So, the UK now has a lead over the USA 12-9 in pro boxing titlists after Broner weighed in heavy, and Joshua topped Martin. It's just as well, as their fans actually support them over there. I have lived in England before, and if I were a pro fighter, I would move right back. Anthony Joshua's win over Charles Martin was very impressive, but we only got to see two rounds of it. What we have learned is that he is adaptable to the different styles he fights, and that he hits like a mack truck. Most heavyweights can hit, as he himself said... so it's also a good sign that he is not resting on his power laurels.
The heavyweight division is exciting again, and I think a unification between Joshua and the Wilder-Povetkin winner is more likely than the Klitschko-Fury winner. Klitschko will probably retire if he wins the belt back, and Fury will have mandatories accruing if he wins... with Browne and Ortiz, no less. The IBF, however, is known for hating to be unified more than most titles, so Joshua may have to face a useless mandatory next. If I were Eddie Hearn, I would keep him busy. A 2x a year schedule cheats him out of development, and the fans out of action. He must stay very active to keep his skills improving, as well as his name in the forefront of people's minds. Imagine if Tyson fought twice a year at this stage, instead of twice a month!
Speaking of deposed German-based fighters, maybe we have finally gotten rid of Arthur Abraham. Zurdo Ramirez took the old man to school, and without corrupt German judges to bail him out, the scorecards reflected that. I hope he gets Jack or DeGale if the two do not face each other. For 'Outlaw' Eric Hunter, his maturity issues showed yet again in his title challenge against Lee Selby. It was bothersome when he was 20. His lack of focus, and whining at the ref, is pathetic at his age. He doesn't have the mental tools, and his corner seemed equally as immature and unequipped. Meanwhile Selby served notice to all featherweights (who will likely avoid him) that division does not start and end with Loma, Russell, and Santa Cruz.
Pacquiao beats Bradley again! Congratulations Bob Arum, you fleeced the public once more. Pacquiao gets to ride off into the sunset as a winner, and no one will talk about Crawford - Bradley anymore, leaving you to pad the Nebraskans record for the time being. however, both men deserve credit for getting into exchanges a bit more. While Pacquiao was certainly more careful that he was pre-Marquez 4, he did let the leather fly enough to score two knockdowns, and Bradley was tentative, but gave enough for better exchanges than in the first tow fights. However, the problem remained for Bradley.. Pacquiao's speed and timing frustrate him to the point of trying to time one shot. he then gets outworked. It would happen if they fought 100 times. Teddy Atlas cannot fix that.
Chris Strait
www.convictedartist.com