Yes, I have that issue mate, some great photos. I have that one too, if you're referring to the preview in BI. It has a paragraph on each alternately with info about their styles, personalties, amateur record, etc. A great article. Not before the Napoles fight though (unless you're referring exclusively to Boxing World). Jose was always regarded as the "best pfp" and had taken over the Eder Jofre mantle the decade before. Monzon usually after that, although they were often reluctant to call him "the best pound for pound", rather the "Best Fighter in Boxing" as in those days 'pound for pound' seemed to denote a certain style, alongside achievements and record (hence, Ray Robinson, Jofre and Napoles).
Exactly...Monzon wasn't afraid of anyone...he was, if I can say this, being that he's my favorite fighter, a bit crazy...or possibly, if not for boxing, maybe even homicidal...I shudder to think of how he would have channeled that cold, calculating rage, patience and volcanic temper, etc., if he were not a boxer. Fear of another fighter was never part of the equation with Monzon, in fact he had "attritude", as it is known today, before it was fashionable, and made guys like Roberto Duran and Julio Cesar Chavez seem like pussycats.
At 160 Monzon fought all the best he could from avoided contenders, hard hitteres, to crafty vetrans. In 1976 there was a fighter called Mike Colbert, who was unbeaten and was rated #1 by Ring Magazine, only below Monzon. But I highly dout he would of caused Monzon any serious trouble, as he did struggle with Tony Licata winning on a SD, Marvin Hagler would go on to give him his first lose in 77. Other contenders in the rating at 160 who Monzon hadn't fought were the likes of Vito Antuofermo, Alan Minter, Bobby Watts, and others. Fighters that were good, but most likely hard for a coming to the end Monzon to get motivated for. The bigger question is, what if Monzon would of moved to 175? How would he have faired with the likes of Conteh, Foster, and his close friend Victor Galindez had they agreed to fight.
Just been reading an interview with Monzon from 1987 in which he said that he never had any weight troubles throughout his career. A bit of a struggle at the end but he was 35 then. That probably explains why he never moved up. Hagler never considered moving up but nobody ever accuses him of dodging anyone.
Agreed. However I wouldn't accuse him of 'ducking' Conteh anyway, as others have. In terms of the 160lbers there seems to be no one.
about the height. in one of hopkins' fights , i think that against baptist , but not sure , he was listed 5'10" , in boxrec 6'1" , i don't believe boxrec at all in heights. in the dawson/tarver , dawson was listed 6'1" , tarver 6'3" - what a BAD joke. dawson clearly taller. dawson was listed at the time at boxrec as 6'3" and now 6'1". mcclellan was listed 6'2" , what a **** , in his exhibition with hearns , hearns looked a tad taller. now mcclellan is listed there 6". except dawson , take every fighter's height from boxrec and reduce 1-3 inches from his height and 1-5 inches from his reach. haye's reach was listed 80" 2 years ago , now 78" , i say no way more than 76" , because his height is also not 6'3" this is for sure. mccallum's reach listed 78" , no ****ing way , this is also hearn's listed reach + in the 1st kalambay fight it was listed 74.5" so boxrec - stop lying.
Never avoided anyone of note in the 160lb division. Middleweight division had a lot of status as it was the division for the average man at the time. Carlos had enough muscle on him and was fit. He could have been successful at 175, most middleweights that moved up where for a spell. Tiger, Torres, and many others but why take the chance. He dominated 160 fought some tough guys, gave Briscoe, Valdes,Benvenuti,Bottier,Naples,Boggs,Licata a shot and Valdes was a very good young opponent with skill and power. Some guys are content where they are and how many middleweights could do what Harry Greb did. Monzon ruled his roost
Good post, actually. I've always been skeptical of Boxrec's quoting of measurements. Other sources seem to contradict them and they often just seem wrong.
Monzon was king of his castle and avoided no one. In his towering arrogance he believed no one could beat him and he was right.