Greater Performance:Sumbu Kalambay Vs Mike McCallum I or Roy Jones Jr Vs James Toney?

[sweet_scientist]

Originally Posted by Flea Man

Take everything into account if you can please

-Better opponent dominated? Your views on the opponents.

Mike was clearly more able on the night.

-Who had the bigger challenge on paper? The contemporary views of the opponents.

I think Toney underperformed to what was expected of him. Sumbu simply rose to the occasion more than Mike failing to meet expectations.

-Level of skill/ability demonstrated by the victors?

I think both Sumbu and Roy put on very skilful displays. Jones to some extent simply out-athleticised Toney though, and didn't really allow it to become a battle of skills.

-What was more impressive about the superior showing?

I wouldn't classify either showing as superior to the other. Both were excellent.

As Mante said, perhaps Roy coasted in the end instead of taking his performance to the next level and trying to lay a beating on Toney. It became a bit ho-hum after the initial shock of un-competitiveness. Nevertheless he made it look like a stroll in the park.

The Kalambay-McCallum fight was more competitive and I think you could give Mike about 4 rounds. But of course Mike was the better opponent on the night and gave a solid effort.

Both performances were impressive, but I got the impression with both that the victors were working a stylistic advantage against their opponents, which kind of made them academic after a few rounds.

[Flea Man]

Nice to see everyone else is seeing both sides of the coin and that, all in all, it's hard to pick one outright as the 'superior' win.

[Bokaj]

Really good question, Flea.

One the hand RJJ-Toney was a total domination, while Kalambay-McCallum was more a wide decision and very comfortable win. But on the other, McCallum was a much more consistent performer than Toney and had of course no problems making weight. Just like Toney he did look more sluggish and slow to get off than usual, though. Always hard to say how much that has to do with the opponent, but looking at the rematch I'd have to say McCallum probably had a bit of an off-night.

Still, not even Jones himself beat an absolute shell of McCallum more clearly than Kalambay did the prime version. That says something of just how good Kalambay's perfomance was.

I really can't say here. It's that close. Have to mull it over some.

[Flea Man]

Originally Posted by Bokaj

Really good question, Flea.

One the hand RJJ-Toney was a total domination, while Kalambay-McCallum was more a wide decision and very comfortable win. But on the other, McCallum was a much more consistent performer than Toney and had of course no problems making weight. Just like Toney he did look more sluggish and slow to get off than usual, though. Always hard to say how much that has to do with the opponent, but looking at the rematch I'd have to say McCallum probably had a bit of an off-night.

Still, not even Jones himself beat an absolute shell of McCallum more clearly than Kalambay did the prime version. That says something of just how good Kalambay's perfomance was.

I really can't say here. It's that close. Have to mull it over some.

I wouldn't say he had an off night per se, maybe not quite aware of how good Sumbu was, but seeing as how close Kalambay came in the 2nd fight I'd say at his very best he'd edge McCallum regardless.

But yeah, thought it would be an interesting thread because each fight has different plus points. What I've bolded is a very interesting point.

I think Roy took it a bit easy on Mike admittedly, but still, valid point and thanks for bringing it up.

[Bokaj]

Originally Posted by Flea Man

I wouldn't say he had an off night per se, maybe not quite aware of how good Sumbu was, but seeing as how close Kalambay came in the 2nd fight I'd say at his very best he'd edge McCallum regardless.

I think he definitely underrated Sumbu. But then nobody outside Italy knew just how brilliant he was back then. Mike said that he and Futch worked out a crucial tactical adjustment before the rematch that helped him get the win.

Seeing how they both were aging at the time of the rematch I think they put on a fantastic show. One of my very favourite fights to watch, as you know. Even better than McCallum-Toney I.

[Flea Man]

Originally Posted by Bokaj

I think he definitely underrated Sumbu. But then nobody outside Italy knew just how brilliant he was back then. Mike said that he and Futch worked out a crucial tactical adaption before the rematch that helped him get the win.

Seeing how they both were aging at the time of the rematch I think they put on a fantastic show. One of my very favourite fights to watch, as you know. Even better than McCallum-Toney I.

Started quicker that's for sure.

Feeling's mutual re: rematch. One of my favourite technical battles.

[Lester1583]

Originally Posted by turbotime

First and last time I've ever seen Toney legitimately intimidated in a boxing match.

I wouldn't say he was intimidated more like it was the only time Toney looked like he knew his great skills were totally useless in the fight.