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DAILY BREAD TUESDAY (EDITION) MAYBE MY BEST MAILBAG EVER!!!!
Stephen "Breadman" Edwards
Thanks for letting the bagger know on Thursday that I wasn't wrong. I knew you would research your facts and find out for yourself whether there was any thruth to what I was claiming on Pedro Diaz. It is exactly what you said it was. He was a conditioning trainer for Jean Pascal and David Lemieux. He stayed in the background but had a prominent role on those teams. Dude doesn't realise I didn't even say all I know as not to damage him too much, but you found out anyways. You are incredible. Like you said, he started out here in Canada, then moved to the Dominican Republic, before landing the Cotto gig. I didn't want to include them in the discussion last time because I was making a different point, but he also trained Odlanier Solis and look at the kind of shape he is in most of the time. Although the guy could be a head case and even before Pedro was never in great shape. So I didn't want to blame Pedro. But he had more responsibility for the V. Klitsko fight, Solis looked in better shape but damaged his knee of a glancing jab from Dr Iron Fist. Could that be due to the fact that he stressed his body into shape too fast and therefore was prone to injuries? Finally, the Dominican Republic's latest gold medallist also trained by Pedro and signed by Golden Boy once had a fight cancelled at the weigh-in (over weight), sorry his name eludes me at the moment. That is the reality of the situation. Pedro might be good from a scientific point of view but maybe he still has things to learn on the pro game. Like I said he seems decent and I in no way am trying to disparage him, but the encensing of Pedro was a little premature and nobody seemed to be looking too close. I didn't mind it but Breadman I admire so I had to attract his attention, on it. I think I've raised legitimate questions if not a red flag.
Bread’s Response: You were right. Diaz did “work” with the aforementioned. I’m not going to slam him and say he isn’t a good coach,I still like him. But I will say we have to be careful anointing greatness. I personally believe in science and mixing in old school training. For coaches who don’t have privy to all of the scientific methods that Diaz does, a good “eye” will suffice.
What I mean by good eye is this. I watched Diaz give Migule Cotto a lactic acid test after 6 rounds of sparring. I find that interesting because it’s obvious to me that Cotto slows down the last 3rd of the fight, which I stated before. I don’t know what the test read but I assume Cotto has a high lactic acid build up. Therefore with the “eye” and some “assumed “ scientific proof, a special game plan would have to be implemented in the 2nd half of the fight. Like maybe starting slow on purpose. Cotto faded really bad and could not press in the latter rounds which really cost him the fight.
Last but not least I don’t want to be critical of Pedro Diaz.
When you reach a certain level people hold you under the microscope. A coach can only do so much and sometimes you have a fighter that can’t go any higher. That happens. Let’s see how things play out for Diaz as his career takes off.
What's good Bread,
Just wanted to get your opinion/take on an argument/discussion me and a buddy were having. The topic of who would go down as a better fighter and where they rank in the history of Puerto Rican fighters. Felix Trinidad vs Miguel Cotto. We really were not arguing who would win a head to head match-up. Cause we both feel Trinidad would, but in terms of accomplishments, resume and competition. Also who would go down as tougher opposition. Hopkins and Winky (against Trinidad) or Pacquiao and Mayweather (against Cotto)? I don't know if there is a right or wrong answer here, also if you break down both of there careers who would you lean to as having the more accomlished career. Respect your mind, so would like to know your take on the topic?? --Luis Omar Vazquez
Bread’s Response: Felix Trinidad is the better fighter and had the better career. Trinidad would rank higher on the all time list at welterweight and junior middleweight. Two divisions where Cotto made his bones at. Trinidad is better head to head as you stated. Trinidad is better giving him the eye ball test on his best nights. And I think Trinidad would have done better against the guys that beat Cotto. Cotto would have got wiped up by the guys that beat Tito. No disrespect to Miguel he’s a great fighter but Tito Trinidad is just better.
