Max Holloway’s Brutal Boxing Assault
Max Holloway was the talk of the fighting world after he demolished Calvin Kattar on Saturday 16th January. The 29-year-old would earn a win on points in a heavily lopsided contest which in many ways means that Kattar also deserves a lot of credit for the way he manfully did his best to fight back despite being under the most intense assault.
Indeed, the 32-year-old absorbed some chilling blows before trying to counter with the odd punch but towards the end, it was evident that he was hurt as he stumbled around the octagon in a bewildered manner. It now turns out that Kattar will be out of action for at least six months as he serves a medical suspension due to the injuries he sustained against Holloway.
By contrast, Holloway was just too fast and powerful on the night. It’s probably fair to say that not many UFC fans were expecting such a dominant display from the Hawaiian-born fighter given that he was coming off the back of consecutive defeats.
In the end, none of that mattered though and didn’t stop Holloway from delivering one of the most convincing performances that anyone has ever seen during fight night’s main event. This was a display that won’t be forgotten anytime soon and naturally, it has done wonders for the trajectory of his career after receiving plaudits from every corner of the globe.
Indeed, it wasn’t just the US or the UK where conversations about Holloway’s performance were taking place, but also countries like India where the UFC is earning increasing popularity. In fact, a comprehensive guide to UFC betting sites in India provides extensive details on where prospective bettors can place bets and even some strategies for doing so. This suggests that interest in MMA is growing by the day, in yet another illustration that Indian fight fans can’t get enough of the goings-on in the octagon. And boy were they treated to something special as Max Holloway ran riot on fight night. But what aspect united people the most when talking about this bout?
Max Holloway or Muhammad Ali?
It was Holloway’s boxing ability that stole the show and captured the attention of MMA and boxing fans the world over. In fact, during the fight, a rampant Holloway took the time to shout at the commentary team and let them know that he was the best puncher in the UFC. A blood-soaked and perplexed Kattar could only look on during this outburst and before he knew it, Holloway had managed to punch him yet again.
Needless to say, Holloway’s sensational boxing ability coupled with his supreme confidence has earned him a legion of new fans. His stock is higher than it has ever been and the question now has to be whether there is a chance he will get an invitation to fight a mega-fight in the boxing ring? The reality is that there would have been promoters like Eddie Hearn watching his performance and immediately crunching the numbers to see whether it would be feasible to tempt him away from the octagon.
Holloway would fall into the welterweight category where Errol Spence Jr. is currently reigning champion of the division. Although, to fight the king of the division you have to pay your dues and become a mandatory challenger which suggests that Holloway won’t be given a title fight. Rather, the opportunity may arise to participate in an exhibition match, just like Conor McGregor did against Floyd Mathweatehr Jr. in 2017.
On that occasion, McGregor lost to Mayweather after the referee stopped the fight in the tenth round. It was the right decision as the Irishman was no longer able to defend himself and Money Mayweather was picking him off with ease. But the same fate doesn’t have to await Holloway should he step into the boxing ring as there is enough evidence to suggest that he is a far superior boxer than Conor McGregor is.
McGregor never showed the technique or blistering pace that Holloway was able to against Kattar and should pose a much bigger threat to whoever he fights.
Who could a likely opponent be?
This leads us to find an opponent for him, perhaps Manny Pacquiao would be open to an exhibition fight or even Floyd Mayweather again. It’s hard to see how Mayweather wouldn’t be interested in a fight with Holloway given that he’s currently fighting anyone as long as the price is right.
Whatever the case, you can expect to see some movement in the near future regarding Holloway and the chance to showcase his boxing skills in an actual match. The fascination around him is too great with everyone’s interest sufficiently peaked at this moment in time. Ordinarily, boxing promoters do not let an opportunity pass without striking when the iron is hot and right now Holloway is the man of the moment.
