DAILY BREAD TUESDAY EDITION
By Stephen "Breadman" Edwards

Hi Bread! Congrats for the jobs you picked up training new fighters! Especially Shawn Porter. Hard work pays off i guess! Just want to touch on something that was on my mind. When we watch Adrian Broner, we can't help but noticing how much he emulates the style of Floyd Mayweather. Really, there's no doubt that Broner spent many hours studying what Floyd does in any given scenario. Everything is very mechanical.

Last time I saw Brad Solomon, I couldn't help thinking that he was emulating Roy Jones, Jr. The way he moves, the choice of punches, the stance etc... So I started thinking of other fighters who try or tried to imitate other successful fighters while being successful at it or not. I can think of Brandon Rios looking up his big brother Antonio Margarito. Very similar styles. I saw on youtube this dude who look and dances on the way to the ring like Naseem Hamed but boxes more like his mother. Get KO'd in less than a round:). I think Amir Khan tries to be some orthodox version of Pacquiao. With the results we know. Even at the beginning of his career, before he trained with him, Judah tried to emulate sweet pea. So my questions are, is there a boxer you know who made is entire career on a "borrowed" style while being successful? Also, do you think that It can be dangerous to try to be someone else? What I mean is, Khan for example, is under Roach. He thinks Manny is the best out there, steam rolling over his opponents with combos and speed. If its good for him, it's good for me. Now, he got KOed. Khan is more confused than ever now. Who am i? I should be a defensive boxer, but I love get in there and put pressure. Will he ever be able to box differently than he is naturally without looking clumsy? Im not sure. I think the style is too engrained now. Look at Judah, when he trained with Pernell. It didn't work out really well. He boxed a lot better being more "himself" in his last fight. I trained a few amateur guys over the years and I reckon the challenge for a trainer is to find the true identity of the fighter you have with the physical and mental strengths and weaknesses and work from there. Not trying to make him become something he's not. Doesn't mean you can't watch what others do, but not to the point of losing yourself. I know it comes a bit from the left field but I'd be curious to hear what you think about this. --Mike Lafleur

Bread’s Response: It’s called sports evolution Mike. In basketball did you notice guys today look like they have better handles. The reason being is an elite athlete can mimic something he sees. Same thing in boxing but to a lesser extent. Another time for my theory on evolution in boxing.

If you watch or be around a successful fighter enough naturally you will pick up his tendencies. This is a true story. A fighter in our gym went out to spar with Andre Ward for about 4 weeks. When he came back he boxed like Ward for the first month and he was giving everybody hell. I don’t think he did it on purpose, I think subconsciously he picked up Ward’s traits.

I think fighters should be themselves with their natural styles. But ALL fighters pick up things from other fighters. You just have to CONTAIN it and not let it overcome you and become counterproductive. Broner is doing a great job of copying Floyd. Sometimes I have to show a fighter a move that another fighter did so they can visualize the move I was trying to teach.

As for others who have done it. Derrick Gainer tried to fight like Roy Jones. Greg Page tried to fight like Muhammad Ali. George Foreman tried to fight like Sonny Liston. Chavez Jr tries to fight like Chavez Sr. Look at the Marquez brothers closely. Tell me who they fight like? Can you say Ricardo Lopez? It happens more than you think.  

Give me your professional opinion. Who wins a fight between Adrian Broner and Yuriorkis Gamboa? I’m really curious to hear your thoughts and opinions on that fight. In my opinion that would be a dream matchup at 135. --DFree Raleigh, NC


Bread’s Response: If they fought NEXT I would pick Broner. Here is the reason. Broner has physicality over lightweights. Gamboa has physicality over featherweights. Broner has too much length and mass for Gamboa. His jab is too educated for the shorter and short armed Gamboa. Gamboa does not jab enough. Broner is getting better and Gamboa is inactive and over 30. Gamboa has a little bit of a cold chin and fighters who have cold chins when they become inactive they take a punch worse.


Taking a punch is a delicate issue. If you take too much punishment you will be ruined. If you don’t get hit enough, your body loses resistance and you will get knocked out. I have never been knocked out or down in the gym, but there were times I took off for 6 months or so and came back and sparred and really felt the difference in how the punches bothered me.
I know this is premature, I know Gamboa is more accomplished. But Yuri better leave Broner alone. Some fights are hard for me to pick, but this one isn’t. I hope Broner is the underdog or this is even money. As Emanuel Steward would say when he picks a fight. Broner, Broner, Broner..


