BoxRec

What did everyone make of Manny Steward's latest big hope?

He was obviously only shown by Setanta due to the Enzo mac connection. Mac, Banks and Alexeev beig in the top 3 for the vacant WBO belt.

After struggling to a MD vs Rossito, Banks looks like a classic Mac opponent. He's limited, once paced, struggled with stamina (though it was meant to be sweltering in there, which always affects the bigger men) and has little variety.

Haye stopped Rossito very early. Even Banks' punch has to be questioned now.

Banks didnt look good enough to beat Enzo. A great opportunity for Enzo, who is super fit, if he can get the fight.

Nice style, well balanced fighter.

I thought he would win in a canter after the first 5 rounds. But it appeared the awkwardness of his opponent got to him after he hadn't taken him out. This probably shows a mental weakness at the higher level. But I am willing to give the benefit of the doubt - maybe an offnight, awkward opponent for the first time and fighting away from home etc.

His punching power is also under question.

Enzo taking him on would be a shrewd piece of match-making... shades of Woods vs Rico Hoye.

SticknMove wrote:Nice style, well balanced fighter.

I thought he would win in a canter after the first 5 rounds. But it appeared the awkwardness of his opponent got to him after he hadn't taken him out. This probably shows a mental weakness at the higher level. But I am willing to give the benefit of the doubt - maybe an offnight, awkward opponent for the first time and fighting away from home etc.

His punching power is also under question.

There are reasons why he didn't perform. Didn't have a full training camp. Hot arena, which usually gives big men trouble. An opponent who didn't seem to come to win, at least not early.

But I've been waiting to be impressed by Banks for a while. He just doesn't look very good. Let's see what Contender can do for him. WBO title shot will bring him nothing but an absolute hiding, from Mr Alexeev!

Autobarn wrote:

SticknMove wrote:Nice style, well balanced fighter.

I thought he would win in a canter after the first 5 rounds. But it appeared the awkwardness of his opponent got to him after he hadn't taken him out. This probably shows a mental weakness at the higher level. But I am willing to give the benefit of the doubt - maybe an offnight, awkward opponent for the first time and fighting away from home etc.

His punching power is also under question.

There are reasons why he didn't perform. Didn't have a full training camp. Hot arena, which usually gives big men trouble. An opponent who didn't seem to come to win, at least not early.

But I've been waiting to be impressed by Banks for a while. He just doesn't look very good. Let's see what Contender can do for him. WBO title shot will bring him nothing but an absolute hiding, from Mr Alexeev!

There are all sorts of reasons for fighters not performing - the history of the sport has thrown up many examples if you want to read into them with any intent. But this fight suggests that Banks is on the fringe of world class.

It's the first time that I have seen him and I was disappointed. The post fight interview didn't convince me either. If he was disappointed with his performance he didn't show it.

Definitely fringe world class. I think WBO-feeder Maccarinelli would eat him up.

Reckon that Steward will protect him. Steward's not had anyone impressive for a while. Lee turned out to be a disappointment, Wlad is looking horrendous etc.

Autobarn wrote:Definitely fringe world class. I think WBO-feeder Maccarinelli would eat him up.

Reckon that Steward will protect him. Steward's not had anyone impressive for a while. Lee turned out to be a disappointment, Wlad is looking horrendous etc.

Lee is hardly finished is he? The same people who say keeping the 0 is overplayed write fighters off after a loss.

Certainly not finished. Lots of guys have had early career KOs and come back better for it. I just think Manny's stable has been disappointing.