Vinny Paz Vs Ray Boom Boom Mancini

Pazienza came along after Mancini was pretty much done. Mancini had a fight with Camacho during Pazienza's time, but I think that was about it. Prime for prime I think Mancini gives Pazienza a good beating. I think he was stronger, hit harder and was more technically sound. I'd see a late stoppage.

 

He actually pulled a "Ray Leonard". Took 4 years off and came back and fought Camacho without any tuneups. It was a very close fight (split decision). I don't think he was shot physically after the 2nd Bramble fight, maybe just mentally. He fought a great fight against Bramble, utilizing his jab more than expected. I think Bramble deserved the decision but it was close.
I think Paz was a pretty good boxer and a pretty good infighter, but Mancini had a better jab and would've handled Paz on the inside too. I remember Paz lunging in alot with telegraphed right uppercuts. Just don't see him beating Mancini.

 

I like Boom Boom by dec or late stoppage. Paz is/was a dirty fighter when things didn't go his way (see him foul vs RJJ). Though he had skills, he liked to brawl which is right up Ray's alley.

 

Paz was a good fighter, but he fought in spurts. Mancini would be too busy for him, Throwing combinations & not allowing Pazienza to breath. Since the Arguello fight, Mancini was taking physical punishment everytime he fought, eventhough he was winning. Everyone knew his career was to be shortlived. Even during an interview on CBS, while Mancini was Champion. Tim Ryan asked Mancini if he was going to retire soon. & Mancini became upset at the question. & this was after a successful title defense!

 

Mancini got stopped by Haugen, the very guy Paz beat on points not once but twice. With his frame, Paz fought all the way up to 170 lbs. I don't know, at lightweight, Paz was a bit of a clown, post-point that era, I think Mancini would get roughed up. The fight game outgrew Mancini methinks.

 

A prime Mancini would have have handled Haugen Handily.

 

The Haugen fight was 3 years after Mancini fought Camacho which was 4 years after his last fight. 2 fights in 7 years. I don't think the Haugen fight is an accurate measure of Mancini's ability. Check his fight with Arguello or his domination of Jose Luis Ramirez. Also, I don't think the body builder middleweight Paz (being kind here), is an accurate measure of what he was at lightweight.

 

It was not that he was spent, he just never was the same after the death of Kim. He was depressed, did not train (his trainer quit because of it). Before that Kim fight Mancinin was 25-1 with 20 KO's after the fight he went 4-4 and he never looked remotely the same-he should have crushed Bramble and would have Tapia as well.

 

"he should have crushed Bramble "

That's an interesting point. After seeing Bramble against Mancini, I was convinced he'd be way to rough for Rosario, yet Rosario blew him out in 2. Styles make fights of course, but that was a huge swing in fortunes.

 

Whoops I meant Paz, I just had Tapia on the brain last night watching some old films!

 

Both men were warriors who in their primes, refused to accept defeat. I do feel however, that while Mancini may have hit harder, Paz was quicker and had better boxing ability, along with perhaps better stamina.

I could be wrong, but I'd go with Vinny by a decision or late stoppage.