Just how good was he ? Today he just comes up as a member of a three act set w an aging Griffith and then the playboy who got crushed by Monzon .. how much more was there to he ? How good was he at his best ? What is the guys story ?
He was awesome at 154. He was already at the tail end of his prime when he came over here and took on Griffith. At 154 he was tall, fast, skilled, and could punch. He also had great timing and was good at landing punches his opponents didnt see coming. His first fight with Mazzinghi was his best performance and the bolo punch he knocked Mazzinghi out with is one of the most beautiful things youll see.
a friend of mine met him at a bill in italy about 2 months back. Sent me a pic of him with Nino. The guy could pass easily for late 50s maybe 60yr old. Not bad for a man of 81
Awarded best boxer, Val Barker trophy, when he won his gold medal at 1960 Olympics, same time as Cassius won his at lightheavyweight.
