Sergey Kovalev, Andre Ward and Conor Benn on Jamie Moore's radar...
Wednesday 21 September 2016 17:23, UK
Sergey Kovalev's power is worth waking up early for, says Jamie Moore, but is he harder than Zlatan Ibrahimovic?
How exciting is Sergey Kovalev v Andre Ward?
It's a huge fight which will crossover to the general sports fans. You've got to take your hat off to Ward - there was talk of him fighting Gennady Golovkin but this fight is probably more dangerous to him.
Instead of fighting a smaller guy who's moving up, he's fighting a bigger guy of the same ilk. Ward has a massive task on his hands so it's interesting how he goes about it, tactically. Ward is a brilliant defensive fighter but does he carry enough power at light-heavyweight to stop Kovalev doing whatever he wants?
That's the big question. I'm looking forward to seeing how it goes, tactically.
Whose style do you prefer? The fighter or the boxer…
Generally, the fighter. My favourite style is the pressure fighter - the Mexican body-punching style. That's why I think Ricky Hatton was so popular over here. If you get someone like that who fights at a high tempo, there's no lulls in action - it's always entertaining. That's why Ricky, and that style, are so popular.
Sometimes you'll get someone like Golovkin who fights in that style but carries big power too - that's also why Nigel Benn was such a hero of mine.
I can appreciate the purists. I can sit and admire Floyd Mayweather's work, but I'm not excited to watch him. But Kovalev is the sort of fighter that I'll set my alarm for - but Mayweather, I'll watch in the morning!
What must Conor Benn show this weekend to prove he is improving?
He's doing exactly what's asked of him. He's got a lot of demeanours that are similar to his dad, who was a massive hero of mine growing up so I recognise it straight away! But his dad was much more experienced as an amateur going into the pros - he was an ABA champion, and was a lot more schooled.
Conor obviously carries power, that's not the question. As his career progresses, they need to get him some bouts where he learns lessons - use his boxing skills, and tick different boxes. We know he can hit someone and hurt them, but can he change his style and box on the back foot? He'll have to learn to defend himself more as he steps up in class.
They need to put him in with people who pose him different problems, and maybe he won't look so great, but he'll learn lessons which will make him a better fighter in the long run.
You're a United fan so will former Man City trainee Marcus Morrison have your support this weekend?
Of course he will! Football goes out the window when the football comes into it, unless your Ricky Hatton obviously.
Marcus is a great prospect coming through, he's got loads of potential. I'm interested to see how he progresses. He's on the list of someone to watch and I want to see what he does in the next 12 months.
Which one of Man United's new signings would you recommend for an undercard fight this weekend?
I'd have to say Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He's a daunting figure. He's a big, thick-set guy who doesn't mess about. There's a song in the Stretford End which I wouldn't disagree with. If I was going to back someone to be a success in the ring, it would be him. He wouldn't be taking any prisoners.
Watch Crolla v Linares live on Sky Sports 2 from 7.30pm this Saturday.
