1970s are an overrated heavyweight era

I think there is a good argument many from that era would be too small to compete at heavyweight today

Does anyone think Quarry, Ellis, or Bonavena would be able to crack the top 10 at heavyweight

 

Nope, in many eras prior to the 80s the big fights generally got made

 

4 acknowledged ATGs in the one decade would usually avert any suggestion of that era being overrated.

One of those ATGs also transcended his initial era, moving himself successfully through the late 80s and 90s to ultimately win a title some 20 years after his first annexing of the HW crown and old Larry Holmes wasn’t too shabby in several of his later age fights also.

 

That’s why the 70s heavyweights would have an easier time.

he’d be better than all but a few.

 

Quarry would, the others probably not.

 

If so he would be the smallest guy in the current top 10 even accounting for excess flab. Kabayel is probably the closest in terms of height though roughly 40 pounds heavier

 

I see it as the strongest era for heavyweights,a lot of depth there.
A few years ago I spent a week drinking inJimmy Glenn's Corner Bar in NYC,he was very high on Quarry called him an excellent fighter.

 

I tend to agree. The 70s had some great matchups but I don't see it as some sublime plateau of boxing.

 

Why though ?

Holmes went 32-0 in 1970s and had some of his most memorable fights of his career in the 1970s vs Norton, Shavers, Weaver.

Holmes was a big part of the 1970s and should be included for that era.

 

Every era will have it's class heavyweights and lower grade ones. In my opiniion,though,the 1970s were the best of all. You have put the case in a nutshell with your post.