Awkward Fighters in Boxing History?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by JoffJoff, Dec 19, 2017.


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  1. JoffJoff

    JoffJoff Regular Junkie Full Member

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    Who are some of the most successful fighters throughout boxings past eras whom appear unrefined on film or display unusual technique or unique style?

    I just read a thread about Deontay Wilder and the consensus is that he would get KO'd by comeback Foreman. I realise Wilder remains untested against the highest level opponent so the Foreman pick isn't unreasonable (although I personally think DW would win a UD) but the other consensus view is that Wilder has horrible technique. Although my eyes see the same ungainliness in Wilder as the critics in that thread I also suspect that looks may be deceiving and he could be more balanced and composed than how he appears. Then again, maybe they are right and he will be exposed when he steps up. Time will tell I suppose...

    So I wondered if there may be examples of Wilder-esque fighters of old who silenced their critics by succeeding with their unpopular or awkward fighting styles and machinations. Harry Greb shares the 'windmill' comparison with Wilder, although in the formers case in a more flattering sense. Who else?
     
    JoffJoff, Dec 19, 2017
    JoffJoff, Dec 19, 2017
    #1
  2. TheMikeLake

    TheMikeLake Well-Known Member Full Member

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    John Ruiz certainly had an unpopular fighting style and was fairly successful.
     
    TheMikeLake, Dec 19, 2017
    TheMikeLake, Dec 19, 2017
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  3. Jel

    Jel Obsessive list maker Full Member

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    Well Monzon was stylistically ungainly and awkward-looking, which I think influenced people to think he would struggle against Napoles and Valdes, but looks were definitely deceiving in his case. He wasn't wild though.
     
    Jel, Dec 19, 2017
    Jel, Dec 19, 2017
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  4. 5016

    5016 Member Full Member

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    Rocky Marciano was useless at everything apart from winning fights.

    Kirkland Laing was great at everything apart from winning fights
     
    5016, Dec 19, 2017
    5016, Dec 19, 2017
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  5. mcvey

    mcvey VIP Member

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    I watched Jeff Horn v Corcoran yesterday,Id say he is awkwardly effective.
     
    mcvey, Dec 19, 2017
    mcvey, Dec 19, 2017
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  6. red cobra

    red cobra Loyal Member Full Member

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    Monzon not only knew what he was doing at all times, he probably knew what his opponents were doing even better than them. Controlled "awkwardness" as his record of 87-3-11-1 suggests.:thumbsup:
     
    red cobra, Dec 19, 2017
    red cobra, Dec 19, 2017
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  7. red cobra

    red cobra Loyal Member Full Member

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    Great, pithy post 5016!
     
    red cobra, Dec 19, 2017
    red cobra, Dec 19, 2017
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  8. jowcol

    jowcol Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Why would anyone put the "king" in any 'awkward' category? He was pretty much 'conventional' in every aspect.
     
    jowcol, Dec 19, 2017
    jowcol, Dec 19, 2017
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  9. Mendoza

    Mendoza Hrgovic = Next Heavyweight champion of the world. Full Member

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    I was never a big fan of the word awkward in boxing as it could imply inferior. Boxers use what they can. It may look odd, but that does not mean it's not efficient.

    I find the awkward types have their brand of balance, which allows them to get away with things, and sometimes makes them harder to engage.
     
    Mendoza, Dec 19, 2017
    Mendoza, Dec 19, 2017
    #9
  10. Russell

    Russell Loyal Member Full Member

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    I think Paul William's wouldn't be a terrible shout out here.
     
    Russell, Dec 19, 2017
    Russell, Dec 19, 2017
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  11. richdanahuff

    richdanahuff Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Gene Fullmer, Oscar Bonavena
     
    richdanahuff, Dec 19, 2017
    richdanahuff, Dec 19, 2017
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  12. Russell

    Russell Loyal Member Full Member

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    I'd say Bazooka Limon qualifies for being an "awkward" fighter.
     
    Russell, Dec 19, 2017
    Russell, Dec 19, 2017
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  13. red cobra

    red cobra Loyal Member Full Member

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    All I can think of is that his opponents certainly fell awkwardly.
     
    red cobra, Dec 19, 2017
    red cobra, Dec 19, 2017
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  14. red cobra

    red cobra Loyal Member Full Member

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    Now that's an awkward fighter...and I was a fan of his...i love the way he came storming back....yes, awkwardly:ARMS1:,...to ko Rolando Navarette.
    This content is protected
     
    red cobra, Dec 19, 2017
    red cobra, Dec 19, 2017
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  15. Russell

    Russell Loyal Member Full Member

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    "Gypsy" Joe Harris certainly sounded like one of the oddest in ring performers of all time, from everything I've ever heard anyway.
     
    Russell, Dec 19, 2017
    Russell, Dec 19, 2017
    #15
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