I just showed my girl your early morning video, and told her you're a future legend .... You have responded to 2 of my emails in your mailbag in the past ... Last night we saw why Floyd Mayweather will never fight Manny Pacquiao... If manny is even 90% of the man he was when he destroyed Oscar de la Hoya, we will never see that fight .... If PAC can "touch" you he will hurt you ... His landing punches don't even have to be "pronounced" ... People get caught up in the third uan Manuel Marquez fight, but look again ... He didn't sell out to land ... His face was for the most part in tact minus the cut from the headbutt ... He is defensively more aware ... He landed a lot of UNPRONOUNCED punches that made Marquez fall back late in the fight ... Again I just hope u read this ... Manny is hell for Floyd ... And Floyd is hell for him as well ... I'm aware of this .... The difference is while Floyd may land the more pronounced punches ... Manny will land the more damaging punches ... Manny isn't concerned with looking good ... He just wants to find angles to simply land ... I'm am more confident then ever that manny is all wrong for Floyd ... Some people have "boxing eyes" ... And the mayweathers definitely have them ... SR knows the deal ... If that fight happens and manny is anywhere near his peak ... He will hurt Floyd at some point ... Manny lands more UNPRONOUNCED punches nowadays that hurt bad ... I have a feeling manny is going to damage Bradley bad .... I could b wrong ... But if he does ... We never see PAC vs Floyd ... I understand I'm writing in as a analyst vs. a question ... But I just want to make the point that "pronounced" punches that look clean do not mean they are damaging ... I would love to hear your response ... LOU from the south Bronx ... Keep doing your thing until you reach the top ... Which you will ... GODSPEED
Bread’s Response: Thanks bro, I put a lot into boxing. This is not a job to me, I really love it. Floyd and Manny both present stylistic problems for each other. Both can win the fight if they are ON, on that particular night. But the problem is in my humble opinion, Mayweather’s side seems to be giving Manny too much credit. When asked about Manny, if you listen to Floyd you can tell where he is mentally. He talks about his health, he asked how did Manny walk through so many bigger guys. He talks about how Manny suffered a broken ear drum and was jumping around like nothing happened. He talks about him knocking Shane Mosley down. I can go on and on. In my opinion that’s not a good thing.
Juan Manuel Marquez took some horrible shots from Manny, but he doesn’t look at him in awe. He says, yes he’s fast, yes he’s strong but I’m better. That’s how you are supposed to look at an opponent. Floyd doesn’t seem to look at Manny like that from the things that he and his team say. Manny looks at Floyd as a great fighter that he can beat. He doesn’t seem in awe of him. That’s just my take on the whole thing. And I’m only going by what Floyd has said out of his own mouth.
Yes Manny does land some unpronounced punches. There is something special about his hands. He has mastered the “moment” of contact with his punches. I can remember the Margarito fight and you could literally hear Margarito’s face cracking. Brother Naazim Richardson personally told me an interesting story. He told me he felt Manny’s hands after they were rapped for the Mosley fight. He told me he couldn’t believe how strong and hard his wrist, hands and forearms were. He said it was amazing. Naazim never refers to Manny as little, he always corrects everybody in the gym and says he’s short not little. Manny has a little underground phenomenon going on about his distinct punching ability….
The problem that Floyd would have is you can’t fight a resting type of fight with Manny because you don’t want him touching you at all. Marquez fights him great but look at how depleted Marquez is at the end of the fights because he tries to completely “avoid” all of Manny’s punches. Marquez understands you can’t let Manny touch you all night. Joshua Clottey tried to block and bully Manny and walk him down. People wonder why he didn’t punch back so much. Well maybe it was because of damage he suffered to his forearms and biceps. Floyd’s shoulder roll resting technique would be bad technique vs Manolo over the long haul. Manny has superior punch selection and he runs them off more than Cotto or anybody else does.
Where Floyd could get Manny is fighting a boring moving type of fight he did against Carlos Baldomir. He can keep going away from Manny’s left hand and win a stinker. The problem is would the judges respect that and can Floyd move like that for 12 rounds these days? If Manny destroys Bradley we will NEVER see the fight. What a shame!
