DAILY BREAD SUDAY EDITION
By Stephen "Breadman" Edwards

Bread, you have the best boxing eyes I have ever seen. I saw your prediction on youtube for Danny Garcia-Amir Khan and you called everything but the knockout [Editor's note: Bread's actual pick that Khan would win was wrong but his analysis of how the fight would play put was spot on]. Someone even tried to clown you and say you were over analyzing. But you were dead on with everything from Khan being too greedy, to him running in with his head over his feet and how the way to catch him is his looping shots. You saw all of these things but you still picked Khan, why? And if you see these things why didn’t Kan's trainer, Freddie Roach? I really think some of these trainers get too much credit.

Bread’s Response: Thanks man. I picked Khan simply because of the Morales fight. I thought Danny was too susceptible up the middle, which he is. Other than that I would have picked Danny big. See I am going to tell you something. There are people out here who call themselves experts, but before they make a pick you already know who they are going to pick because they pick with hidden agendas. Not so hidden actually.

I don’t do that. All I do is watch film. Study past habits, check with a few of my sources to see how training is going and I make a pick. Simple.

I say that because they were a few guys out there picking Danny, not so much because they thought he would win. But because they “HATE” on Freddie Roach and Manny Pacquiao so much, that anybody that is affiliated with them they pick against.

Now let’s get back to boxing. Khan has a terrible flaw and his career is in jeopardy because of it. I am not a Freddie Roach apologist or detractor. I have plenty of respect for Freddie Roach. He worked his ass off and I can only pray I become as accomplished as him as a trainer. But I honestly think Freddie is deteriorating physically and it’s affecting his ability to correspond with his fighters.

I know I may get flack for saying that but I have to be honest. Khan’s FLAW should have been corrected and because it hasn’t his career is in shambles because of this horrible habit. He CAN’T defend himself against looping punches because his head is way too far over his feet when he punches in straight combination. Even with the flaw Khan could have won this fight with a simple jab.

Danny couldn’t defend it. But Khan was trying his hardest to KO a kid who is one of the best in the business of punching WITH his opponents. And as you know this is something I said before the fight. Oh well, Stand Up Philly and Stand Up Danny Garcia. Great victory.


Hi Bread! What a weekend! First of all, I would like to say that I was wrong like many others about the prediction of Khan and Garcia but from the opening bell, I could see that coming and I even said it loud. Big counter left hooks were hitting the gloves or just missing. I could see that one was going to connect in the course of 12 rounds...It did. Khan got cocky and over aggressive darting in with blazing flashy combos always at the same speed. At this level, regardless of the speed, the opponent will time it if it's repetitive. I have never been a big fan of the right uppercut from distance as it leaves you wide open for the left hook. Khan was kinda immature in there trying to prove a point that Gracia wasn't in the same league. I wonder how deep Danny's dad got into Khan"s skin. I think it did some damage as Khan fought like a headless chicken. His attacks were a bit like a dragster accident. I think It was a good stoppage but I would have liked to see Khan surviving. Khan came back a little bit but he received the last shot at the end of the round. I think It could've been close to Kirkland and Angulo. Garcia looked almost punched out! But It was a good stoppage. It always amaze me that with guys like Roach in your corner, a great amateur background, good experience as a pro, things like that still happen! I just don't get it. Work the jab, take the jab away from the opponent, pace yourself, hands up, chin down. Did Khan do any of these fundamentals things? Things that are a given!!! Anyway..
Now, my next topic is where the fights are being held. Think of a rematch between Khan and Garcia in UK. It would be unreal! On the weekend, I watched Glenn Johnson lose to Andrez Fonfara, with the fight being held in Fonfara's hometown. The ambiance was electrical. I watched David Haye and Dereck Chisora in the UK, where both men live, and once again, the crowd was so involved in the fight. I watched a UFC fight where Mark Munoz fought at home in San Jose and got KOed in his hometown, that was a great event too. The crowd felt the pain. I've been in a few fights in Montreal and here in Sydney and there is nothing like having connection with the fighters. I'd like to ask you, why there are so good many fighters from philly and there isn't any fights of significance being held there. Philly is such a good city for sports. I think Alexander and Spinks fought a fair bit in St-Louis? I believe that good fighters should fight in their hometown and the rematch at the other place. Imagine the ambiance there will be in Montreal when Lucian Bute fights against Carl Froch in the rematch. There will be loud British and the Canadians will go even louder. The Canadians will have their rematch with the UK fans! That is great for the sport. Do you think it is the future of boxing? I don't like comparing UFC and boxing but one thing UFC does well is bring the fights where it matters! Finally, all the talks, all the articles on the bad decision that Timothy bradley got to beat Manny Pacquiao. Well under the carpet now isn't it? I knew it was going to happen! That was an opportunity to make a change in the way to score fights and It is gone till the next time! Keep up the good work!

