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 Klitschko-Solis, Bute-Magee, and other various topics.
Klitschko-Solis
· This was just a disappointment plain and simple. Whether you believe it was a legit injury, legit punch that stopped Solis, or Solis took a dive for the paycheck it is a shame that a fight with decent expectations ended like that
· I really thought Solis had a good first round and landed some good punches. Makes you wonder if at age 39 Vitali maybe is finally slowing a little and if it is older brother K that gets Adamek later in the year Tomasz just might have a shot
· I do not believe it was the punch from Vitali off the top of Solis’s head that did the damage. I saw no indication of the “lights going out” with Solis such as eyes rolling back, limp head and/or upper body. My guess, his knee really did get injured but he may have no one but himself to blame. He finally came into a fight in relative good shape which means he had to shed a lot of weight. The wear and tear of dropping pounds could have been too much strain and his body let him know at the wrong time. The moral here, get in shape and stay in shape if you want to compete at an elite level.
Bute-Magee
· Every time I see these crowds and atmospheres in Canada for fights I am amazed. Packed venues with big intros and a rocking atmosphere. I really wish we had this in the states more often
· Bute is darn good but we won’t know how good until he faces someone on the top level. His biggest wins are still over Andrade who is tough but not elite and a faded punch worn Edison Miranda. If he fights Kessler it will be a much better measuring stick of what Bute can do
· I do think Andre Ward dominates Bute if they meet down the road. If you have defensive flaws such as Bute leaving that lead hand down Ward will pick you apart. I will go as far as to say Ward produces a late stoppage of Bute
Other
· We will soon roll out the first NowBoxing.com Pound for Pound top ten list compiled by a panel of NowBoxing writers. Keep your eyes out for it and I look forward to the opinions and debate on an always controversial topic
· If you live anywhere near Atlantic City NJ and are a boxing fan get to the ballroom of boardwalk this Saturday night. The electric Yuriokis Gamboa headlining but a local fight between rising prospects could steal the show. Philly’s Teon Kennedy and Jorge Diaz of New Brunswick NJ meet to see who will get to the next level. I will be heading down the AC Expressway to enjoy the show
Question, comment, agree, disagree, or anything at all, send it to gpurf3@hotmail.com
