Boxing

Dr Z's Heavyweight report card from HSBC Arena, Buffalo, New York

By Adam "Dr" Zee


Juan Carlos Gomez

Gomez showed plenty of movement, speed and activity. He has a long reach. He is well schooled. In addition, Gomez is a Southpaw. His super activity nearly set the punch stat record for heavies!

However, I noticed that Gomez love for combat as a heavyweight was very iffy. He spit out his mouth piece once UN-purpose to get a break in the action ( 2nd time ). He may have spit his mouth piece out the first time. I was most impressed with Gomez achievements. According to HBO, Gomez doesn't cut easily, and has never been down before. He's still undefeated. His power wasn't great, but his opponent is known for his ability to absorb bombs. Gomez took some tough body shots. His chin looks to be an asset as well. Style wise, Gomez had an easy match up. Based on this performance, Gomez is a top 20 heavyweight.

Grade B


Sinan Samil Sam

I was extremely disappointed with Sam. He was the only guy I never seen before. His amateur credentials were outstanding, and he probably owned the most impressive wins prior to last night. Universum wanted this fight, so I foolishly picked Sam to win, despite never seeing him in action. This above chain of events lead me to believe that Sam could fight.

Last night, Sam looked painfully slow, and lethargic. His foot work was atrocious. His striking distance was remarkably short as well. Having never gone past 8 rounds before, he looked drained. I admire his heart and ability to absorb shots. He has a decent right hand, good body attack, and a fair uppercut. But he telegraphs his shots, and needs to get in close to deliver them. Sam's power isn't good enough to "Bail him out" Gomez badly exposed Sam as a ponderous heavyweight. I can't see Sam beating anyone in the top 20. Supposedly, he was in the best shape of his life for this fight. If Sam wants it, he would make an ideal sparring partner. Otherwise he should stay in Europe and fight regional fighters.

Grade C-


Dominick Guinn

WOW !!!!! Guinn looked borderline great last night. For openers, he had the toughest opponent of the three winners last night.

Where should I start? Guinn has excellent speed for a heavy. He owns a quick jab, a punishing right hand, and a very accurate and powerful hook. At 217 pounds, he looked extremely fit. I doubt Guinn would have trouble going 15 rounds. His stamina is going to be a huge asset for him once he moves up in class. Huge. Most of today's top ten is drained in the mid to late rounds. In addition, his opponent is known as a puncher. Guinn took some tough shots extremely well. On TV, Dokwari looked like a monster to me, yet Guinn remained calm and cool. He took it to a big heavyweight who could fight. With a little work on his defense, Guinn can turn out to be a real threat. I'd pick him over Byrd or Jones. I think he will also be able to beat Corrie Sanders is if makes it past the 4-5th round. In my opinion, Guinn is the best American heavy out there right now. He seems like a stable individual outside of the ring. I had him in my top 12 prior to beating Grant. Without a doubt, Guinn's a top ten heavyweight on merit and potential. If there's something he can't do, well, I'm not so sure what that is.

Grade A.


Duncan Dokiwari

Dokiwari was known as a guy who didn't press his opponents. He was much improved last night. Although he lost, I thought Duncan showed enough Skill, enough speed, and a reliable chin. Dokiwari's ability to wins rounds vs a very good Guinn surprised me. Guinn hit Dokiwari with some bombs that would have Ko'd most heavies last night. Duncan also showed an ability to clinch when he is hurt, which is something most prospects don't do. HBO thought Duncan was overrated as a puncher. I'm not so sure about that. Perhaps Dokiwari is just a good puncher, not a great one. Dokiwari suffered a bad cut due to a head butt. That was unfortunate because the cut clearly bothered Duncan. So did his other eye, which was closes due to Guinn's stinging shots. Last night Dokiwari's heart was tested. I think he passed his heart test, but by no means is he a true warrior.

In conclusion, Dokawari's stock went up in defeat. I'm sure Dokawari would have beaten Sam and Williamson. I get the feeling he would have over powered Gomez as well. Dokawari is going to have a tough time getting fights in the future. What manger in their right mind would risk their prospect vs Dokiwari? I see Duncan as a top 20 heavy as well. 18,19 or 20.

Grade B


Joe Mesi

Mesi did exactly what he was supposed to do. Although the fight was short, I was impressed with Mesi's footwork, striking distance, speed, and focus in the ring. Mesi was in control of the fight from start to finish.

I used to think Mesi was just a good tier two fighter with a solid punch. A poor man's Tommy Morrison if you will. Now, it seems that he is on par with Morrison. Mesi doesn't have Morrison's power ( few do ), But he has a better work ethic, and more finesse.

Mesi has worked very hard and has improved in every aspect of the game. He has more upside than I, or any of his critics thought.

Its tough to get a handle on how good Mesi is, because none of his opponents were able to test him. If his chin is solid enough, he's a real threat to win a major belt.

In the end, Mesi was the main event. He ended the fight with a first round Knock Out. Not a TKO, but a KO. Williamson was on the ground for a while, and still buzzed when he got up.

Grade B to B+, but I wish the fight would have gone on for a few more rounds.

DaVarryl Williamson

Williamson was the only heavy on the card over 31. He looked bone dry and intimidated. Williamson was known for his power. I've seen his right hand before. He could certainly play the roll of spoiler to any prospect. After being caught early by Mesi Power, Williamson was out on his feet. He crashed his head down hard on the canvas, ands was O-U-T. Due to WIlliamson's age, and potential upset ability, I think his career is basically over.

Grade D-


All in all, This was a good night for boxing. The judging was right on the money. Whomever these judges are, I think they should be rewarded with bigger fights.

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