We usually tend to classify most fighters according to
two basic types. We either classify them as a boxer or a
puncher and for those few lucky ones that have the
capacity to do both we call them boxer/punchers. Ben
Tackie falls into the puncher category and not because of
his punching power, but mainly because of his aggressive
volume punching style and his willingness and ability to
take punishment. Unfortunately for boxers who choose to
fight in this style, their careers often end prematurely as
the punishment they accumulate over their many ring wars
takes a final toll on their bodies, making them unable of
competing at their previous level.
Ben “Wonder”
Tackie is at that crucial point of his career where he has
to change his style in order to prolong his boxing
longevity and save himself the tremendous punishment his
warrior style often inflicted on him. His opponent, Edwin
Algarin, a relatively inexperienced and safe fight choice,
was the first test for his new, slicker, boxing
style. Often the first few fights in the transition period
are far from perfect and this one was no different.
From the onset of
this 8 round bout it was apparent that Ben Tackie was
boxing on a different “gear” which was more relaxed and
less aggressive than his previous fighting style.
Considering the caliber of the opponent in front of him,
Tackie would perhaps be better suited to fight like his
old self and get the overwhelmed Algarin out of there
early. However, Tackie carefully listened to his corner
and dominated the first 4 rounds of the fight with jabs
and straight right hands to the head and the body. While
Tackie was trying to implement his new style under the
watchful eye of his new trainer John David Jackson,
Algarin did very little, mainly staying in his defensive
shell, offering only a half hearted attempt to mount an
effective offense.
In rounds 5, 6,
and 7 Algarin began to gain confidence as he managed to
land a respectable number of right hands that may have won
him a few of the later rounds. Despite his attempted
rally, Algarin in no way seriously threatened Tackie, who
easily won a unanimous decision. (77-75, 77-75, 79-73)
Overall, the fight
had more of a sparring session look and mentality than a
real fight. That said however, it was the right decision
for Ben Tackie and his corner to take an easy fight so he
could get a chance to iron out the kinks in all he
has recently learned in training, without being hurt
by his opponent or suffering a loss, which would be
detrimental at this point of his career.
All in all the
fight was uneventful and the only point of interest was
observing the changes in Tackie’s boxing style. In making
the transition, Tackie should certainly focus more on
becoming more of a boxer and less of a brawler, but he
should also remember what made him successful in the first
place. If he can find that medium between his new and old
styles he may very well extend his career and excite us in
another series of action packed fights against top rated
opponents.
5-27-2005
