Orlin Norris vs Francesco Damiani Circa 1989

This fight could have very easily happened in 1989. Both men were ranked in the top 10 and both were thrown around as possible pre-title opponents for a rising Evander Holyfield. In 1989 Orlin Norris was 22-1 and the NABF heavyweight champ. Damiani was around 25-0 and the WBO champ. Both were boxer but Francesco was bigger and had a decent punch while Norris was fast and awkward. Consequently Norris lost a decision at the end of the year to Tony Tubbs which was later changed to a no contest. A few months later he was beaten by Bert Cooper. He managed to put together a decent win steak after that but never really did anything of note again at heavyweight.. Damiani sat low in the weeds until Ray Mercer fought and beat him in 1991..

 

Sorry but Tyson vs ??? is getting kinda old.

 

my next thread is gonna be bobby Crabtree vs Mike Jameson

 

Agree.. Sometimes I take a 3 or 4 month break from this place just to get away from it.

 

I think it would be an interesting test for Francesco. Norris was short, awkward, quick and tricky to fight. not really anything like the sort of opponents that Damiani generally faced.

 

I'd probably edge Francesco as well. He was a decent 6'3 and from the looks of him had a good wingspan to go along with sound boxing ability and power. That's a bad combination for Norris who in 1989 was outboxed to a clear defeat by and aging Tony Tubbs. I think Orlin's speed and awkwardness would make it an interesting fight however and Damiani would have to work for that win. It is a shame that Damiani wasn't given bigger fights earlier. By 1991 he was already 33 years old and hadn't done a great deal in some time. He still looked sharp in those first 7 or 8 rounds against Mercer though. Incidentally I think a prime Damiani outboxes McCall.