In this week’s mailbag, Stephen “Breadman” Edwards assesses the mythical match at light heavyweight between Roy Jones and Artur Beterbiev, he discusses his least-liked aspects of boxing, explores further the possible – perhaps looming – match-up between Terence Crawford and Canelo and he previews the gripping 175lbs clash of Davids, Benavidez and Morrell.
Hey Bread, curious to hear your pick on the upcoming Benavidez fight. Benavidez didn’t look like he carried his power up a division, so i think Morrell is the more powerful puncher at LHW. Morrell seems 100% convinced that he will brutalize Benavidez. Also, Benavidez seems angrier than usual in the build up. My gut tells me this could be an upset. What do you think? Ray in S.D.
Bread’s Response: This fight can go either way. But my pick is Benavidez. While Morrell seems more talented and athletic. I think Benavidez has the better craft, defense and skillset. Benavidez is slick with his style. He blocks, parries and catches shots as good as any active pressure fighter. His defense is not as bad as people say. He’s brutal to the body and he gets stronger as the fight goes on.
I think Morrell is a very talented fighter. This is a fight he surely can win. But my gut tells me Benavidez will have the edge down the stretch. Morrell has been matched in a way where it’s hard to determine exactly what he is at this point.
This isn’t a criticism, but Morrell is so talented and was so big for 168, it’s hard to say what he is at the top level. I’m also more comfortable with Benavidez. I know more about him. And in big fights with violent fighters, I pick the fighter who is more clever defensively. If you look at our classic shootouts, the more clever defensive fighter usually wins.
Eubank vs Benn1 Then ironically when Benn evolved, he should’ve got the nod in the rematch.
In these match ups of violent punchers, the fighter who can apply his defense in a more clever way without sacrificing too much of his offense usually wins. I suspect without knowing, that fighter is David Benavidez in this match up.
The keys to this fight for both: If Morrell can win the uneventful rounds, he has a shot. Benavidez sometimes calculates his attack. And those rounds count also. Morrell has to put those rounds in the bank. He also has to go to Benavidez’s body to deplete his energy for the late round push. If Morrell has a big lead after 8 and Benavidez is leaking oil because of the body attack, it’s Morrell’s fight.
On the other hand, Benavidez has to make Morrell work, even before he starts going down hill. He has to challenge Morrell’s attacks. Morrell is not used to fighters punching with him. He’s used to one way action. Benavidez has to make the exchanges feel dangerous to Morrell. He also has to land the left hook to Morrell’s body. Southpaws lead with the liver. However, the most important part of this fight will be Benavidez’s lead right hand. Morrell was hit often with this shot by Hot Rod. Benavidez has a brilliant lead right hand…..
Both fighters will have plenty to find in film study. Morrell will look at Benavidez’ last three fights vs Plant, Andrade and The Nail and find some things he can take from their fights.
And Benavidez will have 12 rounds of the Hot Rod fight to study. Hot Rod and the Nail may be why this fight is happening now.
Premier Boxing Champions is the only promotional company in boxing that promotes a superstar boxer and is not involved with Turki Alalshikh. In 2024, PBC promoted five boxing cards. That number was down from 19 cards in 2023. Two of PBC’s five cards in 2024 were Saul “Canelo” Alvarez events. It’s now being reported that Alvarez and Alalshikh are nearing a three-fight deal. PBC currently has two cards planned in 2025. Is it just inevitable that Alalshikh eventually signs Gervonta Davis (and anyone else he wants from PBC) as well and monopolizes high level professional boxing?
Bread’s Response: I really can’t say what Turki Alalshikh’s plans are. I also don’t know if Gervonta Davis will want to sign with him. It seems like Davis is happy doing his own thing…. But I want to answer you from another angle.
I can see the whole dynamics of boxing is changing. I see that the promoters are just putting their fighters in big fights, and taking their cuts off the top. Which I totally understand. But fighters need to be groomed for the big moment. And what I’m seeing is too many fighters who aren’t ready, are being thrown into these big fights.
