1985-'86 really. He kind of went off the radar a bit, worked mainly as a sparring partner, in '87-'91. Then got a bit more active in his older years.
How would prime Morrison do against the 1985 version of Carl Williams that Ferguson fought ? I think he'd do less well than Ferguson, who lasted into the 10th. I think prime Williams, who in 1993 was almost completely washed up and gave prime Morrison serious problems, would make short work of Morrison. How would Morrison do against 1985 version of Douglas ? who was just coming into his prime. Ferguson beat him by narrow decision. I believe Douglas would pick Morrison apart. How did an old Ferguson do against Mercer ? ...... Ferguson fought him twice, went 1-1, and the loss was close. How did a young Morrison do against Mercer ? ...... didn't last 5 rounds. Does any version of Morrison give a February 1986 Tyson as much resistance as Ferguson did ? I think a 19 year old Tyson destroys Morrison in 1 round.
That kind of rationale doesn't work in boxing. If it did, I could just as easily ask you how Ferguson would do against the Foreman Morrison beat. But I won't, because it's an unsound argument.
Ferguson was better than a lot of guys.. He had skills , he was just horribly inconsistent. I don't think he trained very hard
His win column is comparable to Morrison's, and his results against Mercer are light years better. The 50 loses don't help his case though.
Morrison was better managed, more favorable match making. He was a cross over star or had that potential at least, and his people did everything they could to make him a Champion. Never underestimate the business side of this sport. Ferguson never called the shots, had to settle on being a tough matched journeyman, still upset Mercer, and earned the lineal title shot that Morrison couldn't. He also outboxed Mercer in the rematch.
Guys from the late 80s and early 90s who were better than Morrison but aren't always credited: Damiani, Douglas, McCall, Ruddock and basically everyone who Tyson defended against, Moorer, Marvis Frazier (wins dont lie). Guys who were about the same level but don't get credit: Schultz, Seldon, Donald, Hide, Botha, Bey, Broad, Mason, Adilson Rodrigues. Guys who were barely worse, had poor management, etc.: Butler, Cooper, Mathis Jr., Ferguson, Hunter, Stewart.
Well apparently you're not asking but i'll tell you. Ferguson would do well. A 1985, '86 version of Ferguson could well nick a decision from 1993 Foreman.