First of all I agree with your assessment of Shane Mosley. He didn't look like he just came to survive like he did against Manny. He fought back but was just over matched by a young warrior. Nothing to be ashamed of on Mosley's part. I haven't been high on Saul Alvarez, but i have seen some slight improvements in his game. He still fights in spots though, and I have doubts about his stamina. Yes he punches hard and yes he puts together combinations pretty nicely but I wonder if he can sustain that against a high stamina fighter or against a mover. Mosley did something that kind of exposed a weakness in Alvarez which is he handcuffed Alvarez at times. Alvarez seems like he needs space to punch and i don't like what i see with his inside game. However I feel like it was a mostly dominant performance. As far as Floyd and Cotto I thought it was a great fight. Do you think it may be a fight of the year candidate? There were no knockdowns but i feel like it was a toe to toe battle for a good amount of the fight. Cotto slowed down by the championship rounds and Floyd made great adjustments. I kept telling friends and coworkers that the best punch for Floyd in this fight would be the uppercut because of the way Cotto holds his hands. Turns out I was right because once Floyd started throwing that right cross left uppercut combo he couldn't miss. He very nearly stopped Cotto in round 12 with that same combo, and i agree with Emmanuel Stewart that if Floyd wanted to step on the gas and stop Cotto he could have. I love this new found aggressiveness that Floyd is showing. At this stage in his career Floyd is much stronger and is punching harder. Every time Floyd landed a right hand Cotto felt it. Cotto landed some good shots and made it a much more competitive fight than most thought he was capable of. I think Cotto is a much better fighter under the guidance of Pedro Diaz. I would like to point out that most people feel like the definition of a "killer" is a guy that goes and looks for the knockout and really tries to hurt you. I think Floyd is a killer in a slightly different way though. Floyd may not be a once punch knockout guy but he fights with a certain meanness these days and he is for sure not a punk. He comes to fight and really does he thing in the ring. I also think alot of fighters under estimate his physical strength. Floyd wears guys down but not only making them miss but Floyd knows how to effectively tire fighters out but wrestling with them on the inside and landing short compact body shots on the inside. That mental toughness of Floyd's is also insane. Even in a fight as tough as this one Floyd never looks concerned nor does he have a look of worry on his face. I think Alvarez and Cotto would be a great fight at 154. I think it's a fight that can easily be made. Oscar said that Canelo is not ready for Floyd and I agree with him. However I do think he is ready for Cotto. I think that fight is 50/50 at this point. Floyd has a prison stint to serve and i don't think he will fight again this year like he says unless he fights in November or December. I don't think he will be fighting Manny though. If he does fight who do you think he may face? Do you think he may fight Berto if Berto defeats Ortiz? I assume it will be a big fight but it'll be a big fight against a "tune up" opponent. He could maybe take on Devon Alexander to get some rounds in against a southpaw. Another thing is I am also not high on Jessie Vargas. Steve Forbes is a good fighter but I just don't see Vargas being a force at all. How do you feel about him?
Chris from Chicago
Bread’s Response: I am impressed with Alvarez but I do see limitations. He needs a compliant opponent to be max effective. I think Alvarez has quick hands but slow feet. I also think his height is scary to Golden Boy and he will probably never move up to 160 and if he does they will be very selective. I don’t mind Alvarez’s competition thus far but I want to see him in with a young fighter myself. I also agree with you on his stamina. I think because of his inexperience he is trying to find out when and when not to turn it on over 12 rounds. The problem is his opponents respect his power so much that they don’t push him to the brink. That’s why Oscar knows he’s not ready for Floyd. If he doesn’t catch Floyd and knock him out, Floyd would expose him down the stretch just like he did Cotto. Call me crazy but Alvarez would knock Cotto out. Remember I said it, loud and clear. If they fight next all the betters need to take Canelo. Cotto leans in too much and he is not going to take what Mosley did.
Speaking of Mosley. Listen I have caught pads with every kind of glove there is. Everybody looks at the Reyes as the puncher’s gloves and it is to an extent. But the Reyes is soft and the reason why people think they are the puncher’s gloves is because the padding can be broken down and you feel the fighter’s hard raps underneath. But let me tell you, in my opinion the real puncher’s gloves is the Mexican style Grant’s. Those gloves are smaller than the Reyes and they are already as hard as bricks. Look at the gloves Alvarez wore against Mosley. The Grant’s. Man I can’t believe Shane took those clean punches for 12 rounds. I sincerely hope he is ok physically.
