Why do the "Boring" Europeans, kick our "Flashy" Asses?

[Trey KO]

I see so many fights these days in which you can look at these European fighters and on the surface, they don't look special. It seems like almost every European fighter has that true basic Kelly Pavlik style. However, they come to kick ass, and they usually do it.

Daniel Jacobs, nice style, extensive amateur background but had his ass handed to him by Dmitry Pirog.

Joe Calzaghe/Lacy

Arthur Abraham/Taylor

Hell, even Sturm/De La Hoya!

Now, I have to admit, it's primarily the eastern block countries, but the same thing applies. It looks like I cherry picked here. All in all, when I see an American outclassing a European, I'm always thinking in the back of my mind, "It's just a matter of time before he gets caught".

Is it an overall talent issue with European fighters or are they just more "Hardened"?.... The clowns we have here in our ghettos think they are doing some real shit by robbing, stealing and going back and forth to prison; cats in some parts of Europe have been ducking and dodging land mines and AK's.

When I see European boxers, they are truly well schooled; however, outside of the basics, there isn't anything else that really stands out------ While, maybe a solid chin and an unshakable will.

[Trplsec]

Seems to me that historically there are 10 cases of Mayweather-Hatton for every 1 case of Calzaghe-Lacy.

But you're right. It seems like that ratio is becoming smaller.

[Trey KO]

Seems to me that historically there are 10 cases of Mayweather-Hatton for every 1 case of Calzaghe-Lacy.

But you're right. It seems like that ratio is becoming smaller.

I think it has gotten much narrower now that the eastern block countries are in full effect. Remember, these guys were not allowed to compete in the pro's, so we never got a chance to see how well they would have done historically.


It's no coincidence that they've splashed onto the scene over the last 15 or so years after they were allowed to compete.

Kostya Tszyu was just one of many to come.

[The Genius]

German gloves.

[Irish 2002/2003]

Increase in European talent levels, slight decrease in American talent levels, more Europeans fighting, fewer Americans fighting, Europe now knows about Steroids, not just an American monopoly.

[Buddy Rydell]

Increase in European talent levels, slight decrease in American talent levels, more Europeans fighting, fewer Americans fighting, Europe now knows about Steroids, not just an American monopoly.

This statement is moronic. Steroids were initially discovered and developed in European countries (Germany led the way). Add to that, the fact that it was actually Russia which started popularizing steroids with the success of its entry into the Olympics and then the East German doping scandal, administered with or without the knowledge of East German athletes.

Irish, use your head before you post.

[Ron King 702]

Taylor and Lacy flashy?! WOw sir.

[Destruction and Mayhem]

I see so many fights these days in which you can look at these European fighters and on the surface, they don't look special. It seems like almost every European fighter has that true basic Kelly Pavlik style. However, they come to kick ass, and they usually do it.

Daniel Jacobs, nice style, extensive amateur background but had his ass handed to him by Dmitry Pirog.

Joe Calzaghe/Lacy

Arthur Abraham/Taylor

Hell, even Sturm/De La Hoya!

Now, I have to admit, it's primarily the eastern block countries, but the same thing applies. It looks like I cherry picked here. All in all, when I see an American outclassing a European, I'm always thinking in the back of my mind, "It's just a matter of time before he gets caught".

Is it an overall talent issue with European fighters or are they just more "Hardened"?.... The clowns we have here in our ghettos think they are doing some real shit by robbing, stealing and going back and forth to prison; cats in some parts of Europe have been ducking and dodging land mines and AK's.

When I see European boxers, they are truly well schooled; however, outside of the basics, there isn't anything else that really stands out------ While, maybe a solid chin and an unshakable will.

Terrible example.

Calzaghe was flashy and Lacy was the boring plodder.

[Slice N Dice]

The fall of the Iron curtain has alot to do with it. That's a significant chunk of the worlds population cut off from competing

[Destruction and Mayhem]

The fall of the Iron curtain has alot to do with it. That's a significant chunk of the worlds population cut off from competing

Yup..all of 3 percent.

[Slice N Dice]

Yup..all of 3 percent.

You know what I mean

[Irish 2002/2003]

This statement is moronic. Steroids were initially discovered and developed in European countries (Germany led the way). Add to that, the fact that it was actually Russia which started popularizing steroids with the success of its entry into the Olympics and then the East German doping scandal, administered with or without the knowledge of East German athletes.

Irish, use your head before you post.

Oh please......Europe also knew about LSD first...does that mean that nobody in America is getting wacked out? The medical application of these substances in a semi-subtle way is something the regressive regimes of the Eastern Bloc and Soviet Union NEVER mastered in the same way the Americans did.

Apples and Apples baby.

The Eastern Bloc stuff is half-century old. Its 1960's and 1970's stuff.....and it is stone-age stuff in comparison to the BALCO gear. Mind-blowing shots of testosterone turning women into men vs designer gear that is undetectable? Do me a favour.

[Irish 2002/2003]

Yup..all of 3 percent.

Don't be a douche Sly. As if all those Vietnamese and Chinese were knocking on the door in the first place. It's 3% of the World Population, and around 50% of boxings population.

[Irish 2002/2003]

Terrible example.

Calzaghe was flashy and Lacy was the boring plodder.

Show me your betting slip that has you backing Joe to whitwash the guy? Lacy was a HEAVY favourite and as soon as Joe was through with him..."Oh lacy was never special"....

[Destruction and Mayhem]

Oh please......Europe also knew about LSD first...does that mean that nobody in America is getting wacked out? The medical application of these substances in a semi-subtle way is something the regressive regimes of the Eastern Bloc and Soviet Union NEVER mastered in the same way the Americans did.

Apples and Apples baby.

To this day Marita Koch and Jarmila Kratochvilova are the only "women" to break 48 seconds for the 400m. After them Gladische, Krabbe, Drechkler and a bunch of Eastern European women were dominating the sprints until the Ben Johnson scandal. Suddenly Eastern European women can't break 11 seconds for the 100m.

You trying to tell me that in the past the didn't master the "subtle" art of steroid application?