Badou Jack hopes to defeat Marcus Browne and convince the judges

Particulars: Badou ‘The Ripper’ Jack, vs. ‘Sir’ Marcus Browne, light heavyweights (WBA world title fight), Jan.19, MGM Grand Las Vegas, NV.

Background: Legend holds that you have to pay a troll, or other worthy, to cross a bridge.  Badou Jack, a talented guy who made much noise at 168, now campaigning at light heavy, can empathize.  He’s been on that bridge and is a victim of three controversial draws.  Perhaps if his management had paid, if not a troll - the judges, he would have been allowed to pass and join boxing’s elite champions?

In truth, I thought Badou was lucky to get a draw vs. DeGale-a case where punch states lied – sure Jack out-landed (though not as much as Compubox claimed) the Brit, but the better punches definitely came from DeGale – that’s my version. His draw versus Adonis Stevenson (horrifically injured recently, and in our best wishes) was perhaps more controversial.  And finally, his first draw vs. someone called Marco Antonio Periban, apparently could have gone either way.

I’m likely to soon write a “thirty something” article on the cream of boxers who’ve hit that dangerous age –and when it drops, Jack features prominently.  He’s mobile, a fine puncher, good fundamentals, outstanding resume, good defense, above average speed and power - southpaw. He was WBC champion and - he’s thirty-five – cue disaster music.  Worth noting that Jack was not helped by commencing boxing at age 18 and that like many excellent fighters, he’s endured a single disastrous outing – stopped, somehow, by gatekeeper Derek Edwards.

The genial Jack, who retains traces of the accent of his native Sweden, seems very laid back – too much so I’d say, if he wants to bank serious dough in this most unforgiving sport.  Love or hate TBE – Jack can count his lucky stars Mayweather signed him to his promotional company. For Jack, the future is right now, this instant.  Mayweather deserves credit for getting his protégé good matches but if/when a career-defining fight presents itself, Badou MUST win, preferably by KO. No judges. 

Marcus Browne of Staten Island, New York is one of those mysterious dudes that no one seems to talk about or even know.  He has good power and his physique is all-world.   Sneaky power, a good KO percentage, physical attributes and pretty decent foot movement. He also started boxing late and like Jack, attended but did little, in the Olympics, but he’s considerably younger than Jack.  I like Browne’s sneaky quickness which converts to power. Dislike?  If ever there was a boxer that needs to set “just so,” to land, it’s Browne.  If superior opponents deny Browne his favorite angles, he’s going to fail. 

Fighter’s Grades: (Speed, Power, Defense, Reach, Age, Stamina, Experience)

Badou Jack: B+ B B B-C- B A (Average of all) B (3.0)

Marcus Browne: B B B B B B C (Average of all) B- (2.9)

Fight and Prediction: Perhaps Jack, mindful of Father Time, will roar out of the gates and attack fellow southpaw Browne from the ‘get.’  Maybe he’ll look so good doing so he’ll become the man in the rather stacked light heavyweight division. Doubt it though.Browne is certainly saying what a younger man should say - he’s going to obliterate his older opponent.  I think the heavy-handed Browne is simply too predictable.  

Jack by skillful, clear decision. 

Jack UD Browne, 12.