This is true. Monzon picked on his share of smaller blown up welters that were a tad long in the tooth. I have often said that watching Mozon is like watching a great marathon runner. He's not going to impress with speed, or early passing power, rather he's going to beat you with consistency, stamina, and size.
Hagler was NOT a big Middle............. Hagler was a stocky and ripped Middle............ Hagler easily fought at weights of 158 and 159 pounds with no strain at all........... Also, in 1985, '86 & '87, dudes like "Hearns, Mugabi & Leonard" were built-up and solid at Middleweight for their title challenges to Hagler....... Only Duran from '83 was slightly blown-up in appearance at 156 1/2 pounds....... Still, at age 32, Duran looked in great shape when he boxed Hagler on PPV.......... But yes, Hagler's natural size and strength is what won him that fight over my man Duran......... thumbsup:hat:bbb SR.BILLARDO:think
Actually, Nino was coming off two of his most impressive performances in some time (the rematch KOs of Bethea and Baird) entering the first Monzon fight, and it was the first time in a while that he was free of serious cuts and injuries. If anything, it looked like his career was actually rejuvenated at that point, until Monzon derailed his momentum.
His second fight with Monzon probably could've gone either way. A number of people even thought Griffith should've won.
Still....... The hell happened in fight # 2?????????? Benvenuti's team tossed in the towel way early....... WTF???? Nino looked ticked at that gesture......... I too was pissed......... :bbb:fire MR.BILL
They were intent on not letting him take another beating as he had in the first fight, and they threw in the towel as soon as he started to take some punishment.
Griff was not as big as "Hearns, Mugabi or Leonard" inspite of the training / weight for Monzon in '73...... Griff was puffed, much like an in-shape Duran at 156 1/2 was against Hagler in '83......... :bbbyikes:hat MR.BILL
2Cents, Griff was puffed-up, but NOT in a slobbish way........... Let's get that straight...... Peace.... MR.BILL
Please. leonard was all smoke and mirors. it if wasnt so, he wouldnt have waited till 5 years to fight. Hagler's sparring partners couldve beat him that night. I know becuz I saw them embarrass him in sparring. I saw it, no one else did so I can speak with authority on the subject. I even proved I was there with my photo which everyone here well remembers. Anyways, I'm going to settle this issue once and for all. After this, no one replies okay? Valdez is the common sense choice. he was younger, at his peak, the more consistent winner and with championship experience. I'm not a fan of either Valdez or Monzon but let's give Monzon is due: he beat everyone no sweat-welters, ex champs, top contenders, future champs including Valdez. As far as I'm concerned he has nothing to prove because of his dominance. Think about it: his last loss was going back to 1963 and had never been stopped. Not only that, but he looked great at 35. That's greatness
Rooster, What the ****? Leonard was still sharp and in control and in tune of his body and skills in 1987 at age 31........... In April of '87, Leonard was solid, buffed and a full-fledge middleweight at 158 pounds........ He looked like a Middle in 1987........ Gone were the thin legs and skinny neck........ I could CLEARLY see the added weight was all muscle......... Leonard was well prepared to do battle against Hagler on PPV......... SRL edged Hagler in '87..... No doubt......... hat I just reviewed "Monzon-Valdez" earlier this eve.... Monzon won...... Despite being decked in round 2, Monzon was more so in control over Valdez throughout....... Both sustained cuts, but Valdez got the worse end of the punishment.......... At nearing age 35, Monzon was smart to retire..... 160 was killing him to make by 1977....... bbb:hey MR.BILL
Griffith is still a Top15 or Top20 mw of all time while neither Hearns, nor Mugabi or Leonard are ... sorry, you posts are just filled with bias and double standards.
Bias? My ass....... I'd pick a peak or well tuned Hearns and Leonard anywhere from 154 to 159 pounds to beat Griffith in a time machine.... That's no ****........ Mugabi? Well, NO!! Mugabi was too reckless and wild..... Though if Mugabi did get lucky and hit paydirt, you never know..... :bbb MR.BILL:rasta
There isn't just one. Carlos Monzon fought alot of great fighters in his day. I was a sparring partner for Carlos when he was training for Valdez. Carlos was a great fighter with all the tools. A master boxer in my book, who could really punch. The Valdez fight, Napoles, Minter, they were all great fights. :bbb
Yeah, I was a fan of Nino's at that time, and I had some hope for him late in his title tenure, as he was scoring spectacular ko's (Rodriguez), and avenging defeats and draws with impressive ko's (Bethea and Baird), and appeared to be gaining more confidence in his power as a result. This guy Monzon was an unknown outside of South America, and seemed to be just another victim to be.