For me: The importance of activity. I've been conversing a lot recently about this topic, in regards to activity being integral in cultivating and preserving a boxer's star-power. I think last night showed how impactful activity can be to a boxer's physical and mental well-being. Joshua had three fights this year...the first time since 2016. He winds up capping off the year with his best performance against the best opponent he faced in 2023...potentially a top 5 performance. He seemed completely focused on the task at hand, and didn't seem to be over-thinking. Good punch selection, throwing the right hand with conviction, good footwork, active jab (offensively and defensively), sharp counter-punching, etc. It was an all-around great performance and I'm not sure he would've been able to pull it off if not for the other two fights he had this year.
On the other hand, you have Deontay Wilder: one fight in 2020, 2021..one round in 2022, 14 months of inactivity and goes into fighting a former titlist in Joseph Parker who fought three times (4 including Wilder) this year. Wilder appeared to be having an identity crisis: a brawler trying to be a pure-boxer. His coordination and timing was non-existent, he was hesitant to throw his 1-2 with conviction, and he was gun-shy. He sort of reminded me of Joshua against Franklin: a boxer who's over-thinking and having an internal struggle. Parker looked like it was another day in the office for him. He stuck to his game-plan and never really allowed Wilder to gain any momentum. Maybe if Wilder had a couple tune-ups before taking on a relevant opponent, he could've given a better account of himself. I'm not sure if Wilder cares about winning anymore; he probably took this opportunity for the payday because he knows he doesn't have many left.
On the other hand, you have Deontay Wilder: one fight in 2020, 2021..one round in 2022, 14 months of inactivity and goes into fighting a former titlist in Joseph Parker who fought three times (4 including Wilder) this year. Wilder appeared to be having an identity crisis: a brawler trying to be a pure-boxer. His coordination and timing was non-existent, he was hesitant to throw his 1-2 with conviction, and he was gun-shy. He sort of reminded me of Joshua against Franklin: a boxer who's over-thinking and having an internal struggle. Parker looked like it was another day in the office for him. He stuck to his game-plan and never really allowed Wilder to gain any momentum. Maybe if Wilder had a couple tune-ups before taking on a relevant opponent, he could've given a better account of himself. I'm not sure if Wilder cares about winning anymore; he probably took this opportunity for the payday because he knows he doesn't have many left.
crimsonfalcon07
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