Ray Leonard had signed to fight Bobby 'Boogaloo' Watts in early-1979, when Ray was thinking about moving up to 154 lb. Light-Middleweight. The dangerous 'hot-and-cold' Boogaloo a tall and slender Philadelphia hard throwing bomber, with a record of 32-5-1 (14 KO's) was lined up as the opponent. The 28 year-old 'Boogaloo', a 6' 0" 155 lb. 'Phlily Fighter' with a 75 1/2" reach. Bobby possessed one of the quickest right-hand leads, and a wicked left uppercut he called the 'Can Opener'. But, rumors were that Boogaloo had looked awesome in training in Philadelphia at Joe Frazier's Gym, as he was rocking-and-rolling his sparring partners. The contract weight was for 155 lbs., but Mike Trainer (Ray Leonard's - Manager), changed the weight to 152 lbs., then again to 151 lbs. What looked like a great Television bout, suddenly went up in smoke, when Ray Leonard got sick,,,,,,,,,on 'Bad Chicken'. This content is protected
I would be interestedin hearing your source for this one as well? I have not come acrossthis one before. Watt's was done as a top flight challenger after Hamsho beat him in 78, and for all intents and purposes I don't think he was noteworthy after his loss to Love in 77....I would liked to have seen this, anyway, but leonard would have been to much for him and this would become just another token fight that launched Leonard towards greatness....perhaps....just perhaps Watts could have beaten him in mid 78 or better yet earlier.
It was from Jack McKinney, Philadelphia sports journalists and radio talk show host. After conversations with Russell Peltz, discussing Ray Leonard's move to 154 lbs., and a possible January 1979 fight date. Bobby 'Boogaloo' Watts was ready to go, but Mike Trainer had a change of mind, and the Ray Leonard Team went after, Fernand Marcotte, the Canadian Light-Middleweight Champion, who was a safer opponent - in February 1979. In January 1979.........The Boogaloo was too dangerous. This content is protected
Watts in his prime, was excellent!! I had no idea this transpired, but considering Leonard's camp wanted Hagler to move down to 154 years before they actually fought-remember when Leonard said he's not the one that requested it!! Of course not, as it was his advisor, Trainer- this makes perfect sense.
Bobby 'Boogalo' Watts,,, Had a bad night {September 21, 1978} versus Mustapha Hamsho, whe he got stopped (L KO 6). But, he did rebound in Sicily, Italy on December 2, 1978 - when he Decisioned 'Argentinian Scapper' Norberto Cabrera. He clearly, would have been a 'live' and dangerous opponent versus Ray Leonard.