Floyd may retire or he may wait for the “right” opponent to be created. For example he may fight Bradley if Bradley upsets Pacquiao. If Berto destroys Ortiz in dramatic fashion he could fight him. Sometimes an opponent has to create himself for the big stage. We just have to sit back and wait.
Jesse Vargas is a decent young fighter and man that kid gets paid really well. He got a reported 100k for his fight against Steve Forbes. Floyd really takes care of that kid. I can assure you that he made a lot of young fighters very hungry seeing how much he got paid. I don’t over critique young fighters because I know there are many stages to their development. I also don’t want to elaborate too much on Vargas because I have two fighters in Shawn Porter and Julian Williams who want to and could fight him. I don’t want to give anything away. Julian is a minute away but Shawn could fight him tomorrow. Let’s just say I’m 100% confident that Shawn would beat Vargas if given the opportunity….
HEY "BREAD"MAN
WE ARE SOME PUERTO RICAN BIG COJONES , WE F*CK EVERYBODY UP!!!,,,,,MAYWEATHER WAS SPEWING OUT THE THICKEST RED SALSA FROM HIS NOSE AND MOUTH THAT I EVER SAW IN MY LIFE....THAT FIGHT WAS A DRAW...BRING THE REMATCH!!! PUERTO RICAN BIG BALLS 4 EVER.....MI MONINA CARLOS QUINTANA QUE CHEVERE, QUE CHEVERE, QUE CHEVERE....HEAVY DUTY!, HEAVY DUTY!!....CHEQUEA ESTO CARLITO!!!
Bread’s Response: Much respect to the Puerto Rican fans. You guys are great. But let’s keep it real. Cotto lost that fight. You don’t win rounds by doing better than expected, you win them by being more effective, period. Floyd won that fight and it was not controversial. Cotto ran out of steam in the last quarter of the fight. Please guys take your emotions out of it and be fair. There is no way Cotto won that fight or it was a draw.
I love knockouts for this reason alone. I really believe when you can score a ko, you should push for it. I don’t know if Floyd had the energy to stop Miguel but he should have pushed for it. That way no one can call a robbery….
Well the dust has settled and what an interesting night of Boxing.
Before I head to a number of websites to read there biased bullshit
about the main event tonight.
First off great win for Carlos Quintana. He showed he still has great
power in a great make or break career fight.
Next up congratulations to Jessie Vargas on proving nothing other than
you are useless in a points victory over a geriatric Steve Forbes.
This idiot will be smashed to pieces as soon as he is put in with
someone who can punch.
It was sad to see Mosley unable to pull the trigger after Alvarez got
cut badly and was there for the taking. If only it was a few years'
back he would have wiped the floor with this kid. He needs to learn
how to move his feet. It was a pointless fight which proved nothing if
only it's time for the once great Shane Mosley to enjoy his
retirement.
Last but not least congratulations on a stellar performance from
Miguel Cotto. He showed mental toughness I thought he was unable to
summon after two brutal beatings, he landed punches on Mayweather
regularly. The fight was closer than the ridiculous score cards
116-112 at worst.
Notable talking points:
After an entire career proclaiming that boxing is about hitting and
not getting hit, proclaiming that he doesn't care about what the fans
think about his style not all of a sudden Floyd decided to try to
bullshit all Boxing fans by declaring "He wants to give fans
excitement and Boxing is about getting hit"
The (Unbiased) HBO went to extreme lengths to portray Floyd as a saint
after the fight. The pre-orchestrated Larry Merchant interview and
subsequent Manny Steward and Harold Lederman Mayweather huddle was a
fuckin joke. It was great PR set up by HBO and Mayweather to keep
there greatest asset happy and help boost his public image considering
he is about to go to Clark County for an 87 day vacation.
I loved the way in-between rounds HBO showed ONLY the punches Floyd
landed while Cotto's punches were barely shown.
The most interesting thing about the fight was watchin HBO"S slow
motion and the expression while Miguel was about to/landing punches.
Mayweather looked petrified/scared as he was about to get hit several
times.
