Moreno Was Pretty Masterful on Saturday

Talk about an understated performance from Anselmo Moreno. A few things I noted from the broadcast…

Firstly, David De La Mora is an ambush, or an “in and out” fighter like Jean Pascal or David Haye. What makes this style so tough for a defensive counterpuncher is the unpredictability of it. By attacking in well-timed sporadic bursts, the counterpuncher finds it difficult to time – this is why Chad Dawson had a hard time with Jean Pascal.

Now, on to Moreno. Against Vic Darchinyan, Moreno invited his opponent’s offense onto him – he allowed Darchinyan to complete his offense, which most of the time, was a left hook. Moreno neutralized this attack by bending at the waist and making Vic shoot over the top with it. In that fight, Darchinyan was the aggressor. Against De La Mora, it was Moreno who was the aggressor.

An ambush fighter like De La Mora needs time and distance to operate, in order for his attack to be unpredictable. Moreno, pressing his own attack, closed the distance and didn’t allow De La Mora any time to launch his offense. Moreno made a massive adjustment from his last fight. They complained that De La Mora wasn’t aggressive enough. They were correct, but it was because of Moreno’s adjustment, and not a lack of effort from De La Mora. The Mexican’s A game was completely taken away from him- much like Bernard Hopkins did to Jean Pascal. With De La Mora’s back to the ropes, it was impossible for him to be out of range, leap in with an attack, then get back out.

There were a few occasions when De La Mora did have a little room to breathe, and you saw him try to implement his offense. However, Moreno showed his versatility yet again. Against Darchinyan, Moreno was able to land his straight left hand because of Vic’s angle of attack {Darchinyan is a southpaw} Against De La Mora, we saw a more varied way of evading an attack. As the orthodox De La Mora leapt in with his attack, Moreno shut it down by simultaneously throwing a right hook lead as he stepped off the side. De La Mora was made to land on nothing but thin air, while Moreno was setting himself to launch his next assault.

In the end, De La Mora’s frustration was evident. Make no mistake, De La Mora is still a skilled fighter. Many will believe that he was out of his depth. He was, but only because of a tactical adjustment made by Moreno from his last fight. The ability to counter while pressing the attack is probably the most difficult thing to do in boxing. Moreno pulled it off with ease against a more than capable opponent, who was completely taken out of his game plan.

Moreno made a difficult stylistic challenge seem like a mis-match. We might have to get used to this. Moreno is here to stay. I’m glad everyone is getting to see what a wonderful technician he is.