Mike Lafleur

Bread’s Response: What happened to Pacquiao is now lost and gone in the wind. Shame. It will resurface for his next fight however. But ……

I want to touch on your hometown comment. Philadelphia BIG Event fights are obsolete right now and it’s sad. We have a couple of places where fights are held but they are the club show type. I’m not calling out any promoters but it seems that nobody wants to take a chance on the BIG Event and get creative. We have plenty of Sports Stadiums and College facilities where we could do the dam thing. I have been saying it for years. Golden Boy tried it a few years back with Bernard Hopkins at Temple University with modest success. But I hope they try it again with Danny Garcia. A big time Rights Fee from HBO and a good crowd and Philly is back in the game.
I think the other thing that scares fighters and promoters from coming here is Pennsylvania holds same day weigh ins. It kills our ability to hold ESPN or Shobox type of fights. Fighters will not weigh in the same day here when they know they know they can go to New Jersey and get the day extra to replenish.


However we do produce an inordinate number of quality fighters because of our gyms. I won’t count Vegas because a lot of fighters that go there aren’t from there. But in my opinion Philly and DC produce the best number of quality fighters. Not just world class but even everyday gym fighters. In our gym alone on any given day, you will see Steve Cunningham, Karl Dargan, Yusaf Mack, Dhafir Smith, Eddie Chambers, Steve Chambers, Eric Hunter, Jaamal Davis and Julian Williams. I didn’t name other parts of the city. I’m just talking one gym. I can’t think of another place that has that many top class fighters. On top of that we have about 5 amateurs in our gym (James Shuler’s Memorial Gym) that could compete in the 2016 Olympics. A promoter needs to take notice and put some of these guys on the BIG Stage at home more often.


 
Funny how we as a people love to kick fighters when they are down, but overpraise them when they are up. Great fight, hats off to "Swift" Garcia. His father is still an A-Hole, but a very smart A-Hole. I really think they got under Khan skin and made him fight reckless. Khan should have had an easy night with Garcia. He had superior hand speed and he should have fought in and out and softened up his face and that cut before he got into exchanges. I picked Khan to win this fight but after the first round I looked over to my wife and bet her that Khan would get knocked out. Its time for someone to say it. Freddy Roach is slipping. This guy never make adjustments, Im not sure if he can get his point across in the minute he has between rounds. The Mayweathers have repeatedly stated how can he win so many Trainer of the Year awards off one fighter. Be real , Floyd was top fighter some of those years and Roger should have at least gotten one. Mark my words in print, Khan leaves Roach , get with a Manny Stewart type and becomes a P4P in three years. I felt the same feeling when Lamon Brewster beat Wlad Klits , I looked over to my buddy and stated Klits is still the best and will be P4P, he laughed but look what happened. Hats off to Amir for being a real fighter and fighting anyone , anywhere. Hats off to Andre Ward and Chad Dawson for fighting anyone, anywhere. As boxing fans we need to give these guys more praise. They are not making excuses for not getting in the ring with the best ( Lil Floyd). Great site and great insight as usual. I only go to Boxingtalk.com for my boxing news. Stand up Glen Johnson and thanks for the memories. Closing note and this is for you Breadman. YOUR BOY Nonito Donaire is a fraud for skipping guillermo Rigondeaux at 122lbs and taking soft titles. He acts as if he wants the best but he really doesnt. He also ducked Vic Darchinyan, He would have lost that immediate rematch. He needs a signature fight against a signature name, but Rigo will follow him to 126lbs then he will have to fight him. Franklin Taylor, San Diego Ca
Bread’s Response: If Khan and Roach are to be successful they will both have to humble themselves. Khan will have to realize that his chin is not made of iron and he will have to fight like it. Like you said similar to Wlad Klitschko. Freddie Roach will have to realize Khan’s chin is not made of iron and he will have to instruct him to fight like it. Now the question is can Roach teach that style. I believe he can but he will have to WANT to. Arrogance won’t win it for Khan. He simply has a C- chin at best with A level talent. I know Terry Norris made it years with a shaky chin but Norris took his bumps and he was better than Khan.

