BERT SUGAR PRE-FIGHT ANALYSIS

by Bert Sugar

STRENGTHS OF BOTH FIGHTERS

FLOYD MAYWEATHER

- Possesses the handspeed to confuse, befuddle and "outfast" the much slower punching Baldomir, his combinations coming in rapid-fire sequences, asfasrasyoucanreadthis.

- Tends to frustrate opponents, giving them movement here, counter-punching there, and speed everywhere.

- Has radar-like instinct, unseen since Pernell Whitaker, that enable him to avoid punches before they land.

- Driven by a desire to be, in his words, "one of the best who ever lived," and hopes to begin exhibiting it against Baldomir.

- Mayweather hand-picked Baldomir as his next opponent rather than fighting Antonio Margarito, so he must have seen something that convinced him Baldomir would be "made" for him.

CARLOS BALDOMIR

- As solid as the Rock of Gibraltar, and just about as immovable, Baldomir can absorb unusual amounts of punishment.

- Mayweather won't have to look for him. Baldomir will be there, right in front of him all night.

- While his footwork is not quite "Dancing with the Stars" caliber, Baldomir was able to keep up with Zab Judah--who is almost as fast as Floyd--not getting frustrated in the early going and landing that one big punch that turned their fight around in he sixth.

- Not a one-punch knockout puncher despite his KO of Arturo Gatti, Baldomir has the ability to wear down opponents, especially with his body attack.

WEAKNESSES OF BOTH FIGHTERS

MAYWEATHER

- Only his third fight at 147, having begun his pro career 17 pounds south, Mayweather's power at light or super light against lighter opponents might not have as much effect against Baldomir, seemingly born at 147 and at that weight his entire career.

- Mayweather has suffered from tender hands throughout his career. His only "knockdown" coming back in 2001 against Carlos Hernandez when pain caused him to touch the canvas with his glove.

- Floyd's longtime trainer, his uncle, Roger Mayweather, who has been in his corner for much of his career, may not be there on November 4th due to "legal" problems.

- Had trouble with Jose Luis Castillo in their first fight, Castillo crowding Mayweather and forcing him to fight most of the fight off the ropes in much the same fashion as Baldomir will.

BALDOMIR

- His lack of hand and footspeed will make Baldomir look like he's fighting in slo-mo most of the fight versus the superior speed of Mayweather.

- Right-hand leads, such as he used against Gatti, won't work against Mayweather who is much faster and will make him pay with counter punches.

- While Baldomir fights well in forward gear, will have trouble finding a moving target, which Floyd promises to be.

WHAT EACH MUST DO TO WIN

MAYWEATHER

- Must give Baldomir angles and stay off the ropes, the only place Baldomir has an advantage, instead fighting the fight in mid-ring.

- Cannot try to outmuscle Baldomir, but must rely on movement, speed and counter punches to keep the ever-advancing Baldomir off of him.

- Floyd cannot afford to let up at any time during the fight, even if he has early rounds already in the "bank." Baldomir will be there, all night, and is capable of coming back at any time during the fight (for references, see his effort against Zab Judah).

BALDOMIR

- Must try to make the fight on the ropes, not in the center of the ring where the real estate belongs to Floyd.

- He cannot become frustrated by Floyd's superior hand and footspeed but must, , as he always does, continue to pressure Floyd.

- Baldomir must try to alternate his attack, going to the body when he cannot "find" Floyd's head, Floyd capable of hiding and turtling his head so that it is impossible to hit.

- Baldomir must be wary of Floyd's counter-punching ability after he throws a punch, especially when he goes to the body and leaves his chin open.