THAT’S a boxing truism that once again pervaded and held true last Sunday as Paul Malignaggi scored a unanimous decision win over Juan Diaz.
In their first fight, Diaz eked out a decision win widely believed as controversial. This time out, Malignaggi delivered on his promise to settle matters and prove he was the superior fighter (or at least appear to be).
The rematch had a repetitive pattern to it with Diaz grunting his way in, hoping to catch Malignaggi with his patented combos while the latter cleverly utilized his superior lateral movement and speed to frustrate the “Baby Bull.”
The thing with Paulie that doesn’t make his style fan-friendly is that he can’t punch his way out of a paper bag. His speed creates numerous openings for him but he really can’t fully capitalize on these opportunities because he lacks the power to hurt his opponents.
His paltry record of five knockouts in 27 wins speaks volumes about his power issues.
STYLE. Paul also doesn’t really dominate the rounds he wins on the scorecards, but seems to hustle his way to getting those 10-9s.
Spacing was determinative of the outcome here as Diaz prefers his opponents in front of him where he can freely unload. Malignaggi wisely moved away everytime Diaz threw the first punch, which somehow left him pawing at nothing but thin air.
The fact also that Diaz is terribly flat-footed made him appear helpless on numerous moments against the fleet-footed Malignaggi.
Indeed, it was a clash of contrasting styles and unfortunately for Diaz, “The Magic Man” made himself appear too pretty.
BOXING SKILLS. During the main event at UFC 107, BJ Penn thoroughly dominated Diego Sanchez, and turned his handsome face into an bloody, unwatchable pulp.
What sets BJ apart from other mixed martial arts fighters out there are his exceptional boxing skills. As readily pointed out by commentator/analyst Joe Rogan during the broadcast, Freddie Roach is all praises for Penn’s boxing skills.
It’s what I’ve been pointing out to some of our local mixed martial arts fighters here: always shore up on your boxing skills.
Of what use is your dangerous ground game when your opponent can nullify everything by having a decent takedown defense?
You end up having to duke it out with your opponent and if your boxing skills are pathetically inferior, then you have one hell of a problem.
Diego realized that problem early on and just couldn’t seem to get himself to a rhythm.
BJ defended excellently against all of the Nighmare’s takedown attempts and proceeded to punish him with jabs, hooks and straights.
STANCE. The disparity in boxing skills was apparent even in their respective stances.
Diego Sanchez held his hands high with his arms only inches apart and elbows locked, making him appear like he was about to shoot a free throw.
Contrast that to Penn’s relaxed pose with his elbows loose making him throw punches loosely and fluidly.
NEXT? Who else is out there for BJ Penn? Joe Rogan made a brief rundown of possible opponents for Penn at his division but none of those names come out and grab your attention, so I guess BJ is unassailable in his division right now.
QUOTED. “I just like watching Pacquiao throwing punches in bunches, it’s fast. You might get away from the first two or three but the two or three coming behind that are going to hit you.”—UFC Lightweight champ BJ Penn
LAST ROUNDS. It’s on the baristas and staff of Bo’s Coffee Parkmall branch, who are proud Last Rounders: Lord, Ryan, May, John, Max, Lyngie Anne and Leodora. Cheers!
