1988 Olympics Trials Preview: Roy Jones not well regarded?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by mrkoolkevin, Jan 13, 2018.


  1. mrkoolkevin

    mrkoolkevin Never wrestle with pigs or argue with fools Full Member

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    http://articles.latimes.com/1988-07-05/sports/sp-5351_1_olympic-trials

    Probably common knowledge but I don't think I realized (or remembered) that 156 was widely perceived as a weak spot in the US roster heading into the '88 Olympics.

    "Light-middleweight (156)--This is the weakest U.S. class, nearly everyone agrees, but a wide-open one. Most are picking Frank Liles of Syracuse over Tim Littles of Flint, Mich. Ray McElroy of Long Beach, the Golden Gloves champion, is thought to have a chance, as does Thomas Tate of Houston, younger brother of 1984 Olympic champion Frank Tate."

    I read a similar statement in an '88 Ring article.

    And it's interesting that the article mentions so many very highly-regarded Army boxers: Maynard, Hembrick, Mercer, Robert Salters, Brian London, Alton Rice, and Greg Lonon.
     
    mrkoolkevin, Jan 13, 2018
    mrkoolkevin, Jan 13, 2018
    #1
  2. JohnThomas1

    JohnThomas1 VIP Member

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    Pretty sure Jones stock went up during the Games. From memory he was dominating.

    Also remember a bit of controversy maybe over the match that got him into the team vs Liles.
     
    JohnThomas1, Jan 13, 2018
    JohnThomas1, Jan 13, 2018
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  3. Longhhorn71

    Longhhorn71 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    "Light-middleweight (156)--This is the weakest U.S. class, nearly everyone agrees, but a wide-open one. Most are picking Frank Liles of Syracuse over Tim Littles of Flint, Mich. Ray McElroy of Long Beach, the Golden Gloves champion, is thought to have a chance, as does Thomas Tate of Houston, younger brother of 1984 Olympic champion Frank Tate."
    Good info ^ compadres re: amateurs. I noticed that Jerry Quarry knocked out 5 straight opponents to win the National Golden Gloves one year (1965)..setting a record.
    "Quarry won the National Golden Gloves Heavyweight Championship in 1965 and was named the tournament's most outstanding fighter. He knocked out all five of his opponents, setting a tournament record which still stands. He stopped Lynn Farr in the semifinals and Jim Donlinger in the finals. Both suffered broken jaws. [3]

    Quarry compiled an amateur record of 170-13."
     
    Longhhorn71, Jan 13, 2018
    Longhhorn71, Jan 13, 2018
    #3
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