Surprisingly this is one that I don't recall seeing here before, though who knows what a search will dig up. I think this is any man's fight and certainly a crowd pleasing match by all standards. While both men were tough as nails I'm not sure I can see it lasting the distance due to the immense punishment they'd be dishing out and taking. My instance is to pick Oscar by late stoppage but I say that with zero conviction.
Wow, what a fight. Weaver more skilled I think, but Oscar troubled better men....Ali and Frazier. I don't know, I'd probably pick Weaver, but it's a very risky bet.
Oscar had his worst times with sharp shooters like Jimmy Ellis...Weaver doesn't fit the bill as a sharp shooter
I responded to this thread ten years ago and initially picked Bonavena. Now I don’t have a clue. Terrific fight either way though
Weaver at his very best should take this, he’s more skilled and had the power to gain Bonavena’s respect. In the pocket of at range, Weaver should get the better of it, he had better technique, shortened up his punches well, but could also box a bit. Having 2 ways of winning a fight really helps, since you can go back and forth to whichever way when you need to, whereas if you only have 1 way, you’re restricted to fighting that way, even when circumstances aren’t favourable to fight that certain way. Weaver should be able to outjab him, land combinations at range, and when Bonavena is up close, Weaver should be able to hold his own and catch him inbetween the punches and make Bonavena a bit more wary. The only issue for Weaver is that he’s less durable than Bonavena, but I don’t think he’s chinny or anything, so he should be fine, but I don’t rule out Bonavena being able to hurt and stop him.
