Thread: Imagine if Paulie could counterpunch?

I don't know why it didn't occur to me before, but Malignaggi biggest problem is that he isn't an excellent counterpuncher. He's OK at it, but he's so focused on his jab that he misses opportunities to do damage with other punches. He could have been hitting Diaz with counter right hands all night, but he slips, gets an angle and throws a 1-2. When he mixes it up, he's so much more effective.

I think his biggest problem is that he carnt punch for S**t plus the fact that he has had hand problems in the past.

Paulie could have shot diaz and still would have lost.

Originally Posted by RozzySean

I don't know why it didn't occur to me before, but Malignaggi biggest problem is that he isn't an excellent counterpuncher. He's OK at it, but he's so focused on his jab that he misses opportunities to do damage with other punches. He could have been hitting Diaz with counter right hands all night, but he slips, gets an angle and throws a 1-2. When he mixes it up, he's so much more effective.

I thought the same thing, not enough variety in his punches, he aint got the power to trouble guys enough with say uppercuts and hooks because they will take the shot and fire back. So he sticks to straight shots.

Originally Posted by Kel

Originally Posted by RozzySean

I don't know why it didn't occur to me before, but Malignaggi biggest problem is that he isn't an excellent counterpuncher. He's OK at it, but he's so focused on his jab that he misses opportunities to do damage with other punches. He could have been hitting Diaz with counter right hands all night, but he slips, gets an angle and throws a 1-2. When he mixes it up, he's so much more effective.

I thought the same thing, not enough variety in his punches, he aint got the power to trouble guys enough with say uppercuts and hooks because they will take the shot and fire back. So he sticks to straight shots.

I don't think it's about His power. SweatPea had average at best power, but he was better countering and throwing a variety of punches. Effective counterpunching also turns your defense into offensive, makes the transition more fluid. Actually, the most effective punches in terms of doing doing damage for Paulie were not the 1-2's. He used those to control space and distance - ring generalship more or less.

I think that's just his style. It's a chicken or egg thing. I think he would have a few more KO's if he mixed up his offense more, limited power or not.

Originally Posted by Kel

Originally Posted by RozzySean

I don't know why it didn't occur to me before, but Malignaggi biggest problem is that he isn't an excellent counterpuncher. He's OK at it, but he's so focused on his jab that he misses opportunities to do damage with other punches. He could have been hitting Diaz with counter right hands all night, but he slips, gets an angle and throws a 1-2. When he mixes it up, he's so much more effective.

I thought the same thing, not enough variety in his punches, he aint got the power to trouble guys enough with say uppercuts and hooks because they will take the shot and fire back. So he sticks to straight shots.

And as far as taking it and firing back, a great counterpuncher will be able to avoid the counters to his counter. It's a lost art in the sport and it's one of the reasons James Toney was so great to watch and Juan can do what he does. You don't need to stand and trade. Paulie could counter, block/slip/roll the counter to his counter, THEN move, maybe even jab on his way out, reset, and throw a 1-2. You don't see him do that, and if he did, he could connect with more meaningful shots.

He def still has some fast hands-movement.But I think that would require him to stand within range more,and he does not look to have a strong foundation inside.Hes always struck me as a hit and get out guy.Pea and the Toneys could sit right in your pocket...more so Toney....and baffle you and then knock a guy silly with a short six inch counter.Some guys are better suited to go between styles like that,Pea moved on his own terms.where as Paulie moves more so because he has to?.Just styles.

Originally Posted by Spicoli

He def still has some fast hands-movement.But I think that would require him to stand within range more,and he does not look to have a strong foundation inside.Hes always struck me as a hit and get out guy.Pea and the Toneys could sit right in your pocket...more so Toney....and baffle you and then knock a guy silly with a short six inch counter.Some guys are better suited to go between styles like that,Pea moved on his own terms.where as Paulie moves more so because he has to?.Just styles.

You hit it on the head that his fundamentals on the inside are lousy. That's why can can't do it. Pea was a mover, but he could stand in the pocket from time to time. Mag doesn't put himself in a position where effectively counter on the inside. On the outside, he's fast enough to use the low left hand, but doesn't do, IMHO the right way and on the inside it leaves him open and in poor position to counter. He pulls his head straight back WAY too much and he doesn't really use a shoulder roll to deflect the right cross.

Yeah, I guess he moves more because his has to move, and that's his style, but those poor fundamentals for fighting inside force him to fight that way and make him one dimensional.

I'm only bothering with the topic because Paulie such great speed, very good reflexes, and damn good chin. Comes into fights in shape, and he clearly has a love for the sport and fans. Yet I would consider him an underachiever given his level of physical talent. He's looked very bad against some guys with less talent and it's probably because he doesn't have much of a plan b.

Somebody should have taught him early how to fight in the pocket so the could do it from time to time.