Boxing Scribe Vivek Wallace brings his Left-Hook Lounge mailbag to FightHype.com, answering questions for fans and giving his own unique perspective on all the latest current events in boxing. This week, check out his response to fans as they discuss Andre Ward, Lucian Bute, Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao and much more.
Jason N. (Covina, CA): I saw a post on your FaceBook page where you stated that as far back as ’09 you felt Andre Ward was the “second best fundamental fighter in the sport behind Floyd Mayweather jr.”. What did you see at that point that made you feel this way, and now that he has defeated Froch, do you think others will agree with your assessment?
Vivek W.: I’ve always been criticized for my position regarding the Sweet Science, but I think it’s partly because many haven’t truly comprehended my reasons for exercising that vision when viewing the sport. Like the fighters themselves, to me, it’s all about winning. There are certain styles that I’ve watched over the years that have been absolutely incredible to sit back and marvel; guys like Tyson, Valero (R.I.P.), Pacquiao and others. All those spectacular KO’s are great, but winning isn’t and has never been about putting cheeks in seats. It’s been about skill, game plan, and execution.
I love to watch exciting KO artists like the next man, but I’ve always known that each of those men who possess that excitability was one solid fundamentalist away from being exposed as something far from what many of us thought they were prior to that showdown. This is what has always excited me about guys like Mayweather and Ward. People will witness a particular performance of theirs, perhaps one that wasn’t quite as exciting as another, and pass judgement under some false pretense that this is all they have to offer.
When you look at the total body of work between these two men, not just a fight or two that you happened to watch, it’s easy to realize that these men have the skill to conquer practically every style the sport has to offer. These guys are what I often refer to as “handymen” who carry that proverbial tool belt at all times. Some days they may need the wrench….other days the pliers…..or some nights the hammer…but their arsenal contains every weapon they need to conquer virtually every style they’ll face, for the most part. So, at this stage, after seeing guys like Pacquiao, Martinez, Donaire, and others recently struggle against fundamentalist, yes, not only will more people agree to recognize their profound ability, but some may even stop to ask themselves why they weren’t able to comprehend a domination level this profound before after this last performance! Great performance!
Harold R. (Charlotte, NC): I don’t necessarily agree with your position that fundamental skills make a fighter better. I would pay to see Pacquiao over someone like Ward any day. What makes a fundamental fighter so much better than a KO fighter in your book?
Vivek W.: For the record, my personal taste is my personal taste. I can’t say it’s a measuring barometer for any man or woman that views the sport, but it is mine. That being said, I like to remind people that there’s a major difference in a “fighter” and a “boxer”. Manny Pacquiao is a “fighter”. Floyd Mayweather is a “boxer”. Floyd Mayweather is a “boxer” who also happens to know how to “fight”. Manny Pacquiao is a “fighter” who doesn’t know how to box.
What makes a “fight” is a scenario where one man hits the other and the other hits him back. This is typically competitive and fans love it because they get to see two men beat the hell out of each other, typically because there’s only one aspect of boxing involved (offense). The reason some don’t care as much to watch someone like a Mayweather “box” is because it isn’t a “fight”. You don’t get to see two men hitting each other.
You see one man beating the hell out of another, and the other missing nearly everything he throws. That’s boring because it’s not competitive. It’s considered “too technical” in the sense that it applies two skills (offense and defense) while the other uses only one (offense). That results in complete statistical domination. It’s lopsided.
So there lies your difference. People like to see a “fight”. Against guys like Mayweather, it usually isn’t a “fight”. Two men have to be able to hit one another to make it a fight, and ususally that isn’t the case. I love a good “fight”, but I have the utmost respect for those who can truly “box”. But that’s just me.
Alexa U. (Buffalo, NY): Lucian Bute said that he would face Andre Ward in New York City. Do you think Ward would take this fight, and do you think he wins if he does?
Vivek W.: I don’t see why Ward would not take this fight. I know that he loves to fight in his backyard, but he just fought in Atlantic City, and I don’t see how he’d turn down a chance to square off in the “Mecca”, even if it is up the street from Bute’s home turf. So many talk about the Mayweather/Pacquiao showdown, but this is a fight right here that I think could be far more competitive, and I think these two men truly deserve a stage equally as grand.
Both of these men have flown under the radar by the casual boxing fan who’ll watch HBO 24/7 but not know 5 boxers away from the show. These men have done things the old fashioned way. They didn’t talk their way into the spotlight…..they didn’t role-play their way into the spotlight…..they simply signed contracts and handled their business on the nights they were called to duty. You have to respect that.
Personally, I have great respect for both men and find it a difficult fight to judge, but I do think that Ward’s technical prowess could prove too much. Bute is great when he can use his ability to keep you at a distance and pick you apart. Ward recently proved again that he can nullify his opponents best strengths and disperse his own simultaneously. I think Bute has the power to hurt him, but if he can’t land flush, his power could be rendered powerless. I think it’s a great fight. I hope we get a chance to see it. These two men deserve the big stage and they would be putting two undefeated records on the line when they do it. Hope it happens.
(Vivek “Vito” Wallace can be reached at [email protected], Youtube (Vivek1251), Twitter (VivekWallace747), Skype (Vito-Boxing), and Facebook).
