Interesting matchup with more unknowns than known, especially owing to the fact that Ayala hadn’t been tested (and would soon be off to prison so that test really never came til he was an old-man ex-con). Czyz is the naturally bigger guy, a full-blown middleweight who really didn’t come into his own until a few years later at light heavy. Bobby had a win over shopworn Elisha Obed and then beat up-and-coming Robbie Sims (in Sim’s 13th fight/Czyz’s 17th) but by end of year he got manhandled by Mustafa Hamsho. Ayala had beaten a couple of veterans with decent records but they were closer to journeymen than contenders. But he was basically a junior middle who usually came in around 156 or so, a bit over the limit. I think Ayala was more skilled and, while not as strong as Hamsho, would able to physically impose himself on Czyz and use his speed and combination punching to earn a workmanlike 10-round decision.
Tony the ******? Interesting matchup. I remember czyz more as a cruiserweight. Didn't Ayala get out of prison then go **** another woman?. I pick czyz
He attempted to, but the 15 year old grabbed a gun and shot him on the leg. He was hospitalized about a week, had surgery and all, and then off to jail for one more year and a half for attempted ****.
Wanted to see this fight. Or Ayala in there with guys like Hardrock Green. I think Czyz hangs in there while losing the early rounds. But after about 5 rounds, Ayala loses snap off his punches and Czyz starts to get the better of the exchanges. And takes over on his way to a close decision nod, or late stoppage if it is scheduled for 12. Ayala held those hands so low, if he ever got the least bit tired, opponents are not going to miss anything. And it will be up to Tony to absorb clean shots. lots of clean shots and uppercuts. Maybe he can make it to the finish line in a 10 rounder. but not 12. That division was just starting to become a minefield when Ayala was on the way up. Lots of tough matches. Let alone middleweight. would not like his chance against Hearns. or McCallum. or Mugabi or Jackson either. Duran and Moore are not the easy-iest of fights either. Maybe a guy like Acquino he beats. or maybe Curry at 154
Shocked people are actually picking Czyz. It's hard to know exactly how far Ayala would have went for several reasons, and I'm not saying he would have beaten all the top guys, but for his age he had some serious potential. We all know his story and how screwed up he was so it's impossible to determine. Czyz got beat up by Hamsho. I don't see him beating Ayala. I see him gun-shy like he was against Hamsho and losing. Yea, maybe he lasts and hangs in there with Ayala but I see a one-sided beating.
I think people bash and put down Tony Ayala because of the crime he committed. We have to judge on his abilities, not whether he was a good person or not. Had he got that shot at Moore he most likely would have brutalized him as Duran did. How much further he goes is anyone's guess, but he was aggressive and had some serious power, not to mention a real mean streak. He definitely was capable of winning a title back then, even in that era with the "Big Four".
Yeah, it could happen. But Ramos would have to be on point and James Green would have to be up for the fight.
You're entitled to your opinion, as everyone is, but I don't agree. I think it was a very winnable fight for Ayala. Moore was brutalized by Duran and I can't see him even having a chance in this. I think Ayala would have done the same to him. 15 rounds would not have mattered because it would have never gotten that far.
I agree with you that Ayala would have beaten Moore.. He'd been 50/50 with Hearns because of Tommy's chin but ironically, I cant see him beat Benitez and Duran, guys Hearns beat. In a war with Duran, Duran was made for wars. He had a great chin and Hearns stopped him because A. Duran was drained from coming down from 200 pounds and B Hearns used his reach and height advantage. In a toe to toe fight, Duran roughs him up and then Duran's experience as a fighter who went 15 rounds a few times takes over as rounds go by. I actually see this one possibly going the distance with Duran winning by decision. Benitez was too fast and too agile for Ayala, I see him doing against Ayala what he did with Duran but better. Same for Leonard. And Hagler, there is no way that Hagler, who beat heavy hitters Hearns and Mugabi, loses to Ayala in a toe to toe affair like the ones Tony had us used to. There is just no way
Of course none of these matchups would have happened since they were all stablemates with Duva. Ramos was too chinny, and although I rooted for Green, he could never get past a big one. He was too small for that division and all his fights were an uphill battle. I can't see either of those two having a chance. Incidently I'm from that area and trained at their gym in the early eighties. Good memories, good times...
