Middleweight world scene.
Posted: 04 Dec 2005, 12:12
Okay, with Taylor successfully defending his crown, but again not looking convincing - were does it leave the Middleweight scene. Can you see Taylor being a dominating champion for years, or can you see someone beating him from the current crop. Also, where does this leave Bernard - do you think it is one "celebratory" fight and out, or do you think he will try and make it a biggie.
Here are the contenders and what would happen should Taylor fight them.
1) Winky Wright - I think will start the favourite vs Taylor, looked so comfortable vs Trinidad has a higher workrate than Hopkins and would dominate the young champion. Winky vs Hopkins is still an intriguing one, but Winky would definately start as the favourite now. Might not be in line though cause he might go for the Ikeke vs Abraham winner for the IBF title.
2) Kingsley Ikeke - Has a shot at the IBF title vs Abraham up next, if successful I think Ikeke vs Taylor would be a good one. I favour Taylor though, think he is that little bit quick and a little bit better technically. Ikeke's height might cause problems, but Taylor is a tall middleweight also. I'd give Ikeke a real chance to beat Hopkins, watching the Eastman and Taylor fights it seems that Hopkins does have a little problems if the fighter has a bigger reach than him - his lunging attacks do not work. Whilst Eastman was too slow to counter the lunges, Taylor isn't and I don't think Ikeke is either.
3) Arthur Abraham - Tough man who carries some decent power - Could prove a difficult test for Taylor as question marks about his stamina and punch resistance haven't been answered. Hopkins' isn't a huge puncher but hurt Taylor in a few occasions. I would imagine though Taylor boxing his brains off for the most part and would probably know too much to avoid getting stopped. Hopkins would really outclass Abraham, whoose come forward style would suit Hopkins.
4) Felix Sturm - Likely to face Masoe in the future for the WBA title, a very decent boxer, just not sure he quite has enough of anything to beat Taylor who I think would have edges in reach, speed and power. He could outwork B-Hop though.
5) Maelino Masoe - WBA champion, but I have never seen in him action so I cannot judge.
6). Sam Soliman - Likely to lose vs Winky Wright but he has a great engine which could cause both Taylor and Hopkins some problems. Defensive weakness though makes him likely to take many shots vs these, can he stand up to them all. I would see him losing to both on wide decisions.
7). Sebastian Sylvester - EBU champion and the devisions dark horse - a very decent boxer. His lack of power though I think would prove to be the factor vs Taylor and Hopkins.
8) Howard Eastman - Out of the picture for the moment, but is too damn slow to be competive vs most of the guys above. Would probably start favourite vs Soloman but that is it. Taylor and Hopkins would both win wide decisions.
9) Ike Quartey - Probably will campaign at Light Middle, but looked impressive on the undercard last night. He is starting to find his feet and he has the speed and power to give all problems. He would probably rather fight Hopkins because he KO rate is lower than Taylors but is a dangerman, no doubt back in the title hunt.
10) Oscar De La Hoya - Too small to beat any of the Middleweight champions, I think would beat some on the list but certainly not Taylor and Hopkins.
11) Felix Trinidad - Probably will stay in retirement, but who knows. Taylor is no Winky, he hasn't the stamina, the boxing brain or the jab of Winky. I would actually give Trinidad a chance at catching Taylor late. Hopkins will still do a number on him.
Here are the contenders and what would happen should Taylor fight them.
1) Winky Wright - I think will start the favourite vs Taylor, looked so comfortable vs Trinidad has a higher workrate than Hopkins and would dominate the young champion. Winky vs Hopkins is still an intriguing one, but Winky would definately start as the favourite now. Might not be in line though cause he might go for the Ikeke vs Abraham winner for the IBF title.
2) Kingsley Ikeke - Has a shot at the IBF title vs Abraham up next, if successful I think Ikeke vs Taylor would be a good one. I favour Taylor though, think he is that little bit quick and a little bit better technically. Ikeke's height might cause problems, but Taylor is a tall middleweight also. I'd give Ikeke a real chance to beat Hopkins, watching the Eastman and Taylor fights it seems that Hopkins does have a little problems if the fighter has a bigger reach than him - his lunging attacks do not work. Whilst Eastman was too slow to counter the lunges, Taylor isn't and I don't think Ikeke is either.
3) Arthur Abraham - Tough man who carries some decent power - Could prove a difficult test for Taylor as question marks about his stamina and punch resistance haven't been answered. Hopkins' isn't a huge puncher but hurt Taylor in a few occasions. I would imagine though Taylor boxing his brains off for the most part and would probably know too much to avoid getting stopped. Hopkins would really outclass Abraham, whoose come forward style would suit Hopkins.
4) Felix Sturm - Likely to face Masoe in the future for the WBA title, a very decent boxer, just not sure he quite has enough of anything to beat Taylor who I think would have edges in reach, speed and power. He could outwork B-Hop though.
5) Maelino Masoe - WBA champion, but I have never seen in him action so I cannot judge.
6). Sam Soliman - Likely to lose vs Winky Wright but he has a great engine which could cause both Taylor and Hopkins some problems. Defensive weakness though makes him likely to take many shots vs these, can he stand up to them all. I would see him losing to both on wide decisions.
7). Sebastian Sylvester - EBU champion and the devisions dark horse - a very decent boxer. His lack of power though I think would prove to be the factor vs Taylor and Hopkins.
8) Howard Eastman - Out of the picture for the moment, but is too damn slow to be competive vs most of the guys above. Would probably start favourite vs Soloman but that is it. Taylor and Hopkins would both win wide decisions.
9) Ike Quartey - Probably will campaign at Light Middle, but looked impressive on the undercard last night. He is starting to find his feet and he has the speed and power to give all problems. He would probably rather fight Hopkins because he KO rate is lower than Taylors but is a dangerman, no doubt back in the title hunt.
10) Oscar De La Hoya - Too small to beat any of the Middleweight champions, I think would beat some on the list but certainly not Taylor and Hopkins.
11) Felix Trinidad - Probably will stay in retirement, but who knows. Taylor is no Winky, he hasn't the stamina, the boxing brain or the jab of Winky. I would actually give Trinidad a chance at catching Taylor late. Hopkins will still do a number on him.