Quote Originally Posted by Spicoli View Post
It was a fun fight. But I wouldn't say people are hating on him as there is some to criticise. A big one is still waving a belt around off 2 yrs of doing nothing. Two yrs out is a long time but it can also be said that it's also more than enough time and prep to ensure readiness. I actually worry more about his defence and that after he was hurt he never regained a power advantage. He basically got on his bike and shadow boxed. I mean hell, Mikey Garcia took two years off and now sits ready to challenge the top guy in Thurmans division and a name Thurman wouldn't even speak Saturday. I really wonder if Thurman has assumed too much and let it pass him by a bit.
Thurman has almost always got on his bike in the later rounds at world level. I think there was a lot of ring rust this time but even allowing for that I wasn't impressed with him at all. I'm not sure he's all that hungry anymore, and I don't think he'd beat Manny if that fight happens next. Two years is a hell of a long time to be out for those injuries. I think mentally he's checked out already and wants a big payday or two and he'll call it a career.