At twenty two, Greenberg was the younger man by twelve years. He exhibited a relaxed loose style as he bounced around the ring, his hands by his sides. He showed good reflexes and poise as well. Shkraba was clearly brought over here to extend the improving Israeli, not to pose any threat. The early rounds followed a pattern of Greenberg circling, teasing and feinting. Occasionally he would open up with impressive flurries of hooks and uppercuts to which his orthodox opponent had no answer to (save for a pawing jab).

Greenberg used all of the ring and showed maturity and smart controlled boxing. His opponent’s punches were falling short. Sadly Shkraba was too static and pensive, showing the Finchley based boxer too much respect. By the third round the visitor had swelling and redness around his eyes and displayed an unwillingness to try to exploit any perceived weaknesses in Greenberg. It now resembled a spar. It seemed that Shkraba had consented to play the role of human punch bag. He offered no resistance whatsoever. Still Greenberg did not open up. Instead he showboated to the crowd. Like David Haye, Greenberg has a tendency to hold his left dangerously low. This could be exploited by a younger more determined pro. However the round ended with Greenberg in full command and landing nice combinations inside.

Early in the fourth the crowd showed their displeasure either in the lack of action or in Greenberg’s inability or unwillingness to finish his man off as they slow hand clapped the ‘action.’ Mid round Greenberg finally went on the offensive, jabbing the head and hooking to the body. There were fewer combinations now, rather single hurtful shots. Greenberg was able to make the man from Belarus miss and then punish him for his mistakes. Sadly Greenberg showed disrespect by circling his right arm in an arc and hitting his opponent with a snapping left jab. These antics may work for him at this level, but he will not be able to afford to do these tricks when he steps up.

The fifth was a quiet round as well. It followed the same pattern. Although Greenberg was not putting a foot wrong, it appeared he was boxing well within himself. He seemed to be content with cruising to an easy points win much to the crowd’s displeasure. The round closed with some impressive one-two combinations landing on and backing up Shkraba.

The sixth and last round clearly showed the marks of battle on Shkraba’s face. He had swellings around both eyes and a cut over his left eye. The one-paced round ended much to everyone’s relief. The fight had resembled a gym work out. Greenberg seemed untroubled in that he had failed to stop Shkraba unlike good Russian boxers Valuev and Bakhtov.

Despite the criticisms of appearing pedestrian and lazy in this fight, Greenberg has potential and talent by the bucket load. He has a true mastery of the ring and moves well for a heavyweight. With time he could develop into a real talent certainly on the domestic scene. It is early days yet, but he will not improve if fed on a diet of the Shkraba’s of this world!