Why was Bonavena able to go the distance vs Frazier but not Quarry?

Styles.

 

First fight with Quarry was stopped because of that cut, Frazier was well ahead though, but Jerry wasn't quitting. The second fight Joe landed a perfect body shot that dropped him. Then against Bonavena it seems like the hard punching and in fighting made Joe have to be more cautious. He dropped Joe twice in the first fight.

 

Us Quarry lovers were conditioned to think Jerry was super tough very hard to hurt which was mostly true. He was inspiring to watch staring down bigger men like Lyle Shavers Ali etc.
Coming out of the wba tournament Quarry seemed the better fighter having done much better against Ellis. So how did he do so much worse against the 2 best of the era?
Quarry was slightly taller but Oscar had slightly longer reach. Don’t remember Bonavena getting cut so maybe his skin was tougher?
I think the main difference though was Quarry was like an Italian race car he revved higher or had mechanical problems ie both out boxed Chuvalo but Quarry found a way to bolix it up.
Bonavena had a more rugged disposition and 5 or 10 additional pounds of muscle that made him better able to cover up and absorb punishment and be less affected.
Quarry also was a good stand up straight boxer puncher unfortunately in his era he was not tall with a short reach. Not a good style when usually at a height but always a reach disadvantage.
Head to head Quarry would enjoy not having his typical length disadvantage. He might outbox Bonavena but find a way to lose in the end.

 

Bonavena was definitely of Italian descent.

 

Yeah, and Quarry was of Irish blood.

 

So, NOT "Quarrini", as I have been saying.

 

Yes, and by general consensus when the two are often paired in a matchup, a better fighter than Bonavena.

 

Quarry was hard.

Bonavena was hard as ****.

 

Think of all the smoke Ringo endured. He was a bull.