Henry Maske v Graciano Rocchigiani 1 *IBF 175lbs title* [27-05-1995]

Описание: A superb match-up between two of Germany's best, as reigning IBF Light Heavyweight Champion Henry Maske defends his title for the 7th time against former !BF 168lb champion Graciano "Rocky" Rocchigiani at the Arena Westfalenhalle, Dortmund [27-05-1995]

Apologies for the lack of a decision. The scorecards were as follows, 117-111, 116-112 & 116-114 all in favour of Henry Maske.

In an interview with Ring Magazine, former contender & current trainer John "The Iceman" Scully gave his opinion on who of his past opponents had the best attritbutes & Henry Maske was highly regarded...

BEST JAB - Henry Maske: “Maske was a southpaw, very tall, and most effectively he used his height (6-foot-4) to full advantage; he used every bit of it. And with me being just under 5-foot-10, it was difficult to time and counter him. Most guys used a jab to set up other punches and to get closer to you, but Henry constantly, consistently used his jab to maintain full distance.”

BEST FOOTWORK - Maske: “Maske showed a great deal of excellent footwork. One of the main things I noticed about him is that he used his legs to get himself at the proper distance that he needed, just stepping back and around me, just slightly out of my range as often as he could.”

SMARTEST - Maske: “Henry Maske was definitely the smartest of all the guys I fought as a pro. I say that because of his discipline and the fact that he was able to stick to his game plan without any veering off track even a little bit.

He wasn’t interested in being macho or impressing the fans. Every time I worked my way inside, he would instantly tie me up and wait for the ref to break us up. I think it’s a bit of a cultural thing in that regard.

American fighters are much easier to get out of their game plans and lure into rougher type fights either by being rough with them first or through a bit of trash talking, but Henry was very disciplined.

I remember at one point I had worked my way inside and when he tied me up, I intentionally stepped on his toes with a lot of force, but he never acknowledged it, never got mad and tried to pay me back. He just got back outside, got back behind his jab and kept doing what worked so well for him.”

BEST BOXING SKILLS - Maske: “I think for pure boxing skills, I was in with some very high-level boxers in Billy Bridges, Tim Littles and especially the two-division world champion Michael Nunn, but in terms of boxing the way it was meant to be done, I would have to give the top spot to Henry Maske.

He consistently used his range, height and jab and boxing brain more effectively than anyone else I fought as a professional. He literally fought like a textbook boxer, keeping very good distance while using his jab as both a rangefinder and as a weapon. He knew how to box purely at the highest level.”

BEST OVERALL - Maske: “I think Tim Littles and Michael Nunn were both magnificent and very sharp, skilled and talented, but I think Henry Maske was the overall best I faced. He was smart, very technical, had underrated power, put punches together and used the ring to his full advantage. He was an Olympic champion and 10 title defenses, undefeated world champion, and I saw up close why he was able to achieve these things.” - John "The Iceman" Scully

#boxing #boxeo #boxen #germany