Excluding Kid Gavilan, who was the greatest Hawk?

Of course, Cuban great Kid Gavilan is head and shoulders above most fighters that have every graced the ring. Barring him, which of the three famous fighters with the 'Hawk' monikor were the greatest.

As always, my criteria is based on achievement/resume and application of skillset. Here we go: :good

Julian Jackson

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEZ_tZpqAvk[/ame]

Notable Victories: Terry Norris (K.O 2) Thomas Tate (W12) Herol Graham (K.O 4) in Chul Baek (K.O 3)

Notable Opposition: Mike McCallum (L K.O 2) Gerald McClellan (L K.O 5; 1)

You don't need me to tell you what a powerful puncher Jackson was, but he wasn't as one-route as people remember. People see him as landing a 'lucky' punch against Graham, but Graham was usually a very elusive fighter, buoyed by his success, was drawn into Jacksons power. As Jim Corbett said 'there is no such thing as a chance blow'. Jacksons accuracy, timing and sheer power means he ranks highly in the 'head-to-head' stakes, and is arguably one of the greatest 154lbers of all time. His resume is not packed, but he was a top Middleweight, and his win over Norris @ 154 is very, very impressive IMO, despite Norris' dodgy chin and propensity to lose focus.

Aaron Pryor

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUewCzVdECU[/ame]

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=au-UVkCcMDg[/ame]

Notable Victories: Antonio Cervantes (K.O 4) Alexis Arguello (TKO 14, 10)

Pryor again, scores high in the ability stakes. Has there ever been an offensive whirlwind like him at ten stone? However, his lack of longevity makes him suffer in the all-time great stakes IMO. His win over an aged (but still good, as you can see from their fight) Cervantes, himself an alltime great, was top-notch IMO. His two wins over Arguello need no explanation, even taking into account Arguello being up at his fourth weight class, aesthetically you can tell he is still close to his best in terms of application. Of course, there is the 'black bottle' controversy; how do you guys see that, and does it impede your ranking of Pryor as an ATG fighter?

His loss to Bobby Joe Young was after a long layoff, at a higher weight, to a heavy puncher, and, IMO, was down to a headbutt.


Jung Koo Chang

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRtjyIMbxeA[/ame]


Notable Victories: Alfonso Lopez (W K.O 3) Hilario Zapata (W TKO 3) German Torres (W UD12; MD 12; UD 12) Katsuo Tokashiki (W K.O 9) Hideyuki Ohashi (W TKO 5; TKO 8) Sot Chitalada (W UD 12)

Notable Opposition: Humberto 'Chiquita' Gonzalez (L UD 12) Sot Chitalada (L MD 12) Muangchai Kittikasem (L TKO 12)

Chang is without a doubt one of the most formidable fighters of all time in a weight class. He is to light fly what Ray Robinson or Leonard are to Welter, Hagler or Monzon is to Middle, or Ali and Louis are to Heavyweighht; basically infallible, seemingly unbeatable at his peak, with a 'who's who' of names on the resume. Chang was a marvel, who rose to the top very fast, beating fighters of all different styles, some of them amongst the most formidable ever to fight at the weight.

Lost a few late on in his career, the last one against murderous puncher Kittikasem in a fight he was clearly winning. Lost to a peak Gonzalez towards the end and ended up 1-1 with Chitalada.

IMO, the Korean Hawk is the greatest of these three. What do the rest of ESB British think? :good

 

I think it boils down to whether Pryors two main opponents are so special they supercede Changs consistent run of top super flys. However, I think Chang won both Zapata fights and showcased as much ability as The Cincinatti Hawk, so I'd agree with your rankings Gaz.

Any other notable Hawks I've omitted?

 

Any reasons Rob? Or just the only one you've heard of?

 

Andy Price was good. Rays destruction of him was super impressive considering Price defeated Cuevas.

 

I'm afraid not Gaz, but have seen people discussing it on the Classic. Cuevas uncontrolled, Price picks him off IIRC.

 

:good @ Rob

 

Surely Chang fought in the most packed division? Or do you mean historically 'ontheup'?