I do think Khan may leave Roach and I think Virgil Hunter would be perfect for him. Look at how Andre Ward fights. How about Michael Dallas who was also knocked out early in his career. Hunter could have Khan hide his chin somewhat with his punch selection and output. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

As for Nonito, you know that’s my man. But I have to keep it real. His disinterest in fighting Rigondeaux is bothering me. I don’t want to hear about who sells tickets because Omar Narvaez wasn’t a big ticket seller and he had no problem fighting him. In Nonito’s last fight, the crowd seemed sparse at best. HBO would cut a heavy check for Nonito to fight Rigondeaux. Nonito left 118 after destroying Montiel and no one gave him flack because Montiel was the GUN of the division. But he didn’t clean it out. He can’t leave 122 after fighting Arce without beating Mares, Rigondeaux or Moreno. At least 2 out of the 3. If he does then we can look back on his career and say a pattern was created. Let’s see how this plays out…

 
Job well done by Garcia. One thing I would like to say about Khan’s chin. Even thought he got stopped tonight I still don’t think he has a glass jaw. In this fight he did not even get hit on the chin when everything went south for him. What I’ve noticed is that when delivering his offence he has a tendency to abandon his defensive responsibilities. When Khan fought Prescott, he fought a big puncher and gift rapped the opportunity. You mentioned something to the effect of there being three lines of defense. If I remember correctly you mentioned footwork, head movement and blocking. I’d like to add one more and that is how punches are delivered. Some fighters drop their jabs when recoiling, some punch too wide creating big time openings and so forth. I think this is the case with Khan. He gives his opponents too many opportunities. Look at fighters like Moorer and Trinidad. They had a tendency to get clipped and if they survived they became more dangerous. In my opinion, as in the case with Tito and Michael, they appeared at times to be not focus until some got their attention with a punch. I think the main reason why I am touching on this in this letter is because I feel that the term “glass jaw” often times gets over used. Some of the fighters that have been known to have glass jaws also happened to get KOed by some of the biggest punchers of their time. What can Khan do moving forward to correct his defensive liabilities? What are your thoughts?
Columbus,
Tampa
Bread’s Response: When I use the term “chin” I simply mean the ability to take a punch. Whether it be the jaw, temple, chin what have you. A head shot. I think you are being too literal. That being said Khan does have a bad chin. I am a Khan fan but it’s the truth. Plain and simple. He disconnects when he gets hit clean. It takes him a very long time to recuperate. Trust me he has a bad chin and if you asked Freddie Roach about his chin privately off the record he would tell you.


