Devon vs Micheal

Michael Todd is the only armwrestler capable of winning a 6 round Supermatch with Devon Larratt in my opinion. Generally beyond match 2 or perhaps 3 it's a forgone conclusion, this is NOT true with Michael Todd. Todd is a warrior with a huge heart and a great arm. Everyone knows he will NOT give up in a fight and will make his opponent earn every inch and fight for every breath.

I've trained with Michael a few times in the last year/two and his strength has increased greatly, or more accurately that his application of his strength has. This is due to some technical changes - more utilization of his rowing power (I won't say LAT Christian ) and his rotational strength. Mikes overall strength will also play in his favor, he is a much larger man and could possibly be 50 or more pounds heavier than Larratt come game day.

Breakdown

AW Strength - Larratt
AW Technique - Larratt
Endurance - Even (perhaps less than 5% edge to Larratt)
Desire to win (in training) - Todd
Desire to win (in match) - Even


Note on Desire to win (training) vs. (in match)

Desire to win in training - Michael Todd would give up 5 years from his life to win this match. He is the most hungry armwrestler I've ever seen and he knows that everything he's trained for in the last 20 something years is in his grasp. Devon Larratt has been at the top and wants to stay there, he will train hard but I don't think its with the same fervor as Todd. The challenger usually gets the nod especially if the champion has drank from the proverbial cup many times.

Desire to win (in match) - Neither one of these guys knows the word quit. You will not see one lay down for the other because of being tired, sore or lacking heart. The will fight to the end for the same reason - they just simply can't allow themselves to stop fighting. They both could not look at themselves in the mirror after if they knew there is something more they could have fought for and didn't because they gave up.

What does all this mean? I think the overall edge goes to Larratt. Michael can win if he executes perfectly (everything from his training, preparation, peaking for gameday, technical application and hitting the go).

There is no question that this match could be the match to push Larratt's endurance to the breaking point. This could be the match of all time because of the combination of tools Todd brings to the table, his heart not withstanding.

I am very much looking forward to this match. I'm a huge fan and a good friend of Michael Todd and if anyone were to dethrone the champ I'd want it to be Mike.

I'm not just blowing smoke here, I've actually trained with both guys recently and talked to them about this matchup specifically. I could go into more detail I suppose but I'm afraid a few of you readers have already skimmed past because this post is too long already.

Fair enough. I've got something to do for the next little while but I'll work on something more detailed to post later on.

As someone who suffers from frequent "diarrhea of the keyboard" I appreciate someone who can get a point across in a few sentences. However, I love a post that makes a cogent case- as yours always do, John. That's very hard to fit on a bumper sticker.

You have shared some really great points and explanations there. I would have loved it had you continued on. When something is very well written I get lost in the conversation and I don't even realize whether it is long or not.

Please finish your thoughts. I'm very interested to see where you take it.

Devon 4 - 2

Ok.. here goes.

I could talk (or write) about this match for hours. I'll attempt to keep it minimal and structured so it's fairly easy to follow. For now I'll just break down some of the categories into sub-categories and attempt to apply them to how I think they will affect the outcome of this match.

AW Strength

I gave the overall edge to Larratt but there are spots where I believe Michael is stronger. Since I am fairly certain this match will go to straps 6/6 times I'll speak as if all matches are.

Rotation:

Michael's rotator is stronger than Devon's in my opinion. This will or could take some of the hooking power away from Larratt. Both men will be strongly fighting for rotation in this match. Devon likes to use his rotator while hooking (high hook) and control the match that way. Michael uses it more defensively and attempts to keep his opponents out of their wheelhouse while they attempt to pin. Mike can only do this with straps whereas Devon can use either method but since these guys won't be hanging on to each other when the go happens, the match will be straps and Mike will have his chance to apply his rotator.

Breath...

I'm still on rotator guys so stick with me. If Mike can get his wrist flexion (cup) in it will make his rotation effective. If he can't then Devon will be able to neutralize the counter attack. Straps GREATLY help out this defensive method as Mike can just keep prying away from Devon without holding on. Some of this strength category will bleed into the technique category (and I may end up repeating myself but bear with me).

Back pressure (through straps)

Mike will be able to pull Devon back toward him. Mike will not post through the bicep but rather drag through the lowest part of the strap with his (I hate to say this Christian but for the sake of people understanding I'll say) lat. Devon's up/back pressure will be neutralized through Mike's strap and "lat". The match will likely begin (after the initial GO) on Michael's side of the table. Technical thoughts to follow on this.

Press

This will be a non factor unless it's match 5-6. Generally pressing Larratt is a bad move, it falls right into his power. However if the match seriously drags out or all matches drag out then this will be a huge factor for Mike to win. The offensive press will not tire out Michael very much and could present an opportunity for him to finish should both men greatly tire out. The defensive press Mike uses to get himself out of trouble will not favor him. I think it will take too much of a toll on him and Devon will punish him for it.

The rotator and back pressure are the two greatest leaps Michael Todd has taken and could be very effective ways to fight Larratt. As stated, the press has limited application here but could possibly be a finisher for Michael.

Overall, Devon is the stronger armwrestler. Bicep to bicep it's over vs. anyone in the world. If Mike can get around Devon's control/power he has a shot. If he capitalizes on his advantages he might be able to capitalize and maybe just maybe tire superman out.

Moving on

AW Technique

Advantage Larratt. This advantage has the largest gap of all categories. Larratt is the table general in every match I've seen since 2007. Not only is Larratt the best technical armwrestler there is he has the strength to apply it. This category is not even close. There isn't a man alive who would hold this advantage on Larratt so no offense Mike.

This does not make it a foregone conclusion. Sometimes you only need to be better at one thing to win it all. Mike has a plan and if he sticks to it he can be effective. If he goes in just thinking "I'm gonna prove to the world I'm stronger" I think he's friendlyed. This cannot turn into an ego thing, he must stay focused and save the WOOO'S for after match 6 ;D

As mentioned, Mike will have the back pressure advantage and he needs to get it over to his side of the table quickly and with force. Devon does have a very long arm and can protect himself better than most because of this. To me this will be the key factor for a Todd win. If Mike does not secure his side of the table, it's over.

Mike must get his cup in to generate his strong rotator. This may nullify some of Devon's pinning power and hook control.

Devon can press with a flopped wrist - ONCE. After that I think it's done. Michael can press with a flopped wrist over and over. I doubt Devon will go to that well and I don't think Mike can make him, it's just an observation. As I said earlier, if Mike goes into that defensive press it might work against him. Devon knows how to defend, has the endurance to make Mike pay for going there.

I really don't want to get into too much technical stuff here. I've spoke to both men about strategies and don't feel right talking too much about it. It's likely that Mike will figure out some things after this match about why Devon is the best and why he is able to apply so much strength and utilize his endurance.

Hey Tom neilllson, who do you think is the best in the world? Just so I know.