This is why they fight the fights

First thing- congrats to George Kambosos, Jr. What a fight and what a night. He did what he said would: Like his Greek ancestors (if he’s tracked them to Sparta as he says) he fought as if his life depended on it. He was the epitome of why we watch boxing – class, inside the ring and out: In his case, respectful, articulate and pretty damn kind – considering what Teo returned after his defeat.

Kambosos fought skillfully and showed much more than I personally knew he possessed. And what determination – he was frequently hurt and you could literally see him working it out in his mind- “Can I survive this? Yes, I can remain standing.” In the first round and at many other times, Lopez did land heavy punches culminating in a big tenth when Kambosos was floored and badly hurt. Forgot “flash knockdown.” The man was and is hurt. It’s rare that the winner goes to the hospital as Kambosos did, joining Lopez. Wonder if their paths crossed?

What of Lopez? The casuals are already calling him overrated. And the usual suspects, Haney, Garcia (Tank Davis who is a real suspect in a criminal case apparently has no comment) couldn’t wait to call him a fraud as well as invite Kambosos to fight them.

I said in my pre-fight article, only the greatest boxers can take corner advice and, like true Ring Generals, go out and put it in play. Teo Sr., gave advice that was absolutely useless. He said quote, “take your time – why the _uck haven’t you knocked him out?” In the same sentence. At the end of a first round where his son had been knocked down, more surprised than hurt. Sr.’s advice was useless. Lopez Jr. had to actually fight, unlike Dad. He never resigned himself to defeat, but never regained solid control of the fight, though he was always in it.

Both men were Ring Generals but in war there is rarely a tie. When Kambosos was hit by Teo’s heavy shots he often got him back immediately with overhand rights and some left hooks.

Lopez didn’t panic – but never figured out tactics to seize control. In my mind that would have been body work and feints to draw away Kambosos deadly overhand right - to avoid it – and at the same time get inside. The maniacs on DAZN shouted, “More jabs,” but Lopez, according to stats, landed lots of jabs and it wasn’t enough. A great weapon but when it doesn’t turn the tide as folks like Roy Jones, Jr. have pointed out – big problem.

Lopez had a Lomachenko moment in round 10 and the irony was absolute; when he hurt Kambosos badly he could not capitalize and would not risk selling out to do so.

What happens now? Lopez goes to 140, but at Jr. Welter, things may be much more difficult. It’s hard to believe he’s really 5’8.” Teo once remarked after fighting a giant that he wouldn’t be fighting “tall guys” again. And Kambosos isn’t that tall. Height disadvantage may be Teo’s kryptonite.

A wise Ukrainian wrote on Twitter that Lopez looked bigger, less focused and a tiny bit slower. And that in boxing, “a little,” means that, when coupled with a lesser talent having a best-ever night, the result is two equal fighters.

Teofimo Sr. needs to resign or demote himself to mainly silent assistant cornerman. He can take his son no further.

And Kambosos? With greatest respect, absorbing huge shots probably cannot work as a career plan. His own jab output was poor and the overhand right as George Foreman says – is not a substitute for a straight right. With shocking Aussie honesty, Kambosos said before and then after the fight, to Teo’s face, that Teo’s weight cut was a huge factor. With his abilities and never surrender mindset, though, Kambosos can make a small fortune in the game. Everyone hopes he does!

Fans will never forget Teo sprinting out of his corner after the first bell, ignoring defense, and getting smacked down, just as Kambosos said would happen. There were two ring generals last night, operating alone (though Kambosos corner did help him mentally between the 10^th and 11^th rounds).

The same Ukrainian boxing expert on Twitter points out that like Lomachenko, Teo had been told his talent was so great he couldn’t lose. But what happens when the other general can take your best shots – or angles in Loma’s case. What happens when you’re able to land the ‘perfect’ weapon, the jab, and it doesn’t work? (Klitschko Fury, anyone? Ali-Norton?) Then you have to have a functional Corner with a plan. But even then – only the fighter can carry out a plan.

Boxing isn’t football. With ten teammates, you can suck and still easily win. Basketball stars having bad nights can hope teammates start hitting the 3. Tennis requires some similar qualities – but no one punches you. In sports like swimming – the guy with the perfect swimming body is going to win. Hard to gameplan a better crawl or breast-stroke.

Lopez stood in that lonely ring and never looked that discouraged to my eyes; he got a horrific cut and shrugged it off. The shocking thing was Kambosos counter overhand right was so effective, that, when Teo had his Loma, “got ya!” moment, he simply would not sell out and take a chance. He knew the right was coming back at him and couldn’t figure out a way to avoid it.

The moment passed and just as with Lomachenko – incredibly – so did the torch.