I have said it before and I'll say it one last time. The fight will
never happen but if Floyd Mayweather stepped into the ring with Manny
Pacquaio, Pac will hurt him BAD en route to a BIG TIME knockout. I
don't have a single doubt about it. If he was offered $200 million
plus Justin Bieber World Tour tickets he still would not fight Pacman.
Yes Cotto fought a fantastic fight and was willing to take punishment
but Pacquaio has MUCH more speed, better footwork, better defense, and
MUCH more power. Combine all these things and I firmly believe "Fear"
sets in when Floyd even thinks about fighting MP.
Bread’s Response: Interesting take……….
Damn Bread you are always on point! You know your boxing homie! Much respect!
Bread’s Response: My predictions aren’t always on point but for the most part I’m pretty good. There are certain fights when it’s easy and others when it isn’t. Mayweather/Cotto was easy to me because I know Miguel’s capacity. I know how far he can go. I have watched him his whole career. He has good but not great stamina. I knew that would be the difference.
Hey what's good Breadman. I know everyone is talking about Ward Vs Dawson, but one fight that I would like to see even more, Is Dawson Vs Andre Dirrell.. OMG.. What a fight that would be.
Bread’s Response: Andre Direll would be a rough fight for Chad Dawson. I know Andre Ward is more accomplished but Andre Direll is as talented and I feel maybe a harder puncher. Ward just has certain intangibles that have allowed him to prosper more as a pro and I believe he is mentally stronger. But Dawson may be up against more against Direll. Direll is as quick as anybody I have ever seen delivering a lead left hand from the southpaw stance and he has some serious pop. People assume his brother Anthony is a bigger puncher, but I think they are about equal. Anthony just has a more doggish attitude where as Andre is more careful.
I have a lot of respect for Chad Dawson and I don’t believe he is stupid. Why would Dawson fight a risky guy like Direll for less money when he can fight Ward? There is no way a Dawson/Direll fight would get made at this point. I think Direll has to step on it and get his career back on track. He needs to fight and get himself back in the public eye. He’s about 29 now and he only has about 20 fights. We shall see.
So I just read that the 1 belt that still truly means something is the sport of boxing is changing is championship policy. It used to only be up for grabs if the # 1 and # 2 guys fought and rarely the #1 and #3 guy. Now a vacant ring belt, which there are a lot of can be filled if the #2 and #5 rated fighters fight.
That ring belt STOOD for something in all sure all fans eyes but now it's been tarnished in my opinion... Thoughts?
After Mayweather vs Cotto (Floyd by stoppage around the 9th or 10th) who will/should Floyd fight? I think Canelo has a decent chance against floyd- id actually favor Canelo over Cotto if the fought right now. Keep up the good work.--Mike from new haven
Bread’s Response: I am going to email Dougie Fisher and see what’s up with the RING’s policy. I don’t want to comment just yet until I hear an explanation.
First of Stephen, I want to say I really enjoyed your Sunday video...We see the Manny-Floyd debate eye to eye.
I have a question on a historical view of fights...You have said a few times, when analyzing a fighter, you observe him at his absolute pinnacle, which I agree with completely. My question is, how do you assess a big win...For example, if a Champion obliterates a Monster challenger, but then the Monster does next to nothing the rest of his career, does he get full credit for ruining a killer, or is it viewed as crushing an alsoran? Five quick examples...
First two will be for my all time favorite, Lennox Lewis...October 1997, Lewis fought Andrew Golata who was 28-2 (25) 20 ko's in two rounds or less, his losses were to Riddick Bowe, whom he destroyed, but to lost in bizarre fashion...At that moment, Golata was a real life Monster, a cold hearted serial killer over flowing with Muscle and Power...Lewis, demolished him in 92 seconds! After that fight, Golata folded more times that a lawn chair at the beach....Did Lewis crush the Monster, or beat an overrated front runner? 1999, Lewis fought Michael Grant....Grant, at 6'7 250 pounds looked like a sculpture...He also boasted a record of 31-0 (22). Lewis ran through him like a runaway truck smashing through a shopping cart! After that fight, Grant defined the phrase of "toiling in obscurity". Does Lewis get full credit exposing the Wizard of Oz, or did he slap an over hyped "athlete"?
