So he could’ve been the GOAT cruiser before 30. And he still could’ve made it after. He wasn’t trying to make the limit.
In the mid 70's 6ft-3ins tall and 212 pounds was about the optimum size for a heavy. As Ali put weight on it was noticeable his head was getting huge
Louis, Marciano, Frazier, Patterson, and Quarry easily come to mind. Of guys who could conceivably do it with day-before weigh in, Ali, Holmes, and Liston when young.
Absolutely! Another recent guy that was an excellent counterpuncher like Byrd was Eddie Chambers. Chambers usually fought around 210 pounds and could have made CW fairly easily if only the money was better.
Would have liked to have seen Spinks-Holyfield at Cruiser. Holyfield unified that division in 1988, same year Tyson-Spinks happened. Wish Spinks took that fight before retiring. I'd go with Holyfield in that one by late stoppage or UD.