I feel like there is a big space for the grassroots promoters to now develop talent. The average American prospect who is not an Olympian needs approximately 20 fights and 4 to 5 years of development to be ready for the top level. So therefore the promoter who can build fighters up with their own shows, and then put them in the big fights that Turki Alalshikh is doing will benefit greatly.
The grassroots promoter is necessary now, because there is a winner and a loser to these fights. And when a fighter loses, often times he needs rebuilding. So again, the grassroots promoters are vital right now. Especially here in the US. Because often times after a loss, a fighter needs to be reinvested into and rebuilt.
I love what Garry Jonas is doing with ProBox TV. We need more promoters to follow suit. Too many fighters are being developed poorly. They’re are too inactive. They don’t have enough fights. And they don’t have the proper fights to overcome their opponent once they get to the top level. They’re basically being Fed. Here is the time for the little guys to prosper and turn prospects into champions the right way. Along with Garry Jonas’s ProBox TV, we have a local promoter here in Philly Rodney Rice of RDR promotions who did over 10 shows in 2024. In 2025 he has more planned. Danny Garcia’s DSG is also trying to make some noise. Boxing needs these guys more than anyone realizes at the moment.
Who had better recovery skills Marquez or Fury?
MM – Fury vs Foreman pre-retirement; Fury vs Foreman post retirement; Fury vs Vitali
Bread’s Response: Let’s say Marquez and Fury’s recovery skills are about even. Let’s say a push. Both get hurt, both go down but never get stopped.
Pre-retirement Foreman by ko over Fury. Fury by decision over post retirement Foreman. Vitali by close decision over Fury.
What’s up Bread! Wanted to pick your brain about how social media has changed the boxing landscape. As I’m sure you’ve seen, Tank Davis and Bud Crawford have been going back and forth online lately. Tank made a comment that was way over the line in my opinion, degrading the mother of Crawford’s children. Tank has been known to say and do some shocking things but this may have been the furthest I’ve ever seen him go on social media. Now, boxers are way out of the mainstream compared to its heyday and even Floyd when he was at his peak. Some of the things fighters are saying and doing publicly would get other professional athletes kicked out of their leagues, but it seems like we just live with it in boxing. I know Tyson and Floyd had checkered pasts and did very well financially. But do you think this type of rhetoric or behavior hinders the sport’s popularity and marketability in any way? Ryan Garcia, Shakur, Tank, Fury etc have all been way off the rails from time to time and used some absurd language online along with many other high level fighters and to me, it hurts the sport. These guys are so talented but they have made themselves virtually untouchable to companies, networks, advertisers etc. To me, it’s not good for boxing. Is this something that promoters, trainers or managers ever discuss with fighters? Not everyone has to be clean cut, but it would be nice to have at least a few guys who actually care about their image and had some crossover appeal to help the sport grow. JP
Bread’s Response: This is a really good question and I don’t know if I’m qualified to answer it. I just want the fans to read your statement. I want to ask someone who is the head of a company that sponsors athletes and ask them why they don’t sponsor boxers….
What up Breadman? First off good points as always online with the interviews you have been conducting. I have been emailing you since 2000/2002 before Twitter and new age communication. Much success to you. Now for the meat and potatoes. As a Haney supporter I tell you it has been rough but I am glad he went to the UK and to my best knowledge and observations his visit was received very well. I really don’t think he has to do the villain role. As much as I support the Haneys, I feel public approval is better when Devin steps to the mic and communicates his own thoughts. As much as I love the fact that his Father is a do or die self promoter of his son and they are gonna go down as a great father/son duo it is imperative that Mr. Devin continue to do interviews and come across like the 135 pound version who was a nice young man and he had a lot of the boxing community in his corner. Haney needs to just lace up the gloves and get a name or a top ten guy. I fear the ring rust and also the self-esteem. He went through hell and back and was washed by the media and some of the fans. In the 90’s he would have been supported better. I believe “get back” starts by getting back in the ring. People are funny to me as quick as they are to crucify this man they will support again if he does a master class performance or just puts on a decent showing in a comeback. People either hate you or love you but the $$$ is flowing much better now for this controversial Haney instead of when he had less followers. The hate still sells tickets. I just want to see the young man make a solid return. Leave Ryan Garcia alone and allow the rematch to come on its own. Trust me, there will always be interest in the run back. Stand on business in regards to an equal playing field. Hopkins, De La Hoya, Mayweather, and countless other fighters have taken promotional companies and fighters to court. A lot of couch potato haters always can have an opinion but it takes some stones to get in that squared circle. Michael “Precise” Blount
Bread’s Response: I agree with everything except Haney should leave Garcia alone. Why should he leave a guy alone, who he was dropped three times by, but still lost a MD and that guy was on PEDs? I don’t get that point of view. Devin is a fighter. Why shouldn’t he want revenge? If he didn’t want revenge, some would criticize him for not trying to get his get back.
