Barney Ross, Toni Canzoneri and Jimmy McLarnin

Canzi originally drew for the vacant title at 118 in early 1927 against an opponent (Bud Taylor) who he defeated later that year. (In his prime, Barney weighed at least 15 pounds more.) Tony came that close to becoming boxing's first four division champion. Nine years later, he beat McLarnin while still the reigning champion at 135. At his small size and number of matches, his longevity is impressive. Bodhi correctly pointed out that he was the naturally smaller man, and had more wear and tear by the time he took on Ross. Even so, Ross beat him officially only by an MD and SD at 135. My higher rating of Canzi over Barney is on a P4P and longevity basis.

 

They never Ross was superb in them fights. I think Ross is one of the best technicians we have seen in the ring. Definitly showcases the basics to their fullest ability and more. Canzoneri at times however surpassed this IMO and really did some magical things taht you never see Ross do.

 

You can't really justify ranking Canzi above Ross unless your system is based purely on depth of resume.

 

What you saying? That Ross is ahead ability wise?

 

Ross has a very deep resume also though.

I think out of Ross, Canzoneri and Mclarnin. Overrall Ross has the best resume.

 

Well, yeah. He did beat him in both of their fights. He'd rank the highest for me based on his consistency, triple crown, and series against the others.

 

I'd say in terms of depth his list of top flight opponents beaten is easily the shortest of the three. Compare them if you want.

 

Yes, but he was more consistent and dominant and defeated the other 2

 

Yeah, I know. I said that. His resume still wasn't as stacked.

 

Yeah I see waht you're saying Pea.

Ross is higher in ability based on his wins over Canzoneri; not a case of 'styles make fights'? I ain't seen the 2nd one yet :good

 

Sorry misunderstood you. In terms of who they beat surely Jimmy McLarnin is tops for that.

 

Barney Ross beat Tony Canzoneri in both of their fights. He also fared just as well or better against similar opposition, in a much more consistent manner. That is why I rank him higher and think he was a slightly better fighter overall.

Everybody got it? Ya good?

 

Not much. Canzoneri was always a short, stocky fighter. He held that disadvantage in most of his bouts, but his skill-set allowed him to make up for it and turn it over on his opponents. That wasn't the case against Ross. Tony may've been longer in the tooth than Ross, but he wasn't really past his prime, regardless. In the following year he'd go on to: knock out Kid Chocolate in 2 rounds in their rematch, stop Frankie Klick after a controversial first affair, and decision Baby Arizmendi before losing to, rematching and beating Harry Dublinsky.