I have never sensed such good rapport in any past GB boxing camp. Dictators hiding their inefficiency by dogmatism and bluster have been replaced by expert advice and efficiency. Anthony Joshua and Anthony Ogogo are two naturally high talented boxers who have been allowed to improve under skilled tuition with the essential asset of correct physical condition.
In the most testing bout for Anthony Joshua to date against the Cuban top prospect, Erislandy Savon it was his physical condition that allowed him to withstand the pressure exerted by the talented Cuban champion.
It has to be admitted that to gain the verdict Anthony J needed the necessary luck and it came his way because had Erislandy been given the verdict there would have been natural disappointment but no recriminations because it was close.
However, the benefit of Lady Luck smiling on Anthony J was not wasted. Last night against the giant Chinese boxer Zhilei Zhang, he again excelled.
Zhilei won a Silver boxing medal in Beijing and looked powerful. If he was to win Anthony J needed to be confident and focused otherwise the Chinese super-heavyweight could prove to be too daunting a task.
Once agai
n credit has to be given to the two main Coaches and conditioners because mentally and physically Anthony J. was prepared. After outboxing Zhilei in the first round, despite a coupled of Chinese right handers connected Anthony concentrated upon well-thought out boxing.
This was made possible by the somewhat ponderous movements of the Chinese boxer,
When the confident Anthony J threw a peach of a right hand that connected, the shocked Chinese giant was on the floor probably for the first time in his career.
After a standing count, Zhilei boxed-on and as Anthony J kept-up the pressure with controlled determination and boxing skill there was only going to be one winner.
The powerful looking Chinese boxer continued to look menacing but looks don’t win points and when all is fair in love and war the final tally of 15-11 points in favour of Anthony J, it was more an understatement rather than an exaggeration.
The points result came as no surprise and was a true reflection of the all-round better class of the GB boxer and his better nebtal and physical condition
I do not subscribe to this view and while it was obvious Zhilei was dazed I believe the power of the punch and all-round boxing ability of Anthony J convinced the Chinese champion he was out of his depth and this was one fight he was he was not going to win - and he was so right.
I thought the gracious manner and respect that was reflected on the face of the Chinese warrior for his conqueror was testament to this view.
After his hard fight against Erislandy Savon, Zhilei Zhang was an all-round perfect opponent for Anthony J for many reasons.
Anthony J said post-fight: "That medal represents a journey, a lot of hard work, but it hasn't stopped here. It is going to get tougher and I'm going to have to keep my head on my shoulders and try to change the colour of that medal.
"I learned so much from my first bout and I learned so much from this one too. I'm going to go away from these Olympics a new man because the experience is unbelievable - it's character-building.
"I'm not miles better than I was when I went to the World Championships, but I have improved. It's going to be a long career and I'll never stop improving until I finish, but I'm getting better bit by bit because of the experience."
For his semi-final bout Anthony J will box Kazakhstan's 6ft 9in giant Ivan Dychko, a bronze medallist at last year's World Championships, who in the Londonm 2012 Olympics beat Canada's Simon Kean 20-6.
This is a daunting task and the fight plan that will be devised for him by Robert and Richie will have to be very good and Anthony will need to be at his thinking and boxing best.
It is a match that could be said be too early for Anthony at this stage of his career but to win an Olympic Gold Medal there is no choice.
=============================================================
ANTHONY OGOGO – STEFAN HARTEL
Sadly Anthony O is fighting more than one war at one time. He has an ongoing distressing battle worrying about his Mother, who he dearly loves but distressingly is suffering from a serious illness.
Our thoughts and sincere good wishes are with Mrs. Ogogo.
To have to concentrate upon a personal career as demanding as boxing with his mind centred upon the health of his dear Mother is an enormous burden.
Therefore every win by Anthony O in the London 2011 Olympics is a super feat.
Nevertheless, middleweight Anthony has been truly impressive and is another outstanding prospect boxing who at the most crucial time in his career has been allowed to develop under skilled tuition.
Against his German opponent Anthony O showed continuing improvement.
Opposed to Stefan Harte, the British boxer again needed the blessing of Lady Luck.
However, Anthony did become noticeably tired. Mental stress causes this condition, so it was no great surprise and he was forced to produce agile mental thinking and employ skilled boxing .
He threw his combinations and then would not allow his opponent to produce counter movements and punches. It was these tactics that frustrated Stefan Harte and convinced the ringside judges Anthony O was the winner. ~
No comments:
Post a Comment
comments welcomed