@135 and 140. How dou you think this one would look like? I guess Armstrong would win or can Canzoneri score an upset? Was this one possible at a time?
Arizmendi decisioned Hank twice shortly after Tony beat Arizmendi in 1934. By then, Tony was starting to fade, but I don't think Hank was ready for him in 1934. Regarding how it might have looked, some clues might be gleaned from Canzi's masterful post prime win over Ambers. I think Tony would have boxed Hank, trying to make him miss and pay. Yes, I believe a peak Canzi was perfectly capable of springing a win at 126 or 135. He sometimes tended to blow hot and cold, but at his very best, he was that great. I'm talking about the legend who knocked out Berg in three, Chocolate in two, and forever prevented the Fargo Express from becoming a champion. (Take away the penalties for low blows, and he's neck and neck with a naturally bigger Ross.) Arizmendi did have some success out boxing Hank and working his body, and Tony was certainly capable of that.
If forced for a pick i'd go with Armstrong, both seem to be technically underrated today. Strength would play a part, because it inevitably is inside, I just reckon Canzoneri would ultimately be bested on the cards by a similar kind of war that he is trying to wage himself. Would be a fantastic fight.
Canzoneri was real sharp with that left hook and he will tag Armstrong coming in, but will it be enough to seriously keep him off or discourage him? I don't think it will, I think it is a bad stylistic match up, as Canzoneri looks to force the fight abit and counter punch using nice head movement and following up with sharp combos punctuated by the left hook. Now Armstrong will be closing the distance quickly and throwing lots of punches in bunches. Canzoneri IMO is not defensivly adept enough to deal with this from Armstrong, who was accurate as well as busy, an offensive force so to speak.
:deali'm going with this. the other note is that canzoneri was small for almost every weight class he was in. he didn't QUITE have the punch or physical strength to keep armstrong off and as brilliant as his movement was, so was armstrong's abilities to cut off the ring
Does this suggest that Canzoneri may have been greater pound for pound, if not head to head? (When I visited Canastota, I was struck by how tiny the cast of Hank's fist was, a stunning contrast to the size of Carnera's. I really think Henry may have been a natural featherweight all along.)
p4p canzoneri was number 1 in the world at his peak and he has a case for top 20 all time. pound for pound, he may have had more skills but he never was as consistent as armstrong was during his 36-38 reign
So, you people thinkg Tony stands a real chance? He beat Ambers who was a bit similar to Armstrong stylewise - and gave him too close hard fights - an indication how he would do against Henry? I rewatched his fight with Berg (KO3) yesterday and like everytime I´m amazed by Canzoneri. Especially by his defence. When you stop the video and look closely many puthes of Berg who seem to land when you watch it withoug stopping and looking actually miss by a narrow margin. Armstrong would be busier and more relentless than any fighter he would have fought though.
Armstrong close points decision. I think his style troubles Tony quite a bit at his best, but coming into Tony means you can ways get countered and out maneuvered, and he would achieve this even against the great Armstrong. However, Hanks pressure and workrate, along with skill, would be to much. Kid Berg managed to decision Tony, and Hank was a level above. Canzoneri could pull a win in a series though, definitely.