Public perception is fluid. It will go up and down according to success. If Devin is successful, how he’s perceived will be just fine. From what I’ve read, his comeback opponent will be Jose Ramirez. I could be wrong because rumors and opponents change like the wind but if Ramirez is the opponent, he’s perfect for Devin. Excellent matchmaking. Devin should stop Ramirez and or dominate the action. Ramirez is similar in build to Ryan. So in essence, he will have two camps with the same type of sparring partners. This is good boxing work right here.
What up Bread ? No disrespect but I believe when it comes to the Crawford vs Canelo matchup a lot of your beliefs depends on wishful thinking instead of facts! Canelo is not my favorite fighter but he has a resume beyond Crawford. Gamboa almost KOd Crawford. Shawn Porter, and I know Shawn personally, gave him all he can handle. Go rewatch the tape. You give Canelo a lot of hate based on your fantasies. Canelo KOd Kovalev, beat Cotto , beat GGG. Do you see Crawford beating any of those three opponents? I sure don’t. I think Crawford gets KOd by a body shot from Canelo. You also seem to forget Crawford gets hit a lot. He’s older than Canelo and he never fought at middleweight. We have to, as a whole in the boxing community, stop these fantasy fights. Crawford should be worried about his own legacy, not Canelo or your opinions on why he can beat him. I wish I can beat Tank, that doesn’t mean it will happen. I believe Crawford came into the welterweight division at the right time, he happened to just miss all the killers. And he’s taking advantage of being the only guy right now. Try putting him in the 2000s. He gets knocked out by Oscar, Tito, Cotto, Pac, and gets beaten around the ring by Mayweather. I really don’t care what you see. The fact is if Gamboa hurts Crawford …..Canelo will put Crawford to sleep. I’m tired of mismatched fights when he needs to worry about his own legacy and try to be Usyk. Clean out your division and defend against the up and comers. Establish your own greatness. Until then everyone on boxing scene has these mythical matches that start blasphemy. I get hyped just seeing a boxing fight between two guys. Crawford is just not popular, has no charisma and doesn’t fight often. You need more than being welterweight champ to beat Canelo skills. I respect Crawford’s wins but we gotta stop arguing like alcoholics around here. Does Crawford beat your boy Boots? We will never know because both guys arse you kiss will never fight each other. Everyone wants the Spanish fighter in these divisions, why? These are open ended questions and opinions of mine. I don’t doubt you are a great person and trainer but I think it makes you blind to see reality. Sometimes the truth hurts
Bread’s Response: Ok let me address this comment piece by piece.
I’ve never once said Crawford has a better resume than Canelo. Canelo’s resume is better.
Gamboa stunned Crawford, he didn’t almost KO him. It’s a big difference. 99.9% of fighters get stunned or buzzed. Canelo was also buzzed by smaller guy in Jose Cotto but he still is considered to have a great chin.
Shawn Porter did give Bud all he could handle. I’ve said it openly and I even told Shawn. So…..
I’m hating on Canelo because of my fantasies of him losing is just a weird take but ok.
I don’t think Crawford could beat Kovalev. I don’t think he could beat the 2017 version of GGG. I do think he could beat Cotto. And……he doesn’t have to beat them. He has to beat Canelo.
So you think Canelo KOs Crawford with a body shot. That’s a reasonable prediction. But it’s not the truth. It’s a prediction. Maybe you should learn the definition of truth before you write in.