April 23 rd 1977, maybe the biggest Bantam weight fight of all time took place...Legendary, Carlos Zarate 45-0 (44)! went to battle with Alfonso Zamora 29-0 (28) 22 in three rounds or less! Zarate dominated and Butchered Zamora in four rounds...But after this fight, Zamora became irrelevant, going 4-4 with 3 stoppage losses, including a TKo loss to a 7-7 journeyman...Was this an awesome performance by Zarate disposing of a Power Punching Phenom, or was this a grossly overrated fighter with a gassed up record, who was tossing ready made corpses in the trunk?
September 1994, Legendary Felix Trinidad 23-0 (19) fought Ramon "Yori Boy" Campas who boasted a glamorous record of 56-0(50)! After surviving a knockdown in round two, Trinidad came back to Batter Campas along the ropes for a TKo 4....After this fight, Campas (one tough dude) went 44-15, and became a glorified journeyman...Question is, did Trinidad Crush a Mexican Murderer, or do what he was suppose to do vs a tailor made opponent that looked dazzling on paper? (Much respect to Campas for recently getting his 100th career victory)!
Finally, February 13 1993...James Toney at 33-0 battled hardened warrior, Iran Barkley 30-7 (19) for the Ibf Supermiddleweight Belt....Barkley, a well known Animal, had been in battle after battle and recently destroyed Darren Van Horn for a a Super Middle Weight belt (ko 2), and beat Legendary Thomas Hearns for a second time! to win a title in 3 weight divisions! A Champion at 160, 168, and 175, Barkley was the acid test for "Lights Out"...Toney tore him to pieces and scored a 9th round Tko...However,after this fight, Barkley became a faded Legend who was basically a 500 fighter (12-11) fighting journeyman at Cruiserweight and Heavyweight...Was James Toney simply the last straw,or did he break down a true warrior?
What's up Buddy? Do you always give credit for the time the Fight went down, or evaluate every detail years later...My honest opinion, I give a fighter full credit for disposing of the Beast in his path... Mike
Bread’s Response: Mike this is one of the best questions I have ever received. It’s really interesting because a victory can grow and diminish depending on what the opponent did AFTERWARDS.
In each of the examples you gave me, I give the winner substantial credit for taking the fight and getting the victory. But I do hold in perspective what the opponent did afterwards. For example Lewis is excellent in going after challenges. No one can say Lewis was a “misser” or “ducker”. If you remember he went after Razor Ruddock when he was “hot” and he went after Tyson very early. He also tried to chase Riddick Bowe down. So when Lennox Lewis’s tab gets written he has to get credit for being ambitious and wanting to prove his greatness. I personally never thought much of Michael Grant but Lewis fought him when he was undefeated so that has to be taken into consideration. I didn’t view Grant as a monster and Lewis beat much better fighters but nevertheless it was “good” victory. It won’t go down next to say Ali’s victory over George Foreman, because of obvious reasons and the main one was what Grant did afterwards.
All of the examples fall into a similar category for the exception of Toney/Barkley. I think Barkley was a beast but he was a little past it at the time. So what he did afterwards was not as substantial as some of the younger guys. However looking at James Toney that night, I rate him very high because I think that was his pinnacle performance. James was truly lights out that night. I try to judge everything on an individual basis.
So to answer you directly, what an opponent does afterwards can enhance the victory, but I personally give the great fighter credit for slaying the red hot beast as far as a contemporary accomplishment. However, Everything else falls into place as the careers go on. Another example on the reverse side would be Julian Jackson over Terry Norris. At the time Norris was an excellent young prospect coming up. Now you look back at that victory and it puts Jackson as one of the top 5 or 6 guys ever at 154lbs. Thanks for the question great job.
