Unless my count is off, Folley was ranked for 11 consecutive years by the ring magazine, and even spent a few of them in their top 3. He beat a load of notables including Eddie Machen, Howard King, Bob Foster, George Chuvalo, Bob Cleroux, Mike Dejohn, Doug Jones, Henry Cooper, Gerard Zech and prospect versions of Oscar Bonavena and Henry Clark.. Strangely enough he challenged only once for the heavyweight title, which didn't come until he was 36 years of age and against a peaking Muhammad Ali. He fought his last fight at the age of 39 in 1970 and against Mac Foster - a bout in which he was floored 6 times in the first round. Tragically, Folley died in 1972 at 41 years old after allegedly hitting his head on the edge of a swimming pool.
I think he should get the props for the great always contender that Quarry usually gets. A sound technician that always brought his best. Terrific fighter.
Agree. I think he is clearly the best contender of the Foley, Machen, Wlilliams trio that usually gets bunched together.
I would rate Foley and Machen 1a and 1b. They were very close in terms of their skills and attributes (as evidenced by their first elimination bout which ended in a draw). I think both were better than Williams who is/was massively overrated.
Zora was rated #1 when he fought Liston.He was known as a good boxer. I saw him 2 vs. Doug Jones . He easily outboxed Cleroux, Chuvalo,Bonavea.The bad was his draw with Machen was called dull,colorless.He was kod by Lavorante,Jones both in 7. Way over the hill when fought Ali. Identical to Machen. Big Cat is the next fighter of the era to cover.
Folley was knocked out by Doug Jones and by Alejandro Lavorante. Not sure how he'd fare against Cleveland Williams.
I think Folley was the better fighter in terms of skill and all around ability. But his durability was questionable and Cleveland could certainly whack...
Folley was a good technician, but he wasn't fast, big or powerful. A little chinny. Great guy outside of the ring.
Same here. Machen was very durable and a top counter puncher. Machen had his share of moments vs a prime Sonny Liston, losing on points. While Williams might be over rated, I think he stops Folley.
:dealMe too...Machen over Folley...Eddie had a better chin and was *****ier than Zora, citing his going the distance with Liston of course.