I'm quite new to classic boxing. I've recently been watching a good bit of Canzoneri and had a few questions I'd like to open to the floor (apologies if they are asked frequently)... How would Tony have fared against Henry Armstrong had they ever met in their primes at Lightweight? Does he have a case for being the greatest Lightweight of all time? I'd say he does, and I'm a big Duran fan! What in your view is his greatest victory (at any weight)? I've enjoyed watching his fights, he seems remarkably composed, always ready to throw a punch with good footwork and accurate punch-picking. A smooth boxer-puncher in my eyes. Anyways, over to you guys...
World featherweight, World Lightweight, & World Lt. Welterweight Champion. Edgar G. Robinson should have played his "Life Story". [ame]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Canzoneri[/ame]
I'd stand in quicksand to watch him fight either Armstrong or Duran. Wouldn't bet on either fight, though.
Awesome fighter one of my favs who participated in my favourite fight of all time - Canzoneri SD15 Kid Chocolate. He arguably beat Ross that would be his greatest win. He fought a bit like Roy Jones but lacked his speed, relied more on reading his opponent I think. His high-risk style low-safety-margin made him vulnerable to fighters with a lot of pressure and output as indicated by the fights against Berg and Ambers. Armstrong would beat him, as would Duran. Rating wise I think he has a very good argument for Top15 all-time and is a lock for Top20. At featherweight I think he´s Top10, at lightweight, arguably Top5 (but behind B. Leonard, Gans and Duran, on par with Williams and Ambers and Whitaker). Don´t know about lww.
Oh, he was, a slick counter-puncher with a good jab IMO. But his style was awkward in my view....quite "distinct" perhaps is the best way to describe...
That fight with Kid Chocolate is very good! Talk about intensity. Only realised afterwards exactly how highly rated Chocolate is in historical terms, which only served to enhance my view of Canzoneri. I agree in that it appears he had some difficulty with pressure fighters, but he knocked Berg out in 3 after losing to him initially and also beat Ambers the first time they met. Armstrong brought a new meaning to the word pressure but I think Canzoneri would box with him. Barney Ross' jab was utterly innefective against Armstrong, he seemed to have no confidence throwing it, but Canzoneri wasn't as stiff as Ross from what I have seen - more relaxed and improvisational with his punching, he also had a lovely right uppercut, which worked for Ross against Henry, so I think that would be a good weapon. I could see it being a split decision either way if Armstrong and Canzoneri fought (sitting on the fence ). Canzoneri-Duran would be a technical tear-up, beautiful to watch! Both were very agile and had good head movement, but liked to mix up the combinations. I see Duran surviving an early knockdown to get up and drag out a points win there.
Tony Canzoneri is one the greatest fighters to ever live. A book wouldn't be enough to describe his amazing bebop style in depth. If you want to see this class shown, against another ATG might I add, watch the Lou Ambers bout on YouTube. Great chessmatch. I reccomend this one as it is easier to watch than Canzi - Chocolate.
