Jimmy Youngs outstanding record

He was a good fighter who had some admirable career highlights. But it shouldn't be overlooked that he caught a lot of his best opponents at the right time when many were ripe for the picking.. And even then he didn't always turn the trick.. He certainly made a lot of great fighters look unimpressive. But that isn't Synonymous with "beating" them nor looking impressive yourself..

 

I've always thought that he'd have shut Earnie out in a third fight. He deserved rematches against my man Ali and Norton.

 

His record up to the Occasio fights was very impressive. He was right in the middle of the scene in the mid'70s when the division was getting lots of publicity. Even, as a 9 yr old kid who was only a casual observer of boxing, I knew his name.

 

So what are you saying woodburn?

 

I was a big Young fan but his abilities are wayyy overstated. He was a safety first boxer, no punch, and not very active in the ring.

He beat Foreman no doubt. His greatest victory.

He failed to turn on the gas when he needed to vs Norton. Norton out hustled him for the win. I cheered all through that bout for Young and when it was over I was ****ed that he did not go all out to get the win.

Young did not deserve the win vs Ali. He was afraid to engage the champion to a point where he tried leaving the ring twice.....,giving Ali TWO knockdowns in the process. You don't win a championship in this manner.

Young had huge problems outside the ring...,,drinking and hanging out in Phillys houses of ill repute. He rose to the occasion several times against slower punchers like Lyle and Foreman. Aside from these bouts a rather soso career.

 

woodburn??
What am I saying??? Do you need to be hit over the head with a 2x4? Couldn't say it any clearer.

 

Everything after what I highlighted in yellow is pure poppy**** and boulder dash.

 

I was there. YOU were not.

 

On six occasions, Young ducked outside of the ropes when he was pressured by Ali. He did it in the seventh round, the eighth, the 12th, twice in the 13th, and once more in the 15th. Mark Kram of Sports Illustrated wrote: "It was unconscionable behavior for a man who wants the heavyweight championship of the world."

 

The Associated Press reported: "Ali seemed content to toy in the first four rounds, doing very little fighting. He then began coming on in the fifth round and started landing with power, although he still missed much more than he usually does. Ali's best round seemed to be the ninth, when he went up on his toes and snapped home at least 25 punishing jabs to Young's face. But then he went flatfooted again and, while landing some good rights, he was the target of several hard rights in the final three rounds when Young came on strong. It was the only time in the fight that Young was the actual aggressor and that lack of aggressiveness early on cost him dearly."

 

"The reason I kept ducking through the ropes, seriously, was to take some of the pressure off me." - Jimmy Young

 

A "nearly fighter ," who lacked a champion's mind set.

 

Definitely the summation I'd use. Made a career out of spoiling and nearly getting a decision.

 

I do not believe that there were any ruled knockdowns in the fight.

 

Yes, with the exception of the bit of Young having a drug problem, he apparently became addicted immediately after trying it for the first time the night Ali lost to Spinks. It is a sad story of a guy who lacked guidance.