maxboxing preview of George fight:
Osumanu Adama ? Well-built Ghanaian, listed variously between 6?3? to 5?11?, but certainly with long arms, was an accomplished amateur who represented Ghana at the 2000 Olympics. Won silver at the All-Africa games, and was selected as a Ghana?s ?Amateur Boxer of the Year? as well. Only 19, at those Olympics, and it shone through when he was stopped in the first fight by Tunisian Marmouri Salah. Looked lackadaisical about career after turning pro, only six fights in first three years and two fights from 2005 to 2008. Did get back to regular activity with four fights in 2009, and one already this year. Relocated to London for better sparring a couple years ago, but returned to Ghana and has had all but three of his fights there. Had two fights in the Czech Republic, and suffered his only loss in American debut to Dyah Davis. Lone fight I saw of Adama, against 9-26 Patrik Hruska, displayed a free-swinging style with legs spread too wide to make proper use of his power. Most of Adama?s bulk is centered on upper body and broad chest, with average legs and skinny thighs that do not generate a snap to his punches. Jab was sporadically powerful, but lacking accuracy. Targets the body with sweeping punches, but like other punches, their effectiveness is lessened by visibility of punches and lack of jab to set them up. Does not hide intent of what punch is coming or feint, and fell into a predictable pattern. Stamina seemed fine, and he was swinging hard in later rounds. Defense is basic, aside from throwing uppercuts from way too far out, but chin seems sturdy enough for class fought to date. The fight I saw was against a lefty, so perhaps that played into his awkwardness.
Donovan George ? Doubly good-looking, as in modeling and boxing ability, Chicago-based prospect has the right package to succeed. A crowd-pleasing banger, George enters on a 12-fight kayo streak. An aggressive offensive force, he won a lot of amateur accolades (three-time Chicago Golden Gloves champ, and two-time runner-up in national tourneys), despite competing in less than 40 amateur bouts. Father was an amateur boxer, so George grew up with a love for the sport. Put on gloves as early as three years old, but did not start engaging in amateur bouts until age 16. Decided to turn pro at 19, after failing to qualify for Olympic slot, and has not looked back, registering 17 KOs in 19 victories. The publicity train is getting a head of steam with George, throwing out the first pitch at Monday?s Chicago Cub?s game (is that really a good omen?). George says of his style, ?I?m a boxer-puncher, but I like to get in there; I like to mix it up. Pretty much all action, all the time. I go for the win, of course, but I want the knockout badly, and I?ll be willing to do just about whatever it takes to get that knockout.? Only one fight went six rounds, with every other opponent dispatched before the fifth stanza. Has banger?s disease on defense, where a lack of head movement and perceived invulnerability leads to his eating unnecessary punches. Is ambidextrous, and claims to throw with equal power in both hands. Level of competition has been middling for a prospect with 20 fights, with Midwest journeyman Shay Mobley and erratic Marcus Upshaw topping that list, but all were stopped in style. Calls Diego Corrales and Sugar Ray Robinson his boxing inspirations. Straight right hand is finishing blow of choice, and kayo ratio of 85% is indicative of his killer instinct. Weight has fluctuated from middleweight to super middle, but George would be wise to get down to middleweight if his body can make that without suffering. Was inactive for a year-and-a-half between 2007 and 2009, and I read reports of brushes with the law that surprised me since his father was a policeman. Seems intent to fight at 168 pounds, where there are plenty of fellow young guns (on this card alone) to make a reputation against.
Result ? I think Adama is a better test than George?s team know but, in the end, their man?s shorter and more polished punches win the day. The Ghanaian?s punches are strong, but too wide and visible for George not to see and prepare for. George has better versatility, but he also has a fighter?s mentality and may be drawn into an unnecessary firefight. Ghanaian?s have an uncanny ability to soak up punches, so I am picking the fight to go the distance. If either of these men has a weak chin, it will be revealed tonight. The more compact and varied offense of George prevails for a unanimous decision win.