Fights You Watched Today

Merry Xmas all!

 

God Bless, Jez!

 

Just watched a fight - a 2nd viewing of Duke McKenzie vs Gaby Canizales.

Really nice performance by McKenzie. Gaby was long in the tooth, but Duke still deserves credit for how he dominated.

Beautiful jab, sharp right hands, nice ring generalship. Tied Canizales up when he had to, to nullify his offense, but also fought when he had to, thus gaining respect.

Duke would go on to defend the title twice, then got smoked in 1 by Rafael Del Valle (another enigma of a fighter).

I would put this in the scorecard thread, but there's no point. It was a 12-0 McKenzie whitewash.

 

Always thought I need to get into McKenzie's career. In real life, from guys I've met through work and at the gym, he's been painted as a British ATG.

Never bought it, but I've also never looked into it.

 

Anyone ever seen Zaragoza vs Duarte? Sounds like it could be a good fight, if Duarte isn't too far past it.

 

Duke was no ATG - not British ATG or otherwise.

But he was a pretty good fighter, and won titles at both 112 and 118.

At flyweight, he lost his title in a one sided ass whuppin at the hands of Dave McAuley.

 

Watched Cervantes vs Peppermint Fraser II.

Have seen it many, many times but enjoy re-viewing it.

One of favorite one sided destructions.

I'm now convinced that if that version of Kid Pambele faced Pryor, Aaron likely loses.

 

2nd fight of the day - a rewatch of Tszyu vs Jan Bergman.

I've long said that Bergman was Tszyu's best performance. I've never seen him sharper than he was in this fight.

 

Froch v Ward.

Ward beat the shit out of Froch. Looked a certain stoppage through six. Then Ward seemed to lose his effectiveness and by the eleventh, he was on his bike.

Ward won, and he won his rounds big, but it's an 8-4 card at best.

MTF

 

I got more of a 9-3ish feel, but its been awhile. In fact, I'll rewatch it during the week.

 

There's a cracking selection of Froch fights in 4K on YouTube. I'm going to watch a bunch tonight until I pass out.

MTF

 

Pretty sure I had it 9-3 myself.

And that's from a man who's passed the written part of an exam to become an official.

You can take that shit to the bank.

 

I watch Froch-Taylor about once a year.

Easily one of the best super middleweight fights ever.

 

I seem to remember that one being like Chavez vs Taylor, but without Taylor's workrate.

Was there more action than I'm remembering?

 

Lol I wouldn't insult JCC and Mel by comparing them to Froch and Jermain, but I guess like a homeless man's version.

Difference was, Chavez was way behind going into the 12th round.

Froch-Taylor was razor close going into the last round, but the judges had Taylor ahead, so Froch loses his title if he didn't stop Taylor in that 12th round.

 

I had that fight level going into the 11th. Froch had fought strongly after halfway and clawed back a big deficit. It was open scoring that probably won it for him - he knew he needed a KO and got one.

Great action fight.

MTF

 

I scored Froch v Kessler I a draw as I watched it live. Not watched it since, until now... Will score as I watch.

MTF

 

ward froch was kinda like jones jr hopkins. it only became even midly competitive late in the fight cuz the guy ahead took his foot off the gas

 

Yeah, I've seen that a load of times.

Very convenient excuse for Ward imo - can't imagine why anyone would voluntarily let Carl Froch chase them around punching them in the face.

MTF

 

I had Kessler winning.

 

Five rounds into Froch-Kessler I. Forgot that Kessler hit the deck in the fifth. Called a slip and probably was, but Froch was punching at the time. Good fight, as I remembered. I have it 3-2 Froch through five.

MTF

 

Kessler really rallied in the six, after a bad fifth. Absolutely even at halfway. Good action fight.

MTF

 

What's really notable is that Froch is fighting the same fight at round eight as at round one. Compare to Calzaghe, who was 4-2 down at halfway versus Kessler and completely changed tack, deciding instead to stick and move and win going away.

MTF

 

Froch not would not beat Joe.

 

I may need to watch it again but I really don't remember that fight having open scoring. I remember following it on the radio when it was happening and the commentators were speculating on what the scorecards were going into the final round.

 

Michael Ayers-Wayne Rigby I. Fantastic domestic scrap.

I watched Jason Matthews-Ryan Rhodes the other day. Rhodes was a pet of Sky Sports back then, after losing to Otis Grant in his first attempt they set up the fight with Matthews for the vacant WBO 160 belt, thinking it would be a straightforward win and a world title for Rhodes. 'Spice Boy' came in all cocky but got fucking CRUSHED in 2.

 

No difference, oddly I still had it even, and expected Kessler to get a home close decision. Good battle. Enjoyed it.

MTF

 

I watched the ITV version and they referred to it. Might have been wrong?

MTF

 

Will check it out, good excuse to watch it again anyway, entertaining fight.

 

I've never watched either one.

Both are on YouTube?