How good was Carlos Monzon?

A lock as a top 5 middleweight. One of the greatest champions in the history of that division.

So... he was quite good.

 

Top four all time middle imo.

 

He was an all time great middleweight.
I don't think a greater middleweight has come since, although there were a few before him who were greater.

 

Carlos Monzon was an all time great middleweight champion. He was 5"11 and a half, weighed approximately 159 lbs, had a what appeared to be a slow methodical style. Carlos had a long left jab, countered well to the head and body, also had a punishing straight right that hurt or left many on the canvas. Monzon also had a iron jaw, and had confidence, not overconfidence that he could not lose. He was a playboy, but he was well prepared for all of his fights. In the ring he was cool calm and collected, never got flustered or showed any emotion, he was not boastful prior to a fight, but got the job done. Monzon started his career in Feb 1963, suffered three decision setbacks in 1964, his last loss was to countryman Alberto Massi on Oct 9 1964, he would later avenge those loses, Monzon then went unbeaten in 82 consecutive bouts until his retirement in 1977. Carlos stopped World Middleweight Champion Nino Benvenuti on Nov 7 1970 in round 12 in Rome, Italy. He then defended his title 14 times against the likes of Emile Griffith, Jean Claude Bouttier, Tom Bogs, Bennie Briscoe, World Welterweight Champion Jose Mantequilla Napoles, Tony Mundine, Tony Licata, and Rodrigo Valdes. Monzon retired as champion on Aug 29 1977 with a sterling record of 89-3-9, 61 KO's. Of the 9 draws on his record, Monzon avenged 8 of the 9 draws, the ninth opponent refused to fight him again. Monzon was trained by Amilcar Brusa, who trained 14 World Champions.

 

One of the best middles of all time. Threw fast strait punches. Had a nice blend of power, stamina, durability and boxing skill.

 

I have him #2 behind Greb. Yeah, he was okay I guess. Don't enjoy his fights but he was undeniably great.

 

Thats an interesting take on it.. not saying its uncommon because some feel the same as his fighting style was "boring" I guess .. But that is usually followed by he is a bit overrated ... Obviously you dont feel that way having him in the 2 spot ... On the contrary Hagler and SRR were exciting to watch .. yet you have them below Carlos ...... Where do you have those guys ?? or why Monzon deserves higher in your mind?

 

With all due respect, winning takes it over excitement or flashiness and boastfulness. Boring but effective is always good, the goal is winning.

 

Can’t say I’ve studied Monzon or researched, but Hagler seemed very special.
Would he beat Hagler ?

 

Also have him at #2. One of my favorite fighters to watch operate. Next level fighting IQ.

 

Probably the greatest MW that I have seen. I rate him 2A with Hagler 2B, just behind Greb. H2H he would be a nightmare for anyone over 15 rounds

plenty of footage of him is available to check out.

 

I did know that both fighters respected each other, even though they were from different era's. Carlos Monzon used to joke about fantasy fights, he said that every fighter was great in their era. He once said that Marvelous Marvin Hagler was great for his era. Hagler was asked once about a dream fight against Carlos, who retired as champion, Hagler said he had a lot of respect towards Carlos, also saying that Monzon had a great right hand and respecting the fact that Carlos retired with the title after 14 successful title defenses.

 

I don't argue with people who name him #1 middleweight.

 

Thank you Richard.
I was a huge Sibson fan (local to me).
Hagler was superb at that time & throughout his career.
Definitely one of the greats.