Blair Cobbs: When the hype doesn’t match the talent

Six months ago, Blair Cobbs was undefeated in 15 fights.

Cobb’s record was as shaky as his chin, but he does pack some boxing talent. Check out the best betting strategies for betting on boxing.

The question is, how much?

Cobbs had created a persona a few years ago based on legendary wrestler Rick Flair. Cobbs was “The Flair”- all mouth and flash. Cobbs seemed to enjoy his creation, but being that guy added more pressure.

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With each win, Cobbs got more vocal. (Rolando Romero, please take note) Then, five months ago, he fought Alexis Rocha at the USC Galen Center in Los Angeles, Ca.

Rocha didn’t give a spit about showbiz. Cobbs yacked about his next bout while Rocha worked. Self-belief is crucial, but self-delusion can be dangerous.

Rocha walked right through some hooks in the opening rounds of their bout. His face showed the effects of the blows, but his intensity level remained high.

“I wasn’t going to get discouraged at all,” said Rocha. “Blair is a talker, he was awkward, and he would lunge in with his head, which caused some bruising, but I won’t let anybody or anything take me off my game.”

Rocha stayed in stalk mood, picking up the pace as the bout progressed. Cobbs used his stick and moved the best he could. He fired shots from the outside, but Rocha ignored them. As the fight moved into the later rounds, he started catching the fleet-footed Cobbs with straight left hands to the chin.

Cobbs must have sensed he was in trouble. He swung wildly for the fences, playing right into Rocha’s heavy hands. Rocha was tattooing Cobbs regularly. A power shot was coming.

In round eight, it happened. Rocha forced Cobbs into the ropes and unleased. A cracking right hook floored Cobbs for a count of seven. Cobbs dug deep and fought back, but Rocha was sturdier and his technique more consistent.

A few minutes later, he had Cobbs pinned on the ropes again. Rocha fired shot after shot, wobbling Cobbs until the referee jumped in and waved the fight off.

Unbowed and a little humbled, Cobbs took some time off. He’ll be back in the ring against Maurice Hooker this Saturday night.

“I am going into this bout with my mind on coming out victorious by all means necessary,” said Cobbs.

Hooker has dropped two of his last three fights. He’s 32, the same age as Cobbs.

Just three years, he was reigning junior welterweight champion. Check out the best new betting sites for betting on this weekend’s fights!

“I’m ready to show the world I’m still a warrior,” Hooker said. “I’m ready to give them a fight they will always remember.”

He needs a win badly, but so does Cobbs.

For both, it’s their Waterloo moment.