Shotty Horroh vs. Arsonal: What To Expect

It’s a strong look when these write-ups are helped along by the battle not only having already happened, but also serving as the most viewed clash in the English language.

Six million people already know exactly what to expect from this match-up. The energy, charisma and clashing-yet-complementary styles presented throughout their first meeting are the three factors that carried the video to international acclaim. Some have questioned the purpose of revisiting such a popular match-up only three years later, but arguably this is one of the battles that essentially helped to lay the foundation for Don’t Flop’s new era. To see how the same action plays out to a completely different audience at “MASSacre” is something that has not been tried before, especially for a battle that happened within recent memory.

Massachusetts is an interesting location for a U.K. battler, with the “we don’t talk about guns round ‘ere, sunshine” angle with which Shotty raised the roof last time rendered a little bit redundant by both the U.S. audience expectations and local history. Shotty is never more at home than when playing the heel, so he will slip into this context effortlessly. But it does mean that he will be without the thundering home support seen in the last video, so it will be interesting to see how this shapes his approach.

The style Shotty exhibited against Tony D and Hitman Holla was an evolved one: at once more focused and more deranged than his previous showings. It demonstrates an ability to grow and absorb a variety of styles into an already singular battle technique, and it is in this growth that the rematch has some legs: the Shotty that faced Arsonal back in 2012 has learned some new tricks and will hopefully be ready to put them to full effect against an old opponent.

Arsonal is a far more immutable character. He’s battled more frequently than Shotty since they first clashed but as a result there have been few changes in his style. He always gives the impression he would deliver the same material regardless of location or context. Which, for this battle, is fine. The most-viewed in the U.S. was at his formidable best in the original fixture and repeat tactics – faultless delivery and making full use of his indomitable presence – can be expected from Arsonal.

If he comes forward with the panache of the first encounter then world-class entertainment is guaranteed. The original is not a classic because one battler dominated the other and regardless of whether Shotty’s stylistic changes overpower him he will be motivated to atone for his recent underwhelming performance against Bishop Brigante at “Blackout 5.”

Don’t expect a reinvention of the original match-up but instead, an extension of the same. The original does not need improving. It is a master class in timing, tension, bravado, projection and crowd engagement. The onus is simply on the two battlers to bring the same elements and give the North American fans a treat worth comparing to the first battle. No one expects a retread, but hopefully we can see the battles as Part 1 and Part 2 rather than Battle and Rematch.

Either way, it’s hugely exciting to see these two back onstage together.

Some photos by Zach Macphoto.

Thoughts? Predictions? Let us know in the comments below