Crawford is not a master defensive fighter like Mayweather or Whitaker. His defense is solid, I wouldn’t call it A+ defense. But his counter punching and IQ are A+. Crawford gets hit, but I wouldn’t say a lot.
Crawford is older than Canelo. I wouldn’t argue that. You can’t argue a date and time. But I believe Crawford is more preserved and has less wear and tear on him. Let’s see…
You’re correct, Crawford has never fought at middleweight. Ok and…That’s what makes the fight intriguing.
We as a boxing community need to stop worrying about these fantasy fights. If so, then stop writing in about it. I only answer what I’m asked. And if they fight, it would be a real fight not a fantasy fight. Seems to me, you’re getting nervous they may fight.
So now you’re advising the 41-0, 4 division champion in Crawford on what to worry about concerning his legacy. I’m sure he will listen to you.
In 2000 Crawford would have been 13 years old. So I agree Oscar, Tito, Manny and Floyd would’ve beaten him back then. But he can’t help his birthday. He was born when he was born. If Crawford was those guys ages, he would’ve held his own. He may have lost some, but he wouldn’t have lost them all. Canelo fought one of them when they were 36 years old and lost, if I may remind you.
I don’t have a say in Crawford fighting Boots. Currently Crawford is looking for bigger names than Boots. Canelo is the biggest name in boxing. You seem upset that Crawford wants to fight Canelo. Why?
The truth doesn’t hurt or bother me. Most of what you said was your opinion. I sense anxiety coming from you because if Crawford beats Canelo, it would hurt Canelo’s legacy for the same reason you think Canelo wins. That’s the real issue. I’ve never seen a fan base so offended because someone wants to fight their guy.
When Jermell Charlo and Amir Khan wanted Canelo, I don’t remember you guys getting this upset. But because Terence Crawford wants to fight him, you guys are in attack mode. I find that interesting and it says something about the character of Canelo’s fan base. If Canelo stops him as easy as you guys think, let him do it! I don’t think so, but I admit, I can be wrong. No one is 100% on their predictions. But I’m standing ten toes down. Crawford by decision.
Wsup Bread, Is there anything that annoys you about boxing besides the obvious: inactivity, disrespectful fans and fighters not fighting top fighters? Mine’s these mythical match ups. They drive me nuts, idk why people are so obsessed with pitting today’s fighters against some boxers from 40-50 years ago. We’ll never know, just let it go. I’m a huge Lebron fan, but I acknowledge Jordan is better just off watching. However I appreciate Lebron more because I was barely 5 years old when MJ was at his peak in the 90s. Looks like Spence is out of another fight, I really think Crawford beat the fight out of him. I think you mentioned Tommy Hearns was right back in the ring 4 months after the SRL loss. These fighters are way too inactive. Even winners like Tank, no way you can be the face of the sport being this inactive, it’s ridiculous. Lastly I’ve heard rumors that PBC may be done on Amazon prime. It really looks like boxing is transitioning to DAZN/Turki. I’ve got no issue with it, except I wish some fights would be hosted in the right location for atmosphere purposes. The UK has the hypest environments for fights to me. Also if Ryan vs Haney fought again that’s definitely an LA/Vegas fight. It sucks, but when you put up the money you can do what you wanna do. Thanks as always
Bread’s Response: Haney and Garcia both have California roots. I think it should be a California fight. Maybe a Staples Center fight, like Mosley vs De La Hoya was.
I personally don’t mind mythical match ups. Some are stupid but overall, they don’t really bother me. There are too many things for me to name that I don’t like. But I will condense my list. Ignorant fans, bad officials, bias commentary, inactivity, drug testing protocol, sanctioning body rankings and bias commentary again.
