HOW TO WATCH BOXING: WHAT’S A “CUTIE”? By Adam Abramowitz
T here are certain fighters who are described as “cuties.” No, they aren’t necessarily good-looking, but the term does have a specific definition. Cuties are technical fighters who know how to engage and disengage without taking a lot of punishment. They are crafty and have terrific defense. Cuties aren’t in the ring for blood-and-guts displays. In fact, if their fights devolve into wars, then they have failed to a degree. When cuties are at their best, they usually beat top competition by a wide decision. The term “cutie” has negative and positive connotations. On the plus side, cuties are often respected for their fundamental boxing skills, their mastery of distance and angles, and their willingness to be true to their style. They are a tough nut to crack, and many opponents don’t want to deal with them unless they have to. But even among those who find their style distasteful, there’s often a grudging appreciation of their abilities. Cuties can embarrass. They can dominate. But sometimes they don’t entertain. And there’s the rub. After all, prizefighting is a product that needs to be sold to fans and media buyers. For those who gravitate toward boxing for displays of primal mano a mano combat, cuties don’t satiate that need; they are often neutralizers. Cuties aren’t necessarily in the ring to entertain. They are there to win, and win in the style that works best for them. The poster boy for the contemporary cutie is Shakur Stevenson. Dmitry Bivol and Devin Haney can also be characterized as cuties. Recent lightweight title challenger Albert Bell would certainly be a cutie. Erislandy Lara at his best was a prominent cutie. Because cuties aren’t known for their action fights, they can make television executives, matchmakers and opposing camps reluctant to give them opportunities. However, if a cutie is truly great, the boxer can transcend the boxing industry’s antipathy toward that style.
Modern-day cuties and pound-for-pound stars Shakur Stevenson, Dmitry Bivol and Devin Haney are renowned for their defense, mobility and ring craft.
60 RINGMAGAZINE.COM
RINGMAGAZINE.COM 61
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker