At their respective peaks in 1980 to 1982, who wins and why? I remember this fight of top middles being discussed at the time, but unfortunately it did not happen.
I lean toward Sibbo as well, but by decision. Hamsho was very hard to stop during this time. I think their styles would have made it an absolutely terrific action fight.
I think Hamsho brawls his way to the decision here. Sibson outhustled Davison (who behaved as though he had shackles on), but he certainly did not outmuscle Dwight. Nobody outmuscled or outhustled Mustafa when he was at his best, even the physically powerful Minter. Hamsho would walk through Tony's hooks and force him on the back foot. His chin and physical strength would prevail over Sibson's firepower.
Minter was done when he fought Hamsho, he just stayed on the move throughout, even when it was obvious he could Hurt Hamsho.Sibson just walked right through that Minter. Sibson was a smooth mover, and good punchpicker with a very good jab, even if hamsho did absorb everything well-which is certainly a possibility, i can't see him getting the cleaner work done.Sibson was strong as hell, with that low centre of gravity, i couldn't see many middles since Tiger walking straight into his punching zone and outmuscling him. bad matchup for Hamsho imo.It was the long-range sharpshooters with lots of firepower that were bad for Sibbo, not face first mauling fighters. Sibson by about 4 or 5 points for me in an entertaining competitive fight, or perhaps a brutal sudden knockout at some point.Sibson is the kidn of fighter, like a lausse that can pose a serious threat to any middle that doesn't treat them with respect, and Hamsho's whole style was about having disdain for opponents and walking through everything.
Great analysis. I agree with all of it, except the possibility of a sudden KO since although Sibson was a good hitter, he wasn't a tremendous puncher. In 1980 to 1982, Hamsho's chin and conditioning made him very hard to stop or floor.
Couldn't agree more, I was just about to write something to that effect. I see Hamsho as the sort of fighter that Sibson could land those big left hooks and he either boxes or there could be a sudden knockout. Probably a bit of both.
I'd favor Hamsho as well. Sibson might of had a ATG or thereabouts punch but I just don't think he takes Hamsho at his best.
Great fight. Hagler was so much better than these guys, but had Hagler not been fighting in the early 1980s, these guys would have been the title fights and they would have been exciting. I pick Sibson to stop Hamsho by TKO.
I think Mustafa takes a very tight decision, so close a rematch would be fought.Can't see Tony having enough to win.
For 12 rounds, a 3-part fight. Rounds 1 thru 4,,,,,Sibbo Rounds 5 thru 8,,,,,Hamsho Rounds 9 thru 12,,,,Hamsho's elbows, forearms, and head
What a class post - this is the sort of analytical stuff I come on here to read. I also think there is a possibility that Sibson could unhinge Hamsho with the sort of shot he unhinged Frankie Lucas with.
Sibbo was very good, but,,,,,,,,,, Mustafa Hamsho was an animal, Remember,, everyone regarded him as the best middleweight of the time, outside of Marvin Hagler. This would be a 12-round war, but Hamsho has the much better reputation as a late round brute. And don't forget, a much dirtier fighter. No knock-outs, but 2 busted up fighters. Can't see Sibbo out-gutting Hamsho in rounds 8 thru 12.