05-04-2017, 11:14 AM
(05-04-2017, 09:13 AM)bopman Wrote:(05-04-2017, 05:20 AM)Justapakeha Wrote: I also might be wrong, but it seems casual kiwis are into their ko artists like Tua, Thunder, Parker. (CCameron to a lesser extent). So crowds don't come out in drove to see great pure boxers like a RJJ type. This, I think, is why kids don't get into boxing for the sweet science as theres no real appreciation of it amongst kiwis except for hardcore fans. Ricky Murphy for example is a great boxer but is hardly a draw in this country. And with that lack of competition in Nz, those types end up going over to Australia, for example, under prepared and getting beaten by Aus gatekeepers and the like. Even Robert Berridge was only popular for a while because he was knocking nobodies out left right and Centre but was made to look atrocious at the hands of a above average Russian guy who was just using basic fundamentals to school him. I think it's a shame because kiwi boxers feel they need to go out and entertain the crowd and not focus on building on thier boxing basics. Hopefully it changes but I just can't see it happening.
Sorry to go on but I've thought about the state if nz boxing quite a bit, and why it's lacking in such a sporting rich country, with ggreat Polynesian physical specimens. But that is possibly one of the issues. . Problem is they are also heavyset guys, genetically. This means a shorter Polynesian, with large powerful legs etc will be already at their respective weight limit for the expense of height and reach. This means they certainly have power but lack some of the dimensions to be really competitive at the higher level. For example, you have some LWH that are standing at 6'3,6'4 and coming from a competitive boxing environment. A lot of the Polynesian lads will reach the LHW limit and pack power hut only stand at 5'8, 5'9. Panuve Helu, for example, is fighting at cruiser and is around 5'9. Just wouldn't have a shot against someone like Usyk etc. Who stands at 6'3 and is long and rangey. At Super heavy weight that's not a problem, hence why we have a few HW prospects as opposed to the lighter weight divisions. That's just my opinion though. ..would be interesting what other people think about that. .
Wow, spot on mate.
Good post. NZ audiences have changed in the last 20 years with the influx of people from the south pacific Polynesian countries (albeit Jo Parker - Samoan), Jo sits outside the square in many ways because he can box. 15 or 20 years ago I was never worried if the other corner had Polynesians as we knew damn well they only had power and we coached our lot to handle the big punchers - we rarely lost. Nowadays at amateur level the younger set of Polynesians are learning to box and move well and coupled with a good chin (most of them) present a far different proposition than they once did, probably because most are 1st generation and domiciled in NZ and being taught specifics from better skilled coaches. What nz audiences prefer as in KO spectaculars could become more prevalent because of the skillset the new generation is acquiring from Jo Parker onwards, and learning how to set up a result.