Say breadman big ups to you and team Shawn Porter on you win a couple weeks ago. Just a few question for you. I know you been the Porter for some time now. When did you start training him or become part of the camp? And Shawn is small for his weight. I been watching him sense the amateur days when he was fighting at 165lb. When he turned pro he turned in his 60's but as his career progress on he started moving down in weight. My question to you is where y'all going to settle his weight at? If you guys go at 147lb where in your mind do you think he stack up against the top guys like Berto, Jones, Ortiz, Bradley? Or even 156lb with guys like Spinks, Cotto, K9,? just to name a few. As I stated earlier he fought in the amateurs at 165lb. As turn pro he's been down to 147lb. And Steve Wonder can see that he lost muscle mass sense his last amateur fight in the 07 Olympic trials. My last question to you is who Shawn being promoted by now? And when are you guys looking to go after a major title? Breadman this you guy Brian McIntyre,
Bread’s Response: Thanks Brian. As of right now Shawn will settle in at 147lbs. I think Shawn is a year away from challenging for a major title but he can take on guys like Jesse Vargas right this second. Shawn is a lot smaller since his amateur days but let me tell you something. His strength for 147lbs is freakish. It will take a helluva fighter that weight to hold him off. Shawn has a distinct advantage because he has faced huge guys like Edwin Rodriguez and Danny Jacobs as an amateur. Those guys are super middleweights. Shawn was an outstanding amateur and he was able to be very successful despite being 5’7 fighting guys over 6ft on the regular. Now he fights at 147 where the guys are 5’8 and 5’9 for the most part. It’s almost a relief for him although from the outside looking in he seems small.
Shawn does not have a promoter at this point but he is advised by Al Haymon the most powerful man in boxing. So………
Bread, If both Floyd and Manny have now peaked - and there is evidence that that is the case with them both -which one of them do you think has a better chance of slowing that decline down and remaining viable longer now that their "post peak" careers seem to have begun? Manny's decline seems a result of ring wear to me. Year after year of epic battles seem to have, at least to my eyes, slowed him down. Floyd's deterioration could be more straight up age-related (35) and quasi-lifestyle related (How anybody allowed Justin Bieber between the ropes is beyond me) but that's just a guess. Fast food is bad for you, period. I think Floyd hangs on longer than Manny and fights at a higher level longer from here on out. I think Manny could burn out in the next 12-18 months. Curious what you think, and how you think this could affect them fighting, if they ever do that is.
about your video mailbags: They are good. one note: you should find a unique backdrop you like and use it over and over again for continuity instead of using a different locations for each shoot. (only show a location behind you if it's part of the story) like "I'm here outside Madison Square Garden... blah, blah, blah... I'm here at the gym to show you something...etc... Does boxing talk have a logo you could put up there, or do you have something? you're leaving a bit on the table there if you don't use that space behind you better. Experiment with different looks and go with what you like and what you think works. Tape in your gym if you can, that might feel like a more natural element, adding to the feel of things. providing the audio works there of course. You have an eye for the sport -- and maybe someday could do some mic work on TV -- what works best is assertiveness and confidence. you know what you're talking about. you own your words. that's good stuff.
a fan,
jfs
Bread’s Response: Thanks. I’m experimenting with the video mailbags at this point. The problem is I’m using my laptop to record the video and then I download it. It’s not always feasible to find a backdrop and the gym is out of the question. Way too much noise and the lighting is terrible. I have some ideas in the works so stay tuned.
To the meat of your question. I think Floyd’s style will last longer than Manny’s. To be honest I am surprised that Manny is still at least close to the top of his game. For him to fight effectively he has to burn so much energy. He is also smaller and has taken more punishment. Last but not least Manny has about 60 fights and Floyd has 43. I have been expecting Manny to fall off around this time so I’m keeping a close eye on him.
Historically, relaxed boxer punchers like Floyd can hang on slightly longer. So I expect Floyd to be able to. Floyd’s only problem will be his ability to take a punch. If he can take decent flush shots latter in his career he will be ok for the next few years. If he can’t things will get bad for him similar to Roy Jones.
What's up Breadman -
A couple of questions for you:
What do you make of Mosley's (in my opinion) attrocious defense? (I noticed that he pulls back when facing a straight punch and keeps his hands down giving his opponent a perfect target. Not to mention that he sometimes flails his arms after getting hit - even accentuating the connect.) I'm sure that a prime Mosley could get away with this and now not so much, but shouldn't his supposedly great trainer pick up on this?
Wilfredo Gomez is typically pretty low in the all-time top P4P lists that I've seen - if at all on the list. I believe that he had a string of something like 32 straight knockouts, some of which were against HOF opposition. 32 straight KO's is mind-boggling and would warrant high consideration - to put it mildly. Where do you see Gomez more or less in the all time P4P scheme of things?
