Tony Canzoneri: In Summary

Top 25 all-time without a doubt and a strong argument for a top 20 spot as well. He might have been the most naturally talented fighter of the entire 1930s.

 

One of the all-time masters of footwork and positioning. As well as one of the craftiest counter-punchers ever. Unbreakable jaw, great stamina and endurance. Brilliant defence. A true weight jumper, who's fights with Ross were unbelievably close and their outcome came down to lowblow deductions.

I have him at 12. Ever. One of the best lightweights ever, the GOAT JFW IMO.

Unbelievable fighter.

 

Great, great fighter who looks great on film.

I think the only knock on him were issues of inconsistency. Whether those issues were manifested from his preparation and focus or from the styles of certain of his competition, I do not know.

 

That fight with Berg. Was that the one where he blitzed Jack in four ? That was amazing. Nobody blew Berg away in those days.

 

William, I think you should learn more about Jackie (Kid) Berg.

 

I've read and seen some evidence on film that he could make things sometimes harder on himself than he needed to, by trying to outdo his opponent at their own game. I haven't seen more than maybe three fights of his, but from what I've read that did backfire on him from time to time.

 

Good post

 

That is not obvious to me. He was a junior welterweight champion. He had the best record in America of any British fighter until the modern era. He defeated Petrolle, Canzoneri, Billy Wallace, Kid Chocolate twice, Andre Routis, and Mushy Callahan. He had over 190 fights in a 21-year professional career. He fought Canzoneri three times, winning a popular 10 round decision in their first fight prior to being stopped in their second. He was dropped in the first round of their third fight, but then went on to convincingly outpoint him until the eighth round when Canzoneri hit him with a patently low blow which would have resulted in a disqualification in just about any jurisdiction except no-foul-rule New York. He never recovered from that low punch. The fight completely turned around from that point and Tony went on to win the decision.

 

Yeah, and he actually did it in 3!

He had three fights with Berg - the first Berg won a 10 round decision, the second was the one punch kayo and the third was the one @KasimirKid describes which Canzoneri won on points. Unfortunately for Berg, the KO defeat is the only one on film as far as I know.

 

Jimmy McLarnin hit harder then all mentioned above. I respect all the boxers mentioned, they were the best, under Armstrong. Does anyone have any letters from Jimmy McLarnin, I personally doubt it, as he wasn't into correspondence. I am very proud to have received a letter from him back in 1990 concerning Davey Day, saying Davey would have been the Lt. weight Champion, if he wasn't in the stable with Ross, as early as 1935. Google, Henry Armstrong vs. Davey Day and read the description of the photo offered on Ebay, you don't have to bid on it. All the best fighters of the Golden Age Of Boxing are mentioned, and all information is verifiable. Have a nice day.

 

Ron has a special interest in Davey Day. He's carrying the torch for him, and bravo for that. It is good to keep the names alive of some of the lesser known great fighters for at least one more generation. Just like I carry the torch for quite a few fighters including Petrolle, Sharkey, and a bunch of fighters from the Pacific Northwest and St. Paul, MN. I have to restrain myself from over-commenting and boring everyone!