Hey Bread, Appreciate the thoughtfulness you put into the weekly mailbag…after the work week is over I really look forward to my ‘guilty pleasure’ of the week! I recently attended a local club fight card (Boston area) and really enjoyed the event. There wasn’t one competitive fight of the eight we saw but I took for what it was…an opportunity for some local fighters to perform in front of fans and start building their brand. But these were significant mismatches that were fairly obvious 10-15 seconds into the fight. Most ending in a painful looking knockout. Having done some low level amateur boxing/sparring, I’m always nodding my head when you tell us that ‘all punches hurt’. They absolutely do. I consider myself to be pretty tough and I never hesitated to get in the ring with better fighters…it’s really the best way to learn. But in full transparency I’m not ashamed to say that there was a part of me that dreaded it because I KNEW I was gonna be hurting after. It’s just different than playing 1 on 1 hoops with a guy that’s superior to you…in that scenario you get worked, maybe a little embarrassed but it’s not likely to end with physical pain. My question centers around the club fighters…the fighters that are essentially there to take a beating. I fully understand that upsets do happen and they all willingly go into the fight and DO have a say…after all they are gloved up too. Having said that, I think it takes a special type of courage to get into a ring with someone who is clearly levels above you…faster, stronger, more experienced, etc. I have a world of respect for those guys that love the sport and have the balls to get in there likely knowing they’re going to take a beating. And boxing NEEDS these kinds of guys at all levels…to spar with and to be opponents so local fights like these can happen and boxers can develop. I know it’s hard to speak for everyone, can you give us a pulse for how the boxing community view these guys. Similar levels of respect? Somewhat dismissed? Thom, Boston
Bread’s Response: Club fighters and journeymen are integral parts of boxing. Without them prospects can’t be developed. I feel as though promoters should sign journeymen. Because when they lose by ko, they get suspended for 60 or 90 days. And often times they start to take too many losses in a row and then they can’t get approved by commissions. So someone needs to get these guys wins in order for them to be serviceable. I hate that journeymen/club fighters are disrespected. The sport literally couldn’t exist without them.
Good Morning, I know people become a prisoner of the moment and no doubt Usyk is a great fighter, but all-time great? I think the term gets thrown around too loosely. Yes he beat much bigger men, however many larger heavies struggle with smaller ones. Smaller heavies have advantages in speed, quickness and stamina. So being big is an advantage, but not the end all be all. Yes he beat Fury twice, but both fights were close with some debate. You can’t forget that two fights ago Fury was dropped and almost beaten by an MMA fighter in his pro debut. So as far as I’m concerned, he was well past his best when you include that with the Wilder bouts. So I don’t want to tarnish Usyk’s victory, maybe I am by sending you this, but I hold ATG to a higher standard. I know you can only fight the guys available but does beating Joshua and Fury twice make you an ATG…. not convinced.
PS. Sending out that invite again to be on my podcast. Take care. Love the mailbag.
Bread’s Response: I will come on your show, whenever you’re available. Just hit me up. You’re just wrong about Usyk not being an ATG. Very wrong. No credible historian will agree with you. He’s covered every base on the way to ATG status. He cleared out his era at cruiserweight and became undisputed. Then he moved up and beat the top three heavyweights in the world. Two of them he beat twice apiece. I don’t care how you regard Fury, he was the No. 1 guy and lineal champion. I don’t care how big or small he is, Usyk beat him. The only controversy to Usyk vs Fury was the bad call by the referee to save Fury. Usyk won both fights, close but clean.
Usyk also beat Anthony Joshua, twice. And let’s not forget he stopped Daniel Dubois, who went on a career best run, right after Usyk stopped him. Usyk is an All Time Great fighter, period. He may be the fighter of this decade. If Michael Spinks is an ATG, which he is. Usyk certainly is. They have similar legacies and similar level wins. You’re being overly critical of a great fighter. There has never been a fighter who was the clear No. 1 fighter in a lower division and became the clear No. 1 at heavyweight and he was not considered an ATG. Not once in history. You’re very wrong my friend.