Don’t compare Khan to Felix Trinidad. Trinidad’s chin is more comparable to Juan Manuel Marquez. It’s a “cold” chin, not a bad chin. Khan’s chin is like Tommy Morrison and Terry Norris. It’s a bad chin. There is a huge difference. Trinidad was one of the toughest guys in all of boxing to stop. That’s why he was able to go through all of those divisions with that come forward style and only be stopped once and that was in the 12th round. Trust me it ain’t easy stopping Tito. Khan on the other hand when he gets hit clean, if you’re a fan of his you should hold your breath. There is a disconnect in the blood flow from his brain to legs, that’s why he wobbles so badly. I really believe 50% of taking a punch is a genetic trait. Some people are just more solid in that area where the nerves and hotwires connect.


Now, Khan can do some things to stop himself from getting hit so clean. One is recognize his flaw and two find somebody to tell him how to correct it. Three he has to calm down and stop being so eager when he fights. Now his technical flaw is his head comes over his feet when he punches. A perfect stance is that of say Ray Robinson, Ricardo Lopez or Floyd Mayweather. They stand different but all correct. Weight evenly distributed on both feet. Butt down, left lead shoulder pointing at opponent.  Khan stands sort of squared, with his feet wide apart, prepping to run in. Look at these things I mention then look at Khan.


Last but not least Khan doesn’t know WHEN to punch. Khan is so fearless and or/not smart, that he’s willing to attack when his opponent is prepped and ready. A smart fighter attacks when there is less of a chance for him to be countered. Even in Khan’s best performances he will just run in and punch while his opponent is ready and waiting. Look at the discovery channel, when animals kill other animals they attack from side angles or out of surprise. Not Amir Khan. I know this is deep for you guys but trust me on this.


Look at Floyd Mayweather. People say he doesn’t throw extended combinations. But yet he rarely gets caught or beat out in exchanges. Why? Because Floyd punches when his opponents aren’t ready. He surprises you off the turn. He pot shots you. He will circle you three of four times without punching just to make sure your feet aren’t set and ready. Khan has no patience. He just freaking fights. Great fighters have a feel on when to punch that’s why they won’t get caught in between too much. Khan needs to sit down with somebody who really understands this and let them explain this to him.


 

He's got a weak chin but I dammit hes got heart!
Bread’s Response: Yes he does. Amir Khan never stops trying. I know he may be down on himself but I respect the hell out of that kid. People don’t like him because he’s smuggest. But Khan is an absolute GUN. He is one of the few guys who I believe would fight anybody. Oh well you can’t have it all.


 

Yo Bread, just wanted to get your opinion wether you think Chavez, Jr. is taking steroids. I heard that he refuses to take post fight tests, and he just looks a little too big to me for a 160 pounder. I know body types are different, but he's about the same dimensions as Pavlik was when he was a middleweight and Chavez, Jr. looks a whole lot bulkier than Pavlik did. If I were Martinez, I would insist on mandatory drug testing before their fight. Give me your thoughts.

Thanks.
Bread’s Response: I would never say I thought a fighter was taking steroids if they haven’t failed a test or some concrete proof was out. But there are some strange circumstances surrounding Chavez Jr. Emanuel Steward even spoke on his last test and how no one saw Chavez, piss in a cup. I don’t know why Steward is not making a BIGGER stink out of this. There are also some whispers out about Chavez not really making weight in Texas. I don’t know what to believe but I hope VADA is involved in his fight with Martinez and I hope Vegas keeps a close eye on things. Let’s just hope for the best without accusing anybody of anything.


 

Bread,

I always enjoy your mailbag.  The video mailbag pre fight breakdown of pacqiao
vs bradley was excellent. 

I see that GBP will promote canelo vs josesito on 9/15.  Love josesito's heart
and will but does a blown up junior welterweight have any chance against a big
junior welterweight with significant size and power advantages and seemingly
similar hand and foot speed?   I feel that in attempting to showcase canelo and
upstage top rank's ppv card GBP is preying on josesito's courage and self belief
and risking his health, safety, and career longevity.  I feel that there were
plenty of legit welterweights,  good junior welterweights or small
middleweights. That would jump at a chance to test canelo and get paid but GBP
only wants to showcase and protect ist future.  Thoughts?

Also if floyd and canelo fight in 2013 with 10 oz gloves how do you see it
going?


