That's right - the fight was signed in July, before Charles's loss to Valdes cost him the #1 spot.
Charles actually was ranked ahead of LaStarza at this point. LaStarza got the title shot despite being ranked #2. As it turned out, by fight...
There were a lot of rounds close enough that they could be scored either way. If you look at the official scorecards, 10 of the 15 rounds were...
The trouble is, everyone but you defines a light heavyweight as a fighter who weighs in within the light heavyweight limit. Fighting a heavier...
Weirdest thing I've read about the "drying out process" is Jeffries had to stop having baths for the last few days of training. Presumably on the...
It looks like DeJohn finished 1958 ranked 6th, then started 1959 with his loss to Liston.
Does Liston not bag the #6 spot for beating DeJohn?
Cute statistic. Of course, when Charles was actually 43 fights into his career he had 4 losses and a draw on his record. But we're going to...
Pat Valentino was rushed into a shot at Charles's title too soon after an eye operation. He put up a brave fight, but was knocked out, and it...
Fighters get floored and knocked out in sparring sessions too. It doesn't make them real fights. Louis himself remarked after his exhibition...
By 1949 Ray was coming to the end of his career. Still, his first two exhibitions with Louis went the full distance. The Associated Press report...
A series of exhibitions against former contenders and unknown youngsters is not "world class form".
You do realise that apart from Liston every single one of the opponents you've referenced fought Williams when he was either younger than Jackson...
I like the suggestion that a "nasty customer on a dark and stormy night" is likely to come at you with a straight left.
If you don't understand the difference between leaning on the ropes while facing your opponent and turning your back on your opponent to stick...