Hey Breadman. I’m writing this to you on the evening of Wednesday the 15th, which is Bernard Hopkins 60th birthday. I’m a big fan of B Hop. And you being a Philadelphia man, I’m sure you’re a big fan of him too. Can you share some of your thoughts and insights on Hopkins career? What was your favorite B Hop moment? I loved his run at light heavyweight. His ability to slow down the pace of a bout to a pace that best suits him was incredible. How big of a win was it when he won against Kelly Pavlik? At a time when Kelly Pavlik was seen as a monster in boxing. I remember no one gave him a chance. But the bout wasn’t even close and he busted Kelly Pavlik up. One move he would do, which I loved, was he would fire a straight right, and then fall in and smother his opponent, keeping them from countering. Seeing him do push-ups in between rounds in the Jean Pascal rematch showed me how confident he was in his abilities. He was crazy. He went up against Kovalev when Kovalev was at his absolute prime. I remember watching that and actually felt depressed seeing him lose like that because it was really the first time he decisively lost, and lost bad. Seeing him go out the way he did against Joe Smith hurt me. And seeing the hurt on his face, hurt me. It was a shame too because I felt like, while he wasn’t necessarily winning against Joe Smith at the time of the KO, he wasn’t losing either. He was staying competitive and landing his fair share of shots too. He was a special boxer and I felt like he was the last from a dying breed of boxers. Old school stuff. I don’t think we’ll ever see someone like Bernard Hopkins again.
Bread’s Response: Bernard Hopkins is either the best or second best fighter ever from Philly. And Philly is the best fight city in history. Bernard is no worse than a top five or six middleweight in history. And get this, I think his run at light heavyweight is more impressive. He won the title three times at light heavyweight and he didn’t move up until he was 41! He’s simply the Archie Moore of his era. I won’t say we won’t ever see a B’hop again, but it may take a very long time.
My favorite B’hop moment. This one is hard. But I will say either the Tarver or Pavlik fights. I’m going to lean Pavlik. I went to that fight and I bet big on B’hop. I asked a very prominent member of the media who I won’t name who he thought would win. He picked Pavlik in absolute terms. The venue was in Atlantic City, where Pavlik beat Jermain Taylor. The crowd was rocking. He seemed to have more fans there than B’hop and Philly is closer to AC than Youngstown, Ohio. But B’hop unarmed him. It was a classic performance. As I’m typing that was my favorite performance because I won big money. But let me tell you, B’hop’s most impressive performance. It was against a fighter named Joe Lipsey. He was a big punching southpaw and he was very confident. Bernard took him apart and KOd him with a beautiful right uppercut, overhand right combination. The fight was shown earlier in the day because Mike Tyson was fighting that night. Awesome performance, go to YouTube and check it out.
I want to add one more thing. Bernard was a master at reinventing himself by beating fighters who beat fighters that beat him. Besides Roy Jones, Bernard is universally considered better than everyone who beat him.
Roy Jones beat Bernard. So Bernard beat Antonio Tarver and Glen Johnson. Two guys who beat Jones.
Jermain Taylor beat Bernard. So Bernard beats Kelly Pavlik who beat Taylor.
Chad Dawson beat Bernard. So Bernard beats Jean Pascal who beat Dawson.
He always kept himself relevant by debunking triangle theories.
BREADMAN VS. AI ANALYTICS: (#02– Roy Jones Jr. vs. Artur Beterbiev at 175 lbs) Welcome to the eighth installment of Breadman vs. AI Analytics! This time, we’re diving into the light heavyweight division to examine an electrifying clash between two exceptional fighters: Roy Jones Jnr, one of the most dynamic and innovative boxers in history, and Artur Beterbiev, the reigning knockout artist with a perfect KO record. This matchup pits Jones’ dazzling speed and reflexes against Beterbiev’s relentless pressure and devastating power. How would these generational talents fare against each other in their primes?
Recap of the Series So Far:
1. 122 lbs: Erik Morales vs. Naoya Inoue: Breadman: Morales’ resilience secures a decision. AI: Inoue’s precision and power earn a late stoppage.
Verdict: Inoue wins by consensus.
2. 130 lbs: Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Vasyl Lomachenko: Breadman & AI: Mayweather’s adaptability earns him a clear decision.
3. 135 lbs: Pernell Whitaker vs. Gervonta Davis: Breadman: Whitaker’s defensive mastery prevails. AI: Davis creates tense moments, but Whitaker edges it.
Verdict: Whitaker wins by decision.
4. 140 lbs: Meldrick Taylor vs. Teofimo Lopez: Breadman: Taylor’s speed and volume overwhelm Lopez. AI: Lopez’s power makes it competitive, but Taylor wins.
