What if Monzon had not retired in 1977?

I'm assuming that Rodrigo Valdes would not get a third shot at the belt. Hagler, Antuofermo and Minter were not ready and Briscoe was aging. I would give Monzon's countryman, Hugo Corro., the best chance. However, until Hagler in 1979 Monzon probably could have kept the strap.

 

Hugo Corro had good lateral movement, that style was needed to defeat a shopworn defending champion Rodrigo Valdes on April 22 1978 in San Remo, Italy, then after a tough 15 round points victory over challenger Ronnie Harris on Aug 5 1978, Corro defeated Valdes again on points on Nov 11 1978. I really believe Carlos Monzon's heart was no longer in boxing after the second Valdes fight on July 30 1977. Carlos spent a majority of his time making movies back in his homeland of Argentina. Monzon really wanted to leave on top, and so he did, after 14 title defenses, he retired with the title, many others were unable to accomplish that feat. As another talented poster pointed out, Hagler, Minter, and Antuofermo were not ready in 1977 to meet Carlos. Corro would have reigned as champion if he had not met Vito Antuofermo on June 30 1979 in Monte Carlo, Monaco. If by chance they had given the verdict to Hugo, he would have been surely defeated by challenger Marvelous Marvin Hagler on Nov 30 1979.

 

I think he was ready for retirement

 

Ronnie Harris was on a good run himself, he might of been up next and he'd of probably been a handful against the aging Monzon.

 

Kevin Finnegan ?? Might be able to take a points decision against an aging Monzon .

 

That's interesting, Kevin was a real good pro. Hagler rated him very highly and if those razor sharp decisions with Alan Minter had gone the other way who knows how the rest of his career would of panned out.. 77 would of been a good time for him but after the 3rd Minter and Hagler fights he sort of went into journeyman mode against Kalule and Charlie Weir. He showed he could still fight though as late as 1980, too much experience for Tony Sibson and a great win in France against Tonna. I'd say in 77 he would of been a tough opponent for Monzon who was coming to the end. Most long reigning champs go out at some point to a fighter they would of probably beaten earlier in their careers after all. Kevin definitely worth a mention in the conversation.

 

Richard, I beleve that if Corro had felt like throwing punches, that there would be no Vito Antuofermo championship reign....Corro was class above Vito.

 

Terrific post to add to your earlier mention of Ronnie Harris. I've enjoyed your work on this thread, Al. Many thanks.

 

I remember Howard Cosell saying that if Hugo Corro had thrown a few more punches instead of turning his back, he would have won, retaining his title. Someone posted that Kevin Finnegan would beat Monzon in 1977, that is that posters opinion. Carlos was financially set, he had nothing to prove, he beat Valdes twice. Bottom line, he retired as champion, 14 title defenses. I cannot think of anyone at 160 lbs that accomplished that.

 

Agreed, it really was that simple. Perfect answer.

A long, long career already, 100 fights and also, Carlos would’ve been well aware of his own deteriorations even if, going forward, those deteriorations still didn’t prove fatal to his keeping the title - which I think he could’ve managed - all else remaining equal - but then he’d still have to train like a spartan as he always did leading into fights. - and be prepared for increasing absorption of punishment that comes in correlation with decline.

If he began to fall off that type of spartan preparation - which is quite possible once the “head” isn’t into it anymore and the body on decline - an eventual loss would’ve been that much more likely.

The thread question actually crystallises the wisdom of Carlos to retire exactly when he did. Hard to argue with and certainly not a case of opting out “before time” - nothing else left to prove.

 

I once read an article where Carlos Monzon following his 14th and final title defense was looking at himself in the mirror, He said Monzon was A Great Fighter But Was Decked By Rocky Valdes, and also said Monzon Needs To Be Remembered As A Great fighter. He then announced his retirement on August 29 1977. He was smarter than most, he knew when to leave.

 

This puts Carlos in the "elite zone", along with the unpopular, resented and disparaged club of Tunney, Marciano, and Calzaghe.

 

He would be heavyweight champion today.