You could make a case for both, both good technicians with watson being slightly more heavy handed. Two outcomes, Graham on points, or Watson by late stoppage and it would have to be... My pick, Graham on points.
Two beautiful operators. Watson was a lot bigger and stronger. We all wanted to see it in early 88 after Watson dealt with southpaw switch hitter Don Lee so impressively and Graham seemed to be slowing. I like Graham to get the lead and then wrestle/turn/backflip/frustrate Watson down the stretch to hold on for a points win. Graham was just too awkward.
The battle of arguably the best two British fighters to not win a world title. Interestly Eubank said be would never have fought Graham, as he couldn't get near him when they used to spar. Peak for peak I think Graham would have had a little too much but what a fight it would have been.
Watson takes this for me, Herol would have success especially in the early rounds but I think MW was good enough to figure Herol's awkward style out and Watson certainly had the size and power to wear Herol down once he worked out how to land cleanly on Herol (no easy task) but if Kalambay and an aging McCallum could I believe Watson could too. Watson by late stoppage or close decision
Graham had lost a step by the 90s. Watson, pre McCallum, would just be that little bit more everything but cute. That cuteness added to Watson's caution and respect means the Bomber goes the distance, but I see Watson winning at least eight rounds.
Id go for Graham but my word id never put the house on it As said above possibly our best talent to never lift a World title Watson has every chance though, big puncher and could really box skillfully
Both before my time. Intrigued to know was Watson a real world level operator? Not a dig at all I just have no idea was only a baby when he fought. Comparatively with the current crop of middles/supers how would he fare?
Considering the stage of their respective careers the would have been at, I think Watson has a slight edge. Also, when you look at how Kalambay was able to stick close to Herol and stop him punching, I can see Watson having the smarts and the speed to do something similar. As Lloyd pointed out, Graham didn't do will in big fights. Was that luck or was he a bit brittle psychologically on the really big nights? Watson would have to be at his very best because Graham was outrageously gifted but I see him taking a reasonably clear decision or maybe a late stoppage but he would be grateful he didn't have to fight a 25 year old Graham.
He's on a level with Benn and Eubank. Make of that what you will. I'd say he's a notch above Saunders today.