 
I think the weight for Adrian Broner (3 pounds over the limit) was forgivable because it is the first time it happened and he is going up in weight the first time it did happen. He is not trying to milk paydays like brandon rios and jose luis castillo by stubbornly staying in that weight class. Escobedo knew full well he could manipulate Broner's team for a financial incentive. The fight
was never in "jeopardy" he might have been upset but he basically doubled his fight purse. He couldn't even man up and admit how much of a pay raise he got. Had this been an important significant fight, like say a unification against Uchiyama, then the weight would have been more important and probably the fight would not have gone on and the critism would be just. Broner allthought a belt holder is still in my eyes a very talented fast rising prospect, and this was a good matchup between a
rising star an a young veteran fringe contender with some pedigree.
 
Broner cut alot more weight to get down to 133 then Mayweather did to get down to 145lbs to fight JMM. He did'nt want to make his body sick by taking any more off and risk not being able to perform on his card for his fans, he was the one that had to deliver a product to HBO, not Escbobedo . He delivered an outstanding performance and closed the show. Escobedo i'm sorry but how does having your ass kicked at 135 earn you a shot at a title at 130 anyway. The truth is he was the b-side and this was a showcase for Broner. If he wants to feel disrespected (and to his credit he did not whine much about the weight) it should be about being brought in to a rising stars hometown to lose on the big show. However one man's mismatch is another man's
opportunity and in his heart that is how he saw it. He doubled his pay and fought with a 5lb handicap 142 vs 147 night of the fight. That's less than half of the weight difference Sergio Martinez will enter the ring at against Julio Cesar Chavez Junior at. Or Josesito Lopez against Saul Alvarez for that matter. Escobeda did not complain to loudly, the media did all that for him.
 
Alot of people have said "He's no mayweather" and " not even close to
floyd yet".  I think people are now looking at Floyd with revisionist
history already before he has even retired. When does Mayweather ever
go in for the KO, sit down and throw all his power out there in
combinations to get a guy out of there? Broner put's people to sleep
and he does it with style. That final round showboating against
Escobedo was more reminiscent of Sugar Ray Leonard than FMJ. As for
Adrien's antics and shtick and clowning. I think it's funny and
charming without being to over the top and disrespectful. Mayweather
doesn't quite have the comedian charisma that Broner has. Floyd
throughout his career has had his trash talk and antics seen as just
plain mean spirited and narcissistic, partially because his delivery
is not like Broners. Floyd did not outright chose the villain/heel
role he plays so well. I think he genuinely wants people to like him
and early on in his career the boo's and the lack of fanfair stung
him. So he embraced and overplays the Gangsta bad boy and becomes the
guy fans love to hate. And to his credit he has fought long and hard
and won over some genuine respect and has shown all his colors as a
human being including the positive aspects. But it took a long long
time to get there.
 
Broner has way more buzz and hype and connection to the younger
generation of boxing fans (especially african americans) than floyd
did at 22 years old. Floyd blazed the trail for Broner and has given
him a huge shortcut in the industry to resonate on a star level. I
think Broner is so far backing it up in the ring. I also hope (and
suspect) he will be more eager to meet in their prime dangerous
fighters than Floyd was throughout his contraversial career. The
comparisons will continue which is fine, i'm already enjoying Broner
in the ring more than i did Mayweather.
 
Agree? Disagree?
Nick in Bakersfield,
Bread’s Response: I agree with some of what you said but not all. Escobedo has a right to fight a 130lb man. That’s what the contract stated. So what Broner is better and more talented than him. We all know that. But fights are fought in the ring not on paper. Broner was  unprofessional and irresponsible by not coming in on weight. Period. Escobedo does not have to tell us how much he got compensated for being screwed over twice. Remember Broner weighed in at 143.5 the next morning, when he was supposed to be 140. So Escobedo capitalized on an uphill situation. He did what he was supposed to do.
As for the Broner/Mayweather comparisons they are valid at this point. But we have to sit back and watch the Broner train and see where it goes. They may be equal in physical talents but Floyd Mayweather has what I call mental stamina. He can stay on point, fight after fight, year after year, round after round. I want to see Broner face the best three or four fighters at lightweight and see how he responds. As of yet Broner has not fought a top 3 or 4 guy in his weight class. We have to remember that before we go crazy.


