often, more effetively.

Good post.

Don't mean to take anything away from a marauding performance by Gomez but i think it was a case of Arthur losing the fight more than Gomez winning it. Anyone who can throw a decent left hook would have had the scot out of there such was the catastrophy of his defensive work, Gomez had a good night and Arthur was badly found out.

I'm very pleased for Gomez, he went into the lions' den with almost everyone writing him off and ripped the title away. It was a truly savage spectacle.

However we mustn't forget how close to defeat Gomez looked himself towards the end of that fight. He was (understandably) tiring and leaving himself wide open. I wouldn't totally write Arthur off in a rematch, he surely couldn't perform any worse than he did on saturday night. But then it's clear he has a heck of a lot of work to do when you compare the way he and David Barnes handled their respective "step-ups".

Speaking of which imagine this for the MEN arena in summer 2004:

Gomez v Arthur II
Barnes v Vincent II

What a cracking double-header that could be providing Arthur bounces back and Vincent comes through the Sinclair fight without any lasting damage.

I've just read on Teletext that Alex Arthur claims he was suffering from a throat infection during his fight with Gomez and felt 'drowsy'. This may or may not be the case either way Alex really needs to tighten up his defence as many posters here have already said.

It was no trade secret the Gomez was going to come out agressively and throw plenty of left hooks was it? If Gomez had come out and done what M.A.B did to Hamed then although a huge shock it would have been, you could understand Alex being caught by suprise tactically, but this was not the case at all.

Gomez did was Gomez has always done but better in this fight yet Alex still had no answers to a left hook which was a shock to me to be honest more that the result itself.

But is was a great fight.

Yeah it seems to have become a bit of an issue now if you check out Sky Sports and Frank Warrens site. Arthur looked healthy enough going in to the fight though.

To beat Gomez next time Arthur needs to try and either introduce head movement to his style or work on his footwork more. It's no use standing there holding your glove up if your opponent can just land the hook behind it one after the other.

Did anyone else notice this? After the fight was over and Arthur had recovered sufficiently to go over and congratulate Gomez, after they had spoken for a few moments and as they were separating Gomez gestured to Arthur by first putting his left glove up to the side of his head then did likewise with the right glove.

It looked like Gomez was explaining to Alex how to avoid the hooks he'd been landing on him all night. It's not quantum physics so Arthur knows this but I felt Gomez was pointing out his defensive frailty to him.

Sometimes the best lessons are hard learned. This is a case in point. I feel Alex Arthur will be a better fighter for this. Very few boxers go through life without an ignominious defeat on their record so the way some people suddenly say that Arthur's been "exposed" really riles me. He got beat. Scott Harrison got beat and again, he was alleged to have been "exposed".

Brits of the forum, especially, try and get behind our fighters instead of trying to look wise after the event.

Good post, Tolstoy. Arthur needs to do two things: get rid of part-timer Roach and hire someone like Gomez (you know what I mean).
And he needs to fight in Edinburgh again as soon as he's sufficiently rested. He needs to get the ghosts of this defeat out of his system and give the Edinburgh fans a win.
One last thought: NOBODY, and I mean nobody, tipped Gomez to win. Forget all this crap about Arthur's throat infection (would he have mentioned it if he had won?), Arthur lost to the better man on the night. Gomez was fabulous.

Arthur could probably work on what to do when he gets knocked down.

I recall Haye pretty much rugby-tackled Mock after his 1st professional KD. That was a reasonable tactic IMO.
Gomez was hurt a couple of time and either held on sat back on the ropes.

If you look a the action after the 2nd knock-down, Arthur throws the 1st left! Up far too quickly after eack knock-down too. But hopefully, a couple of stern words from who his next trainer will be will sort out these problems very quickly.

Fantastic fight though. It's been a really good couple of weeks.

I also enjoyed Barry and Jim Watt's little spat afterwards (Sky broadcast).

To me Arthur did look he more than had the ability to do a job on Gomez if he stuck to his boxing and jabbing. However as soon as one of those lefts hooks so much as grazed his head that was it, his pride was damaged and he went to war.

So one the positive side (from Arthurs point of view) there are certainly things to look at in terms of winning a rematch.

However on the negative side if Arthur had genuine world class credentials he really should have been able to defeat Gomez any which way he liked, in the trenches, boxing him, whatever, he should have been a class above and he wasn't.

Arthur got totally exposed.

Alex needs a rest and then all those around him should monitor him closely too see what true effect the beating has done to him. Obviously it could go either way, the loss, though hard for Arthur to take, could have been the best thing for him. Many fighters have recovered from crushing losses to emerge even better.
The things he needs to work on were there for all to see, but also he should continue to improve his undoubted talent as a pure boxer.

Priff wrote:I also enjoyed Barry and Jim Watt's little spat afterwards (Sky broadcast).

Lol i noticed it, i have never seen Jim Watt so hypo before, he was nearly having a cardiac arrest and poor Barry bore the brunt of his anger!