Here are some observations on the Taylor-Ouma fight from someone who admittedly, is not a fan of Jermain Taylor (as a fighter because as a man he seems like a very decent person). To Taylor's credit, all he does is beat you. However, he certainly doesn't look good doing it. How long is Taylor going to be viewed as a "rough diamond" as Merchant called him last night instead of the limited fighter that he really is? Here's a guy with a terrific amateur background, a bronze medal in the Olympics, and 27 professional fights He's been in there against the best in the business in Hopkins and Wright and he's still viewed as a raw fighter?
Ouma was very tough but he fought a lousy fight. What was with raising his hands after every round? It looked to me like Ouma was the one fighting the lefty instead of the other way around. Ouma didn't jab, didn't go to the body, was unwilling to take chances, and threw half the number of punches he normally does. Besides that he did great ; )
As for HBO's announcing team, of the 177 or so punches that Ouma landed, I don't think they acknowledged one of them. Particularly when Taylor is fighting, and I shouldn't hold this against Taylor but I do, Lampley and company don't cover the fight, but rather, promote Taylor and try to convince us of his greatness. I've always been a fan of Larry Merchant and remain one. However, I would now much rather listen to Steve Albert and Al Bernstein rather than Lampley and whomever. With Steve and Al, at least the viewer is getting an objective description and analysis of what's actually going on in the ring. Lennox Lewis is beyond bad and adds nothing to the fight.
Bruce |
