JJW: 2-1 Maxim (1947), 2-2 Charles, 1-0 Bivins, 1-0 H. Johnson, 1-0 Lee Oma Machen: 2-0 Maxim (1957), 0-1-1 Folley, 0-1 H. Johnson, 1-0 Doug Jones These stats make me go with Walcott. One more thing that solidifies him though is the first Louis fight. Walcott put up a terrific performance against an atg no matter the result. He looked faster and more powerful than Machen did against Liston*. This doesn't mean Machen couldn't beat Walcott but Joe being more effective against boxers and having the better speed and power, I'm inclined to go with Joe, say a 60-40 favorite. *I'm aware of the injury
I'm going with Walcott as well, most likely through PTS or a possible mid-late KO. While I think Machen is a similar caliber to Walcott in chin and has solid power of his own, Walcott has demonstrated better ring generalship overall and I don't think Machen's spoiling tactics would work the same way it did with someone like Liston. I can also see a scenario where Walcott feints Machen into something nasty around the mid rounds, especially if Machen wants to fight defensively backing up. Overall I think this would be a fairly competitive fight though, with Walcott's larger skillset playing a key role in his win.
I'll go w/ Walcott as well - I think it's a straightforward case of a good fighter vs. a great 1. Likely it would be a tactical fight that goes the distance (w/ Walcott's superior firepower being the deciding factor), but I wouldn't rule out that Walcott suckers Machen into a big shot & takes him out in a similar manner as Ingo did.
This fight is going the distance. I might also add that it might not even be a good fight, as both fighters' styles emphasize counter-punching, so one of them is going to have to step it up a bit. But I do feel Walcott would be that fighter. JJW on points.
I pick Walcott via Decision, unless he catches Machen with something big like he caught Ezzard Charles with.
