Jeffries Admits Munroe Did Not Merit Title Chance

I'm very iclined to agree.

 

Jeffries title reign effectivley breaks down into two components.

He won the title in June 99 and defended it three times up to the Corbett fight in May 00, when an injury to his left arm forced a period of inactivity and nearly ended his career.

He made his comeback in September 01 against Hank Griffin, and took two four round bouts against Griffin and Kennedy. These fights were to get him back into condition, and ready for a real test which came in the form of Gus Ruhlin. He then had a further three title defences, before the lack of credible white opponents forced him into retirment.

The Finnegan fight can be excused given his activity over that period. We can probably alow him a couple of warm up fights after his injury induced layoff. Munro by contrast clearly did get a prime time slot, and you can make what you will of that.

 

Lets say that Jeffries alowed you to choose his opponent for the date of the Munro fight, but he refused to budge on the issue of the colour line.

What do you think is the best that could have been managed?

 

So what? Jeffries was an active champion. Five of Jeffries title matches were vs. hall of fame fighters. And he gave re-matches. For the most part Jeffries fought the best as champion. Munroe got his title shot for him lasting 4 rounds in an exhibition match. Munroe was floored a few times , but his management lied to the press about scoring a knock down. That and beating a few past their prime names was good enough to get him a title match.


Outside of the people Jeffries had already beaten, few were better choices that Ruhlin in 1901. I am fine with this title match, because it avenged what some viewed as a questionable draw.


Just be honest Mcvey. It’s clear you have an ax to grind here. Pointing out that Munroe wasn’t a world beater is not going to change the fact that Jack Johnson as champion fought a few soft marks, and as champion avoided the 4-5 best challengers out there in. Grind away if you must.

 

And old Peter Maher almost stopped him by mistake........!

 

Why exactly is Joe Kennedy unworthy of a title shot?

while Frank Childs was?

Kennedy drew with Childs, drew twice with Griffin, and defeated Ruhlin, probably a bigger heavyweight name than anyone Childs defeated.

Kennedy was also about 6' 2" and 195 lbs, much bigger than Childs.

Joe Kennedy has better credentials than quite a few guys who got shots at the title over the years.

 

"a lot of people did buy into the Munroe hype train"

A---Is Jeffries correct in saying there was a lot of public demand for this fight?

B---And if he is correct, does this justify the fight?

C---Was the boxing press for or against the Munroe fight?

 

The old Maher could still hit. Maher's problem was a glass jaw, which Munore, who could hit exposed.

 

That doesn't answer the question.

Very good fighters have served as sparring partners,

including Ali (and, by the way, Jeffries)

What makes Joe Kennedy an inferior contender? to guys like Griffin and Childs who were not able to beat him.