Obviously an impressive notch on Reuben's resume as is the Griffith dismantling (although Emile gave 15-20 pounds away among other particulars in that scrap)...if they had rematched?...no way anything close to a similar result IMO. When I think of Carter I think of so many tough-ass middles circa 55-65 that were out there but lacked that ''something'' to get to the next level, Holly Mims..etc.. Have you seen the Tiger-Carter scrap? Interesting that Reuben's weakness was always trying to figure out slick boxer/counter boys (Joey?) whereas Tiger took him into the trenches and semi-kicked his arse (tho Rueben had his moments) Fernandez-Tiger is out there to view as well. I've got it on tape but haven't watched it in a few years. Dick gradually wore him down and, I think, broke his nose badly which caused the stoppage. I can vaguely remember seeing Florentino with my dad early 60's on the Friday nite fights. (I think we watched Griffith/Paret 3 live as well but no one knew what had happened that nite) My $0.02
This was probably the most impressive performance I saw of Rubin Carter. Fernandez wasn't as great as Griffith but he was a natural, hard-hitting middleweight who was usually very durable (he had tough fights with Fullmer and Tiger). Carter crushed him inside the first round. After losing to Carter, Fernandez went onto stop Jose Torres in five rounds. I guess it could be said that Fernandez was made for Carter's power punching style. Tiger too fought in similar style but he was simply too good for Carter. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qh9JE2EsTlg Fernandez vs Tiger http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZmS0m21c7A Fernandez vs Fullmer
Emile Griffith 151½ lbs to Rubin Carter's 155, that's only 3½ lbs. When I was a kid, I grew up in Paterson, New Jersey and I knew Carter pretty well. One day he went to the bowling lanes with a couple of his friends and he asked me to keep score. He was also a softball pitcher and when he saw me he use to asked me if I wanted to be the teams bat boy. I also see Emile at the Ring 8 meetings in New York and he sits with me every month . He is such a nice guy and is very friendly as well. I have also introduced him many times at the fights and when I MC'ed boxing affairs.
I dont think Ruben could repeat that kind of results ever again against Griffith to be honest. Sounds like he got inside his head pre-fight. Spectacular win nonetheless..I actually consider one of the best ever all things considered, to destroy a fighter like Emile is just amazing.
HHASCUP, is it fair to ask you your opinion on whether Carter was innocent or guilty of the murders at the Lafayette?
I remember an old Ring interview with Carter, it showed him up on the roof with his pigeons[On The Water Front], he said he hit just as hard with either hand,seems he was right!Thanks for the memory:good
Griffith wrote that off as being "caught cold with a perfect punch" something that "wouldn't happen again". It didn't seem toworry him at all, and shortly there-after he start hunting Middleweights in earnest.
To tell you the truth, I went to the trial for a couple of days. It was a school assignment. I also knew of Artis. In my opinion they were both guilty as could be. Here's an interesting web site that has all the facts: http://www.graphicwitness.com/carter/
Thanks for the link. I briefly browsed the link. I would love to hear more about this issue from individuals who have reliable information or informed opinions.