Is it possible that Lee doesn't know how to do something as basic as clinching? Or was he just too stubborn or panicked to know that that's what he needed to do? And his trainer is the guy who trains Klitschko. Unbelievable. When you look at Lee's performance, and compare that to Casamayor's performance, you can really see the vast difference between a novice fighter and a veteran. If Casamayor had been unable or unwilling to clinch, he would've been knocked out. No question about it. Nearly 100% certainty. One fighter beat the aggressive, strong, come forward fighter who had hurt him repeatedly, one didn't.
Unfortunately, my concerns about Lee's defense were well-founded. Normally, I like being right, but not this time!
I always worry about a prospect's defense. It was solid in this fight, but like I said, it's very basic. He keeps his left hand up, but doesn't move his head or upper body much. I couldn't observe his footwork, because Falligo was so passive that there wasn't any need for much footwork (except for closing off the ring.) He was in predator mode the whole time; I'd like to see him make adjustments against a come forward fighter with good power. Occasionally Falligo would briefly brawl and he handled that well. But Falligo had neither the power nor the aggression to test his chin or defensive skills. Lee also had a cut or two. I think he received a head butt in the first round, and a left hand from Falligo opened it up in the third round. At least I hope that's what happened. We don't need another bleeder like Duddy.
After watching a bunch of vids with European fighters with questionable defense, I began to wonder if it had something to do with the way that European trainers teach defense. Now I'm not so sure. Lee has been training in America for years, but still has that defense. He's learned very little slickness- no head movement, no upper body movement, very little footwork- during his time in the States, with a supposedly legendary American trainer. Incredible.
I would like to see White fighters, in general, shore up their defense. There are so many White fighters with incredible offense- great power, great punching technique, excellent hand speed- and it makes me wonder if big punchers never fully adjust to not being in predator mode. It can't be a coincidence that many of the best defensive fighters aren't big punchers (Wright, Hopkins, Mayweather, Calzaghe, Malignaggi) whereas most of the big punchers have porous defenses. There shouldn't be any physical or mental reason why White fighters can't have great defense. They shouldn't have worse reflexes or vision. They have access to the same or similar training. I guess some people would point to supposed differences in fast twitch muscle fibers, but I doubt that's the reason, even if it were true.
JD1986 said:
Brian Vera wins an early stoppage over Andy Lee, after Lee wins every round up to that point.
I had it four rounds to two.
Edited by: JD074
