Matthew Saad Franklin vs Archie Moore at 175

My friend you mean Matthew Saad Muhammad against Marvin Johnson? This encounter would have been a great fight. I once met the great Archie Moore in Dec 1969 at the local Junior High. He provided us with lots of soda pop, a truckload of Carnation Ice Cream, and we watched his fight against Muhammad Ali from Nov 15 1962, also his fight against Rocky Marciano on Sept 21 1955. Archie gave us sound advice, pursue our education, be law obedient, and help in the community. He had just had a Boys Club built for us in our neighborhood, equipped with color television, pop machines, a boxing gym, equipment, boxing ring. A great man.

 

It's unlikely, as any miracles Matthew had up his sleeve would just result in Moore doing the same. He fought all manner of punchers and it took far more than one big shot to take him out in most cases. I think he batters Saad, and I can't really see Saad pulling out a win, but I can see him scoring a late, retaliatory knockdown.

 

Skill level is very significant in Moore's favor.
Especially after Saad Muhammed fell in love
with his power and let his skills erode.

Moore puts on a countering clinic against Saad Muhammed,
Stops him in 10-12 rds. Saad would have moments, may get a
knock down. But Moore slowly takes him apart.

 

Great read, love the true anecdotes of meeting the fighters, no matter how trivial they seem to the writer, its all ways a good read to us fellow posters , more please . keep well.

 

Saad was certainly able to hurt Moore and get him outta there but if I had to bet I'd take Moore to survive early and avoid those high octane exchanges and just counterpunch to a win. Would a Saad win be surprising? a little perhaps but not staggeringly so. Saad is a real threat at 175 pounds.

 

Saad very well might pull that off, but the Mongoose was just SO good...

 

Moore just too canny but he'd have to be on song as Saad has that big power in both hands and wouldn't be going anywhere without a helluva lot of persuasion.

 

Saad was insanely brave and I have nothing but the greatest respect for him but his rumbling, tank like style is made for Archie. The canny old boy is just going to stand on the inside and slip and counter.
I can't imagine anyone stopping Saad but I see Arch getting a wide decision.

 

I could picture Qawi stopping any version of Saad personally. Saad just seemed to be tailor made for him. I'd back a guy like Spinks too and Foster. All speculation of course.

 

Yes John. If you could stay inside those long arms.

 

I remember you a having a tie to Arch. Have you read "Shadow Box" by George Plimpton ? Might be a bit pricey these days. Lots of authentic Archie in there. You'd love it.
Happy New Year Richard M.

 

Wishing you a Happy New Year to you and your family as well. Thanks for the name of the book, will check it out.

 

Awesome post, Richard. Thank you for sharing.