Good call. A very solid division back then, a lot of good contenders, Jerry Martin was another (and James Scott who’s been mentioned). Jesse was unlucky in his title challenge vs Cuello, taking the fight on such short notice and the crowd’s reaction after the Conteh fight, speak volumes about the poor decision.
Well a couple of old farts like us have watched a lot of things transpire in the sport. What a minefield---and it was a mindfield for like 6 years or so. How many guys--some called great even---but they never had to go through any sort of minefield at all. Imagine it is like 1977---Willi Win gets a call from his manager; we got a fight in Philly against a guy called Eddie Gregory. For $2000. And if we win, we go back for $2500 against a guy called Matthew Franklin.
There was so many quality opponents during that Light Heavyweight era, some of the other classic eras like Charles, Moore, etc may of had better top guys. But I think 70s early 80s had more depth regarding just how many good fighters there was. You can literally name about 15-20 Light Heavyweights from that era that are probably good enough to win a version of a Light Heavyweight title. Look at a guy like Eddie Davis never won a title but look who he come up against ? A prime Qawi, M.Spinks. And he gave both of them one of the toughest fights of their careers. A guy like him could easily win a version of a world title in a different era.
Talk about bad timing, even in the amateurs Eddie took losses to Gerry Cooney (they split a pair of fights), Leon Spinks and Marvin Camel. The guy who had Eddie’s number in the pro ranks was Marvin Johnson — Pops fought him twice and stopped him twice.
Hi Buddy. Appreciate your kind and thoughtful words, you are a true gentleman, very giving of your praise, and modest in return, you embody the spirit of fair play, truthfulness and honesty, the forum could do with more like you. stay safe Clinton. chat soon.
Mike, you are way too kind. Thank you. And you bring so much to these boards that I couldn't imagine you not on it. Cheers my friend.
Yes. Frank was 17 or 18 years old. It’s where Frank met George Francis. He was impressed with Franks strength and willingness and keep coming back. I asked Frank about it and with good reason he really rated Lottie. He said “Lottie used to beat me up”.