ATG LHW Tourney - Round 1 - John Henry Lewis vs Matthew Saad Muhammad

Two of my favourites here. Shame to see one of them go.

In the red corner, seeded 5th, we have the One-Eyed Wonder; John Henry Lewis. A speed demon of the highest order, tailored with fine skills, the most educated of lefts and crucifying body punches. An ATG chin which was only ever cracked once... by a prime Joe Louis... in his final fight... you don't beat Tiger Jack Fox if you're chinny. The guy received praise from the greatest trainer ever. Ray Arcel called him the greatest LHW he'd ever seen, and this is a man who trained Ezzard Charles himself, and saw everyone from a prime Tunney to a prime Spinks. John Henry was that good. Did I mention he was undefeated at, and within 5lbs, of the weight? For almost 80 fights? Well he was. He also took on guys like Maxie Rosenbloom, Tiger Jack Fox, Bob Olin, Jock McAvoy, Al Gainer, Johnny Risko, James J Braddock ect. It cannot be sold how underrated and amazing this man was.

In the blue corner, was Miracle Matthew himself. The granite chinned, box office fighter who pulled back the fight to win by KO. His devastating power was the tool he used to reign over the WBC delegated segment of the division on the late '70s and early '80s. God himself is said to have handcrafted his uppercuts and hooks, and put the boom in his right. In the Conteh rematch, he showed his power and skills in a brilliant performance. He wasn't just a brawler, he beat world level guys like Marvin Johnson, John Conteh, Mate Parlov, Yaqui Lopez and the like. To be honest, anyone should be binge watching him with quarantine going on.

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Does the wonder of Lewis take it? Or does Saad turn the trick yet again?

No post, no vote.

 

Didn't you imply no less than two days ago that he'd be the underdog against Conteh?

 

Why? If Saad comes out like he did in the rematch is expect him to beat any Conteh. Lewis is several leagues above both imo.

 

I have a theory about that fight. I think it may have been a dive. The guy was blind, wasn't properly cleared to fight, and Louis was on record saying he gave Lewis the title shot so he could make some money and retire. Not to mention they were good friends.

 

As am I.

 

I guess an ATG like Lewis, and the most exciting fighter ever doesn't cut it for you people?

 

I'll add my own two cents on this one later. Got some tidying up to do for my old man, but I can't believe how little JHL is rated. I have him as a top 6 LHW! Madness.

I am a huge fan, but I have some wonderfully hipster opinions on him.