I just told someone today that Broner reminds me of Ray Leonard when he finishes. Now Leonard is my favorite fighter and his resume is sick. Broner is not there. But his finishing skills against the B level guys he has faced thus far is Leonard like. Cus Dmato called Ray Leonard the best finisher since Joe Louis. So you know what kind of compliment this is. I’m going to keep my mouth shut until Broner finishes an A level fighter. But for now I’m going to say Broner really knows how to put a guy in the coffin when he’s almost dead. Look at Ray Leonard vs Andy Price and Bruce Finch and tell me if Broner has some of that in him.


As for who I enjoy more. I have always enjoyed Floyd Mayweather in the ring. I love watching him execute. You don’t have to be a puncher for me to like you. I like scientist who can punch. Floyd can punch he is just not a cold killer when he has you hurt. I don’t know why but he’s just not. Let’s say as of right now I enjoy both of them at comparable stages. By the time Floyd was 22, he beat better and more accomplished fighters than Broner has. Floyd created one of the best 4 or 5 legacies ever at junior lightweight before he left. Broner has just wet our appetites. We shall see.

 

 

What up Bread.
Sorry to hear about Julian's fight getting canceled man. I wanted to see you do your thing.
I was watching the Khan/Garcia fight with my girl, and at the stoppage my girl looked at me and asked "why did the ref stop, Khan was standing up". Now my girl watches boxing every now and then and is not a big fan, so it was hard for me to explain to her why the ref would've stopped it. All I could say was, "the ref must've saw something in Khan's eyes that he didn't like, Khan wasn't responding to his commands the way he wanted him to and thats why he stopped it".
But it brings me to my question. Without giving away too many your secrets, do you have a strategy or plan that you work on with your fighters for how to handle the ref when your buzzed? I'm not taking about what to do against your opponent in the ring after being buzzed, but what to do when the ref is talking to you, and how to respond. Do you train for these senarios in the gym, or just talk about it?
Oh and the dude that wrote in on the Wednesday mailbox, no disrepect but the dude just doesnt know what he's talking about. He tried to throw a few medical terms at you thinking that would distract you from the real issue/question. Love how you shook off the nonsense and then let him have it. Fact is, Khan just doesnt take a good shot and doesnt know what to do when he gets one. If the guy really wants to see somebody take a good shot and react accordingly, he should watch Bradley/Holt, and see how devastating a left hook Holt hit Bradley with, and how Bradley responded.
Peace
Marl
Bread’s Response: Yes Tim Bradley does take a good shot and he does respond well. I have talked to guys about what to do when they get hurt and yes that is a secret. But as far as responding to the ref, in all honesty Khan responds the way you are supposed to. He throws his arms in the air, he looks lively and he responds directly to the questions he’s being asked. I’m not saying it was a bad stoppage, but if you assess what Khan did when asked was he ok and how he stepped forward you can’t ask for anything more. It’s the ref’s call.


A fighter should ACT as if he wants to fight. Do everything you can to convince the referee that you want to continue. That’s why I admire Khan. Some fighters make eye contact with the ref, some make an unspoken statement about wanting the fight to be stopped. Some act incoherent when they are coherent. Diego Corrales and Amir Khan fight until the very end. I would suggest to all fighters who are in that position, act like you want to fight and BREATHE.


The oxygen needs to flow throughout your body. That’s the reason you were hurt in the first place.


 

Hey Bread,
I know in the past you said you weren’t sure if Roy Jones Jr. offered anything to Darius Michaelishiski to come fight him in the states here goes an interview in which Roy said he offered him 5 million dollars to come to the states to fight him (see below) does this change your view on this fight not happening?
http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=32800&more=1
Reno
Bread’s Response: If Roy offered 5 million dollars to Michalchewski that does change things but you know how this goes. There will be 3 sides to the story. Roy’s, Darius’s and the TRUTH.
 

