I can say I'll never pay for, and probably never watch even if it's free, any boxing match again - after I wasted my time/money on that billion dollar Dancing With the Stars episode that was billed as Mayweather v Pacquiao.
Heads up - this is going to be tl;dr for most of y'all.
I was pretty excited for that fight. I admit that. But deep down I kind of knew it was going to disappoint. I didn't buy it. I went to a friend's house (a girl who knows more about boxing than anybody else I know). But here's the deal, the more you follow boxing, the more you'll know which fights to make sure to watch and which to leave alone. It's kind of backwards, but a good general rule of thumb is that if a boxer has already made it to the point where his fights are megafights on PPV and they cost a ton, that fight probably isn't worth watching. The best fights are when young, hungry fighters are trying to make a name for themselves and coming up through the ranks. And then there are some guys you just don't want to miss. Stick to the free broadcasts on HBO. They have great coverage and usually the fights are pretty good. Even when one guy is the dominant fighter of his weight class, if you follow boxing enough you'll know when that fighter is fighting a guy who's style could make for a good fight (you know the old adage that "styles make fights" - it's totally true).
Here are some descriptions of fighting styles for guys from different parts of the world. This is just my non-expert opinion but it might help you in determining whether or not you want to see a guy fight:
- Eastern European fighters are usually tough physically but weaker mentally. They have a rigid and methodical style and like holding their hands high - very little fluidity.
- Western Euro fighters love the jab but they usually don't move that well. They don't mind a brawl and they tend to get in them often because they don't have great defense. They cut easily. Their faces always look like they've lost...even when they've won.
- Mexican fighters are usually high activity fighters and try to wear opponents down and there is absolutely no quit in them. They tend to go to the body often because as I say, they like to wear guys down. They love a brawl and are constantly coming forward.
- Americans are often counter punchers and tend to be more strategic in their bouts. They often have better defense and use a lot of head movement. More "boxer" than "brawler".
- African fighters are usually stronger than their opponent and favor power over speed.
- Asian boxers like to get in and get out and they need super-quick footwork and good hand speed to do so. They stay outside until they have an opportunity and then they attack and retreat as soon as they're done.
As far as those don't miss guys:
- Terence Crawford - From Nebraska. Undefeated fighter that currently fights at light-welterweight (135 lbs. to 140 lbs.) Power puncher that switches from orthodox to southpaw.
- GGG - Eastern Euro fighter with more of a Mexican style. Undefeated and knocks everybody out (albeit against weaker competition). Constant onslaught type of fighter. Currently fights at middleweight (154 lbs. to 160 lbs.) and is the #3 P4P fighter in the world.
- Sergey Kovalev - for my money, this is baddest man in the sport. He's just a nasty, sinister type of guy that seems to like punishing people. Eastern Euro fighter is currently ranked #2 P4P. Undefeated but has a controversial draw on his record.
- Chocolatito - Undefeated Central American boxer is recognized as the P4P king right now. Currently fights at flyweight (108 lbs. to 112 lbs.) and knocks everybody out.
