“Big Time” McCline continues win streak
By JE Grant
TULSA, Okla. --- Jameel McCline, 38-6-3 (23 KOs), West Palm Beach, Fla., 270, won his sixth consecutive bout with a clear 10-round decision over tough and willing Terry Smith, 28-2-1 (18 KOs), Little Rock, Ark., 225, Friday night.
From the opening bell, the two-time heavyweight title challenger McCline proved fit and focused on the task at hand. Such focus was clearly necessary against Smith who proved competitive in each of the 10 rounds.
McCline started on the outside showing faster hands than his smaller opponent. Smith appeared willing to fall inside but rarely worked for extended periods allowing McCline to out-hustle him from all distances and land the sharper shots.
The ever-charging Smith was able to gain an edge in rounds 3, 4, and 8, with a high punch volume but never effectively landed combinations or forced McCline out of position.
In all other rounds it was the 36 year-old McCline who proved more effective and efficient with his punches often landing left-hooks and speedy jabs as Smith fell inside in an attempt to land lead right hands.
Scoring of the bout was 97-94, 97-93, and 98-92 all for McCline. JEBoxing scored the contest 97-93.
Neither fighter appeared hurt at any point and there were no knockdowns.
Smith, exhibited some of the traits of a sparring partner, which he is on a regular basis for James “Lights Out” Toney. He delivered enough punches make McCline work hard for the win, but he did not show evidence of enough power or output to take the measure of the elite of the division.
The win was by far the most important of McCline’s six fights since his loss to the light-punching Zuri Lawrence. The win allows him to remain a viable consideration for a fight with any of the top 10 heavyweights.
TULSA, Okla. --- Jameel McCline, 38-6-3 (23 KOs), West Palm Beach, Fla., 270, won his sixth consecutive bout with a clear 10-round decision over tough and willing Terry Smith, 28-2-1 (18 KOs), Little Rock, Ark., 225, Friday night.
From the opening bell, the two-time heavyweight title challenger McCline proved fit and focused on the task at hand. Such focus was clearly necessary against Smith who proved competitive in each of the 10 rounds.
McCline started on the outside showing faster hands than his smaller opponent. Smith appeared willing to fall inside but rarely worked for extended periods allowing McCline to out-hustle him from all distances and land the sharper shots.
The ever-charging Smith was able to gain an edge in rounds 3, 4, and 8, with a high punch volume but never effectively landed combinations or forced McCline out of position.
In all other rounds it was the 36 year-old McCline who proved more effective and efficient with his punches often landing left-hooks and speedy jabs as Smith fell inside in an attempt to land lead right hands.
Scoring of the bout was 97-94, 97-93, and 98-92 all for McCline. JEBoxing scored the contest 97-93.
Neither fighter appeared hurt at any point and there were no knockdowns.
Smith, exhibited some of the traits of a sparring partner, which he is on a regular basis for James “Lights Out” Toney. He delivered enough punches make McCline work hard for the win, but he did not show evidence of enough power or output to take the measure of the elite of the division.
The win was by far the most important of McCline’s six fights since his loss to the light-punching Zuri Lawrence. The win allows him to remain a viable consideration for a fight with any of the top 10 heavyweights.
posted by JE Boxing at Friday, July 21, 2006
15 Comments:
It was a pretty good fight Troy, especially in the early rounds. (I had it 7-3 as well BTW) As for Krasniqi-McCline, that's a good interesting matchup. Both are legit close-to-top-10 fringe-contenders, about 35, and running out of tomorrows. Krasniqi is a good fundamental boxer with above-average speed & agility, as is McCline for his size. Krasniqi - even though in the 220's - matches up with him pretty well height & reach wise (6'4") and even fairly well strength-wise, as Luan - while possessing only modest power - is quite strong for his size. There is a bit of a concern about his heart, but then again...I suppose there is a bit of one about Mccline as well. A tough call. If the fight is in Germany, I suppose slight edge to Luan...
Interesting...(BTW-I just shot you an email) McCline looked to be in pretty good shape, but did get a bit winded towards the end, and was a bit hvy in my opinion. He was a (pretty solid) 270, but I still think he may be better off in the 250-260 range. As for Hirsch, he did a fine job with Briggs. Keeping him ACTIVE, and 'manuevering' him into a big fight. A guy I know (Johnny Bos) use to work with McCline, and I actually believe him when he says that he could have done a better job handling/manuevering McCline. But ultimately - it fell on Jameel, and he has just fallen short and stumbled a few times. But he's not a bad fighter. At all. Neither is Krasniqi. I just don't think either has the 'intangibles' to reach the very top, and they now have age/time working against them...
There aren't too many 270 pound fighters who could fight at the pace he set against Smith. Still, it is puzzling that a guy his size can land so frequently and not put a dent in his opponent's chin.
Good points on Mccline guys. Mccline - like Winky Wright believe it or not - DOES posess some punching power, but they sacrifice it for defense and speed, respectably. Now this formula has worked for Winky at the top-level of Boxing, but not so for Mccline. (Or should I say it has with very 'mixed-results'.) Anyways, even though Jameel had virtually no amatuer experience, I fear that at 35 - he is just too old to change his ways in that fashion. What you see - is what you get with Mccline at this point. A big & athletic 'B-level hvy'...That just falls short of the "Bigtime". (Hehehe...A bit ironic, eh?)
He may get another "Big" chance though.
True J.E. Hey, besides...Who wouldn't give him a chance against Valuev or Maskaev?
I think he would have an excellent chance against Maskaev. However, while he's faster he certainly doesn't have the same level of power.
Agreed J.E. Even though I hold Maskaev in a slightly higher regard than I did a week ago, I may actually lean towards Mccline there. And by stoppage, nonetheless. That's a decent matchup, and one I wouldn't be shocked to see in late 2006/early 2007.
Perhaps, but the power of Maskaev could prove decisive. McCline, despite his relative speed, is not all that hard to hit.
Yeah, I think that one is about a tossup, and I wouldn't mind seeing it. Same goes for Maskaev vs. the winner of (hopefully) Ibragimov-Austin 2. (Or do I have my "alphabets" mixed up? Ah...I promised myself that I would all but ignore them anyways...)
I actually look forward to and Austin-Ibragimov rematch. No title -- just a solid match.
Agreed. If Sultan learned from that fight, and comes in a tad bit lighter; I think he wins.
Agreed. I think he can make it much easier for himself if he's in better condition.
I would hate to see Sultan stay out of the ring for more than a few months. He needs improvement, and hasn't had many pro fights. He's also on the 'wrong side of 30' as well.
* Same applies to Austin, and MORE so with HIS age.
Sultan needs to get right back in the mix. If he waits too long his confidence level will dwindle.
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