5. 147 lbs: Oscar De La Hoya vs. Jaron “Boots” Ennis: Breadman & AI: De La Hoya’s polished fundamentals edge out a close fight.
6. 154 lbs: Felix Trinidad vs. Terence “Bud” Crawford: Breadman: Trinidad’s pressure overwhelms Crawford late. AI: Crawford’s adaptability earns a close decision.
Verdict: A toss-up depending on style preferences.
7. 160 lbs: Terry Norris vs. Canelo Alvarez: Breadman: Norris’ speed wins one in a series of fights. AI: Canelo’s precision secures a late stoppage.
What Have We Learned? The series continues to underscore the unique perspectives offered by human intuition and data-driven analysis. Breadman’s focus on intangibles, like mental toughness and ring IQ, complements the AI’s reliance on patterns, probabilities, and physical attributes. Despite their differences, the two approaches often converge on similar conclusions, highlighting the blend of art and science in analyzing dream matchups.
Setting the Stage: Roy Jones Jr. vs. Artur Beterbiev at 175 lbs: In this electrifying matchup, we explore a clash between the unorthodox genius of Roy Jones Jnr and the relentless power of Artur Beterbiev. Jones, at his peak, redefined what was possible in the ring with his speed, reflexes, and unorthodox style. Beterbiev, meanwhile, is a wrecking ball, methodically breaking down opponents with pressure and knockout power in every punch. Would Jones’ agility and creativity neutralize Beterbiev’s raw power, or would Beterbiev’s relentless pressure be too much for Jones to handle?
Tale of the Tape: Roy Jones Jr. vs. Artur Beterbiev” World Titles: Jones: 4-division world champion, unified light heavyweight champion. Beterbiev: Unified light heavyweight champion (WBC, IBF, WBO).
Notable Wins: Jones: James Toney, Bernard Hopkins, John Ruiz.
Beterbiev: Oleksandr Gvozdyk, Joe Smith, Marcus Browne.
Fighting Style: Jones – Unorthodox and explosive with unmatched speed, reflexes, and the ability to land punches from unpredictable angles.
Beterbiev – Methodical pressure fighter with brute strength, relentless bodywork, and devastating knockout power.
Historic Significance – 8/10: Jones is one of the most innovative fighters ever, while Beterbiev’s knockout streak makes him one of the most feared punchers in modern boxing.
Fan-Generated Interest– 8/10: A battle of speed vs. power and creativity vs. methodical aggression would draw tremendous fan intrigue. Who Wins? Does Jones’ otherworldly talent and speed carry the day, or does Beterbiev’s relentless pressure and knockout power find the mark?
Bread’s Response: Roy Jones would have to be the RJ from 94-98. The Roy who showed up for James Toney, Merqui Sosa, Montell Griffin II and Virgil Hill. Anything less in a game of inches, he loses. Roy has one bad habit of going back to the ropes with his hands up. Early in his career, he would counter underneath the attack with hooks to the body and tear his opponents up. But later in his career vs guys like Denis Lebedev and Danny Green he got clipped doing the same exact maneuver.
Beterbiev is murder when he has you on the ropes. But Roy on his best day wouldn’t stay on the ropes vs Beterbiev. I believe Roy would potshot Beterbiev and reset him to a decision win. As long as he didn’t get greedy or try to KO Beterbiev I believe he would win a tense decision.
Beterbiev is a great fighter in my opinion. But he also has a flaw that I think would be exploited in this fight. He resets himself when he doesn’t see the opening he wants. He’s also easy to reset. Watch his fights vs Yarde and Bivol. He either resets himself or gets reset several times per round. He makes it work for himself and it’s not a total flaw. It’s a useful tactic, but I think Roy is just too fast and too quick minded for him and that tactic. So let’s say Roy 115-113 or 116-112. It may look like Shakur Stevenson vs Edwin De Los Santos whereas Roy doesn’t take too many chances because of the power but instead just decides to get the win. Nevertheless I see Roy winning more clearer than I see Beterbiev winning.
Read the full article here
