By Gary Purfield
The easiest thing in sports is to look back and comment after the fact (hindsight is always 20/20). So that’s what I do. Here are my random thoughts on Chris Arreola, the Bradley-Alexander fight, and other news and reports.
Arreola
- That right hand landed with some serious authority, he could knock a lot of current heavyweights stiff with that
- Not sure if Arreola will keep with new trainer Ronnie Shields, his conditioning, and dedication, but the knockout of Abell was a nice start. He moved his head and was well balanced. And he weighed under 250 (249.5 but hey, it counts)
- Now he needs to get down to 235-240 where he belongs
- If (and with Arreola it is a big if) he stays with Shields, listens, learns, and is well conditioned he will get a heavyweight belt at some point. Maybe not beat a Klitschko (not counting it out though) but could certainly grab a strap from Haye or whoever manages to get one from one of the many sanctioning bodies
- I still can’t decide if the kiss Arreola gave Abell was in good fun or downright disrespectful and poor sportsmanship. I want to give him the benefit of the doubt (of course I also want to believe he will do what it takes in training to be a champion)
Bradley-Alexander
- Nothing more to say on the actual fight, it was what it was. A tactical fight that probably did not live up to the hype. If you watch boxing and are surprised a fight was a letdown, really, this is boxing, it happens a lot
- At least Alexander and his trainer provide comedy. Alexander straight up saying Bradley has a big head was funny and Cunningham cursing off a referee is priceless; something to the effect of I f#%k*n told you about the head, I told you (I do enjoy Cunningham)
- I scored this a draw 95-95. I am no professional judge but I pride myself that I am normally close to the mark. On this one I think I was the only person in the world who saw it any way other than Bradley by several rounds. I guess I should suck it up and admit I saw it wrong, but I probably won’t and will continue justifying my score
- Hopefully if Khan and Bradley get it on next they manage to produce a better fight. If you are being optimistic at least you can hope Khan being taller and having that long jab can keep Bradley at a distance so he can actually go through a fight without getting to use his third fist
- I am still very optimistic on Alexander’s future. Look, the guy did win but he is only twenty three years old, very talented, and very hard working. No reason to think he will not bounce back and come back stronger. Also, I don’t know how getting rocked multiple times by Tim Bradley’s head would affect my abilities in a tough fight so I am not sure I can go judging him too harsh although I am sure many will
Other
- Next big fight will be the February 19 card featuring Montiel vs. Donaire. Don’t sleep on this one just because they are small. This will be a great action fight fought at a very high skill level
- The co-main event will be the rematch between Mike Jones vs. Jesus Soto-Karass. I will say it right now. Jones will not make the same mistake as the first time emptying the tank early and will completely outbox Soto-Karass for a very wide unanimous decision win
Question, comment, agree, disagree, or anything at all, send it to gpurf3@hotmail.com
Just don’t kiss me
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