Billy Bomaye, Washington. DC
Bread’s Response: I hate the Canelo/Lopez fight. I think Golden Boy over did it. If they were willing to let Canelo fight Paul Williams or James Kirkland they should have picked a better opponent than Lopez. No disrespect to the kid but dam. How about K9? I mean they act like K9 is the boogeyman but nobody remembers Joel Julio walked him down and stopped him. K9 is a strong awkward fighter but beating Cory Spinks and Sechew Powell does not make him the boogey man. Canelo should be able to beat K9 and that would be a unification fight. No one could complain because it wasn’t Canelo’s fault the Williams and Kirkland fights fell through. But Lopez is really pushing the envelope and insulting OUR intelligence.


Floyd vs Canelo is 65/35 fight in favor of Floyd. Let’s see how Canelo progresses over the next year and I will reassess. However you can call me crazy but I think Canelo would beat Miguel Cotto, something tells me that is what Golden Boy is waiting for.

 

Hi Bread,
This is not really for the mailbag. I'd just like to point out that there is no mention of the Brook - Jones fight on boxingtalk.com. This was a meaningful fight at 147 and highly entertaining so I'm very surprised and slightly disapointed that it received no coverage. To sum it up, Brook boxed beautifully for the first half of the fight, took some great shots from Jones, suffered a broken nose that was bleeding profusely but somehow managed to ride out the final few rounds by digging deep and boxing clever. I have to give props to Jones, he is no joke. He's really tenacious, has decent skills, is heavy handed, can take a great shot and was in Kell's face for the full 12 rounds.
Kell brook answered a lot of questions about his heart and his chin although from what I saw he could improve his conditioning slightly as he looked out on his feet in the last couple of rounds (although he must have had trouble breathing and probably swallowed a lot of blood). I saw an interview with Kell Brook after the fight, apparently he had an "average" camp and struggled to make the weight. His team are planning on bringing in a nutritionist for his next fight (I'm surprised he doesn't have one already). All in all a great learning fight, I'm sure with a couple more like that Kell Brook will be a real problem for the top dogs at 147 - 154. Interested to hear your thoughts on the fight.
Thanks in advance,
Dylan (Switzerland).
Bread’s Response: Jones vs Brook was a big die hard fans fight. I thought it was an excellent fight. Brook did answer some questions about his heart, but the kid was humbled a little bit by that fight in my opinion. His promoter is even talking about waiting for another fight in order for him to challenge for a title. To keep it all the real I didn’t score the fight as I watched but Carson Jones deserved no less than a draw. After a slow start he probably swept the second half of the fight.


Brook should learn a lot from that fight and hopefully he tweaks his game. I thought it was an excellent, evenly matched fight, where the undefeated hometown A side got the benefit of the doubt. I’m not calling it a robbery, but if that fight was on neutral ground and Jones had a promotional upside without those 8 losses, he probably would have won.


That being said I like Kell Brook. His balance and punch technique is excellent. He just has to get more experienced in getting through rounds and he has to body punch more. When a guy is trying to run you over like a truck, you have to flatten his tires or you will get ran over. Good thing for Brook is none of our American welterweights fight with the pressure that Jones does, for the exception of Shawn Porter.


 

Havent written in for a while but always follow u bro... Over here in Panama people are astonished that Anselmo Moreno's name is never mentioned to fight the likes of Abner Mares and Nonito Donaire... Do u think these cats just dont want a piece of my Panamanian brotha? Or the reward is not worth the risk? Take care, Ed (panama city, Panama)
Bread’s Response: Moreno is the deal. This may be blasphemy but he reminds me of Pernell Whitaker. That kid can box his butt off and he lets his hands go. No they don’t want a part of him. It’s obvious too much risk no reward. If Moreno was of a more privileged racial heritage then he would have had a BIG fight already. No need to beat around the bush. He could be the most talented fighter in Golden Boy’s stable in one of boxing’s best division. Do the math…..

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