Sergio Martinez is the definition of an unconventional boxer. He fights with hands down by his side and gets away with it because of his quick foot movement to dart in and out of trouble.
He has power in both hands but his most notable punch is the very fast, powerful and accurate straight left. His ability to control the pace and counter punch effectively makes his opponents think twice before getting close.
HOW?
Martinez was a late bloomer and didn’t start boxing until the age of 20. His previous background of cycling and football combined with natural ability set the path for a short but successful amateur career.
His skills would transcend into the professional ranks where he kept a relatively low profile, fighting against low-medium competition mainly in Argentina and Europe. Since 2008, his popularity steadily rose when he had several notable fights in the USA on HBO Boxing.
Most recently, Martinez fought Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in which history was made. Martinez suffered a 12thround scare when Chavez Jr. unloaded punches and knocked him dow. However, Martinez’ skill, experience and conditioning from training prepared him to survive such situations.
• Martinez cannot swim but still stands up on a surfboard to maintain his balance.
• Instead of running, he goes cycling because it’s his hobby and also causes less strain on the legs as opposed to running.
• Does no more than 60 rounds of sparring for each fight so it doesn’t wear out his body or cause any short or long term injuries.
An intelligent individual inside and outside the ring, Martinez is dedicated to his profession and has taken the long and hard road to glory. Considered to be poundfor-pound number three on most major sports news and boxing websites, Martinez has been longing for the number one spot held collectively by Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao. If he continues winning, then may just fill that position.
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• 1989, 1990 & 1992 United States Amateur Lightweight Champion
• 1989 World Junior Championships Silver Medalist
• World Champion in Three Weight Divisions
GREATEST ASSETS
• Overhand Right
• Left Hook
• Fast Hands
Shane Mosley has many excellent attributes which has enabled him to jump from Lightweight up to Light Middleweight in a short span of time, while still retaining his elite level hand speed and power.
Mosley has power in both hands but perhaps his most devastating punch is the overhand right, which he delivers with such speed and accuracy. His left hook to the head does a lot of damage also and he’s frequently put opponents down as a result.
HOW?
In his days as a lightweight, Shane Mosley was a force to be reckoned with. Blessed with amazing speed and power, Mosley tore through the division becoming a world champion in the process, and touted as the next boxing superstar.
He then jumped up two weight divisions for bigger names and recognition. However, he ran into a bit of trouble by Vernon Forrest who convincingly beat him twice. Mosley bounced back and throughout his long career, he’s fought the best competition, caused major upsets and became a superstar. It would not have been if it wasn’t for his intense work ethic.
In recent years, Mosley has been trained by Nazim Richardson who has implemented some interesting training methods to Mosley’s routine.
• During Mosley’s heavy bag session, Nazim would often swing a towel to try and catch him off guard. This is done to keep Mosley alert.
• Sometimes uses foam sticks as a substitute for mitts because they’re more effective for improving hand speed.
• Mosley supplements his workouts with bowling, basketball and snowboarding. Nazim says “Itgives him that muscle confusion and keeps him agile.”
Shane Mosley has had a long career and all throughout, he’s fought top level competition but has never been stopped. It’s not only attributed to his iron chin but also his mental toughness and physical conditioning.
ANDRE WARD
Born: 23 January 1984
Birth Place: San Francisco, California, USA
Nationality: American
Nickname: S.O.G (Son of God)
Division: Super Middleweight (168lbs)
Height: 6’ / 183 cm
Reach: 71″ / 180 cm
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
• 2004 Olympic Light Heavyweight Gold Medallist
• 2001 United States Amateur Middleweight Champion
• 2002 Under 19 National Championship
• 2003 United States Amateur Light Heavyweight Champion
• World Champion Titles at Super Middleweight
• The Ring 2011 Fighter of the Year
•Super Six Tournament Winner
GREATEST ASSETS
•Ring Intelligence
•Ability to Fight on the Inside, Mid-Range or Outside
Andre Ward is one of the most talented boxers of the modern era, He possesses a set of invaluable tools in his arsenal which has allowed him to excel to the elite levels of boxing. Although he lacks big punching power, he has excellent defensive skills and can control the fight no matter what style is presented in front of him.
HOW?
Natural talent and desire go hand in hand for Andre Ward. Since a young age, Ward has continued winning on a consistent basis from the amateurs to the professional ranks.
Having won a Olympic Gold Medal, Ward hasn’t enjoyed the same type of publicity as other fighters who have achieved the same feat. Instead, he’s had to fight his way to the top, and winning the Super Six tournament established him as the best Super Middleweight in the world.
One of the secrets to his success lies within his long-time trainer Virgil Hunter who has implemented the right training plan and philosophy for Ward.
• One of the methods Ward uses to strengthen his hands is he stabs his hands with the fingertips first, into a large tub of rice grains. This is a traditional method also used by martial artists.
• Virgil Hunter puts much emphasis on a necessity to train intensely. “The whole idea is to train until you’re in an uncomfortable, painful situation…I use these situations in Andre’s training, so he knows he’s mentally prepared to handle anything he might encounter in the heat of combat.”
• Ward occasionally pushes a small pick-up truck or runs with a 45-pound log or plate overhead.
• The mental aspect of training is vital. Hunter says: "I don't use reps, because I don't want you ever to think, 'I'm done.' We don't want that mentality…Quitting points give you the chance to quit right at the point that your pain threshold is about to change."