1. Timing Is Key
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An obvious slow starter, former Olympian Andy Lee studies his opponent vigorously for several rounds. Throughout those rounds, he does the usual “feel out” process and exams in his opponents to adjust his timing.
Billy Joe Saunders has an obvious speed advantage coming into this bout. Saunders is also a great combination puncher, whilst Andy Lee is a 1-2 punch boxer.
Timing played a vital role in Lee’s TKO victory over Korobov. Although Lee seemed to lose round after round, it’s apparent that Korobov decreased his volume punching significantly as Lee was using precise timing to land his own punch or counterpunch.
Against Saunders, Lee will need to time Saunders at the start of the first bell. Landing a shot or two in between Saunders’ combinations will disrupt his offense and frustrate the less-experienced Englishman.
Timing the Englishman will also allow Lee to be economical with his punch output while Saunders exerts energy when throwing combinations. This will be vital as the rounds continue as Lee will pick up the pace and Saunders becomes weary.
As demonstrated several times before, timing beats speed.