Whats good.Good luck on the upcoming fight between Shawn Porter vs Alfonso Gomez.If Shawn wins will Keith Thurman be the next opponent.I think that would be a good fight? They both have about the same amount of fights and both been inactive for the same period of time.Also what is your opinion of a dmv vs Philly ppv.The main event would put Danny Garcia vs Lamont Peterson, Seth Mitchell vs Eddie Chambers, Hank Lundy vs Anthony Peterson and Gary Russell vs Teon Kennedy.It really wouldn't have to be a ppv.Showtime can buy it as a quadruple header.Give me your picks on these matches and how big of an event can this be.Lasty what are the chance we see Danny Garcia vs Adrien broner next year? Broner could easily fight at 140.I personally think broner picks this kid apart.To much movement,speed and patience. Peace bread and good luck

Bread’s Response: Thanks bro. Shawn and Thurman have the same advisor in Al Haymon. Haymon does not typically match his fighters with one another. But Haymon is signing up all of the talent. So eventually he will have to. We shall see.
Man that would be a sick card. Garcia vs Peterson is 50/50. Eddie should outbox Mitchell if he’s healthy but…..I say Lundy beats Anthony Peterson. Peterson is too inactive. Russell is too much for Kennedy.


Again Broner and Garcia have the same advisor in Al Haymon. I doubt if we see them fight anytime soon.


 

What's up Breadman, just wanted to ask you what is your take on Keith Thurman who fought this past weekend against Lora.  I've been going back and forth defending this guy on forums where the majority of the fans and a specific boxing writer are criticizing his performance which I think they're on crack because I saw a guy with natural raw power who was trying to crunch this guys ribs in to his chest and who was showing decent hand speed, slipping most of what Lora was throwing at him all night, and great ring generalship.  Obviously the guy is brand new to the scene as this was his first televised fight, but he's been boxing for a very long time and has convinced me with his recent performance that he will be a threat very soon as long as his promoter's can keep the competition coming for him.  ~ NewYoRican
Bread’s Response: I thought Thurman did OK. He has some good amateur pedigree and he’s obviously talented. But I think he needs plenty of fine tuning. I would have liked to see Thurman fight a couple of fights on ESPN or Shobox before going right to a 6 figure HBO fight.


I feel like when you are on HBO you should be closer to a finished product. It’s not Thurman’s fault that Maidana pulled out but even still there are better more accomplished prospects out there than Thurman who have not received the HBO treatment. I think fighters need to be rewarded for accomplishment not affiliation.


I’m not knocking Thurman at all, he got the job done. But he looked a little spotty to me when he tried to box. His stamina may need some improving. And he just needs some more experience. But it’s nothing wrong with that. He’s just 23, he needs time to grow. But no one can tell me Thurman deserves that spot on HBO over Thomas Dolurme, Demetrius Andrade or Terrence Crawford.


 

I remember you saying a while back that people hated on Broner about his amateur career. I forgot the comment you used but I wonder if an amateur is that important going by what he is doing. What is your take?
Bread’s Response: Of course an amateur career is important. It’s where you build your foundation. Some of our most successful amateurs have been our most successful pros. Floyd Patterson, Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Ray Leonard, Michale Spinks, Pernell Whitaker, Evander Holyfield, Meldrick Taylor, Roy Jones, Riddick Bowe, Oscar De La Hoya and Andre Ward.


But it’s not the end all. The term I used was,” that guy used to go home on the first night in nationals”. That’s what people tend to say about guys who don’t have national success. But you can’t clump everybody into that. Broner is affiliated with the class of 2008. And Broner has come along better and faster than everybody from that class and the class of 2004 for the exception of Andre Ward. Think about that.


Broner did have an excellent amateur career he just wasn’t at the top of the food chain. But if you think that every fighter that does well on the national level will be better than all of their counterparts who haven’t  done so well, then you WRONG.
Escobedo represented this country in 2004 and Broner flat out abused him. Javier Molina represented our country in 2008 and I would match my 9-0 fighter with him tomorrow. Denis Douglin won nationals in 2009 I believe and he was just brutally knocked out by Jermell Charlo who had no where near the national success. I wonder who someone would rather be Jermaine Taylor or Sergio Martinez. I can go on and on for days.


There are many variables on why some guys are better or more successful earlier. You have to look at everything on an individual basis and not clump everybody in ONE category. To me I look at upside. How much room does this fighter have for improvement, considering his accomplishments? Who are his coaches and what has he been exposed to? Feel me? To just say that guy used to go home on the first night, without knowing the circumstances is careless thinking and Broner is proving my theory correct.

Send questions and comments to: dabreadman25@hotmail.com