Just finished reading his autobiography and its not a bad read.I always held Herbie in high regard but reading his book it struck me the opposition he faced were really not that good.He won a version of the world title twice,firstly against Michael Bentt then Tony Tucker. Bentt was really a one hit wonder and Tucker was past his best so not that impressive.Other than that he never had any great wins. The two best fighters he fought Riddick Bowe and Vitali Klitschko both beat him pretty easily,though it was a gutsy effort against Bowe.Herbie was not really big enough to be a great heavyweight but even so he did achieve the ultimate goal.So what do you guys think of Herbies career?
Hide was too much of a glass cannon at Heavyweight. He had the speed and power which were very stand out. But a strong breeze could also blow him over he wasn't the most durable fighter at Heavyweight and he didn't have the size or physicality to be a top Heavyweight. I also think Hide was very fortunate to win a belt at Heavyweight. For some reason Hide vs Tucker was for a vacant title even though Tucker was 40 ? And had lost 3 out of his last 5 fights. Bentt was a mediocre fighter who caught lightning in a bottle vs Morrison. But saying all that i think Hide would've done better in the modern era when the Cruiserweight division was more popular than it was during his time. I think Hide was better suited to be a Cruiserweight IMO. Hide vs Haye would've been a cracking match up two fast big bombers facing off against each other.
I love a good small speedy heavyweight and Hide fits the bill. He was automatically an underdog at hw because of his size. I agree his opponents weren't the best but when he was on form he was electric. Recently rewatched the Tucker fight and Hide looked special in that one. I wonder why he didn't go for cruiserweight (I know he did later in his career but I mean in his prime, when he could've made a run for a title)? I could see him walking through Johnny Nelson so it's bizarre he stayed at heavyweight. Bowe said that Hide hit him with bigger shots than anyone else he ever faced.
WBO was a little less stringent about who challenged for their titles in the 90s and was also not really recognized among the big 3 at the time of orgs Hide could crack that's for sure, but he seemed to have some serious anxiety issues and looked like he couldn't relax in big fights. I also agree, he would of been better at cruiser and he did give that a go but much later into his career. Cruiser was also at 190 and not 200 as it is today if I'm remembering this right when Hide was competing. Also, pretty sure Riddick Bowe said that Hide hit him the hardest
I've always liked the flawed British fighters at heavyweight...Herbie would have had a much more distinguished career if he had started out at cruiserweight and stayed there for a while...
Like you said considering his size he did pretty well. His Chin limitations were always going to hold him back. Hide might be the only fighter I have seen who was knocked down/out by the wind of his opponents punches.