Peace!
David
Bread’s Response: I never thought Mosley had great defense and when you become older your flaws become exaggerated. I’m not going to criticize Naazim because I personally think Shane is a shot fighter. And when you try to change too much on a fighter late, sometimes his negative muscle memory gets confused with his new muscle memory and things turn out really bad. That’s something you would have to be in the gyms for to understand what I’m saying. Successful defense is repetition; Shane has been doing some things wrong for so long it would be tough to change. I’m not saying it doesn’t need correcting I’m just saying it would be tough to correct.
Shane’s offense used to be his defense, now that his offense has slowed down he is super easy to hit. That’s why it’s good to get rid of bad habits early because later they become unbreakable.
Wilfredo Gomez is the best fighter ever at junior featherweight. He is also one of the best top 10 or 15 fighters from the 70’s and 80’s. He got some dubious decisions late in his career but he was already a HOF. Gomez is an all time great, which is better than just an Hall of Famer and a great fighter. He is no worse than the 2nd best Puerto Rican fighter ever. Some say he is the best. He is also one of the 20 best punchers to ever live. Gomez was absolutely lights out when he hit you. Especially at 122, no one could take his power. Gomez is without doubt top 75 fighters to ever live. I don’t have an exact list that’s just a guesstimation lol. But he’s definitely in there. Gomez was a terrific fighter and he should be known for more than his loss to Salvador Sanchez.
Hi “Breadman”
Thank you very a very good insight on the sport. They do not make opinion makers like you anymore.
I cannot understand why some people believe that Cotto did enough to win; and as such claiming that he was robbed. I watched the fight two more times and realised that Floyd started bleeding on the nose at the end of the second round. Floyd was dominating the fight then up until the sixth round. Every boxer will at some point get caught in a fight, so was the case here, Cotto caught Floyd in the second round, and he bled.
Please have a look at the start of the sixth round, Cotto comes out with an over-arm left that catches Floyd unaware, look at Floyd’s legs, he was hurt for a second, Cotto did not see that. From then on, Cotto decided to have his head on Floyd’s chest, closing the gap as Floyd was more effective on the outside. He was out-boxed even at close range, to Cotto credit, he was busy on the inside. I give Cotto rounds 6 and 8.
Sir, my honest opinion is to have Cotto fighting Canelo for the WBC/WBA Super-Welterweight title. I am sure as hell that Floyd will relinquish the title when he goes away for the 90 days. So Cotto deserves a chance at it.
Now that Floyd is contemplating retirement; I think Cottoe should fight Canelo. Golden Boy has a date in September, is it too soon for Cotto? I think not.
What is your take?
Andile
South Africa
Bread’s Response: Thanks for the love from South Africa. I love history it’s by far my favorite subject. South Africa is rich in history. My all time favorite leader from the past is Shaka Zulu. That was a heck of a mini series. Shaka was cut like Tommy Hearns in his prime.
You guys also produced some excellent fighters from that region of the continent. Welcome Ncita could really rumble, I remember his fights with Kennedy McKinney, classics. Then Vuyani Bungu got revenge for his countryman. Stand up South Africa.
I did see Floyd get buzzed. It was by a sweeping hook. I actually told the people I was watching the fight with that Floyd was buzzed but Miguel was unaware. Good eyes. Cotto fought the best fight he could but he just can’t force a pace that Floyd can’t overcome. Also Cotto is a strong puncher but he is not a numbing “I didn’t see that” type of puncher. You can see Cotto’s punches, that’s why he was able to rough Floyd up but for the most part he could not continuously get him in serious trouble.
Think about Miguel’s knockouts for a second and tell me what kind of puncher he is. Guys like Nonito Donaire, Lucian Bute and Manny Pacquiao are much more dangerous. To be honest I think Floyd is better puncher than Miguel. Not sure if he punches harder but definitely better.
As for Cotto getting robbed, he didn’t. Plain and simple he lost competitively. I have nothing more to say about a robbery because it discredits Floyd’s win. It wasn’t really close enough to even suggest a robbery.
Send questions and comments to: dabreadman25@hotmail.com
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