'Escopeta' vs. 'The Bodysnatcher.' Small catch...over 12 rounds. No doubting who was greater at 160-Monzon clearly-but how does the iron-chinned and well-schooled McCallum do over the shorter championship distance of 12 rounds? I chose the shorter distance to give Mike a better chance. Does it make a difference?
12 rounds makes it a bit closer. Mike was clever and cute and could thump but was neither unhittable or uniquely mobile. I just have to bet on the guy with the greater championship record in this one. And I really like Mike... As far as the observable factors, I think that Monzon's timing throws off Mike's attack. Monzon was really good at figuring out his opponents' timing and tendencies in very quick fashion. He made openings happen. It could be close 116-114 but Carlos almost always turned up the heat when necessary.
Great fight. Monzon still wins on points but Mike gives him fits and tests Monzon. McClallum has the chin to last the distance and can counter Monzon inside to the body. I think Monzon's jab eventually takes over in the late rounds but Monzon would not be able to cruise. Mike's jab was a great weapon plus he was hard to hit with his defense. The 160lb McClallum who fought Watson was so on point and has all the tools to trouble any ATG.
MM is one of my favourite fighters, but in a very close and good fight I think Monzon is a stretch too far for Mike.
I've said this before several times and I'll say it again, McCallum is overrated. As a MIDDLEWEIGHT he's overrated. He was truly awesome at 154. People like to believe that he could given Hagler and Monzon very close fights, but it's not true. He would have lost by a clear margin to b either one. Not saying he doesn't take a few rounds off Monzon, but Monzon would be in command the entire time. The myth of McCallum grows
I agree with every sentence here. :good I think that several of the late 80s/90s middleweights could have given Monzon problems, but I don't see McCallum as one of them.
Monzon on points. McCallum is one of those very good, but not great types. I do like the match up though. Did Monzon ever fight a tall middle who can hit and take a punch?
Nice long body area for McCallum to target with his long downstair counters, timing the Monzon straights.
