At first glance, I'd say Weaver. He's got legitimate 15 round stamina and carried his power late. He was a slow starter, but I don't think it's important here. Weaver was pretty savvy too, quite content to use the ropes to soak it up, being defensively responsible, allowing the other guy to tire himself out. Bruno had the better jab I think, but Weaver had a nice jab himself. I don't like Weaver's punch output, which was quite low. But then again, Bruno's dropped off a lot as the rounds wore on. I just think that Bruno tended to fade towards the later rounds, whereas Weaver was steady and consistent throughout, and always dangerous. Unless Bruno gets rid of Weaver early (not impossible, though unlikely) it's a case of one guy who fades against another that doesn't. Both can knock out the other, but later in the fight it's Weaver who for me is far, far more dangerous. So yeah... Frank looks good early but Weaver catches up and stops him, in my opinion.
Weaver outlasts him for me. He took a reasonable shot during his best days and had power from the first round to the last.
Depends entirely on Franks mental ability show he really could cope with the pressure of an important fight against a live world title opponent or not. I am tempted to believe Frank can win against Weaver in a non title fight...but would lose to the same guy if a title was involved. it is not so much that Weaver was better than Bruno, it’s just that Frank could not psychologically deal with the kind of mentality required to win big fights. Larry really teed off on Weaver in the early rounds in the way Weaver could not afford to absorb Franks blows in the part of a fight where Bruno was strongest. Theoretically this would suit Frank but in all actuality my concern is Franks psychology letting him down.
It's going one of two ways for me. Either Bruno catches Weaver very early and stops him. Or Mike plays the long game, takes Frank deep, then comes on fast late rounds.
While a loss for Weaver certainly isn't out of the question, I have Weaver a comfortable favorite. He was stronger, tougher, and lasted longer. Not to mention, he was just a much more skilled fighter. He didn't have all the problems Bruno had with stiffness and being too mechanical.
I’m leaning towards Weaver due to his unrelenting will. But this would be a fan fight to remember. Lots of action and brutal exchanges. Would have loved to see it myself.
Leaning towards Bruno due to his strength and jab. I'm not sure Weaver would enjoy that. On the other hand, Bruno is well within a best version of Weaver's ability to beat.
Weaver. I trust Weaver's abilities more than Bruno's and think Frank would fall apart in the later rounds.
Here we go again. While Bruno was good, he was not as good as the 80s belt holders. James Smith was clearly a superior fighter for example. Weaver should be favored here.
This is prime Weaver . He gave Holmes hell in a war At first blush I'd pick Weaver easily But Bruno is much bigger and stronger . He could maul Weaver on the inside and wear him down. That said Weaver had good stamina and power At some point he should be able to hurt Bruno and then pounce on the helpless defenseless statue Weaver by ko somewhere after 10.
Bruno was loveable, unfortunately he was just not very good. Mike Weaver was not great however on the other hand he learned his trade the old fashion way he took fights on short notice on the road. and learned from sparring legends in the gym he was dangerous from round 1-15 with awesome power a decent chin. Weaver was never out of shape when he was a pro and always came to fight but what I think his greatest asset was is he was a very mentally strong human being who just could not be shook up.
