Gene Fullmer - The Cyclone

Fullmer was one of a kind. This thread inspired me to re-watch some of his fights, including with Robinson, Basilio, and the entire 1959 Spider Webb fight, and--
Jab--Fullmer has the all-time weirdest jab. He juts his left arm out at a highish angle and then brings it down like he is swatting a fly on the wall. He surprisingly hits his opponent with this thing more often than one would expect.
Left hook--if that is what you would call it. It is actually a left swing with Fullmer pivoting his body. Not that effective a punch but it does score, especially to the body.
Right--seems to have three punches. A right swing from the side like his left swing, especially to the body but also to the head. An overhand wild windmill swing that often surprisingly lands over his opponents guard. And there is a straight right which is probably much more effective because the opponent is dealing with all these wild swings.
Combinations--I can't recall one. I remember Fritzie Zivic saying back in the day that Fullmer must think a combination is something you open a safe with. Fullmer was far more likely to hit you with five or six rights in a row than to try a combination.
Strength--Fullmer appears to have been very strong.
Power--not that much. He hits hard but is not really a KO puncher. His punches seem more like bludgeoning than snapping.
Hand speed--nothing if we are talking about putting punches together. But he does seem to be able to get his one at a time punches off effectively. I think he was rather quick.
Foot speed--ah, here's the rub. Watching Fullmer, he seems faster on his feet than any of the opponents I was watching, including Robinson, but especially Webb. And he knew how to use his mobility. He really is good at judging distance and keeping out of range until he attacks. And he knew angles. He seems always to be a bit too far away to jab or to the side a bit too much or he is suddenly on top of you and mauling away. This skill is what separates him from the usual plodding mauler and made him tough to deal with.
Defense--Not that bad. That cross armed defense worked pretty well at blocking punches. Note the Miceli fight in which Miceli throws a whole series of punches against it without getting through until Fullmer responded with one windmill punch which finished Miceli.
Fouling-I judge Fullmer rough and unorthodox rather than dirty. I watched the entire fifteen rounds with
Webb and I would consider it a clean fight. I thought Fullmer won clearly, giving him ten rounds.

 

Good post.I hope your op had a positive outcome.

 

Yes it did. The eye is better than it has been for years. We really should appreciate the knowledge and skills physicians have in the modern world. Decades ago I would be going blind. I will be seeing my physician in a follow up visit on Wednesday and I am making it a point to express my gratitude. Thank you for asking.

 

Good to hear

 

Fullmer's an entertaining fighter with a lot of determination.
Dirty ? Yeah but no more so than the likes of Dempsey, Armstrong, Marciano, those types of aggressive fighters.
Elbows and heads will be thrown sometimes. His opponents - Joey G, Basilio, SRR, Tiger etc. weren't exactly saintly.

 

edward morbius said:"Yes it did. The eye is better than it has been for years. We really should appreciate the knowledge and skills physicians have in the modern world. Decades ago I would be going blind. I will be seeing my physician in a follow up visit on Wednesday and I am making it a point to express my gratitude. Thank you for asking."

Hoping for your continuing good recovery. LH.

 

i love this pic with Fullmer and the guys. Looks like he would still beat **** outta ya.

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how do i post pics lads. Sorry