This one was in the works for the undercard of Patterson-Johannson. Both guys were in the twilight of their careers, Moore well into his 40's, Ray knocking on the door of 40. Would Ray have enough left to win over Moore? I favor Archie but would never write off Robinson. Would have been an interesting match for sure. Thoughts?
Sugar Ray Robinson last fight of 1958 was his title winning bout on March 25th, defeating champion Carmine Basilio by a split 15 round decision to retake the middleweight title for a 5th time. He would fight Bob Young in a non title bout on Dec 14 1959 and win by a KO. Robinson would lose his World Middleweight title to challenger Paul Pender on June 10 1960 by a split 15 round verdict. Archie Moore defeated challenger Yvon Durelle in 1959 by knockouts in both fights and beat wrestler Sterling Davis by a stoppage. I believe the extra weight and sharpness at his age in 1959 would spell victory over the declining Sugar Ray Robinson, whom after his second bour against Basilio would never be the same. Old Arch on points.
Yeah, I agree totally here. In another thread someone left some great links to old boxing mags you can read online in an excellent format. They look great. Anyways, been burning too many hours reading these. There was a lot of chatter about this fight, one article even saying it was signed.
Moore flattens Robinson. Weight classes exist for a reason and the skill difference is nil between the 2. If Moore could floor Marciano and have him dazed, a welterweight turned Middleweight isn't taking that shot.
